Top 10 Travel Moments of 2024

2024 has truly been my most well-traveled year yet, filled with a beautiful mosaic of adventures woven together by spontaneity and delightful surprises. Even though some of my trips had a work aspect, they all provided wonderful opportunities to explore off-the-beaten paths, turning side trips into the beautiful highlights of my journeys. In this blog, I’m excited to share the vivid moments that made these travels so special—the unexpected encounters, the stunning views, and the delightful meals that linger on the palate long after the journey concludes. I’ll skip over the not-so-glamorous parts, though: the long airport layovers, the immigration lines, the traffic jams, and those frantic dashes to catch nearly missed flights. While these moments were part of the adventure, they certainly didn’t overshadow the joy of creating beautiful memories. So, let’s dive in together!

Return to Camiguin: A Journey Through Memory and Timeless Beauty

There are places in this world that refuse to change, where time seems to rest its weary head. Camiguin is one of them. Fourteen years ago, I set foot on this small island in the Bohol Sea during a college field trip for an Art and Society class. It was a pilgrimage back then, a young student’s journey to find beauty in simplicity and art in nature. This year, I returned—not as a student, but with office friends, drawn by the promise of nostalgia and the bountiful Lanzones harvest, an irresistible lure for anyone familiar with Camiguin’s golden reputation.

The Kingdom of Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is not a city you merely pass through; it’s a place you absorb, slowly and deliberately, letting each street and scent settle into memory. Arriving here for the first time, I had 48 hours to peel back its layers, an ambitious timeline, perhaps, for a city so deeply rooted in tradition and mystery. Yet, Chiang Mai’s unhurried pace and reverence for detail allowed me to settle in and explore with a rare intimacy in travel.

Autumn in Geneva, Switzerland

When my friends learned I was doing a side trip to Geneva after Madrid, they all said it would be costly. To my defense, I’d always reply, “Why not?”. The truth is Geneva has been on my bucket list since high school. Geneva was a great start to my Switzerland adventure from CERN to the famous Jet d’Eau and the home of Swiss Knife and Patek Philippe. For four days, I explored Geneva and the nearby towns around the lake and got enamored by its beauty, grandeur, and quiet luxury.

Vital Things To Do Before Emigrating To Canada

Are you considering a long or working stay in Canada? Then check out our list of vital things you’ll need to do before you go. 

Get yourself a visa or work permit.

First, you will need a visa or work permit to enter Canada at the border. There are different visas and permits for different purposes, so be sure to get the one for work if you will be working. 

These documents can sometimes take months to arrange and require lots of evidence, so it is best to sort these well ahead of time. Remember, if you do not have the correct documents that allow you to stay/work, you risk being denied entry into the country, deportation, and imprisonment. 

The Beauty of Istanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul - a city that perfectly blends its rich history with modern vibrancy. Walking through the bustling streets, I was immersed in a culture that radiates warmth and hospitality, with every corner offering a glimpse into its storied past—from the majestic Hagia Sophia to the mighty Bosphorus Strait. Yet, amid these historical treasures, modern Istanbul shines with its cafes, vibrant arts scene, and stunning skyline. The juxtaposition of ancient landmarks and contemporary allure makes Istanbul a unique and unforgettable destination that truly lives up to its reputation as a city where the East meets the West.

Exploring Fukuoka: Japan's Underrated City

What cities first come to your mind when you hear Japan? Perhaps Tokyo tops the list, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. Okay, maybe let’s add Nagoya because of Legoland. But Fukuoka was never under the radar for most travelers, and they’re missing a lot. This laidback city on the island of Kyushu seems unassuming, but it has a lot to offer. Today, I am here for five days to explore what Fukuoka has to offer and to discover its charm and uniqueness.

Exploring Puerto Princesa, Palawan For The First Time!

The plane descended, and as the clouds parted, I caught my first glimpse of Puerto Princesa, Palawan—an island I had heard about in passing, yet never visited. I had traveled far and wide, from bustling cities in Europe, Australia, and North America, to tranquil temples in Japan and Korea, yet somehow, I had never set foot in this part of my homeland. The irony wasn’t lost on me as the plane landed; this was my first time in Palawan, despite having been to places half a world away.