Welcome! Let's Talk About Travel (And Why I Can't Stop)

Mabuhay, and welcome to my little corner of the internet where your journey starts taking shape!

If you're here, chances are you love travel as much as I do, or you're at least curious about it. Either way, I'm so glad you've stopped by. Let me introduce myself and tell you what this blog is all about.

How I Became a Travel Advisor (Thanks, Pandemic)

Like many of life's best adventures, my journey as a travel advisor began with a dream and unexpected timing. I'd been wanting to become a travel advisor for years, planning trips for my parents, family friends, and relatives, as well as crafting my own solo journeys. When the pandemic hit in early 2020 and the world hit pause on travel, I saw an opportunity. While others waited for the world to reopen, I dove into training and learning about promoting different travel vendors. It might seem like odd timing to start a travel career when no one could travel, but it was the perfect moment to build my foundation. By the time the world was ready to explore again, I was ready to help them do it.

Now, as I approach my fifth year as a travel advisor, I can honestly say it's been one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. I even earned my Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) certification through CLIA along the way, diving deep into the world of cruising. It's a travel style I've come to absolutely love.

My Love Affair with Travel

My passion for travel started young. I was that kid who got excited about airports, who collected foreign phrases like baseball cards, and who watched travel shows obsessively. I'd look up popular foods in different countries and listen as locals described their favorites as "comforting." That word stuck with me. I wanted to experience what made ramen comforting in Japan, why Wiener schnitzel brought Austrians such joy, or how a simple pasteis de nata could be the highlight of someone's day in Portugal. There was something magical about stepping off a plane into a new city, hearing unfamiliar sounds, and knowing that adventure was waiting around every corner.

Languages fascinated me. Food was my gateway to understanding culture. And cities? Each one was a new story waiting to be read.

But here's what I've learned over the years: travel isn't just about checking boxes or racing through bucket lists. My approach to travel has evolved as I have.

Then vs. Now: How My Travel Style Has Changed

When I was younger, I was all about discovery: new cities, new countries, new experiences as quickly as possible. I wanted to see it all, and I wanted to see it fast.

These days? I've fallen in love with a different kind of travel. I want to linger. I want to imagine what it's like to be a local. I want to spend an afternoon at a neighborhood café, practicing the language with patient waiters and savoring whatever dish the locals consider their comfort food. I want to wander the same market twice, not because I missed something the first time, but because I want to feel like I belong there.

Cruising has become a beautiful part of this evolution. There's something wonderful about the slower pace: waking up in a new port, but returning to the familiar comfort of your ship each evening. It's exploration with a home base, and I've discovered it suits me perfectly.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

So what will you find here? I'm planning to share stories, tips, and destination recommendations organized around specific themes. You'll find:

Travel Tips Tuesday - Practical advice to make your trips smoother and smarter

Wanderlust Wednesday - Destination spotlights and hidden gems that deserve your attention

Travel Talk Thursday - Deeper conversations about travel trends, experiences, and what makes travel so transformative

But here's the thing—I don't just want to talk at you. I want to hear from you, too. One of my favorite things in the world is listening to people share their travel stories. There's something magical about swapping experiences, discovering we've both fallen in love with the same tiny restaurant in Rome, or hearing about a place I've never considered visiting.

That's why you'll find quizzes and questions sprinkled throughout my posts. I genuinely hope you'll reply, comment, and share your own adventures with me. Not only do I love the conversation, but (and I'll admit this is my secret motivation) it helps me understand your travel style and preferences. Because ultimately, I'd love to help you plan your next journey.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your very first big trip, whether you prefer fast-paced adventures or slow immersion in a single destination, I'm here to help turn your travel dreams into reality.

I believe everyone deserves to experience the transformative power of travel: to taste authentic comfort food in a local's favorite spot, to stumble upon unexpected beauty, and to come home with stories that make you smile for years to come.

So explore the blog, enjoy the stories, and when you're ready to start planning your next adventure, head over to my website and click "Start My Journey." Let's create something amazing together.

Here's to the journeys ahead, both yours and mine.

Welcome aboard!

Now it's your turn: What's your favorite travel memory? Drop a comment below—I'd love to hear about it!