24 years ago, I was born in a little town about an hour away from the bustling town of Kalibo. My family moved to the United States shortly after. 24 years later, I came home to make it to one of the world’s most unique and colorful festivals. Every January, the Mother of all Philippine… Read More Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival: The Colorful Philippine Fiesta in Photos
Despite what you might see on Instagram, Bali is more than just one gigantic infinity pool filled with influencers. Bali is an island rich with culture, heritage, and many ancient traditions that are still practiced to this day. Throughout the year, one will inevitably stumble upon dozens and dozens of religious processions, traditional performances, and… Read More The Complete Guide to Bali’s Ogoh-Ogoh Festival and Nyepi
Manila often serves as a necessary stop for backpackers heading to the Philippines’ idyllic islands. While many view it as unappealing, the city offers unique experiences within its chaos. Key attractions include Intramuros, Rizal Park, street food in Quiapo, and the vibrant nightlife of Makati, making it worth exploring the urban environment.… Read More The Ultimate Backpacker’s Travel Guide to Manila | The Philippines
I watched my phone in disgust as Ragnar Lothbrok prepared to perform the brutal form of torture known as the blood eagle on his rival, Jarl Borg. This cruel act involved flaying the skin of the victim’s back from top to bottom, and then peeling it off to the sides to resemble the wings of… Read More Vang Vieng, Laos to Hanoi, Vietnam: The Bus Ride From Hell
I’ll be straight up about this right away. This didn’t feel right, and if I knew what my safari in Yala National Park was going to be like beforehand, I wouldn’t have gone. The excitement of seeing a leopard was entirely cancelled out and then some by how a dozen safari Jeeps clogged the area… Read More Yala National Park, Sri Lanka: Unethical Wildlife Tourism and A Disappointing Safari
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace in Bangkok are some of the most impressive and magnificent feats of human architecture I have ever seen. I was in awe the entire time I was there. However, there are quite a few things that I wish I had known before going straight there. We had just… Read More Visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: What You Need to Know
Modern, shiny, urban, and clean. Singapore is unlike any other South East Asian capital city. The capital city of this small island situated between Malaysia and Indonesia is possibly the finest city our planet has to offer. Of all the cities I have been to, nothing can rival Singapore in its modernity, efficiency, and jaw-dropping… Read More Singapore On A Backpacker’s Budget
Earlier today, I was craving some grasshoppers. No, I’m not pregnant but I’ll admit that is a weird sentence that I never expected to write out. So one time, I was in Puebla, Mexico when this adorable old lady selling not-so-adorable snacks coaxed me into trying a sample of her wares. She gave me a… Read More The Top 10 Weirdest Things I’ve Ever Put In My Mouth
The effect that Instagram has had on travel and tourism is kind of weird. I was born three hours away from Tablas. I spent years of my life living close by without ever hearing of the island. Yet, my South African friend who had never even been to the Philippines was adamant that we go.… Read More The Ultimate Guide To Tablas: A Hidden Gem of the Philippines
Thailand is a backpacker’s paradise. It’s really no surprise that it has become one of the world’s top destinations for young travelers looking to have a good time. Thailand boasts a lot of beautiful things to see, an abundance of unique activities, and of course, your heart’s fill of partying. There are plenty of places… Read More 7 Best Backpacker Party Destinations in Thailand