How to Protect yourself while Traveling

A pleasure travel trip is one of the joyous activity, a vacation holiday alone or with the family is a much-awaited event where you can leave your daily routine life. But unfortunately, there are many reports of crime even in travel destination places.

We need to protect ourselves in public places especially with unfamiliar places during our travel. It is best to research your place of destination before booking. The culture and environment to give you atleast an idea what to expect. Here are some reminders to keep safe:

Protect yourself while traveling

1. Do not leave valuable things inside the hotel.
2. Crowded places such as shopping malls, trains, public big events.
3. Keep your valuables with you.
4. Avoid dangerous places such as isolated streets, restrooms, and other dark places.
5. Be alert with those people around you, leave the area if you suspect anything suspicious. 6. Be careful when cashing out from ATM machines, from foreign exchange places, or banks.
7. Do not let children go alone by themselves roaming around unfamiliar places.

Moving to a New Place?

Moving in a new place is not an easy especially if you lived in your hometown since birth. There is an emotional attachment with the place and the people you grew up with such as your friends and co-workers. Living in a new place can be a sad or exciting experience depending on how you look at the situation. 
If you have moved to a new place, find ways to know more about it and the people. Things at first can be difficult but eventually after a period of adjustment you will be able to learn to love the place. Here are some ideas to cope with the move:

Enjoy your new house, your new room and have fun decorating it. 

Know your neighborhood and the basic places such as the grocery store, church, shopping malls (if there is any), municipal hall, and more.

Make an effort to adjust to the new environment and make it as your new home.

The London Bridge is Falling Down

Remember the song “London bridge is falling down, falling down’. The famous song London Bridge is popularized because of the place London Bridge located at the Central London, England. It is one of the main tourist attraction of the city where many tourists flocked to see it and other attractions such as the London Tower, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Royal Opera House, Big Ben, and many others. 

The London Bridge is also a photographer’s favorite. As I travel to see the London Bridge up close, I took the best shot! 

Exploring Philippines: TPLEX Road for Travelers

TPLEX stands for Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway which is a shorter way by an hour when traveling from Manila to Baguio City and to Ilocos Region. This is good news to travelers which partially opens last December 2014 where they can enjoy and use the saved time for rest or jump to the first itinerary. 

With my recent trip to Ilocos Region, we passed by the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway, SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway), and TPLEX. These expressways were quite boring when you are at the straight road and and you are alone driving, but you can save time, driving effort, avoid traffic, and of course fuel.

Planning your Vacation

If you are planning your vacation, you really have to be in detailed about it.  It can be tiring and you just wish it is your flight date already.  There will be hassles along the way but if you plan it well you will enjoy the trip.  If you are travelling abroad, there are a lot more requirements that preparing for a local one.  Check the country destination and know the checklist for their requirements.  Book your flights months ago to get a good price promo of your chosen airline. 

If you know somebody at your destination, you  may ask for accommodation since it is more costly to pay for hotels and other rental accommodations around.  There are cheap budgeted hotels but it is always a good thing that you have friends sponsoring you.

Create a checklist so that everything will be in place before your flight.

Use of Travel Neck Bag or Wallet

Travel documents are one of the important documents such as passport, credit card, I.D, foreign currency, other important documents. If you are planning to take an international trip, it is advisable that your passport and other travel documents are properly organized. One very essential bag you should have is the travel and neck bag or wallet (some call It pouch). Some travel wallet can be placed around the west or on the neck. If it is your first time traveling on that place, you should be careful with your things and keep it close to your body.

I bought a Marks & Spencer travel neck wallet with functional features and pockets (enough pockets for my cards), durable zipper, and light to carry. When you buy one, go for quality, cheaper ones that has poor zipper or strap may be the reason for the lost of your important belongings. 

Things to do during Holidays

Holidays or having no work are much awaited days for people working in a busy schedule on ordinary days. Those who are employed who are working so hard in regular days with little time to spend with the family and to do some personal errands. Once the holidays starts, here are some ideas to do during holidays:

Travel with the family – an annual travel or quarterly can be planned in advance to maximize the holidays with the family.

Clean the house – a general cleaning of the house is good especially if the Christmas season is approaching. If you cannot manage to clean the whole house, other areas can be accomplished. Clean your own room, kitchen, or living room. What a good feeling after you have finished cleaning the house giving more inspirations to the whole family.

Reunite with old friends – this is an opportunity to invite old friends for a get together. 

Be alone and spend time with yourself in a new environment – Do some retreat and enjoy yourself, the beauty of silence.

