Platinum Seed / digital marketing agency’s Post

Holidays as an Expat - Searching for Connection The holidays hit differently when you’re an expat. My family is scattered across the globe, and while I carry the traditions I grew up with, I’ve had to get creative to keep the magic alive.  New cities, new friends, and unexpected constellations of community have shaped my holidays in ways I never could have imagined.  Amsterdam, with its twinkling canals and shared meals, has a way of filling those gaps.  Friends become family.  Laughter creates new traditions.  And this time of year reminds me that community isn’t fixed - it evolves, adapts, and grows, just like we do.  I know something about searching for new constellations of connection, both personally and professionally. It’s what I write about, design for, and dream about.  My writing this year has been about rethinking connection and how we build the spaces that brings us together. Find below a link to my latest article. https://lnkd.in/esVr7MXP As I look ahead to 2025, I dream about my next article. So please stay tuned for next year as I will explore some trends on the horizon. And to all my fellow wanderers, expats, and tradition-makers – Keep it up!  You´re doing great! Wishing you all a new year of connection and community - wherever you are.  Lots of love from Amsterdam,   Stina  #community #belonging #connection #holidays #expatlife #reflections2024 #communitymatters 

January can feel like the longest of months – but it is almost over! So you may well be planning your holiday for this year 🌴 Before you get started on looking for that ‘Special last minute’ Holiday offer – take a minute to look at our guide to help you get the best holiday. 😌 Knowing your rights will help you have peace of mind before, during and after your next adventure. ✈️ See link in comment below ⬇️ #holidays #holidayadvice #consumerfriend

Returning Home for the Holidays: Joy or Juggle for Expats? 🌍 As the holiday season approaches, many of us living abroad are preparing to return home for Christmas. For me, it means flying from Kenya back to Germany. It’s more than just a holiday—it’s a delicate balance between two worlds. While it’s a time to reunite with family and celebrate familiar traditions, it also brings challenges. The experience of Reverse Culture Shock often hits when the familiar suddenly feels strange. We’ve changed, but others may still see us as the same. On top of that, there’s the pressure of numerous celebrations, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists. The hustle can leave us feeling overwhelmed—even though we came home to relax. How do we find time for ourselves amidst the festivities? This season is also a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and what still aligns with who we are now. It’s a time for growth, but it requires mindfulness and space to navigate it. For those of you who’ve experienced this "homecoming," how did you manage the emotional and cultural shifts? What helped you cope with reverse culture shock? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences. 🎅🏽✈️ #ExpatLife #ReverseCultureShock #CulturalTransition #ExpatExperience

🌴 --When Digital Overload Ruins Paradise-- 🌴 Just got back from what should have been an incredible vacation in Mauritius. Stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and yet... I couldn't fully enjoy it. Why? Because I never truly disconnected. Constantly checking emails, scrolling through social media, and staying plugged into work meant I was physically there but mentally elsewhere. Instead of relaxing, I felt more stressed than ever. Lesson learned: Next time, the laptop stays home, and the phone goes on airplane mode. Cherish the moment. Disconnect to reconnect. #WorkLifeBalance #DigitalDetox #VacationFail #MentalHealthMatters Anyone else struggled with unplugging on vacation? How do you ensure a true break? 🌴✨

🎄 Welcome to the 24 Days of Well-Being for Expats! 🎄 Today marks the start of the 1st Advent week—a time of hope, reflection, and light. As expats, the holiday season can feel both magical and challenging. Loneliness, cultural differences, or language barriers might make this time of year feel isolating. But together, we can turn those challenges into opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. Over the next 24 days, I’ll share simple, actionable tips to boost your well-being, help you build connections, and thrive in your new home. Whether it’s embracing new traditions, practicing self-care, or finding moments of joy, there’s something here for everyone. ✨ Let this 1st Advent candle be a reminder that no matter where you are, light and hope are always within reach. Save this post, follow me, and share it with a fellow expat who could use some support this holiday season. Let’s make this December one to remember—together! #expatlife #globalcitzen #lifeabroad

