4 Crucial Things to Consider when Planning Travel Itinteraries

Everyone has his or her own reasons why they travel.  Some people travel to experience another culture, some people travel to be alone for awhile, some people want to break free and experience the pleasure in life. No matter how grand or banal your reasons may be, sometimes we forget it when we start planning our trip.  Here are some pitfalls that people forget during their plans.

1.  Remember your reason for travel and align your plans around it. 

Some people stack their itineraries with activities when all they wanted is to find themselves.  Yes experiencing fun things are great but you miss out on the chance on some real deal introspection.  And just because you are trying to find yourself, you would lock yourself in your room.  It is a matter of balancing these activities and making sure you are able to find what you have wanted to find in the trip.

2. After finishing your plan, honestly ask yourself if you are willing to do what you have set out to do.

Sometimes you are not so serious about your plan that you didn't even plan out on how to succeed in it.  You just have a general idea on what you want to happen.  When you're not planning, don't expect to succeed much.  Commit, dedicate and accept what you have set yourself to do.

3.  Think if you are fit enough to do them.

Stop scheduling activities back to back or else you'll find yourself exhausted.  If you are determined to tick out on activities that you want to experience, you have to physically train your body for activities throughout the day.

4. Ask yourself on how to make it extra special.

You don't want to have the same experience like what other people in the blogosphere had.  There are ways and means to up the ante on making moments extra special.  One is by combining 2 things or 3 things that you are planning to do.  For example, if going around in Vietnam and experiencing it at the same time are the main activities you want to have, then why not join a food trip tour that goes around in bikes.  Or if you wish to see aurora borealis in Iceland and also to experience dipping in their white spa, why do them at the same time.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, October 26, 2016

3 Smart Ways to Pack for Travel

I always pack light and I pack what's needed.  

On the other hand, my friend doesn't.  One time, she brought 3 big bags full of clothes with her for our trip to Bangkok.  I was surprised she didn't bring her closet. Good thing I've taught her a thing or 2 on packing.  This post is what I told her and more.  These are my smart tips on how I I pack for my travels.

First is the obvious and that is I take notice on the culture and the climate of the place.  If you'll be visiting during winter season, throw in some gloves, jackets, cover ups and what not.  But if during summer, use cotton tops, or any clothes that's made of light materials.  I don't really bring jeans with me when I travel. It's just too bulky to pack.  That's just my preference though.

1. I plan per day base on the itinerary 

So if the first day would involve touring around an open field or just visiting museums, I would bring a tank top and shorts (if it's allowed), or any cotton top and leggings or a full dress.  If it involves going to the beach, of course bring in the extra towels, the mats, etc.  Aside from clothes, I plan the toiletries, documents, food, snacks, tools, essentials that's needed for the day.  Once day 1 is done, I move on to the next day.  This is what I do so that I don't get to miss out on anything.

- when planning I make sure I don't wear the same style of clothes on consecutive days.  Let's say I packed a top and shorts for the 2nd day, the next day I'll wear a floral dress.  Also I plan it depending on where I'll go.  When I went to visit historical museums and heritage houses with my family, I wore a vintage style dress to be ''one" with the place.  I'm dramatic like that.

- I also bring an extra smaller sling bag with me that I could use everyday to carry my passport, cp, make up, and wallet.

-Here's my rule of thumb.  I use sleepwear twice.  So if I have to spend 4 nights.  I'll bring 2 sleepwears.  I prefer to bring slip ons or dress so it's just 1 piece.  Also I bring 2 extra tops especially if I'll be doing an activity that I may sweat.  The sleepwear1 would be placed under set of clothes1, sleepwear 2, would be under set of clothes2.  I don't like wearing the same sleepwears on 2 consecutive nights.  Again this is just my preference.

- when wearing a closed shoes, don't forget to bring 3 pairs of socks.

2. When I'm set to pack, Í strategically group together pieces so its easier to get.

I fold a clothes for the day with underwear in it already.  I put things in compartments and organizers.

 3.  Strategically place the clothes in order of usage.

I place the set of clothes that I'll be wearing for the last day, at the bottom of the bag, and the last, which would be on top will be for the clothes on the second/first day.  If you're using a luggage, you could arrange it from right to left, or left to right.  The towels, extra clothes, and sash right beside the set of clothes for the itinerary. The slippers,  toiletries are placed on the sides, with its own compartments or bag. Chargers and documents I placed in compartments with zippers outside the bag for easy access. Snacks, cp charger, make up bag, glasses, wallet, candy, moisturizer, alcohol, tissue, sash I'll bring with me in carry on bag.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, October 19, 2016

19 Extremely Helpful Things to Know before going to Hongkong

1.  Don't bring a lot of clothes  

Buy it there instead.  There are plenty of great deals out that you might not be able to resist.  Go to Mongkok and you'll understand why.

