Blending Business with Pleasure: My 6-Week European Workcation

Who says business trips need to be all work and no play? A few weeks ago, a simple client presentation in Bulgaria blossomed into an (in progress) unforgettable six-week European adventure, proving that the entrepreneurial lifestyle can indeed offer the best of both worlds.

The Spark of Opportunity

It all started with a business opportunity in Sofia, Bulgaria. Instead of the usual in-and-out approach to business travel, I saw a golden chance to enrich both my personal and professional life. With a presentation slated, I decided to extend the trip and explore the broader canvas of Europe with my daughter. This decision wasn't just about sightseeing; it was about embracing the fluidity of my work-life integration that entrepreneurship affords.

Crafting a Dream Itinerary

Our journey didn't just stop in Bulgaria. With Sofia as our starting point, we expanded our horizons to include the Black Sea, Paris, the Swiss Alps, and end with a trip to see family in Rwanda (when in the time zone...). Each location was chosen for our own interest and for its cultural richness, offering lessons and experiences that no classroom could provide. This trip was as much a field trip for my daughter as it was a business expedition for me.

Living the Curriculum

As a homeschooling parent, I am always looking for ways to integrate real-world experiences into our curriculum. Traveling through Europe, we explored historical sites, learned new languages, and immersed ourselves in diverse cultures. Each day brought its lessons, whether through a stroll through one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, a culinary adventure in Paris, or a nature hike in the Swiss Alps.

Work-Life Symbiosis

The beauty of this workcation lay in how seamlessly work and life flowed into each other. Early mornings are spent crafting strategy and doing deep work while late evenings were spent on client calls. But, midday is reserved for exploration and discovery. This harmony is something I strive to achieve daily but living it in such vivid detail across Europe is affirming.

Reflecting in the Moment

This trip is exemplifying why I chose to be an entrepreneur: the freedom to design a lifestyle that aligns with my values and aspirations. It isn’t just about seeing new places; it is about showing my daughter that life is a beautiful, ongoing adventure that you can shape with your own hands.

This European journey is more than a business trip; it is a testament to the power of integrating work, education, and play into a single, fulfilling lifestyle. For fellow entrepreneurs wondering how to balance the scales between professional obligations and personal passions: think outside the conventional. Sometimes, the best business trips are those that allow you to explore the world—not just your business plans.