Travel Reflections


It’s the Journey, Not Just the Destination

"A good traveler has no fixed plan and is not intent on arriving."
-Lao Tzu

walking on Bulog Dos sandbar, Coron

It has often been said that the journey is just as important, if not more important, than the destination. We oftentimes get so focused on our travel destination that we ignore the experience of getting there which can be a fulfilling adventure in itself. In many ways travel forces us to leave the comfort zone of our existing home, culture and relationships to a place that is unfamiliar and uncertain. Along the way we might probably encounter unexpected inconveniences, difficulties and obstacles. How we react to these can very well determine whether we end up enjoying a trip or dismissing it as a disaster. An overbearing desire for comfort can often hinder us from experiencing the richness of an adventure and learning something valuable in the process. But keeping our wits about us and learning to reflect on even the adversities we go through along the way can make for a truly rich adventure experience.

Puting Buhangin (or Lukang Beach) in Pagbilao, Quezon

During a trip to the fishing village of Pundaquit in San Antonio, Zambales, we were looking for a resort when the car suddenly bogged down in soft sand. Our attempts to get out only worsened our situation as the car sank even deeper. Two cars passing by stopped and tried to help us. Another guy came over with metal planks. It took all of us about an hour but we finally got the car unstuck as everyone cheered.

the fishing village of Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

We were too dirty and tired after that encounter and almost thought about calling it quits and getting back home but as we reflected on that experience later that night we realized this was one of the things we appreciate about fellow Filipinos – the bayanihan spirit. It gave us a lot of comfort that total strangers would often go out of their way to assist you when you desperately needed help. That experience made this particular trip richer than it normally would have been.

disembarking at Banol Beach, Coron, Palawan

In this section we’d like to share with you some of our reflections and learning experiences from years of traveling and interacting with different people and cultures. Join us as we continue on our journey and maybe you’d like to share some of your thoughts as well.

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shoestring travelers Leo and Nina
Matukad Island, Caramoan
Subic beach, Matnog, Sorsogon
entrance to Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan
Sandugan Beach sunset, Siquijor
Bay-yo Rice Terraces ,Bontoc
Zambales coast
Higatangan Island, Biliran
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