For us Agodans, travel is more than our job; it’s our passion. When we’re not hard at work shaping the future of travel for our customers, you’ll find us out there exploring new places ourselves. Whether through remote work or well-earned vacations, travel fuels our curiosity, sparks inspiration, and deepens connections across cultures. That’s why the grand prize at the annual Agoda party is aptly named the Bridging the World prize: it grants one lucky winner seven days of leave and the funds to visit their dream destination.
We caught up with Lavanya Sharma, an Instructional Designer in our Customer Experience Group and the proud winner of this coveted prize. Read on to learn about her dream trip to Spain and Italy, and what travel means to her.
A surreal moment at the Agoda Party
When I saw my name flash on the screen at AgodaFest Bangkok, and my colleagues next to me bursting with excitement, I went numb. I couldn’t process it – it was surreal. I had only been with Agoda for six months, and winning this prize felt unbelievable. I still remember shaking as I walked towards the stage. It was such an incredible moment! To top it off, seeing my colleagues genuinely excited for me was the cherry on the cake. That kind of support and joy from them made the whole experience even more special.
Savoring the journey in Spain and Italy
I’m a lover of solo travel, so I spent three life-changing weeks exploring on my own. I chose to travel to Spain and Italy, as these countries have long held an irresistible allure for me.
I was most excited about visiting Granada, Spain, and staying in the magical Albaicín neighborhood. The moment I stepped into my room and saw the Alhambra right from my balcony, I couldn’t believe my eyes! It felt like I was living in a postcard. Staying with a local added a whole new dimension to the experience. I got to eat mouth-watering traditional food and hear fascinating stories about the town’s history.
Walking through the narrow, winding streets of Albaicín and Sacramonte neighborhoods, with their charming white houses and the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, was pure serenity. I’m not much of a city person, so this peaceful retreat was a dream come true. And the flamenco! Experiencing my first live flamenco show in Granada was electrifying. The passion and intensity made it feel like I was watching art come alive. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever.
Bridging the world through travel
Florence was another highlight. Not only did I devour the best tiramisu and truffle pasta of my life, but I also learned to make them from scratch. I was in my element, learning to cook like an Italian. In Tuscany, I felt like I had stepped into the movie “Letters to Juliet”. I’ll never forget the 12 glasses of different versions of the beautiful Chianti wine I drank in a few hours – legendary! And as a massive “Eat, Pray, Love” fan, I felt like I was living out my own chapter of the book when I indulged in a giant pizza at “L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele” in Naples. I ate so much pizza in two days that I couldn’t look at another one for the rest of my trip.
This trip enriched so many aspects of my life. I learned a tremendous amount about history, from Toledo in Spain to Rome in Italy. The architecture and rich culture left me in awe. On a personal level, I gained a fresh perspective. Watching the locals enjoy life and live fully in the present was eye-opening for me. It made me realize that, as someone from a fast-paced, forward-thinking culture, it’s important to slow down and enjoy the now. Professionally, the trip gave me time to reflect and recharge, helping me understand my strengths and how I can deliver even better results.
Growing on every level
There’s a famous quote: “There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen.” I often tell people that the year I’ve spent at Agoda feels like a decade of learning. The pace at which I’ve grown both personally and professionally is incredible. I am eternally grateful and proud to be on this journey and part of our dynamic team. I’ve gained new skills, built meaningful relationships, and developed the confidence to take on challenges I never thought possible. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of travel, and I love that my work helps others to experience it as well.
Be part of a dynamic team that’s bridging the world through travel. Explore opportunities at Agoda today!