Burma Travel Tips

Kalaw - Inle Lake Trek

Most backpackers who travel in Southeast Asia do not include Burma in their itinerary. It’s considered to be relatively more expensive, dangerous because of the political climate, too much of a ‘hassle’, and technologically isolated. 

But this is exactly what made Burma so interesting for me. I’ve always tried to give countries like this a chance. People said India and Nepal are not safe places to go to but I had a safe and great time traveling in them for two months. 

I wanted to see and experience Burma for myself. I stayed there for 17 days, I wanted to stay longer if not for the food sickness I experienced twice. But Burma has been worth all the ‘hassles’. I found it gave me such a memorable and unique travel experience.

What's Next After Living Out Your Dream?

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Dec '11

Photo by Anthony

I was recently invited to give a talk on traveling and career break by Tara Let’s Go Asia. Tara Let’s Go Asia’s goal is to encourage people (especially professionals) to include travel in their lifestyle. One of their maiden events was to bring together these people to hear speakers share their experiences and tips on how to make more money and save up for travels, and how they were able to do their own career breaks. One of the speakers was my good friend Paul of WalkFlyPinoy who I travelled with for two months on my Big Trip, and has long since lived on the road pursuing his love for travel, travel photography and writing. He told the organizers of Tara Let’s Go Asia about me and how I was able to ‘reintegrate’ myself back in the corporate world. After a few weeks of convincing, I said yes. 

My Top Travel Books (Part 1)

A few months before the Big Trip, Lois of the WeAreSoleSisters sent us an email on assisting us in starting/beefing up our travel funds via a garage sale. I had a few old clothes and shoes to sell, but selling my old books have been a hard decision to make. Now, in retrospect, I think it was a very good decision, as it made room for new inspiring and eye-opening books. 

Basic Information on Nepal Teahouse Trekking

Trekking in Nepal, in the Himalayas, has been one of the most memorable travel and life experiences I've ever had. Let me borrow the words of the writer of the Lonely Planet guidebook:

“Many of the joys of trekking are intangible. Most people enjoy the peace and settling of the mind that the rhythm of a long trek can bring. You’ll have time to think, to breathe the mountain air and enjoy the sense of feeling fitter and stronger as each day passes. A highlight may be enjoying a section of trail to yourself in the silent early-morning light, surrounded by glorious mountain peaks, or simply sitting in a sunny lodge garden sipping sweet milky tea, reading that Dostoyevsky novel you’ve never had time for. On a trek, the stripped down simple pleasures of life comes to the fore. “ 
 – Lonely Planet : Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya, 9th edition

You will understand how each and every detail of this is true after trekking in Nepal. Many people have a misconception that trekking in Nepal is dangerous, hard, and expensive. Yes, it is hard and can be dangerous, but with enough planning and preparation, you'll be fine. And it is worth it, it's definitely worth it. ;)

Hope the information below can convince you to give it a try, and help you in your planning stage!

The Day I Finally Quit my Job

2009 Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Quote from an Ad on the 2008 Beijing Olympics

The past few weeks in the office have been relatively busy. In fact, I even closed a deal on that same day. So I really didn't feel like it was my last day. It's either that or I was just in denial. 

Big Trip Preparations : Hoping to Learn the Art of Packing Light

Packing light? It's not easy. I had to practice three times. Now why do I have to pressure myself into packing light aside from its practicality? It's because I have a relatively small bag compared to what most backpackers bring:

LUGGAGE

These two bags are going to be my best friends for the next three months.

- Deuter ACT Lite 35+10SL bag which i bought before the Big Trip idea even came up. I love the shoulder straps and back system, and the bag's especially made for women. :)

Big Trip Preparations: Updates and Moving Out

Countdown: 16 days before the Big Trip; 12 days before I move out of my place.

As you’ve all noticed, I haven’t been posting much on my blog lately. Work has been keeping me busy, I still don’t feel like I’m about to resign. I’ve also been attending friends’ events which have been occupying my weekends. I’ve also crossed-out certain items in my to-do list for the Big Trip. And overwhelmed by the fact that I’m officially moving out of Manila in less than two weeks. Yes, I’m giving up my apartment.