2.  Know what you want to experience and focus on those instead of ticking all items and squeezing everything in the itinerary  

What will happen is you'll the end up not following it.  You'll miss out on the better stuff and got the ones you never really truly enjoyed.

3. When in the escalator, stay on the right side when you are not in a hurry, the left side is for those who are. 

This is not the thing in the Philippines so when I was there I was scolded by a local because I was blocking her way as she was wanting to pass through.  There's a sign on there, but I never get to notice it much before the incident.  As a fast learner, I was able to comply thereafter.

4. Boots are great, but it's better to have a shoe wear that are comfortable.  

Looking good is important but you'll realize in the end that it'll not going to be fun after awhile of walking on it.  Do try to choose slippers or shoes which have cushion at the bottom.  Comfort reigns supreme.  And when wearing some type of shoes, don't forget to wear socks.

5. You'll not be figuring out the train system at first, and maybe even on the 2nd day.  

You'll get by soon enough, don't worry.  What makes it confusing is that there are too many people passing in different directions and there are too many signage to follow that it's easy to get confused.

6. There are things you could enjoy for free, but make sure you've got yourself covered on the miscellaneous expenses. 

In my other posts I have enumerated things that you could do for free.  I didn't even bother putting everything on there as I may just overwhelm you (as if 19 things is not enough).  A smart traveler always bring extra money, just in case.

7. In fastfood chains, throw your trash at the garbage and place it neatly on top of the stacked trays.

It was just on my second trip to McDonalds that I was able to catch up on this.  I was with a fellow filipina on my first one.  Since I was too preoccupied chatting with her, I wasn't able to dispose my leftovers and left it behind on the table.  On my second trip though, I was alone so I became observant and noticed locals, some expats and tourists cleaning up their trays and stacking it up with the rest.

8.  Know your eating etiquette.  

You might be traveling alone, eating with locals or just eating with a friend, it doesn't matter, you have to do what the Romans do.  You have to adjust accordingly so as not to offend anybody around you. Here are some tips here.

9. Just because Hongkong is a safe place it doesn't mean that you throw all the cautions out of the window.  

I've read that there are still some crimes happening. So precautionary ways should still be followed like not going to seedy places at night especially when alone.

10. Hongkong is small, but it doesn't mean you can already go around everywhere in one day. 

It's too diverse to be only enjoyed for 1 day.  There are the beaches and the hills, the fishermen village and the skyscrapers, the buzz during daytime and the craziness and awesomeness at night time.  It has plenty of experiences to offer.  Surely you can't fit it in a day.

11. It's easy to find your way around the streets as they are labeled properly.  

But if for some reason you get lost, you can always ask someone, preferably hotel staff, store staff etc.

12.Be aware of the scams happening.  

There are currency exchange staff and taxi drivers who could rip you off.  Just be wary.

13. Gentle hand shakes when meeting someone new.  

Remember gentle.  In business, a firm handshake is advised as it means confidence, but we should set that aside for other days, that and patting, hugging, pointing with fingers or mouth.  When pointing, point with your hand instead.  Check here for more info.

14. Don't forget to bring the essentials.  

During the colder season, don't forget to bring chapstick or else your lips would be cracking from the cold, if it's summer season, bring sunscreen.

15. Purchase your octopus card.  

It's pretty much essential to have one.  So don't be surprised that another travel blogger is preaching about this again.

16.  Hongkong is slowly becoming the Dubai of Asia. 

It has the tallest hotel (Ritz Carlton) and the biggest floating restaurant (Jumbo Kingdom) in the WORLD.  It also has the world's largest permanent Light and Sound show , the world's biggest clock and watch fair, and is now building the World's biggest Gold vault and trading hub.

17. There are free walking tours that you can choose from.

This was something I wasn't able to take advantage of.  Here are the options available: hk free walk , freetour and the hongkong free tours.

18. You might be approached by people randomly and may try to be friends with you. 

Be careful, they may be up to no good.  I was approached too many times by Indian nationals in many places I've went to.  Best to be friends with people in your guesthouse instead.

19.  Public toilets are open 24 hours.

These are cleaned every two days.

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, October 13, 2016

15 Awesome Things You Could Enjoy in Hongkong for FREE

If you are planning to visit Hongkong, and you want to enjoy it the best way you for free, then you have come to the right place.

First things first

Go to Visitor's station.  It's a kiosk in the airport where there are a lot of tourist maps for the taking.  Get one for free and there will be tourism staff who could recommend you of some places for you to check out.  There you'll see all the things you could do during your stay.  Please don't miss out on this as it became very helpful for me. I believe that there are some Visitor's stations in major landmarks in Hongkong since I spotted one in Sky Peak although I got my copy at the airport.  You could book tours with them.  Some are free and some aren't.  You could find them at the airport in the address below:

Address:Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island

Opening hours: 8am-9pm daily

1. Dr &Mrs Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine 

You need to book your tour in advance at Visitor's Station.  As far as I know, there are no tours given English (only Chinese), but if you don't mind that then good.

