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As a remote-first company, our contractors are used to working from different locations around the world. We’ve interviewed two of them to share what that looks like in practice. Daniele Takiyama, Project Manager, set up shop in Hikone City, Japan, on the shores of Lake Biwa. Anastasiia Shulzhenko, Chief Human Resources Officer, split her winter between Mexico and Bali. In this piece, they each walk through where they worked, the moments outside the job that stuck with them, and the habit that kept them productive while away from home.
Daniele Takiyama — Hikone City, Japan
Where was your office for the week, and what's one thing every traveler should do there?
My "office" for the week was in Hikone City, Japan — a charming small town about 50 minutes from Kyoto. It's home to Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, known for its rich ecosystem and peaceful atmosphere.
One thing every traveler should do there is watch the sunset by the lake. The view is absolutely breathtaking — calm, expansive, and one of those moments that really stays with you.
One thing every traveler should do there is watch the sunset by the lake. The view is absolutely breathtaking — calm, expansive, and one of those moments that really stays with you.
What was your favorite "out-of-office" moment or discovery during the trip?
One of the most meaningful realizations I had during this trip is that "home" can truly be anywhere. As long as you stay connected with the people you love and keep an open mind, every place becomes an opportunity for growth.
Experiencing a different culture and way of life reminded me how important it is to observe, understand, and respect local perspectives. It makes us more empathetic, adaptable, and open — and helps us let go of stereotypes we didn't even realize we had.
Experiencing a different culture and way of life reminded me how important it is to observe, understand, and respect local perspectives. It makes us more empathetic, adaptable, and open — and helps us let go of stereotypes we didn't even realize we had.
What's the one tool or habit that kept you productive while being so far from your usual desk?
For me, the key was being intentional about the difference between working remotely while traveling and being on vacation.
During workdays, I maintained a balanced routine — exercising, eating well, and getting enough rest — just like I would at home. This helped me stay focused and energized. I also planned my time carefully: shorter activities during the week and longer explorations on the weekends.
That balance allowed me to stay productive while still fully enjoying the experience of being in such a unique place.
During workdays, I maintained a balanced routine — exercising, eating well, and getting enough rest — just like I would at home. This helped me stay focused and energized. I also planned my time carefully: shorter activities during the week and longer explorations on the weekends.
That balance allowed me to stay productive while still fully enjoying the experience of being in such a unique place.
Anastasiia Shulzhenko — Mexico & Bali
Where was your office this winter, and what should every traveler experience there?
During winter, I worked remotely from Mexico and Bali - two places that couldn't feel more different, yet both offer an incredible environment for remote work (if your schedule allows flexibility and you're comfortable adapting your routine).
My biggest recommendation is to stay long enough to experience the rhythm of the place, not just visit it. Combining work and travel requires planning and self-management; changing locations takes energy, and you need to create stability wherever you are. In my experience, you need 2-3 times more time than a regular tourist to truly experience a destination while staying focused on work.
In Mexico, I'd recommend exploring the food culture beyond restaurants: the stories behind the food, from mezcal tastings to chef experiences. In Bali, it would be local rituals and yoga practices - a great way to create balance and stay grounded while maintaining a busy schedule.
My biggest recommendation is to stay long enough to experience the rhythm of the place, not just visit it. Combining work and travel requires planning and self-management; changing locations takes energy, and you need to create stability wherever you are. In my experience, you need 2-3 times more time than a regular tourist to truly experience a destination while staying focused on work.
In Mexico, I'd recommend exploring the food culture beyond restaurants: the stories behind the food, from mezcal tastings to chef experiences. In Bali, it would be local rituals and yoga practices - a great way to create balance and stay grounded while maintaining a busy schedule.
What was your favorite moment outside of work?
My favorite "out-of-office" moments were the weekend escapes that made the experience feel much bigger than simply working from another country.
In Mexico, I started my workdays very early, often around sunrise, which allowed me to stay fully engaged while creating time to explore in the afternoons. One of my favorite trips was a three-day route through Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, and Mérida.
In Bali, it was discovering the island's nature, especially the waterfalls and hidden places that offered a completely different pace after busy workdays.
In Mexico, I started my workdays very early, often around sunrise, which allowed me to stay fully engaged while creating time to explore in the afternoons. One of my favorite trips was a three-day route through Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, and Mérida.
In Bali, it was discovering the island's nature, especially the waterfalls and hidden places that offered a completely different pace after busy workdays.
What kept you productive while constantly on the move?
My real productivity tool was routine. When you're constantly changing locations and time zones, structure becomes even more important.
No matter where I am, I protect time for the things that help me perform at my best, including an hour for sport every day. I also give myself time to adjust, build a sustainable schedule, and then organize everything around it: focused work blocks, dedicated time for calls, and clear priorities. That structure allows me to stay effective and present, even while changing countries, continents, and routines.
No matter where I am, I protect time for the things that help me perform at my best, including an hour for sport every day. I also give myself time to adjust, build a sustainable schedule, and then organize everything around it: focused work blocks, dedicated time for calls, and clear priorities. That structure allows me to stay effective and present, even while changing countries, continents, and routines.