With so many of us working from home in 2021, your office may look different—and that’s probably a good thing. According to a recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Morning Consult, 86% of remote workers say that they’re satisfied working from home and only one in five want to return to the office. As an increasing number of employers adopt flexible remote-work policies to keep employee satisfaction high and keep up with the changing times, we’re launching our #WFAnywhere series in partnership with Alaska Airlines to spotlight how remote workers balance work and play while working from anywhere (#WFAnywhere). Ahead, Kathleen Ensign, the fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Kat Walks SF, shares her in-flight essentials for a safe and comfortable trip, her #1 tip for getting work done in a new environment, and more tips on how to #WFAnywhere.

Where are you traveling? Why did you choose this location to work remotely?

Maui, Hawaii. I have been working from my tiny San Francisco apartment (no fun) and dreaming of the beach. Hawaii is LITERALLY my dream destination.

What are you most excited about your destination and why?

I am honestly just excited to not be looking at the same four walls lol! The island has so much to offer and the BEACH!

Why is it important to change up your scenery after being in quarantine?

I feel like I am losing my mind. We can’t forget about our mental health!

What precautions are you taking before you leave to ensure a safe trip both while you’re traveling and once you arrive? What tips can you share? 

Hawaii has very specific travel requirements to enter. I had to provide a negative test result in order to travel to Hawaii. 

I also double-masked on the plane (KN95 mask and fabric mask), sanitized everything on the plane, and carried a ton of hand sanitizer.

What are your in-flight must-haves for ensuring your flight is as safe and comfortable as possible?

Honestly, comfort is key for me when I travel. I usually wear a matching sweatsuit and Ugg booties. If I’m comfortable, I immediately fall asleep.

Are you a work-from-the-air kind of person, or do you use this time to disconnect?

DISCONNECT! I fall asleep the moment the cabin pressure changes.

What’s in your carry-on? What are some things you plan on taking with you to ensure you’re prepared to work and stay safe while you’re traveling during COVID? 

I just purchased the AWAY Everywhere Bag and it is the ideal bag for staying organized and prepared for work travel. It has a place to keep my laptop safe and protected and a space for all my cords and chargers. I packed everything from my laptop, external hard drive, camera, lighting, chargers, etc.

While being away from home as a remote worker is fun, it can also be challenging if you don’t plan. Can you share three tips for working remotely while traveling that set you up for success?

My number one tip is to stay on your normal schedule. 

Do you set up a “virtual office” in your hotel? How do you set yourself up for success to avoid/minimize distractions?  

I set up a mini virtual office in my hotel room. I was very fortunate to have a room with a desk and plenty of space to set up. The hotel I stayed at also coordinated cabana space so that everyone could be socially distanced by the pool. I worked from the cabana pretty much every day after breakfast. The cabana had plenty of workspaces and plugs for me so I was able to enjoy the pool and warm weather while working from the cabana.

What are some of the activities you enjoyed at your destination during your WFAnywhere trip?

I wrapped my day a little early each day in time for a sunset walk on the beach. On the weekend I took in the island hiking, running, and exploring.

Note: During COVID-19, travel restrictions are prone to change. Always check before departure and follow local guidance. Alaska Airlines is committed to your health and safety, learn more about Next-Level Care.

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