Chinese Museum

2.  Flag Raising Ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square

This happens from 7:50 to 8:05 am.  If you're curious to see anything of this sort.  You might want to check it.

3. Symphony of lights

You could find this in Kowloon along Harbour bay.  Scheduled to start at 8pm, try to look for a nice location since a flock of tourists will be there as well to enjoy it.

Symphony of Lights

4. Tai Chi class at Sculpture court in front of the Hong Kong Museum

Go there around 8am so you could experience everything from the start.  It's available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and it's said to last for 4 hours.

5. Street performance

There are street performances in Mongkok area.  If you get lucky you could get to witness them for yourself.  Street performances could range from Kung fu and jazz performances.

street performers

6. Old and New HK walk tour

Before you do this you have to have a background on each landmark for you to appreciate it more.  I suggest you walk closest to the buildings than the street as people don't like you blocking their way.  They like to walk fast here, I don't know why.  What I did is copy the itinerary for walk tours and just did it myself.

7.  Sai Kung Beach 

I've heard a lot of housemates recommending me to go there.  As a solo female traveler, it seems an odd location to visit.  I don't know, it makes me feel sad thinking about me sitting in the sand and just staring at the sea.  It's such a melodramatic sight.  But if it's your thing then go right ahead.

Sai Kung Beach, Hongkong

8. Fishermen village

Going here costs a bit but when you're already there, you would get to see the other side of HK.  It's a totally different and low key environment.  

Tai O Fishermen Village at Lantau Island

9.  Witness the party area of HK at Lan Kwai Fong

See bottles everywhere, and people getting drunk.  It's exhilarating and interesting.  Best to enjoy it with new friends and party the night away.  As for my company, we just passed by there, took a selfie and drank some place where it's peaceful.

Party at Lan Kai Fong

10.  Flower, fish, ladies and bird market  

You can access all these in one walkin
g tour.  Start at King Edward MTR station, go through these markets and work your way out of Kowloon's shopping center.  You may check your guide here.

11. See the Jumbo Kingdom, the world's largest floating restaurant lit at night Aberdeen Harbour

It's the biggest in the world, so why don't you pay a visit, even when you don't plan to get inside.  Just outside would be fine.  Best to enjoy it at night when it's all lit up, smiling at you like a humongous firefly.

Jumbo Kingdom Restaurant

12.Visit Museums  

Here is a list of museums which are free every Wednesday. the Museum of Art, Museum of History, Heritage Museum, Science Museum, Space Museum, Museum of Coastal Defence and the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum. The Flagstaff Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, and a handful of folk museums are free of charge on every day, as are the exhibitions at the Hong Kong Film Archive and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.  For more information do check here.

13. Go to art galleries  

Hongkong has a vast array of art galleries that you could check for free.  Do see the list here.  Each has different open hours so please be mindful of these if you wish to visit any of the galleries.

art gallery in Hongkong

14.Go up the Ritz Carlton and check the magnificent few of HK at night.  

You don't really have to spend a dime to enjoy the view.  But if you want to stay a bit more, then you might have to shell out some money for drinks and what not.  Go up to the 118th floor where the bar is.  Take note, it is the highest in the world. so feast your eyes on some world class scenery. 

Ozone Bar at Ritz Carlton

15. Visit temples, churches, or nunneries

Hongkong has plenty of these spiritual places.  You could get inside, get a feel of the atmosphere and ambiance, or pray if you wish.  But please limit or refrain from taking selfies and photos of the place inside especially when people are praying.  

Man Mo temple

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, October 12, 2016

5 Bisaya Phrases You Might Want To Learn When Traveling to the South

Source

I feel that it's important to just share to you some Bisaya phrases that could be useful for any travelers who want to travel a Bisaya-speaking destination.  This need, I noticed when my Tagalog-speaking brother-in-law had a business trip in Cebu.  He coyly mentioned that he was able to go around the city, thanks to my sister who taught her a few bisaya lines.

''Dili para", he said.

Me my sister and brother bursted out laughing.  The 3 of us knew that it means the opposite of what he was trying to say, since ''dili' in Bisaya is no or don't.

For Tagalog-speaking individuals, don't fret because Bisaya people can understand Tagalog, of course.  It's just that maybe sometimes you would like to speak their language out of the fun of it.

So here are 5 phrases that for me, a Davao-bred and raised filipino, think are important.

1. Lugar lang.  For tagalog, it translates to 'Para lang'

 It means that you want to be dropped off.  It's very useful when riding a jeepney.

