Agoda’s remote work program gives full-time employees the flexibility to work from another location for up to 30 days each year, split across two separate trips. Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones, ticking off a bucket-list destination, or simply experiencing a new place at a slower pace, the Work from Anywhere program gives Agodans the freedom to combine meaningful travel with their careers.
There’s no one right way to use the benefit. Some employees return home to spend more time with family and friends, while others immerse themselves in a new culture, pursue lifelong passions, or finally take the trip they’ve been dreaming about. The one thing that connects us all? The flexibility to deliver great work while making time for the people, places, and experiences that matter most.
From cycling through the mountains of Leh to becoming an honorary uncle in Germany, these six Agoda employees share what it’s really like to work remotely while traveling.
Reuniting with loved ones in the US
Teeda Voravitrattanakul
Lead, Central Management Office
📍Minnesota & New York, US
Returning to Minnesota felt like coming full circle. I was an exchange student in Minnesota back in 2012, so Agoda’s flexible work benefit gave me the chance to revisit the places that shaped my early adulthood and reconnect with my host family and friends. I also spent part of my trip working from New York City, which made the experience even more memorable.
Some of my favorite moments in Minnesota were the simplest ones: cooking together with my host family, swapping old and new stories, and going back to our favorite local spots together. It was a really nostalgic and heartwarming time. In New York, I loved experiencing the energy of the city and finally seeing Moulin Rouge on Broadway.
Breaking out of my typical routine gave me a whole new energy and perspective. In Minnesota, I would work beside a window where I could see deer walking by – the ultimate peaceful backdrop for joining meetings and focusing on deep work! Since many of my colleagues are based in the US, being there actually allowed for more real-time collaboration. I would definitely do it all again.
Working remotely from the Himalayas
Aanchal Gupta
Associate Director, Learning & Development
📍Leh, India
Leh had been on my travel bucket list for years. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes at 3,500 meters above sea level, it felt like the perfect place to challenge myself by living and working somewhere completely different from my everyday environment. Thanks to Agoda’s Remote Work Program, I could finally experience the adventure I’d been dreaming about while staying connected with my team.
One of the highlights was visiting Turtuk, a remote village near the India–Pakistan border with a fascinating Balti heritage. I also cycled 40 kilometers down from Khardung La Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable roads. Descending through the Ladakh mountains was both exhilarating and humbling, and I’ll never forget the stunning landscape and sense of achievement I felt… or the altitude!
My peaceful mornings started with fresh air and mountain views before logging on for work, and after my workday ended, I’d explore local markets, monasteries, and nearby villages. The change of scenery left me feeling energized and refreshed, proving that with the right planning and communication, great work really can happen from anywhere.
Living like a local in Brazil
Eric Lai
Senior Manager, Internal Communications & Employer Branding
📍 São Paulo, Brazil
Every Songkran (Thai New Year), I try to use Thailand’s long holiday period to explore somewhere new. This year, Brazil felt like the perfect choice. A friend offered to host me, and after seeing the country pop up on my social media feeds for months, it was surreal to finally experience those places in person. Staying for a month also meant I could experience a different side of the city. Less rushed, less touristy, and a bit closer to local life.
One moment I’ll never forget happened when my credit cards unexpectedly stopped working at a restaurant. I was trying to explain the situation through a translation app when the owners simply smiled and told me not to worry—it was on the house. I returned later with a friend to pay them back, but their kindness has stayed with me ever since. Another highlight was soaking up the incredible atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro as the city prepared for the annual Todo Mundo no Rio concert.
With Brazil being 11 hours behind Bangkok, I shifted almost entirely onto a night schedule, working through the night and exploring during the evenings before logging back on. It sounds challenging, but as a natural night owl (and thanks to plenty of excellent Brazilian coffee) it suited me surprisingly well. Clear communication with my team around working hours and availability made it easy to balance work with an unforgettable month abroad.
