How many hours a day do you spend looking down at paperwork, or into a screen? Optometrists recommend a 20-20-20 rule to ease eye strain: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Stretches and exercises are helpful to relieve neck, shoulder, hand, and back fatigue.

Taking a brisk walk can be even more restorative. But now that half the earth – and most of its population – is experiencing shorter days and weak sunlight, getting outside tends to be a dim proposition.

So why not take in the night sky? This December, Jupiter and Saturn will be visible to us as close as they have been in 400 years. On December 21, a telescope or binoculars will show you the two largest planets side by side, with their moons. Bundle up, find a place away from ambient light, and take in the beauty of what my family likes to call ‘sky jewelry.’

For general stargazing, Travel & Leisure maps out the 10 best spots in seven countries around the world: Chile, Costa Rica, France, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States (Utah, Hawaii, New Mexico, California).

Of course, even during our short days, the sky offers no shortage of breathtaking views, some of the most gorgeous of which recently have been at sunrise: a bank of clouds creating a literal silver line as the sun rises behind it. One morning was so foggy that the rising sun looked like a fireball throwing off flames.

Clouds are their own sources of astounding artistry. They can be dramatic, forbidding, peaceful, or present us with a story-book tableau that looks like a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream pint. To quote a character in Swedish mystery writer Kjell Eriksson’s “The Cruel Stars of the Night:”

“I collect clouds,” Lars-Erik said and leaned forward, looking up at the sky. “It is like an enormous art exhibition. I like to stand out in my yard and watch nature give me fresh exhibitions every day, and to top it off it’s free. Have you ever thought about how the sky can give rise to the most unbelievable formations?”

As 2020 draws to a close and we await a COVID-19 vaccine, may the simple splendor of our natural world provide some peace and beauty, even in the dark.

When the world came to a screeching halt in March, no one could imagine how our industry would change from one day to the next.  Yet as we moved into the summer months, we heard through many forums how companies were dealing with their assignee population.  It can be summed up best from Stephen C. McGarry, Director of Global Mobility at WPP, in his quote, “We’ve gone from the business of moving people to the business of planning to move people.”

In this vein, we thought long and hard about how we could add more value to the industry. Here are some offerings we’ve added to support global mobility professionals, as well as assignees and their families:

COVID-19 Resources

Advantage – With one click, users have access to a set of curated links to top global sources on the pandemic.

Cultural Questionnaire

Advantage – Users learn about their cultural work style by completing a short questionnaire and comparing their results to other countries.  During this planning phase, potential assignees can take the time to learn more about the new culture and how their business strengths and weaknesses will impact their new colleagues.

Google Translate

Advantage – Users can choose between 100+ languages.  Now, accompanying family members who do not speak or read English can access the information in the language of their choice, easing their sense of isolation.

Immigration Resources

Advantage – Save time sifting through changing immigration rules. Simply click on the real-time resources to get your questions answered on all topics’ immigration related.

Country Videos

Advantage – If a picture speaks a thousand words, a video is even better. Our new intro videos entice users to take a deeper dive into over 100+ articles, all specific to their new destination.

Living Abroad continues to vet and update all information contained in each report.  We can’t wait for 2021 and all the new innovations that are in store for you.  We will keep you posted!

In Finland, it is generally inappropriate to eat food while walking down the street, with one key exception, which is:

A. Ice Cream
B. Pulla, a yeast bread
C. Meat or cheese sandwich
D. Doughnut

Click here for the answer!

Companies with global operations and business travelers are finding new ways to deal with the potentially negative impact of the pandemic. With the rise of remote work, international business trips have been replaced with conference calls and video conferencing technology.

However, technology can’t replace all global business. Functions like equipment installation, quality control on a production line, or systems testing simply can’t be accomplished over video. While business travel is not impossible, in many places employees must quarantine for 14 days after arrival before starting work.

It is often said that “necessity is the mother of invention” and these challenges are forcing us to find solutions to getting the job done. Here are some tips:

1. Get the facts in advance – The most important first step is to plan ahead. It is possible that the process of obtaining a work visa and/or permit will be slower given backlogs due to COVID 19. While it is not always achievable, companies should plan as far in advance to prevent immigration surprises. Check with your immigration counsel before committing to a client contract or signing an employment contract.

2. Communicate to all employees – Besides a potential two-week quarantine, new requirements may mean an employee needs a visa where none was needed in the past, or they could encounter delays in visa approval. Updated policies and information regarding these challenges should be shared with not only HR and legal personnel but also company managers and recruiters.

Business travel, transfers and new hire requirements should be checked first before making commitments or signing contracts with clients. In companies where employees are allowed to book their own international travel without managerial approval, the COVID 19 policy and travel requirements must be clearly expressed to all employees.

3. Utilize a system to track employees – The pandemic has magnified the need to have a system in place to track and manage employees’ global movement. The pandemic spread so quickly that some companies did not know where their employees were in the world, when their visas were expiring, or how to get them home. Tracking your employees provides the information and tools needed to make informed decisions.

While we can’t predict how long the pandemic will last or what will happen to global workforces who must face immigration delays and quarantines, we can adapt and find ways around these challenges, as humans know how to do all too well.

Tipping in Bangladesh can be complicated. What statement is false?

1. Even though hotels charge a service fee, hotel staff expect a small tip.
2. Bangladeshis do not tip in restaurants.
3. Never tip a delivery person as it is considered insulting.
4. Foreigners are expected to tip in upscale restaurants.