A Few Tips to Downsize your Lifestyle to Save Up for the Big Trip

Thinking of going on your own Big Trip? Or saving up for something you’ve always wanted to do? It may be going on a major trip, taking a career break, going to graduate school, or just something that you really want to do. Does the cost of doing it a little bit overwhelming? 

When I was starting to plan for the Big Trip I realized that I had to do something more than just setting aside part of my salary. I knew that in order to meet my target of celebrating my 26th birthday on the road, I had to change something with my lifestyle. I had to downsize it and make some adjustments. 

And here some of the things I did to downsize my lifestyle in order to save up for the Big Trip. Read on and I hope they can help you too. 

1. Write down your typical day, week, or month. Identify the activities or expenses that you think you can adjust, or lessen, or even do without. 

My list included items related to activities done with close friends - going out to watch movies, semi-fancy dinners, cab rides, and hanging out at coffee shops. I know it’s fun hanging out with friends and such moments are priceless. But maybe you can lessen them or go to cheaper places. But the best thing to do is to explain to your friends your plans and tell them that you’re saving up for something really important. Because they love you, they will understand and even adjust with you. My friends did and I love them more for it. (Calling out to my superfriends, I love you and thank you!) 

The hardest for me was not going to our weekend flag football games because I really love the sport and my teammates. And I’ve always considered it as an activity to break my monotonous workweek. But eventually I discovered that it was taking up a big chunk of my weekly expenses since it’s located at the opposite side of Metro Manila. And an after-game dinner normally leads to drinks/coffee afterwards. It was hard but I knew that I had to take a break from it for the Big Trip. 

2. Bring out those books/dvds that you bought but never read/watched. 

Since most of your nights/weekends will now be vacant, maybe it’s time to check those books you haven’t finished reading yet. You lessen your expenses and learn new things. Reading good books is always good for you. 

3. Tone down your spontaneity temporarily. 

I’d like to think that I’m a very spontaneous person especially when it comes to traveling. I used to often say yes to travel invites. I even plan them or even come up with the idea. Always waiting for the seat-sale and grabbing it - the ‘book now, plan later’ type of traveling. Which for the most part rattles up my savings and attempts of being a smart spender. 

But I knew that in order to save up for the Big Trip, I had to say no to travel invites especially the spontaneous ones. Even if it meant getting so envious when my friends upload their travel photos in Facebook or talk about it when we’re all together. I just constantly remind myself that I have to forego certain travels for a major one. 

This is also applicable to spontaneous movie/dinner invites. If you know that you’ve reached your ‘lakwatsa budget’ for the week/month, just say no to the invites. 

Believe me it’s going to be quite hard at the start. Again, especially if you’re the travel addict type. ;) But you’ll eventually learn to adjust and say no without thinking twice. 

4. Take the metro or other modes of public transportation. 

This way you’ll get to save on gas if you have a car, or refrain from paying so much when riding a cab. People-watching can be fun sometimes. ;) 

And it’s also a way to prepare for your trip especially if it’s in Southeast Asia or India – think of the cramped buses and trains you will have to endure. I believe that using public transportation is one of the best teachers of patience. You get to spend less and be a better person. ;) 

5. Try to stay away from coffee shops. 

Yes, I’m talking about those frappucinos and lattes. Come on, admit it. They are expensive. So stick to the instant coffees. ;) 

6. Get out of the mall as soon as you’re done with the things you needed to buy. 

Try to go the mall only when you have something important to buy. And if you feel the urge to window shop (which we all know will eventually lead to impulsive buying), stop yourself and get out of the mall as soon as possible. Yes, you can find that will power inside of you. ;) 

7. Always think twice when buying something. 

Yes, I know sometimes it’s quite hard to not go to the mall when there’s a sale. Or buy that dress or shoes that you think will look good on you. Whenever you encounter this kind of dilemmas, think twice first. Ask yourself ‘Do I really need it? Do I need it for the trip?’ If your answer is no, then don’t buy it. Or… 

8. Think of prices (of food, bags, shoes, drinks) in terms of plane/bus tickets or an overnight stay in a hostel.  

I personally find this tip very helpful and effective. I know it’s a little bit extreme but it worked for me. So what I do is whenever I’m tempted to buy something or eat somewhere fancy, I think of the bus fares/plane tickets (or any travel-related expenses) I can buy with that amount of money. I put things into perspective. Try it, it may work for you. ;) 

