The Art of 24-Hour Travels

If you've been itching to go somewhere but is held back by the common excuse of having a full-time job, then this series of 24-hour travels is a must read for you. Back then, when I was still holding a full-time job in a healthcare facility,  I find means to travel despite my schedule. I travel with people who also have a full-time job to make a living. We may hold different careers but if there's one thing we have in common, that would be our love for traveling.

Thoughts of a Newbie Solo Female Traveler

Why do they travel solo?

What do they get out of it?

Is it really worth a try?

These are just some of my questions before embarking on this solo trip to Palawan. These questions and the idea of going solo has been resonating in my head since December of last year. Thus, as early as February, I already booked my ticket to Puerto Princesa via Cebu. That time, I was thinking of going to Palawan and Bohol after that. However, plans have changed when Cebu Pacific launched a new route from Davao a few months after I booked my ticket.

Since I'm confident that my schedule's free that time, I didn't hesitate to book my Davao-Puerto Princesa trip. I didn't inform anyone form the family yet as I could foresee their reaction especially from my parents who have been protective of me. That time, I've only informed a few friends who also have this HUGE passion on traveling. Just like me, they couldn't contain their excitement on this solo trip.

I spent weeks planning my itinerary and working around my schedule. It was hard but fulfilling. 

A few hurdles came along.

I was called for a training and job offer.

I refused. 

This time, I'm fully convinced 

that I'm passionate about traveling. 

August 19 arrived.

I couldn't explain what I'm feeling that moment.

It's like being a kid all over again.

The thrill, the call for adventure is something that makes me fly inside. 

And just what I've envisioned it, my first solo trip turns out to be a great adventure!

I met angels along the road.

I realized that people are innately good,

                     the world isn't as dangerous as what other people think it is,

                     it's ok to be alone 'cause being alone isn't synonymous with being lonely,

                     people from different countries may be raised in different culture but in some ways, 

                     we are the same,

                    that being in a relationship isn't a foolproof way of being happy,

                    that happiness is a choice,

                    that the world doesn't focus on you,

                    there are bigger issues out there that need to be addressed and in little ways,
                    you can be part of the solution, and

                    life is not perfect but you can always find means to make it worth living.

Thus, I'm looking forward for more solo trips :)

If you're contemplating on trying this solo adventure, go and take the plunge. You'll really never know unless you try. You have to experience it firsthand.

Have fun solo traveler and see you on the road!

                    

                

Living Life in Reverse

"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time pause and reflect."

-Mark Twain-

While most of people of my age are busy getting married or working their ass off for their next promotion, I find myself getting busy in fulfilling my life's bucket list. At a closer look, my life today seems like a reverse of the conventional life most people have. I don't really have regrets as I am happy and I am living a fulfilling life. However, there are these times when this chasing dreams journey make me feel like an 'alien' in the society.

In our culture, it's not typical for someone of my age to travel first before getting into the real world of one's profession. What is most common here is the work hard now - save a lot - get married - retire - travel process. Most of the times I thank myself for being and thinking differently but there are these times when other people's opinion successfully get into my system. Then I begin to question my decision of traveling first.

Whenever I think back of the consequences of my decisions, I could not help but be proud of myself. I am fulfilling my dreams despite the odds. I may still be miles away from my RTW dream but I know that living this life in reverse is a good start. 

Why Travel?

It's 3:30 am right now and I find myself thinking a lot of things - the decision I made a few weeks ago (which for some seems to be irrational and stupid), workload, and my upcoming travel which I think would be one of the most daring things that I will do (just thinking of it brings back the butterflies in my stomach). All those 3 things are brought about by my huge passion on this thing called traveling :)

So really, why do I travel?
I travel to satisfy curiosity.
I wanted to see, hear, feel, smell, and touch a place that I've never been to before, places that I've only read in books and seen on television. Just like a child who goes into the woods to find out what lies in it, I go out to explore firsthand what the rest of the world looks like.

I wanted to find out how other culture differs from mine and how similar we can be.
I wanted  to taste the exotic dishes of other countries, not from posh restaurants, but on places where locals usually flock to satisfy their gastronomic cravings.
I wanted to hear their language, their distinct accent, and as to how these qualities make them connect to one another.
I wanted to find out how the rain/sun/snow feels in that place.
I wanted to LEARN more than what books, TV shows, and internet can give.

I travel to learn more about myself.
Cliche.
But yes, I travel to learn more about myself because I believe there's more to learn.
I wanted to push my limits and see how I cope.
Traveling has become more than just seeing places, it has become a personal teacher.

I travel simply because it's my passion.
Other than helping other people, traveling is one of those things that I won't grow tired of doing. My love for it goes beyond words and grows as I explore more. And when you're passionate into something, you'll go out of your way to make it happen - no ifs, no buts.

You see, traveling is a conscious decision, same as chasing your dreams. You don't wake up one day and find yourself traveling without even doing anything. You have to make that conscious decision to really DO it.

I have my own fair share of sacrifices, both in work and personal aspects, to give way for this passion. In the past, I used to doubt these decisions but looking back, I think I made the right choices.

Becoming a full-time traveler may not be on my list yet (as I'm also pursuing a career) but I believe that in traveling, it doesn't matter where you go, how you do it, and for how long.

If your soles are itching to go somewhere else, DO IT. Today is the oldest and the youngest that you can be.