Remote Roundup: New Year Reflection + Planning Alternatives, the “New Place, New Me” Trap, 2025 Travel Superlatives (December 2025)

Dec 16, 2025

Explore creative reflection and planning strategies for the new year, as Caitlin and Janessa discuss personal growth and identity shifts from 2025. Discover alternative goal-setting methods that ditch traditional resolutions and the pitfalls of the 'new place, new me' mindset. They highlight memorable travel superlatives, unexpected life lessons, and emphasize the importance of small, sustainable routines while living and working remotely. Tune in for insightful prompts and practical ideas to help you embrace 2026 with intention!

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ADVICE

Try Quick, Honest Reflection Prompts

Use five reflection questions to prompt honest, first‑thought answers about your year instead of overthinking.
Keep responses short and use them for quick journaling or discussion to reveal meaningful moments.

ANECDOTE

Stranded Into Community In Cape Town

Janessa described getting "stranded" after Remote Year folded and how the group rebuilt community in Cape Town.
The crisis turned into extended stays, new friendships, and an ongoing community she now returns to.

ANECDOTE

One Ticket To Bangkok Changed Plans

Caitlin booked a last‑minute flight to Bangkok after a failed relationship and chose herself instead of waiting.
That spontaneous move led to Thailand stays, reconnecting with friends, and renewed enthusiasm for travel life.

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Looking for more creative and fun ways to reflect on your year and plan for the next one?

Join Caitlin and Janessa in this year-end Remote Roundup to explore personal reflections, unexpected lessons, goal-setting alternatives, and favorite travel moments from 2025.

Remote Roundup is a monthly series hosted by Zero To Travel’s associate producer, Caitlin Sunderland, and partnerships manager, Janessa Klatt. Explore what's new in remote work and travel, including helpful tools and resources, need‑to‑know trends, destinations, and insight into what it really means to live and work around the world.

Caitlin and Janessa talk about identity, growth, community, habits, and how their remote lives are evolving as they plan for the new year. You'll walk away with insights and practical ideas for reflecting on your own year and setting more intentional goals, whether you're traveling full-time, working remotely, or simply ready for a reset in 2026.

What’s a moment from your 2025 that made you feel most yourself? We’d love to hear about it, and hope you’ll share them by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

The top Zero To Travel episodes for 2025 and why they’re worth a re-listen
5 non-cliche reflection questions to look back on your year with more depth
Alternative intention-setting ideas for 2026 that go beyond resolutions and “word of the year” trends
What the “new place, new me” trap is and how it can quietly derail goals for travelers
Fun travel superlatives from their year, from best coffee culture and unexpected destinations to top meals and views
And much more

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