These are some of the things I did to downsize my lifestyle to save up for the Big Trip. But most importantly you should really want whatever it is that you’re saving up for. Because if you do, the will power, discipline, and focus will come naturally. There will be backslides ahead but you’ll always find yourself back on track. But if you do encounter challenges along the way, just be patient with yourself. And remind yourself that you’re doing it for something important and worthy of sacrificing your social life. Yes, sometimes it will come to that point. But remember that it’s only temporary. You’ll get to reap all the benefits soon enough. You can do it. ;) 

Did you find these tips helpful? What are the things you did to down-size your lifestyle in order to save up for something you’ve always wanted to do?

Posted on : September 11, 2011




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NEW BLOG!

Hey everyone! I'm moving to a new blog address : www.angelicacruzph.com

Same content but with some changes in design and layout. I'll still be keeping this one but will begin posting new stuff in the new blog. See you there!

You can still find me at the following:

Instagram

Flickr

Exposure

Email : anggetravels.blog@gmail.com

Indian Visa Application for Pinoys

Although there is already a Tourist Visa-on-Arrival for Filipinos who are traveling to India, I just thought that it would be better to get it here. The process is pretty easy and the people there are really nice and helpful, as opposed to some of the forums I read. And as with any visa application, it is best to:

(1) Be PREPARED
(2) Be EARLY
(3) Read the requirements and guidelines CAREFULLY
(4) NEVER ASSUME that your interpretation of the requirements is correct.

The Day I Told my Parents about the Big Trip

The day has come for me to tell my parents that I just quit my job (because I wanted to make my life better) and that I will be traveling for a few months. And it happened during the long weekend. Baguio City was being hit by a storm and the power was out (you can just imagine the mood of that evening.haha), I had a choice on whether to wait another day or just tell them right then and there. I chose the latter, so I just went on and told them about it.

A few insights on Travel Photography

Discovering my love for travel has introduced me to the wonderful world of photography. Being surrounded by wonderful places and people has unearthed in me the need to capture them in photos – either to share them to encourage other people to travel or just to have something to remember my travels by.

Three years of consistent traveling has taught me a few important things about travel photography and photography in general.

Let me just say beforehand that you will not find here tips on travel photography. Rather you will find here my insights on travel photography and the few important things I keep in mind when traveling and taking photos. I’d like to think that I am a traveler first before a photographer.


Having a high-level or complex camera doesn’t necessarily translate to producing great photos.

I bought my DSLR back in 2008. I didn’t have enough money for a more complex camera, so I just bought the most basic of all which is the NikonD40. Three years and counting, I still haven’t had the urge to buy a higher level of camera.

For one, I’ve never been really the technical type of photographer. I know the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. But I’m not really the type who has the standard combinations of the three in mind when taking photos. I just use the manual setting and experiment on it until I find the best photo.

Second, I’ve always believed that great photos are made of good subjects more than the technical aspects of it. That being said, producing great photos rely mostly on the eye of the photographer.


Travel photography is a function of skill and luck.

It’s mostly working around things and factors that are out of your control. Mother Nature can sometimes work against you.

When we did the Mt. Pulag trek early this year, it rained for the most part of our trip. It was foggy and with almost zero visibility. We weren’t lucky enough to be given the chance to see the famous ‘sea of clouds’ up in the Summit. What dampened our mood more is the fact that the other three weekends during that month was sunny and clear.

Despite the fact that you were very much prepared and you had all the camera gears and accessories with you, you will never always get you want.

But sometimes Mother Nature can be very generous.

"I have witnessed incredible moments, where the light, the mountains, the oceans and the wind all meet together so I can take their picture. It has become my obsession to experience the world and a passion to capture and share it." Andre Dupuis, departures.

I call it the ‘everything in place’ moment – the right moment when everything seems to be in harmony and is calling out to you to capture it. And I credit most of these moments to luck.

Good Morning, Caramoan . :)
Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Laid-back Sunday
Puerto Princesa, Palawan

A very useful tip: One of my favorite techniques is taking photos where the sun is hidden behind a rock, a tree, a cloud, or any structure. This technique minimizes overexposure and spreads the light from the sun, and creates a dramatic effect. ;)

Coron Sunset
Malcapuya Island, Coron

The Tree of Life
Ta Prohm, Cambodia

Travel photography is at its best when you have balance.

