Getting away without getting away….

19 Jul 2022

As we roll into the summer months, our thoughts turn to vacations and holidays. That usually includes getting away, often back to your home country. But with COVID-19’s requirements still tight, many international executives have come to realize that a summer holiday may preclude a trip back to their home country. Outbreaks of new virus variants, closed borders, lockdowns, quarantine regulations, and overall personal safety choices will force many to find alternatives closer to their overseas posting. 

In that light, here are 5 ideas on how you can make the most out of your holidays without international travel: 

Explore your host country’s natural beauty 

As an expat living in southeast Asia, there will always be places on your bucket list that are still unchecked. Here lies the perfect opportunity to have a completely guilt-free staycation. City living during COVID can get claustrophobic, especially mask mandates, so an exhilarating trek in the mountains, a short stay in the cooler highlands, or a relaxing beachside holiday away from the crowds, maybe just the change in scenery you and your family need to snap out of the COVID gloom. 

Meet up with members of your own community 

Recognize that it isn’t just you grounded for the holidays this year. If you’re a long-term expat, make plans to get together with your community more often, and if you’re only just settling in, seek out fellow expats with whom to remind each other -either over food, traditions, festivals, or even memories- that home doesn’t necessarily have to seem so far away.

Make the most out of tech to stay connected with friends and family 

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that we would be much worse off if it weren’t for the technology we have at our fingertips. While regular video calls have already been the COVID-19 norm, explore other reasons for scheduling that Zoom call with loved ones. Perhaps try out a Zoom cooking lesson with mum, start a weekly book club or board game night with friends, have the younger kids do crafts together, and even encourage the older ones

Take up on that project you ‘never had the time for’ 

There’s never enough time in a workweek, and weekends just seem to fly by. A lockdown summer holiday, however, would be the perfect opportunity to re-ignite a hobby: write a book, work on a DIY project, start a small venture, or whatever it is you’ve been putting off for lack of time, focus, and energy. However, to be able to truly dedicate yourself to your project, make sure to push your partner and other family members to pursue their own interests too. 

We hope that you will have a wonderful time this summer. If you would like assistance with shipping or relocation support, contact your local Asian Tigers office or reach out to us via our online contact us. 

If you found this article interesting, you might also be interested in taking a look at: 

• Relocation Can Shape a Better You 
• Common matters expats have to encounter 
• Stay healthy in your new environment