Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Go On A Trip, Change Your Life

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01nw.volunteers1Tell me, why do you go on vacations? Is it the thrill of adventure? Is it the idea of getting away from the daily grind and refreshing your body and soul? Or maybe it’s simply because you want to discover new places and meet new people.

Everyone has his own reason for traveling. Near or far, it doesn’t matter. But have you ever thought about going on a trip that will meet those needs above PLUS the added bonus of changing your own life?

We are at the end of another year. If you take the time to look back, will you be happy with what you’ve accomplished in the past 11 months? Maybe, maybe not. I am pretty sure, though, that you will agree with me in saying that you can always do something more to make your existence on this earth more meaningful.

Yes, I am in a pensive mood. This year’s events have led me to this. Each year, I normally go on a New Year’s trip to gear myself up for the new year ahead. This time, I want to go beyond my normal vacation. I want to go on adventure, get some much needed R&R, and also do something life changing.

I understand that for different people, life changing means different things. What I have realized though, is that most of the ideas that I have come up with revolve around giving to others, helping them: volunteering. With all that has happened in the world in the past year, there are so many people who can use our help.

Another option I have in mind is a cultural trip. I am pretty sure there is at least one place that you have not visited that has something to offer in terms of opening your eyes to a whole new way of living. It may not be a volunteering, but it can still change your life.

Do you see what I am getting at? Wanna help me out here? What ideas do you have for a life changing trip?

Photo courtesy of Nola

Take Me To The Philippines

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The Philippines is one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. It has some of the best beaches in the world. If it’s mountains that you’re looking for, they offer some of the best trekking experiences. They also have lakes, nature preserves, and other natural experiences. Of course, the rich culture of the nation cannot be overlooked. And then there’s Filipino food. Last, but not the least, they say you’ve never really experienced real hospitality until you encounter Filipinos.

Last week, the country experienced a natural disaster of immense magnitude. Typhoon Ketsana (Typhoon Ondoy) hit Luzon, the northernmost island, and left billions worth of damage behind. Countless people were affected: hundreds lost their lives, more lost their homes and their belongings. Even today, there are still areas which are waist deep (or even deeper) in water.

Bottom line: the people of the Philippines welcome your aid. They are some of the most hospitable people in the world, and this time, it is them that need care. The Philippine Red Cross has set up a PayPal account to receive donations. Click below if you feel the desire to help out.And don’t believe warnings that the Philippines is not suitable as a travel destination these days. The typhoon wreaked havoc and damage, but it is only temporary. Trust me, we will be back on our feet before you know it.

On another note, I saw a promotional video create by Apl De Ap of Black Eyed Peas – you might not have known it but he is Filipino. Here is the video.

That’s the Filipino spirit.