Do you sometimes feel frustrated while traveling when you can't seem to produce good photos? This happens to me sometimes because I focus too much on looking for good subjects.

What I normally do during these circumstances is to relax and familiarize myself first with my surroundings and just enjoy traveling. Eventually I just find myself clicking away and producing good photos. This way you get to enjoy travel and produce good photos at the same time.

Blue Paradise
Bulog Island, Coron

Your photos should capture the soul of the place you’re in.

Aside from the beautiful scenery or landscape, you can also create great travel photos of the people and how they are in harmony with their surroundings. You have to immerse yourself in what’s present and what’s happening without altering any of it. You have to be focused and just wait for the right moment and capture it.

A typical Filipino Sunday. People going to church, kids buying balloons.
Basilica de. Sto Nino, Cebu City

Siesta - a Spanish/Filipino word for a short nap taken in the early afternoon.
Magellan’s Cross, Cebu

Children and random people are really good subjects.

We encounter various types of people in our travels. They may be just a by-stander, a beggar, or a child. But they somehow touch you in a way. Children are my favorite subjects. They willingly pose and smile for your camera.

Bantayan Kid
Bantayan Island, Cebu

Blind Man

Fort San Pedro, Cebu City

Monks in Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Old and New

Macau

Awareness is key.

You will never be fully prepared for beautiful moments. So a little bit of keen awareness can be very helpful. I guess you just know it when you see it. You just know that it’s a beautiful moment and you must take advantage of that moment.

Toy Balloons

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Father and Son

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Sky Diving

14th Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

‘One of the most important rules of photography is to always keep in mind that you’re an amateur. Keep the innocence when you’re taking photos.’

This was shared to me by Ben Razon, a renowned photojournalist in the Philippines. As with any craft, hobby, or sport, there should always be room for improvement and learning. It is a continuous process.



These are some of the few important things I always try to keep in mind when traveling and taking photos.

But most importantly, just go with the flow. Travel (and) Photography should not be rigid. Just enjoy the place you're in and the people around you. It may be sunny or rainy, you may arrive late for the perfect sunset. Whatever happens, just enjoy the moment.

Photos capture beautiful moments. But beautiful moments, more than anything, should be experienced. ;)

Posted on : July 26, 2011


--------------------------------------------------------------

NEW BLOG!

Hey everyone! I'm moving to a new blog address : www.angelicacruzph.com

Same content but with some changes in design and layout. I'll still be keeping this one but will begin posting new stuff in the new blog. See you there!

You can still find me at the following:

Instagram

Flickr

Exposure

Email : anggetravels.blog@gmail.com

The Big Trip: Rough Itinerary

Photos from various Flickr users

Conan O'Brien - inspired Realizations

“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound re-invention.”

- Conan O’Brien, Dartmouth Class of 2011 Commencement Speech

The Big Trip

Source: various Flickr users

Collage: via Photovisi

What's the Big Trip?

Travel through India, Nepal, and hopefully China/Thailand/Vietnam/Laos from mid-October to December. Go back here for the holidays. And if I still have money left, travel again.

Travel Love : 365q and Finding Happiness

Source: 365q

Are you feeling some sort of pain right now? That's right. That's what I felt too when I first saw this picture.

Travel Love : A Map for Saturday

A Map for Saturday is a documentary created by Brook Silva-Braga. It gives us an idea of the modern backpacking world. Both the hassles and wonders of backpacking and especially of travelling alone.

Travel Love : departures.

I stumbled upon this travel show in Nat Geo, Departures: Thailand. It showcases the travel experiences of three twenty-something guys, Scott and Justin, and cameraman Andre Dupuis.

The premise is that Scott and Andre used to work for a travel show but they felt like the end product did not represent the real experiences of travelers, including both the wonderful and the hassles. So they pooled the money they have and Scott called-up his good friend Justin to join them. Scott and Justin have been friends since childhood but lost contact right after college. Scott concentrated on working on music and arts; while Justin went to the US and was working for an engineering company. All of them left their comfort zones and sacrificed certain things and went into a journey to experience the world.