Reviews

The Newbie Traveler

I have never really understood the value of travelling until I got married and started homeschooling my eldest son. As a child, my parents barely took us outside of Manila. The only traveling we’ve done, really, was going back and forth their hometowns in Batangas and joining other families from our church in beach get-togethers during summers.

Back then, I only dreamed about going to Tokyo Disneyland which was such a hit to my classmates whose folks took them there for trips on school breaks, and Alaska, because I so wanted to see snow and Igloos, and thought that Eskimos must be the raddest people on earth, haha!

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The ignorant traveler

But as a teenager, I lost interest in traveling because at that time, I hated posing for pictures and didn’t quite understand the big deal about having your photo taken beside buildings and mountains. You see, I wasn’t very good with Geography and History in school, so I never really understood why you would want to have a picture with an inanimate object, and that’s what people do when they travel, you know what I mean? Yup, ignoramus to the max, hahaha!

This ignorance bled into my musician years. Our band became affiliated with one of the top brands for beverages and were put on tour, most particularly in areas in Northern Luzon and farther down South.

My band mates used their free hours sightseeing around Vigan and other interesting spots in our destinations, while I cooped myself in the hotel rooms watching reruns of Beverly Hills 90210. No kidding!

And since these trips were sponsored, I’ve not given that much thought on how to arrange accommodations and flights and all that.

Young global trotters

When I had my children and we decided to home school them, I learned that what they say about experience being the best teacher is true.

I would pore over books on different countries and people with my kids but I feel the need to expose them to these cultures and sights for them to truly understand what we’re reading about.

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I love that my kids are excited to see the world and to meet people from different countries. My 7-year old, in particular, recognizes flags of many different countries and have expressed his desire to go to Egypt to see the Nile river which he read was one of the biggest rivers in the world, and China because he wants to see a real Panda.

My eldest, who is technologically-driven, prays that he gets to go to Japan and attend a university there. He also wants to go to Legoland in Malaysia, a trip we’re preparing for. He’s turning 11 and we hope that we get to grant his wish before he turns 13.

Our 5-year old just wants to ride a plane. He’s the only one who didn’t get to go with us to Tacloban before because he wasn’t born yet that time. Among the three, this, I think, is the easiest goal we can accomplish. Find a destination where we will book a flight to get to and affordable, but comfortable accommodations, too.

flight-tacloban

I want this for them. For us. I believe that traveling will broaden their perspectives, help develop in them healthy life mindsets, and will also give us opportunities to meet new people and extend help and compassion to those who need it.

No to traveling overwhelm!

I’ve been contemplating on booking trips via deals sites but I’ve read so many horror stories from those who have done that, including fees that were not included upfront.

I don’t want to experience that.

Then there are sites that offer accommodations separately, which, for a newbie traveler like me, can be so overwhelming.

This is why Traveloka is great, because it is designed to provide travelers with affordable options for both flights and accommodations to destinations all over the world. Aside from the function that allows you to filter your search based on your particular need, you’re also kept updated on the current discounts and promos offered by hotels in different countries.

And the best part, all prices are upfront. Taxes and extra charges are already included, so you won’t have to play a guessing game on how much you really need to spend.

Plus, if you’re like us who are not comfortable about using credit cards, you can choose to do internet banking or bank transfer.

I, on the other hand, have a couple of debit cards that also functions as VISA cards, so we’re all good.

The list of airlines and hotels is endless, from local to international accommodations and domestic and international flights. It just makes me so excited even more to take a trip with my family!

I downloaded the Traveloka app on my iPhone, too, because I want to look around as we plan a trip with the kids for this year. We’re thinking Cebu or Davao. What would you recommend?

10 Comments

  • Que Gavan

    We hope you can come home with us in Bacolod! Or may be travel
    together outside of the country, that will be so memorable for sure. Traveling give me a different kind of happiness ????

    • May De Jesus-Palacpac

      Que! We should talk about Bacolod! We would love to see your beloved hometown and get to know people there too. Kelangan mapaghandaan!

  • Kimberly C.

    I think where ever you end up going, it’ll be a new experience to add to your list. I love traveling and exposing myself and family to new cultures. love exploring new places and foods. Happy travels and keep us posted of what’s to come!

  • Elizabeth O.

    Traveling is an awesome learning experience for kids. I think it’s great that you’re encouraging your kids to travel and that you’re planning for more trips in the future.

  • Liz A

    I love travelling even as a kid. Even a simple joyride around town at night is something I look forward to. I got lucky to have landed a job in a company that sends people abroad and I was one of the luxky employees to have been sent to 3 different countries. The experiences I’ve had is one of the things I can’t wait to share to my son. From the looks of it, I am already raising a little traveller. ???? I am looking forward to more travels with the little boy soon, too ????

  • tauyanm

    Will be cheking out the App! thanks for the infos about it. I was never interest in travelling until i got married and now have a daughter. Goodluck to all the future trips!

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