Travel Experience: Eating Salmon Salmon in Delft Netherlands

In one of my travels, I was lucky to visited the city of Delft in Netherlands which is located in East of The Hague where I am staying. Delft is an interesting place where famous Dutch painter Vermeer was a native, other attractions includes Botanic Garden, old churches, the Delt Town Hall building has great architecture, museums, the pottery factory, and more. But none of them made me remember about Delft, it is when we had our break from touring the city. We went to a nearby trail of food stalls which sells various sandwhiches and snacks.


My sister who is a resident told me that a fresh salmon sandwhich was great and she highly recommended it to my mother and me. To my curiosity, I said yes to the invitation but when I took the first and second bite I did not like the taste. I manage to eat the whole salmon sandwhich but never will I eat it again.

Sorry I failed to take a photo of the actual sandwhich, the taste was enough for me to remember it.

Gift Ideas for a Traveler

If you are thinking of a gift this Christmas for someone who is a traveler, here are some ideas to start with:

A good book – if you know the person very well, you can give a book within his/her interest. 

Earphones – this is one of the common accessory that a traveler bring during the trip.

Travel wallet – this is important to every traveler. Choose with the good quality so that this can be useful to the recipient of your gift.

Toiletry kit bag or purses for women – a hand bag for toiletries which has multiple pockets 

Portable charger or Plug Adapter – for mobility lifestyle and the plug adapter is useful if the traveler goes to various countries.

Luggage locks – most used during for travelers

Countryside or Urban Living?

Eventhough I was born in the city, I grew up in the countryside place where things are simplier and peaceful. Now that I am already working and living in an urban environment I can see the difference or maybe things are just too simplier then. You almost know all the people in your place, the night is longer where you sleep early, places are much nearer, toys are sometimes improvised, games are more outdoors, and more.

Techonology nowadays has brought a different lifestyle to kids where most of entertainment are digital. Less physical activities such as playing computer games, activities in the newest smartphones, tablets, and more. In an urban life, it has been a fast-paced life where mobility and stress are a way of life.

I cannot say that living in a countryside is better than in urban life. I am happy that I just able to experience both worlds.

Tips for Frequent Travelers

If you are a frequent traveler be it for pleasure or business travel, planning your trip is important so that time and effort can be saved. Hassles and stress can also be avoided if you plan well your travels. Here are some three basic tips for travelers:

1. Have a ready luggage bag where you put your usual things for your travel. Invest in a good luggage which is functional and comfortable to use.

2. Prepare basic clothings with mix and match colors for various occasions such as for party, outdoor activity, casual dress, and more depending in your activities. 

3. Keep your documents such as passport and other pertinent travel documents in-tact, better to put in a travel document holder. 

Summer Cold Refreshing Filipino Drinks and Desserts

In the Philippines, summer is between March to May months. To beat the summer heat, here are some Filipino drinks and dessert quenchers:

Fresh fruit juices such as mango, pineapple, buko (coconut), watermelon, other fruit juices.

Halo – Halo (mix – mix in English) is a favorite dessert and a fantastic quencher for summer. It consists of mixed fruits (banana, jackfruit, macapuno or silky coconut, sweet preserves (leche-flan, ube sweet dessert or purple yam), coconut gelatin, evaporated milk, and shaved ice. To make it more delicious, top it with one or two scoops of your favorite ice cream. Halo-halo is so popular which is commonly available in restaurants and nearby stores in most villages and towns of the country.

Sago Gulaman is a Filipino refreshing drink composed of jellies (gelatin powders), dried tapioca pearls, sweet syrup, shaved ice. 

Travelling with a Limited Budget

Planning an international trip is quite expensive depending in your travel destination. If you are traveling in Europe, this can be costly. Considering the high standard of living cost in key cities in Europe. Here are some tips when you plan to visit Europe:

• Plan ahead atleast 6 months before the travel date. 
• Have a list of important things to do and buy for the trip.
• Make sure you have enough budget for the trip.
• With proper planning you can save a lot since rush purchase of fares are more costly when nearing the travel date.
• Canvass for cheap travel fare packages, discounts or vouchers online or from travel agencies.
• Find local budget accommodations within the area than hotels since most of the time you will be outside for the tour.