Most people around the world plan their holiday during this time! Because this is the time to create memories and cherish moments with your loved ones Here’s why you shouldn’t miss this family time for anything: 1. Time to Reconnect Life gets busy, but holidays are a reminder to pause. We designed a few holiday packages that helps you detox from all electronic devices and spend quality time. 2. Unforgettable experiences Exploring new places, trying unique experiences, such as the northern lights, beach parties, spiritual reconnection. 3. Moments That Last a Lifetime: Holidays are more than travel; they’re about capturing smiles, laughter. Uzbekistan, Europe, Thailand, Australia are packed with new year celebrations. It’s still not late to celebrate, connect with us and take that long pending holiday. #holidayswithnix

🌍 It's almost the weekend... Feeling the itch to escape the daily grind? We all need a break to recharge, reconnect, and refocus—and there’s no one-size-fits-all way to do it. From a simple Day Out to embracing the freedom of the Digital Nomad Lifestyle, there’s a trip for everyone. 💼 Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or dreaming of working remotely while travelling the world, here are 9 types of trips to inspire your next adventure! ✨ Swipe through the carousel to discover which one suits you best. ✅ Your turn: Which trip resonates with you the most? Are you more of a weekend adventurer or a long-term traveller? 💬 Let me know in the comments! #TravelWellbeing #WorkLifeBalance #DigitalNomad #CareerBreak #Wanderlust #LinkedInCarousel #LaptopTraveller

There’s absolutely nothing worse than coming home from a holiday, scrolling on social media and realizing you missed out on seeing or doing something. But this, my friend, is where I can help. I want you to imagine this: you‘re planning a trip to Asia or Japan Instead of relying on some random blog you can’t verify or scouring online reviews (which, unfortunately, can be biased!), you have access to ALL the insider tips and recommendations curated just for you. I’m taking mental notes about you, your interests, how you like to travel, your budget and your timelines, and I’m giving you an itinerary that helps you make the most of your time because life is way too short to have regrets about your holiday. Send me a DM with a trip you’ve been thinking about, and let’s work together to make it happen. #holidayIdeas #TravelAgentsRock #TravelPro #TravelTips #InsiderKnowledge #VacationPlanning #ExploreAsia #DreamGetaway

Dreaming of trading your desk for destinations worldwide? Our latest blog post might be your gateway to becoming a digital nomad! Don't miss the special interview with the inspiring Niav Konno, who shares invaluable insights from her own journey. Learn how she makes the world her office and how you can too! 💻🌏 #DigitalNomad #WorkFromAnywhere #TravelTheWorld #NomadLifestyle #NiavKonnoTips

Does home still feel like home? A question that troubles many expats during the holidays. You might feel more isolated, homesick, or even detached during this season if you are away. And yet, you may find it difficult to connect with the traditions, vibes and customs if you travel back home. Don't get me wrong, the holidays are great. I'm all for having them. The advantages of celebrating them are obvious: 🌲 Strengthening social values and expectations 🌲 Encouraging reflection, feelings of gratitude and closure 🌲 Strengthening the sense of identity and belonging See what I'm getting at? None of this is easy to navigate if you're an expat. This year, to save yourself from tears, explore some of these suggestions: ❄️ Mix and match Find your own spin-off holiday traditions from home. Combine them with local customs, or invite your international community to join you. ❄️ Reduce clutter Check in with yourself regularly. Create small pockets of time for yourself. Stop, evaluate and proceed mindfully. ❄️ Make room for sadness and/or guilt This period brings difficult feelings. It puts strained relationships and competing values in focus. You've changed, the home has changed, sometimes not in the same direction. and finally... ❄️ Don't feed Gremlins after midnight Best Wishes to You (+ cultural spaces you occupy) and Yours! #holidays #expat #atck #expatholidays #culture #identity #home #expectation #belonging #community #wellbeing #mentalhealth #counseling