The only good that came out of covid was an opportunity to work from anywhere in the world. In order to make hay while the sun shines we planned a workation for 5 weeks in Goa once we were fully vaccinated. Based on this experience here is a detailed and to-the-point guide for planning a workation.
- Identify the purpose of your staycation and the facilities you require for a smooth and comfortable experience. This will speed up the process of shortlisting your stay.
We wanted to live like a local and make our Airbnb, home away from home.
Our checklist: price, wifi availability, power backup, phone network coverage, car parking, washing machine, fridge, drinking water availability, gas stove, gas connection, distance to the nearest beach, cleaning staff, security, and safety
2. Browse through websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, servicedapartments and shortlist your options for stay. Do factor in the rating and reviews while making the final decision.
3. Utensils for cooking: We planned to cook on weekdays and stick to simple dishes. Again, list out the dishes you would prefer and be able to cook quickly.
- Milk vessel to boil -1
- Tea Filter -1
- Pressure cooker -1
- Chopping board -1
- Knife -1
- Dosa tawa -1
- Dosa spatula -1
- Dosa spoon -1
- Wooden spatulas -2
- Rice serving spoon -2
- Oil container -1
- Spoons -5
- Mixie/blender -1 (Nutriblend was life saver)
- Water bottles -3
- Non stick pan -1
- Non stick round kadai-1
- Steel round kadai -1
- Tupperware box -4
- Dosa batter storage container -1
- Rasam/Sambhar storage container -1
- Curd box -1
- Big box to store masala packets -2
- Measuring cup -1
- Glasses -4
- Dabbara -2
- Microwave bowls -2
4. Groceries list
Since we were going by car we wanted to take pulses, spices instead of spending time shopping in Goa. Here is the list of items we shopped:
- salt
- sugar
- chilly powder
- tumeric powder
- corriander powder
- garam masala
- jeera powder
- pepper powder
- mustard seeds
- jeera
- hing
- sambhar powder
- rasam powder
- tamrind
- dried red chillies
- urad dal
- channa dal
- moong dal
- toor dal
- masala papad
- rice -4 kg
- peanut butter
- cornflakes
- dal powder -rice mix
- ready to eat noodles
- tea
- coffee
5. Miscellaneous items
- Toothbrush
- Tooth Paste
- Bathing Soap
- Handwash
- Hand towel 2
- Washing machine powder
- Detegent soap
- Makeup products
- Laptop
- Laptop Charger
- Phone charger
- Notebook
- pen
- Vaccum cleaner and basic attachments
- blankets
- clothes clips
- clothes line
- safety pins
- umbrella
- sanitary pads
- newspapers
6. Things to do before you leave home
- Switch off fridge
Four days before the trip, remove all the things especially the ice tray, switch off the fridge and clean it with a wet cloth. Leave the door open and let it is air dry till you leave for your vacation. Before stepping out close the fridge door if it is completely dry.
- Plants care
Make arrangements for your plants well in advance as it is time consuming task. I placed my plants outside the house and asked our house help to water it once in 2 days.
