December is thought to be the most festive month of the year, especially for Filipinos. (Some Filipinos even celebrate Christmas as early as September!)
Yet, December is also the most hectic.
Everyone’s rushing to the malls to buy food for their noche buena or to purchase gifts.
Still, remote workers may be among the more fortunate because they can plan these trips ahead of time.
They can even choose to spend the holidays at home – or travel elsewhere.
Still, is it a good idea to combine remote work with your holiday travel? The short answer is yes, and here are the reasons why.
Why Should You Consider Planning a Trip During the Holidays?
- Increased Productivity – Remote work already dismantles the belief that it lowers worker productivity. Taking a trip can boost your productivity further because it gives you a break from your routine.
Plus, being in a new and unfamiliar environment you more mindful. Thus, you are more focused on your tasks at work.
- Change of Scenery – You might feel more relaxed outside the same four walls you work in. A location change can help reduce your end-of-year stress levels.
- Better Work-Life Balance – Remote work already helps you achieve a healthier work-life balance. With the right clients, you can earn dollars without having to go abroad and treat your family to a nice little holiday trip.
- Stronger Relationship Bonds – As with the previous point, spending time with your family at home is great to strengthen your relationship with them. If you want to take it a step further, going on a trip and having experiences in a new environment creates stronger bonds and lasting memories.
Thinking about spending the holidays elsewhere?
Here are some tips on how to plan a stress-free trip this Christmas.
Pack Your Essentials
Yes, there’s the principle of packing light.
However, as a remote worker, you need to bring your laptop and backup wifi connection – even if they’re bulky. They are the lifeblood of your livelihood, after all.
If you can’t decide on what else to bring, here’s a quick guide.
Be Mindful of the Time Differences
This tip is applicable if you’re planning to go abroad.
Depending on where you go for vacation, always be mindful of your and your client’s time difference so you don’t miss your deadlines.
Allot Extra Travel Time
There may be more delays than usual, which adds to that holiday stress.
In the Philippines, the weather can also be unpredictable and unpleasant.
As such, be sure to set aside a bit of extra time, especially if you are traveling via plane so you don’t miss your flight!
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance
Again, availing of travel insurance is crucial if you’re traveling abroad. (You can still get one even if you’re traveling only within the Philippines.)
You never know what will happen, so it’s best to be prepared just in case.
Bring Your Medication
Make sure to pack any maintenance medications or just meds in general for emergencies.
You don’t want to find yourself without these in a country where you can’t purchase your medications without a prescription.
Practice Gratitude
Things might go differently than planned, especially around this time of year.
It’s simply a very hectic season and everyone’s heading to various destinations at once.
Thus, it can be easy to lose your cool.
Still, remind yourself to take a moment and be thankful for the blessings you’ve received this year.
Working Remotely During the Holiday Season
Juggling your work-from-home (WFH) schedule and traveling during the holidays can be especially challenging.
Still, you can use this as an opportunity to unwind—perhaps even to reward yourself for working hard the entire year.
Take a break. You deserve it.
On that note, if you want the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere, check out Remote Staff’s job listings. It’s regularly updated, so you’re sure to find a position that best suits you.
Remote Staff has also been in business for 16 years (and counting)! The company has also given WFH opportunities to thousands of Filipino remote workers.
If you want to spend more time with your family while earning money, register with us today!