2.  Pila ni means how much is this

I think it's very important when you're doing souvenir shopping.

3.  Day/Miga (younger lady), Dong/Migo (younger boy), Nang (older lady), Nong (older man), La (elderly lady), Tay/Lo (elderly man)

In the Tagalog region, people address each other by ate/kuya  for younger or maám/sir for older female and male, Nay (elderly lady), Tay (elderly man).   You might feel the need to use these references especially when talking to locals.  Like I said, it's not needed.  But at least you know just in case you feel like using them.

4. Asa ang ---? which means where is ----?  

If you're lost or you want direction you can use the phrase.

5. Maayong buntag (good morning), Maayong udto (good afternoon), maayong gabii (good evening)

These phrases are important if you want to greet a local, or your hotel's receptionist or anyone and start a friendly conversation with them or even just drop them this greeting is enough to make them smile and make you feel good.

Publisher: Shy - Saturday, August 27, 2016

6 Filipino Food Foreigners Need To Try

Now if you're ever new to the country, one goal of every traveler is to look into the culture and one good way to do that is through food.  So any traveler would want to try out local delicacies that one cannot find in other places.

If you're new in the Philippines, here are some few local delicacies which you might want to try.  And just like some other delicacies, require acquired taste, but some might just suit your palate.  So here is the list of some filipino dishes I would recommend any foreigner to try.

6 Must-try Filipino Food

1. Adobo

This is the quintessential filipino home dish.  This is the pad thai to Thais, the hotdogs in America, the nabe in Japan.  Now I might not be accurate but I hope you got the point.  Why it won the top spot is that it's not only delicious it is also really easy to make.  This adobo recipe has been around long time ago, and this is the type of filipino food that always almost going to get finished first.

Adobo

2.  Bulad

This is the meal counterpart of durian.  When you prepare it, it smells awful, to some, but for filipinos it's a pleasant smell.  You can never go wrong with bulad and suka, vinegar with lots of garlic and rice.

Bulad

3.  Kare kare

Pork, peanut butter, naming some of the ingredients, it is not a surprised that this is easily a hearty-meal for those who want to indulge in something delightful and sinful at the same time.  Unlike the 2 items above, this one is served in a more special occasion.  So whenever there's kare-kare served, I'm sure many filipinos would take the chance of tasting something they don't get to eat everyday.

Kare kare

4. Kakanin

Kakanin is a collective term for desserts that's base in rice flour.  It's sticky colorful and it is great to eat especially for merienda or snack.

Kakanin

5.  Balot

This is not for the faint-hearted.  Not all filipinos love this but this has become a very popular late night snack especially for drinkers.  What it is is, it's a duck egg several weeks before it reaches maturation.  There are options which you can choose.  For me, I usually go for the eggs with no fetus inside, but for the weird few they'd go for the bigger fetus.  Taste-wise it's not really bad, but what freaks people out is the texture.  Go figure.

Balot

6. Tapsilog

Short for tapa, sinangag at itlog which means, fried marinated beef, fried rice and fried sunny side up egg.  And you by now,  filipinos love our fried food which goes to show that filipinos aren't the healthiest eaters out there.

Tapsilog

Publisher: Shy - Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Batanes Family Trip: Crossing All My Fingers for A Storm-Free Trip

Batanes' Marlboro Hills

This time I had to step up and exhaust all my powers for this trip to push through.  It's been 2 years since we had our last family trip.  Not this year.

Even when this plan ticket is more expensive than what we had previously paid for, we knew it's going to be worth it.  It's my mom's dream destination, it is also mine and I think this also goes for the rest of my brothers and sister.  I couldn't let this promo pass so even when there's a threat of cancellation as it was set at the last week of November, I still went on with it.  Now I'm just praying to the gods that I made the right decision.

I've read from other blogs that it's okay to be going to Batanes in November.  There will be some rain showers but I read that it's really not that bad.  Well I sure wish it to be true.  I hope it is.  There's really no turning back now.  

Previous trips we had, we were quite lucky weather-wise.  For example during our trip in Ilocos, July is known to be the start of the rainy season, and there was a lurking threat that it would pour down hard during our trip.  Luckily we were able to travel with the sun up, and escaped the rain by getting into a tricycle home, when it was about to pour down heavily one night in Vigan.  By then, we were able to go around the place and see calle crisologo at night.  Although it wasn't as thorough as we wanted to, we were already able to take some pics, and were already tired from going around then so we didn't  mind going home earlier.  Also I got lucky during the trip around Cambodia with my friend and brother.  We only had 1 day to go around Angkor Wat and prior that day, it rained heavily.  During our travel day though, the sun was up and was blazing happily all throughout the day.  Let's see if we still have a lucky card to spare for our trip in Batanes. 

I'll be praying and visualizing that everything will go well - that is all I could do for now, really.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, August 03, 2016