This post originally appeared on the Stay Awake Blog.
One of the most important travel rules I follow is to never waste time in a hotel room that could be spent exploring a new city. Sure, if you’re exhausted or really need some quiet time, stay in. Otherwise, do yourself the favor of exerting a little more effort to keep within the heartbeat of the town. Working on the road often leaves me searching for the perfect spot to set up my makeshift office. In an effort to avoid barricading myself in my hotel room, I use Workfrom.co to find the coziest nooks and warmest cafes to pull up a chair and conduct work while nurturing my caffeine habit.
The Discovery
I discovered Workfrom during my first trip to Portland nearly two years ago. The day’s work events were over and it was time to begin compiling some reports. As the sun was setting and my energy levels dwindled (physically, mentally, and electronically), I recognized an immediate need for coffee, WiFi, and outlets. While Yelp is often my right-hand man when it comes to eatery discovery, I knew the empty battery of my laptop was going to be my biggest problem needing a solution the likes of which Yelp didn’t provide. A quick Google search of “Best cafes for work; Portland” brought me to Workfrom. The rest is history.
How Workfrom Works
Workfrom is the Holy Grail for finding workspaces in major cities throughout the world. Their website boasts the mantra, “Use Workfrom to find and share the best coffee shops, cafes, bars, coworking and other work-friendly spaces in cities and towns everywhere.” While locations tend to be centralized toward larger cities, the service has been rapidly expanding since my first use, so I’m sure their reach will continue to grow.
Just like any map-based search engine, Workfrom allows you to type a location and search all work-conducive spots that have been listed by the Workfrom community within that geographical location. The list can then be sorted using filters such as:
- Reliable WiFi
- Amount of power outlets
- Public or private
- Air Conditioned
- Quiet ambiance
- Food
- Alcohol
- Natural light
- and many more…
Today I will be traveling to Portland again, so I’m already planning out the spots for sipping cappuccinos with fingers flying on my laptop keyboard. A quick search with Workfrom has provided 12 options that fit my preferences:
- Reliable
- Wi-Fi
- Power
- Food
- Natural light
- Public location
Next, I dig further into the allotted choices on the Workfrom search results by selecting StingRay Café. Each location’s specific page gets into the nitty gritty details including additional photos, download and upload speeds, ambiance, menu items, and tips from the pros who have been there, done that. From here, quick comparisons of cafes and personal preferences will guide a clear winner (or two) to the top of the list. Now, it’s time to make a pit-stop and let business begin!
Give It A Try
Overall, I highly suggest joining the Workfrom community. Visit www.Workfrom.co to begin your adventure. It might be fun to check out what workplaces are listed for your hometown. You may even have some suggestions to share. As the database continues to expand, I keep coming back for new spots to set up the mobile office. So far, the site has yet to disappoint me. This tool will remain in my pocket for all future business travel.
If you have suggestions for other tools to use when working on the road, leave a comment and let me know.
About the Author
Rachel Siteman is the creator of Stay Awake Blog, based in Los Angeles, California. Rachel attended school in Minnesota, graduating with degrees in Music Business and Marketing Management. She landed a position in marketing for a major record label and has been letting the music industry take her on wild adventures ever since. After hitting the milestone of living in Los Angeles for two years, she decided it was time to start sharing her West Coast journey. Now, StayAwakeBlog.com has become a collection of her food, travel, and lifestyle escapades.
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