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My best friend and I have this running joke. Whether we're caught in an unexpected life moment of joy or sorrow, we always give each other 'the look,' silently agreeing that we've found the perfect excuse to pack our bags and jet off at a moment's notice.
For me, this spontaneity is the very essence of success: the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want, without being held back by time or finances.
It's not about the miles that separate me from my destination; it's about the ability to bridge them on my own terms.
And so, on a day that was as ordinary as any, I found myself embodying this very principle.
I hopped on an express bus to the Athens airport, then caught a flight that whisked me away to a Greek island in just 50 minutes.
From there, I undertook an hour-long drive to a quaint village perched on the side of a mountain, all to attend the funeral of a friend’s father. After paying my respects, I drove back down to my hotel in the city and logged back online, diving into my workday as if it were just another Monday.
This ability to seamlessly blend the personal with the professional, to pivot from heartfelt farewells to work responsibilities without skipping a beat, is precisely why I ventured into the realm of working online.
It exemplifies the unique freedom that comes from not being tethered to a physical office - a freedom that allows me to face life’s spontaneous demands head-on, no matter where in the world they may lead me.
Changing My Work Environment: Learning to Adapt
I’m one of those folks who thought working from anywhere sounded more romantic in theory than it proved to be in practice.
I remember this one time I tried to squeeze in some work during a vacation. Mind you, this vacation was in the very place I’m talking about now, visiting family and friends. It was a disaster for productivity. Imagine being in a picturesque island where every corner calls for a chat, a cup of coffee, laughter, carpool trips to the beach, and live music that draws you to dance till the first light. Everyone was in holiday mode, and here I was, trying to work amidst it all. Not my brightest idea.
This time, though, I had a revelation. To make this work, I had to be somewhere where people couldn't easily knock on my door, where I could adhere to my business hours without roommates or cousins barging in. Basically, it all boiled down to setting clear boundaries. With that figured out, I found a balance - the freshness of a new place complemented by the familiarity I need to stay productive, all while enjoying my surroundings.
Traveling Light: The Art of Minimalism
Let's talk about packing. My biggest pet peeve? Lugging stuff around. I loathe it. It is the bane of my existence. The idea of dragging things around "just in case" doesn't sit well with me.
That's why I got myself the perfect travel companion: a carry-on that fits the cabin's requirements, stylish, hard-shell, and comes with a built-in combination lock (though I carry a mini-lock on me, just to be safe). It's equipped with multidirectional wheels which make navigating through airports a breeze.
I subscribe to the capsule wardrobe philosophy - minimal items, maximum outfits. I can mix and match to look fresh every day without the bulk.
And then there’s my backpack, my trusty sidekick for my laptop and essentials. Inside, you'll find the book I'm currently into, my planner (yes, I'm old school with my scheduling), a folder for random papers, my laptop, and chargers. That's it. Essentials only.
Preparing for Potential Travel Hiccups
Every seasoned traveler knows — things will go sideways. From flight delays and unreliable internet to unexpected financial hiccups, being prepared is a non-negotiable.
I've learned to always carry a stash of small bills, but my real lifeline? Credit cards, hands down. They're my go-to over debit cards every time. When the unforeseen strikes, I can contest charges and enjoy the protective cushion of insurance that credit cards offer — a safeguard you don't get when your debit directly taps into your cash reserves.
Cards like SavorOne or Quicksilver are the MVPs in my wallet, thanks to their cashback perks, no fees on foreign transactions, and the generous credit limit based on your financial standing, of course.
Package Deal: Flight and Hotel Perks
I'm a big fan of stretching my dollars (who isn't?), so I often turn to using Capital One's shopping offers for additional rewards.
My go-to combo is for platforms like Expedia via Capital One's portal, yielding up to 10% cashback returns, significantly more than the usual 1%-3% cash back every time.
Here’s why I love this approach: It’s the ultimate in efficiency and customization. I effortlessly select flight times and hotels that align with my needs, all from a single platform. This not only saves time but also gives me the flexibility to easily upgrade when I'm feeling a bit more lavish without the hassle of multiple transactions.
I always aim to align my flights perfectly with my work schedule, preferably snagging those morning slots. The idea of spending an extra night just to avoid loitering in a hotel lounge for 10 hours until my next flight? Completely worth it. There's no way I wanted to get home past midnight. Traveling during the day just feels right; it keeps me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
The kicker? The savings. Combining flights and accommodations generally cuts costs significantly, allowing my budget to stretch further.
