Agoda is powered by a passion for travel and connection. With employees representing over 100 nationalities, we celebrate the strength that diversity brings to our work, knowing that collaboration fuels innovation. Our flexible work culture encourages employees to thrive by providing the freedom to do their best work, whether in the office or remotely. Through Agoda’s Remote Work Program, our employees can work from anywhere in the world for up to 30 days each year, split across two separate stints, allowing them to balance their professional commitments with personal growth.
If you could work from anywhere, where would you go? Read on to learn how these Agodans used the Remote Work Program!
Clarisse Adriano
WFM Schedule Planner
đź“ŤManila & Boracay, Philippines
“I live in Bangkok for work, but my heart remains in the Philippines, where I was born and raised—and where my son still lives. Being far from family is not easy, but Agoda’s Remote Work Program has given me the chance to spend meaningful time with my loved ones on special occasions, beyond just the holidays.
While messages and video calls help us stay connected, nothing compares to being together for life’s big milestones. I was overjoyed to return home to Manila for my son’s university graduation and felt immense pride watching him graduate Cum Laude. To celebrate, we traveled to Boracay, the ‘Island of Paradise’, one of the Philippines’ most stunning destinations.
On our trip, we enjoyed traditional Filipino cuisine, took part in local festivities, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the people. One moment that made me pause and think, “I’m so glad I could be here,” was when my son and I were watching the sunset on the beach after a day of cliff diving and jet skiing. The sky was painted with vibrant colors, and we simply took in the peacefulness and beauty of the moment together. It was a perfect reminder of the importance of being present and cherishing these special times with him.
Despite the time away from the office, my collaboration with my Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur-based team continued smoothly. Regular meetings, clear communication, and effective task delegation ensured that we stayed on track. I would absolutely use the Remote Work Program again—next time, I’d love to work from a lush, green vineyard!”
Shahed Bin Satter
Senior Software Engineer
đź“ŤNew York, Philadelphia & Washington DC, USA
“This year, I was thrilled to finally reunite with my family after many years apart. My siblings and nieces live in the U.S., and we hadn’t been together since 2018. I missed them dearly and had been dreaming about this reunion for a for a long time. By combining my remote work period with my annual leave, I was able to spend six weeks with them. We planned a big trip around the East Coast, even arranging for our mother to join us from our home country of Bangladesh.
I also caught up with our extended family who moved to the U.S. years ago. Between visiting iconic landmarks I’d only seen in movies, enjoying the snowy weather, and making new memories with my loved ones, it was a time I’ll always remember fondly.
I adjusted my work schedule by dividing my day into two shifts—one that overlapped with my team and another focused on independent work. This setup allowed me to stay productive while being present and enjoying travel with my family. I must give my team a shoutout for being so supportive; they adjusted key meetings to fit my working hours, and we used asynchronous updates to stay on track.
I’m grateful that Agoda’s flexibility made it all possible, and I plan to use the Remote Work Program every year! There are so many places on my bucket list, but I’m excited to return to the U.S. in 2026 to see my family again and hopefully catch some FIFA World Cup matches.”
Shuyi Zhao
Senior Analyst, Supply Analytics
đź“ŤShanghai, China
“As a huge F1 fan, returning to my hometown of Shanghai for the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix was a dream come true. After a four-year hiatus due to COVID, this year’s event was particularly meaningful, marking the first time a Chinese Formula 1 driver, Zhou Guanyu—who, like me, is from Shanghai—was racing on home soil. From day one, the circuit was busier than I’d ever seen it, and the excitement was palpable. I’ll never forget that amazing weekend, especially the emotional moment that Zhou parked his car on the main straight and all the audience cheered for him.
Sharing this experience with my best friends from high school, who are also F1 fans, made it even more special as we hadn’t attended the Chinese Grand Prix together in nearly a decade! To make the most of our reunion, we explored some nearby cities and even tried out the trend of ‘city camping’ during the holidays.
On the professional side, the experience was equally rewarding. I was able to strike a good balance between staying productive and enjoying time with my loved ones. I even got to catch up with my former colleagues at the Shanghai office, where I started my Agoda career before moving to Bangkok. It was inspiring to hear firsthand updates from the regional market!
With only a one-hour time difference from Bangkok, staying in sync with my team was no problem, and Agoda’s VPN ensured I could work without interruptions. I’m already looking forward to using the program again—next time, perhaps in a new city where I can fully immerse myself in both the local culture and my work.”
Scott Coates
Talent Business Partners Principal Consultant
đź“ŤBritish Columbia, Canada
“As an only child with aging parents, I never take family time for granted, and it’s become even more important over the years. I’m from Canada, and with the trip home taking at least 24 hours, it’s ideal to stay for a while and make the most of each visit. Thanks to Agoda’s Remote Work Program, I could stay in Canada longer, working from my parents’ home while sharing meals and enjoying their company.
I also took the opportunity to visit my house in Kimberley, a small mountain town I’d only ever seen covered in snow. Working with such scenic views as my backdrop was a great change of pace. I spent ten days there, embracing the early mornings on mountain paths, hiking, biking, paddling, and a bit of holiday time. I reconnected with old friends who came to visit—some of whom I hadn’t seen since moving to Thailand 25 years ago.
The 14-hour time difference with Bangkok required thoughtful planning and communication. I set expectations with my teams well in advance and shared my availability. By thinking ahead and maintaining open communication, it was entirely possible to maintain a smooth workflow, even with such a significant time gap.
We moved key meetings to align with mornings in Bangkok, as I couldn’t take calls past 12 noon BKK. At other times, I shared my input beforehand, skipped non-essential calls, and used recordings and AI-generated meeting summaries to stay informed.
This trip allowed me to stay dedicated to my work while maintaining my connection to family, friends, Canada, and the outdoors. Thank you, Agoda, for this wonderful program and your trusted flexibility.”
Asher Wiranchana
Analyst, Supply Analytics
đź“ŤLondon, England & Edinburgh, Scotland
“The UK was an easy choice for me—a few of my friends live there, and the idea of traveling together was irresistible. Back in 2022, I used Agoda’s Remote Work Program to spend Christmas in London, and the experience left such a lasting impression that I couldn’t wait to return and relive that festive magic. This time, I spent the New Year in Edinburgh, as I wanted to experience their unique celebrations.
My friends and I often struggle to align our travel schedules, but working remotely made it a breeze. To accommodate the time difference, I started work early each day, leaving my evenings free to explore and plan my next adventures.
Traveling during the festive season gave me a fresh burst of energy, which carried over into my professional life and made me feel recharged and motivated. My manager and team were supportive, scheduling regular check-ins to ensure everything stayed on track and organizing meetings in the afternoons to fit my schedule.
At Agoda, we’re accustomed to remote collaboration since we typically work from home three days a week, so working online from a different location felt totally natural. The experience was so positive that I plan to use the program again to visit the U.S. and make more unforgettable memories with friends.”
Read more remote work stories:
Work from Anywhere: Agoda’s Remote Work Program
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