A window into another world. A doorway to a fresh perspective. A single frame capturing the magic of travel.
Travel doesn’t just change itineraries; it changes perspectives. That’s why our March travel photo contest, “Windows to the World”, invited Agoda employees to share their most striking views, both literal and metaphorical.
As well as showcasing some truly stunning landscapes, this month’s submissions revealed how our colleagues grow, learn, and connect through travel. From touching village vignettes to serene natural snapshots, browsing the entries felt like flipping through the pages of a travel magazine.
Here are the five winning photos that perfectly embody how travel opens our eyes and hearts to the world.
Through the Glacier’s Eyes
Dinna Margaretha
Specialist, Data Privacy and AI Governance Program
Legal Team
“Standing within Iceland’s Vatnajökull Ice Cave, surrounded by walls carved by thousands of years, I found myself staring out through a glowing window of frozen time. It wasn’t just a mesmerizing sight; it was a powerful lesson on perspective and an invitation to see the world differently. Through this natural ‘window’, everything felt both familiar and beautifully alien, challenging the way I viewed myself, nature, and the notion of change.
Travel often provides these extraordinary ‘openings’, reminding us that life’s greatest moments happen when we dare to step beyond our comfort zone. Here, under the shimmering blue ice, I realized how limited my previous worldview had been. Each year, this exact cave melts, disappears, and reforms anew, making the view both temporary and unique—a striking reminder that life’s most precious experiences can’t be replicated, only embraced fully in the present moment.
From that day on, I’ve seen every new experience as a window through which I can deepen my understanding of the world. Travel, much like this icy frame, isn’t just about the scenery. It’s about discovering new ways of seeing and appreciating the remarkable beauty of life’s fleeting moments.”
A Hidden Path to Paradise
Jessica Smith
Senior Connectivity Manager
Product Team
“During a month-long solo trip in Italy, I stumbled upon a narrow entryway leading to the beach, hidden away on an unassuming side street. The town still lay in slumber, wrapped in the hush of early morning. In that quiet moment, this tucked-away path mirrored exactly how I felt: unsure of what lay ahead, yet eager to embrace the unknown.
As I stepped from the cool, shadowed alleyways onto the soft sand, the world seemed to open before me. The first golden rays of sunlight crept over distant mountain peaks, casting a warm glow over the sea, as if unveiling a secret meant just for me. In that instant, I knew I’d found exactly what I was searching for—Paradise.”
My Door to the World
Khazni Khairina
Customer Satisfaction and Incident Senior Specialist
Customer Support Team
“As someone who rarely travels (a bit ironic, I know!), this trip was truly unforgettable and completely changed the way I see traveling. Huge shoutout to my best friend, Gigi, who never stops encouraging me to explore new places! After our North Sumatra trip in 2024, she somehow convinced me to join her in Yunnan earlier this year—and I’m so glad she did.
It was my first winter trip, filled with incredible firsts. And as you can see in the photo – who would’ve thought I’d be wrapped up (and practically drowning, lol) in a Tibetan robe, standing in a vast meadow while horses grazed peacefully around me, with breathtaking snow-capped mountains as the backdrop? Definitely not me!
This journey felt like my first real step into the world—my door to endless possibilities. I can’t wait for more adventures to come!”
Through Oz’s Eyes
Masha Panasenkov
Brand Creative Project Coordinator
Marketing Team
“This is my son, Oz, in his happiest place—soaring above the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan, on a cable car ride. For him, this is more than just a journey; it’s pure magic. The wonder in his eyes, the way he presses eagerly against the glass, and the reflection mirroring his excitement remind me of the simple joy of travel: seeing the world with fresh eyes.
Travel has a way of connecting us—not just to places, but to emotions, cultures, and shared experiences. Here, high above the mountains, borders fade away, and a child’s joy becomes a universal language. This ride, like every journey, reminds us that wonder knows no boundaries. It deepened my belief that travel is not just about where we go, but how it makes us feel: connected, curious, and alive.
Through Oz’s eyes, I’m reminded that the world is vast, beautiful, and waiting to be explored together.”
Moments in Transit
Ting Lv
Strategic Account Manager, Key Accounts
Supply Team
“Last May, I found myself at a crossroads, searching for solace and clarity. In pursuit of both, I left home in Shanghai and set out to hike Japan’s Kumano Kodo. With no accommodations available along the trail, I hiked through the mountains by day and stayed in nearby villages at night. One such village was nearly empty—silent but for a few elderly residents and the sound of two passing trains each day.
That morning, as I waited at the village station, an old man greeted me with warmth and cheer. Though language barriers stood between us, we spoke through gestures, smiles, and nods. With the help of a translation app, we managed an hour-long conversation—him sharing stories of fishing, me recounting my journey.
In that quiet village, I saw him aging alone, while I had been feeling lost in the overwhelming rush of Shanghai. Yet, in that fleeting moment, neither of us was alone. As my train arrived, he waved his hat with a beaming smile and called out, “Young is good! Go to love!”
It wasn’t until I boarded that I realized—he hadn’t been waiting for a train. Mine had come and the next one wouldn’t arrive for another four hours. He had simply stayed to keep me company. Some encounters are brief, yet they leave lasting imprints on the heart.”
Want more travel stories?
Click below to explore past winning entries and unique perspectives from Agodans across the globe:
- January: How Food Brings the World Together: 5 Stories from Agodans
- February: From Elephants to Engagements: Stories of Bridges We Build
- March: Windows to the World: 5 Travel Stories from Agoda Employees (You’re here!)
Ready to start your Agoda journey and create your own stories of connection? We’re hiring! Explore opportunities with us and be part of a team that values diversity, creativity, and the transformative power of travel.