(If you're considering a Capital One card for your travel and shopping needs, using my affiliate link to apply can earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Hotel-to-Airport Distance
Considering my short stay and that visit's purpose was not to be a tourist, the hotel’s distance from the airport was a critical factor for me. This time, it was a mere 1.1 km away. Super convenient.
This meant I didn’t have to wake up at some ungodly hour just to make it to the airport on time. The route was a straightforward path from the hotel—literally one straight road.
If I had found myself without a taxi, walking wouldn’t have been out of the question; without being burdened by too much luggage, a 15-minute walk seemed entirely manageable.
Exploring the Grandeur and Amenities of the Hotel
Walking into the hotel felt like stepping into a page from history—its old neo-classical architecture wrapped in the embrace of a stone wall, creating a secluded kingdom with an enormous steel gate guarding the entrance.
The cobblestone pathway leading to the main building whispered tales of the past, setting the stage for an experience where it felt like every guest was part of an exclusive village. This ambiance crafted a unique sense of community—'we all know each other here'—amidst the grandeur of a bygone era.
The Convenience of Main Floor Living
I found myself on the Main Floor, which initially didn't excite me, but the convenience quickly won me over. Everything I needed was just a hallway away. Instead of picking up the phone (and contemplating the germ history of its handle), I preferred interacting with the reception staff face-to-face—believing in the magic of personal connectivity to ensure better service.
A short walk from reception led me straight to the in-house restaurant for my daily freddo fix. This routine made the grand hotel feel like my own sprawling, neo-classical home, where I could almost imagine having staff at my beck and call. For those two days, I lived in a manifested reality of opulence and ease.
The Room: A Blend of Quirkiness and Comfort
The charm of my room lay not just in its antique doorknob and lock from the 1980s, but also in the unique blend of peculiarity and comfort it offered. My initial apprehension about the security provided by such an old-fashioned door was somewhat alleviated by my personal ritual of rearranging the furniture to create a makeshift barricade. Strange as it may seem, this provided me with a sense of security.
Though I'd requested a king-size bed for its ample space, I was greeted instead by two doubles and a lack of a desk—vital for someone intending to work. Improvisation became my friend; the TV stand transformed into a makeshift desk, and one of the twin beds served as an unconventional chair.
Next time, however, I'm indulging in a suite with all the comforts—because why not?
Staying Connected: The Eternal Quest for Reliable Internet
In today's world, a reliable internet connection is akin to a lifeline, especially when you're trying to work remotely from a beautiful locale. Unfortunately, the hotel's WiFi was reminiscent of the spotty service I grapple with at home – unpredictable and occasionally infuriating.
Ever prepared, I had my pocket WiFi on hand, ensuring that my connectivity was not at the mercy of temperamental hotel internet. This little device was my safeguard, making sure the digital world was just a click away, no matter where I was in the hotel.
Leisure Time by the Pool and Beach
One of the joys of working according to EST (NY) time while living abroad is the gift of time. Mornings and early afternoons are mine to relish, undisturbed by work commitments.
This slice of free time is my window to indulge in leisure without disrupting my work commitments.
I could immerse myself in the latest page-turner by the pool, bask in the warmth of the sun, or wander down to the beach to lay under the sky and take soothing dips in the sea—all before my workday beckoned at 3 PM EST.
The In-House Restaurant: A Culinary Revelation
Despite my typical reticence towards room service and skepticism of in-house restaurant price inflations, the hotel's dining option impressed me.
Not only were the prices reasonable, but the quality of the food—from hand-cut fries to generous portion sizes and the freshness of the ingredients—exceeded my expectations.
Each meal was a delightful surprise, offering a taste of luxury without the extravagant bill.
And about those annoying foreign transaction fees—didn’t have to worry about those when I charged extras in euros to my room, all thanks to Capital One.
Quick Reflections: Athens Bound
This virtual career journey has revealed valuable insights—from adapting work settings to travel demands, traveling light, and expecting the unexpected, to selecting optimal flights and hotels that fuse convenience with charm.
My experiences have taught me the value of flexibility. The ability to merge the demands of professional life with the spontaneity of life events is more than a lifestyle; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s longing for freedom and fulfillment on one's own terms.
I’ve discovered that the true essence of success is living fully, passionately, and unapologetically; for me, Greece is a celebration of life lived fully and freely, a perfect blend of productivity and the pleasure of the Aegean shores.
This chapter of my story is a reminder that with the right mindset, preparation, and a dash of daring, the world can truly become our office.
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