Slowing down and saying yes in Rome
Kristi Yira Yoon
Talent Acquisition Team Lead
📍Rome, Italy
I’d visited Rome before, but only for a few days. I felt I’d barely scratched the surface. This time, I wanted to experience it differently: not as a tourist rushing between famous landmarks, but as someone immersed in Rome’s culture and a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. Along the way, I met wonderful people and made new friends, which made the experience even more special.
One highlight was taking a pasta class, where I learned to make fresh pasta, meatballs, and traditional sauces from scratch. I still use those recipes today! Some of the best moments, though, were completely unplanned. Extending my trip gave me the freedom to say yes to new experiences, like attending Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, wandering through Piazza Navona after work, discovering impromptu opera performances and concerts, visiting museums, and ending almost every day with a fresh gelato.
To stay aligned with my team in Seoul, I started work early in the morning, picking up an espresso and cappuccino each morning while catching a glimpse of St. Peter’s Basilica on my walk home — one of my favorite rituals. Finishing early in the afternoon left plenty of time to explore Rome at a slower pace.
It felt like the best of both worlds: remaining fully connected with my colleagues while genuinely experiencing life in one of my favorite cities. As my team already had a solid system in place, being in a different country never felt like a barrier. It showed me that with trust, communication, and the right tools, great collaboration can happen from anywhere.
Finding balance in my favorite place, Taiwan
Sariya Pongsukitwat
Senior System Engineer
📍Kaohsiung, Taiwan
I’ve visited Taiwan many times, and every trip makes me love it even more. From the amazing food and shopping to the perfect mix of nature and city life, I always leave wishing I could stay longer. So, I decided to use the Work from Anywhere program to finally make it happen!
I got to experience Taiwan at a slower pace and discovered so much more than I would have as a tourist. I explored places like Cijin Island, checked out restaurants recommended by friends, and tried local dishes I probably would have overlooked on a short trip. Those everyday experiences made the trip feel even more meaningful.
The change of scenery did wonders for my work-life balance. I’d start each morning with a lovely park run in the cool weather before work, then head out for a refreshing walk and tea break to clear my head at lunchtime. Since Taiwan is only one hour ahead of Thailand, collaborating with my team was a breeze. I was able to stay productive while making the most of everything Kaohsiung had to offer. Plus, as a milk tea lover, being able to get an amazing authentic cup every day was a dream come true!
Catching up on a decade of friendship in Germany
Xander Chong
Project Manager
📍Oldenburg, Hamburg, Berlin & Munich, Germany
I received an unexpected message from an old friend some time ago – a simple hello, with a photo of his family attached. As I scrolled through our chat history, I realized how much we’ve missed out in each other’s lives while we were busy chasing our post-university goals. That moment inspired me to stop waiting for ‘someday’ and finally plan a trip to reconnect with some friends in Germany.
Agoda’s remote work program made it all possible. The time zone difference turned out to be less of a challenge than I expected. By working from 6 am to 3 pm, I could engage my colleagues in Bangkok for certain hours and log off just as my friends and their kids were finishing work and school respectively, leaving our evenings free to spend together. I traveled between Oldenburg, Berlin, and Munich, reuniting with people while still delivering several important projects.
One of the memorable parts of the trip was becoming an honorary uncle to my friends’ children. I helped with homework, cooked meals, took them to the park, and even picked up a few German words from them, even though I wasn’t the smartest learner! My time in Germany showed me that work and meaningful personal experiences don’t have to exist separately. With a reliable internet connection and a bit of planning, you really can have both.
Are you ready to start your best journey with Agoda? We’re hiring!
Learn more about Agoda’s benefits:
Exploring the World with Agoda’s Remote Work Program
Agoda’s Flexible Benefits: How We Invest in What Matters Most
Work from Anywhere: Agoda’s Remote Work Program
Agoda Benefits: A Closer Look at What We Offer Employees
How Agoda Supports Work-Life Balance
Choose Your Own Adventure: Agoda’s Flexible Benefits Program