Philippines Ilocos Region - Bangui Windmills, Vigan and More

The north Luzon of the Philippines which is the Ilocos Region is worth to visit. An eight to ten drive to the region is quite a long trip, Manila to Ilocos Sur, and another atleast four to five hours to Ilocos Norte. I did not expected that there are many places to visit there. Here’are some of the places you can visit:

The St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church is one of the oldest church in the Philippines
Bangui Windmills
Kapurpuran Rock Formation is for nature lovers, it is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte 
Vigan City, seven wonders of the world
Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Lapaz Sand Dunes
Malacanang of the North
Marcos Museum and Maosoleum

Travel Europe: Visit Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the busiest tourist place in Central London. Throughout the year, tourists flocked to the tower and be able to have a chance to glimpse the exhibits. Discover the historical importance of the tower and learn about the past of England. You can find the British Crown Jewels from the 14th century, the Medieval Palace was the residence of previous kings and queens (see their old rooms), the architectural grandeur and beauty of the palace. Among others are the White Tower, Tower Green, the Wall Walk and more.

If you will be visiting London, do not miss the Tower of London. There is an entrance fee for adults and kids.

See Tower of London from UNESCO World Heritage Website

Accommodations in Trafalgar Square - London

The Trafalgar Square in central London is one of the busiest public space where tourist come and go. This is one of the landmark in London and events are also being held there from time to time. One can just sit on the bench and rest after touring around. 

If you are a traveler in London, it would nice if you can stay at the nearby hotels so it would be more accessible to various tourist destinations but this can be very costly. If you are in a tight budget, you can have some apartment instead instead of staying in a hotel. Going in group can also share in accommodation.

Hotels and other accommodations around Trafalgar Square:
The Trafalgar Hotel
Corinthia Hotel
Citadines Trafalgar Square Apartments
Broad Court Apartments
Covent Garden Studio Apartment

There are other cheap accommodations you can find, just plan it advance and really search for a good deal for your stay.

Stonehenge, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stonehenge in Salisbury plain, England is world heritage site with almost 5,000 years prehistoric origin. The stones are formed and stand by prehistoric people with bare hands where machines were not available that time. Stonehenge is also one of Photographers favorite. An early morning trip or sunset trip is good so you can have a great capture of the site. The tour comes with an audio information guide so travelers can appreciate more of it.

                                            
Going to the Stonehenge was such an experience, I remember when I got home I saw the Stonehenge image from the PC windows default wallpaper. I am happy with some of the photos I took, now I have a desktop wallpaper personally with my own experience.

Using Ziplock Bags

Ziplock bags are transparent plastic bags are multifunction bags you can use for home or travel time. It is very handy to use to get organize. Here are some of the benefits and uses of ziplock bags:

Use in the kitchen for food segregation, it would keep the food fresh.

Use as a cold compress bag filled with ice cubes.

Airport security checks on bags prefer a transparent organizers so that they can easily see your things.

Bigger ziplocks are used to organize clothings, close them tight so no air would not eat space. This is good for travelers or if you keep these clothings in storage cabinet. 

Use to organize accessories or jewelries.

Hotel Accommodations in Tagaytay Philippines

If you are planning to visit and stay in Tagaytay on the part of Luzon, Philippines there are number of accommodation you can choose from. Tagaytay is a major tourist destination that is why restaurants and accommodations are many. Here are two accommodations you may consider for your stay: 

Taal Vista Hotel
Enjoy the magnificient view of Taal Volcano from the window of your room. This hotel was one among the oldest hotel in Tagaytay which includes historical events of the country.
Address: Kilometer 60, Aguinaldo Highway Tagaytay 
Website: www.taalvistahotel.com

Sonya’s Garden Bed and Breakfast Hotel 
This is recommended for couples who want to escape the noise of the city or a wedding reception or honeymoon getaway, they can enjoy the silence of the place with its aromatic fragrance in the air, enjoy the beautiful garden with various flowers and herbs, find solitude on each room with its intricate interior designs, there are also activity lessons such as cooking, gardening, flower arrangements, and more. 
At the entrance, an in-house freshly baked breads are available at their bakeshop store. 

Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite
Website: sonyasgarden.com/

Places to Visit in Tagaytay City Philippines

Here are some of the places you can visit  in Tagaytay:

SkyRanch Park – try the zip line for the first time


People’s Park in the Sky – If you enjoy an high-altitude experience this place is perfect for you. Be ready with a steep road to climb going up while the fog is around.

Sonya’s Garden (Bed and Breakfast Hotel) 

Leslie’s Restaurant – a favorite stop by restaurant for tourists. A large restaurant offering Filipino dishes with a live entertainment with your requested song. Overlooking the Taal Volcano, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Taal Volcano. 

Our Lady of Manaog at Tierra de Maria Chapel – find peace and solitude on this place, a 50ft statue of the Virgin Mary is on top of the chapel. 

If you are visiting Manila, take a side trip to Tagaytay there is a lot more to discover on this place.