Tag: travel
-
One Week in Bali, Countless New Experiences
My first week in Bali has been nothing short of unbelievable. I’ve had so much fun already, and I can honestly say this place is everything I hoped it would be. The atmosphere, the people, and the beautiful scenery have made it an incredible start to this next chapter of my travels. As a solo…
-
What It Really Costs to Live in Cebu
One of the questions I get asked most often while traveling is, “How much does it actually cost to live there?” After spending time in Cebu, I’ve found that many everyday expenses are surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to life in the United States. At the time of writing, the exchange rate is roughly 56…
-
You Can Change Countries, But Can You Change Yourself?
One question I’ve found myself thinking about lately is whether I’m traveling or escaping. At first, the answer seemed obvious. I left home to see the world, experience different cultures, meet new people, and create memories that would last a lifetime. That sounds like traveling. But the longer I’ve been on the road, the more…
-
The Quiet Reality of Solo Travel
One thing I’ve started realizing about solo travel is that not every week feels like an adventure. Social media makes it seem like every day abroad is filled with crazy experiences, new friends, beach trips, parties, and nonstop excitement. But the truth is, some weeks are quiet. Some weeks, you barely do anything at all.…
-
Paradise Isn’t Paradise for Everyone
This past week in the Philippines reminded me how easy it is to complain about things that, in the grand scheme of life, are not really problems at all. Traveling has a way of forcing you to see realities outside of your own bubble, and one thing that has stuck with me deeply here is…
-
From Ocean Depths to Cave Adventures: My Best Week Yet
This week has easily been one of the best since I started my travels. Tuesday marked the beginning of something I had been looking forward to from the moment I arrived in the Philippines—scuba diving. I signed up for a two-day course that required four dives to become certified. At first, it was nerve-wracking. Breathing…
-
First Impressions of Cebu: A Weekend I Won’t Forget
My first week in Cebu kicked off in a way I didn’t quite expect—but maybe exactly how it was supposed to. I spent the entire weekend out, exploring the nightlife, meeting new people, and fully stepping into the energy of the Philippines. Now, to be honest, I’m not usually a party person. I tend to…
-
Full Circle: Finally Making It to the Philippines
After spending a month in Santo Domingo and then made a quick trip to Texas for a week, it’s time to continue the journey. This next chapter is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time—I’m finally heading to Asia, specifically the Philippines. The Philippines is a place I’ve always wanted to visit.…
-
Living Abroad Reality: When Holidays Hit Different
When you live away from home and travel the world, you start to forget things that you normally wouldn’t—especially holidays. That’s exactly what happened to me this past Friday. After finishing my workout at the gym in the morning, I headed to my usual spot for breakfast, expecting everything to be business as usual. But…
-
Freedom, Discipline, and a Plate of Something New
This week, I decided to actually listen to what people have been telling me. Lately, multiple people have been getting on me about not trying the local food. I always gave the same response: my stomach is sensitive, and why spend money on something I might not even enjoy? But over the last few days,…
Early Exit EXPLORER 