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Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?

By Kach Umandap July 9th, 2022 Posted in Inspiration and Love Stories, Travel Blog, Travel Guides 87 Comments

Career or Travel? Why Not Both

(Note: This article was written last October 2014, we’re slowly changing our lifestyle from monkey backpackers to luxury travelers after we decided to become full-time travel bloggers in 2015. Yipee! Follow my LIVE adventures and message me on Instagram Stories  – 2monkeystravel )

Anyone in their early-to-mid 20shas at some point reached a crossroads where they have had to decide which direction their life is heading in. For some this is easy; they have a clear set of goals and objectives and they know exactly how they are going to achieve them. Go to university, become a lawyer; a banker; an architect, whatever you know you want to be. But what if you don’t know? What if you can’t see yourself fitting into any of the career options that everyone who matters says you have to choose from?

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by Transformer18 CC BY-ND 2.0

My first trip to the Bahamas after I quit my job to Travel the World- Watch my love story and around the world journey and if you like it, share this YouTube link.

I’m from the Philippines, where it’s a cultural expectation that you finish University, get your degree, choose a career, buy a house and car, get married, then have some kids.  And by the way, you won’t have time off from work to look after your children; their grandmother will do that for you!

Related Article: List of Best Hostels List Around the World

Any passion you may have had before became side-line interests that fit in around the ‘important stuff.’  Dreams of traveling the world become week-long annual holidays and package cruises. Self-fulfillment becomes a constant self-comparison with brothers and sisters, cousins, and former classmates.  Doesn’t that all sound just marvelous? But what if there is another way?  What if there are a whole host of options that you’re not told about by your parents, university, or friends?

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by University of Michigan School for Environment and S CC BY 2.0

Imagine if you could be completely free, go where you want when you want and not just earn, but actually, save money at the same time! You don’t have to be a flight attendant, cruise ship worker, travel writer or a company executive to get paid to travel. You can earn money in a variety of different ways, anywhere in the world.

Life Before Travelling

After graduating from university in 2009, I worked in Kuwait, the Middle East, for 4 years where I worked up to the position of Quality Assurance Supervisor. I had a good job, my own car, a rented apartment, and an expensive gym membership.  I went on holiday to 15 different countries and even bought a property in the Philippines.  People who knew me saw me as successful and my parents were happy.  I was winning, or at least I thought I was.

It wasn’t until I moved to Kurdistan, Northern Iraq, for a new job that I began to question things. I had a higher salary, more benefits, and most importantly great friends. But there was something missing inside that couldn’t be filled by any of those things.

I began to realize that what I really wanted was to travel, to be completely free of work and schedules. To know that I could go anywhere in the world and not just survive, but thrive. My peers and colleagues told me I was crazy to waste the opportunities I had. After all, how many 24-year-old women, let alone Filipinas, have the chances and the life I had?

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by
Matt Ming
CC BY 2.0

Corporate life

Despite this, against all the advice of my peers and protests of family members (my father completely disowning me!), I quit my job, gave away my possessions, and packed my bag. My initial plan was to head to Thailand and travel South East Asia for 3 months, before flying to South America. Having not seen my brother and sister in 2 years I decided to take them to SE Asia with me.

So, after a 10-day trip to the Philippines to arrange some paperwork, visit friends and collect my siblings, I was on my way!

Life during Travels

Traveling was everything I had wanted it to be and more.  I went places and saw things I had never seen before; good, bad, and completely weird!  I ate new food (a lot of it!), had amazing new experiences, and met loads of awesome people.

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by denisbin CC BY-ND 2.0

The first time we met in Luang Prabang, Laos

One of these people came in the form of a British guy in his late twenties, who had also quit his job, given away his possessions, and begun a new life on the road.  We met in Luang Prabang, Laos, and although we seemed to have very similar thoughts and ideas, we were on two separate paths and inevitably went our separate ways.

Related Article: List of Best Hostels in Laos

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by Fiona Thomson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

My brother and sister are with me in Vietnam

My brother and sister traveled with me until Vietnam, when my budget could no longer support all of us. I continued traveling on my own for another 2 months through Cambodia and Thailand when I decided it was time to have a rest in one place and figure out my next moves.

I chose a month-long yoga retreat on Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand where I tried to understand what it was I really wanted to do in life and contemplate if my father was indeed right and I was just having a quarter-life crisis.

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by jj-walsh
CC BY-NC 2.0

My sisters in Yoga Retreat in Thailand

A New Beginning

As the yoga retreat came to an end I was approaching my 25th birthday. I had actually kept in touch with the British guy from Luang Prabang, who was now living and working in Hanoi. He asked me to come back to Hanoi for a motorbike trip around North Vietnam. I still had no plans and a big motorbike trip had been on my bucket list for a long time, so I booked my flight a two-week visit soon turned into a month and I ended up living and working in Hanoi for the next 7 months.

Related Articles: Tips on Travelling while Building Your Future

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by Steve Robbins CC BY-NC 2.0

Having been living in Vietnam for a few months, we started planning our next big trip – a three-year-long around-the-world work and holiday adventure. To achieve this we needed to save as much as possible in order to travel for at least a few months without working. Jonathan was already teaching English in a private school and took on extra work. I decided to get my TEFL certificate so that I could teach as well. I started teaching 1 on 1 English classes to adults as well as children in local schools, took on a part-time marketing job in a Western company, and even joined a Vietnamese reality TV show!

Jonathan sold his motorbikes; we packed our things and flew to India in February 2014 for the start of our at least three-year adventure.

The Big Trip -Work and Holiday

We spent three months traveling all over India and while we were there decided to invest some time and money to become certified yoga teachers and Ayurveda Massage Therapists. These are things we have both had interests in and practiced for some time, so we thought, ‘Why not make a living out of it?!’ Yoga is constantly growing in popularity across the globe and almost everyone loves a really good massage!

As we’ve traveled we’ve helped out in bars and restaurants in exchange for free food and even done some reviews and marketing for cheaper hotel rooms. It all helps your money stretch that bit further. It was this kind of thinking and experience that led us to discover Help Exchange, a website where you can find volunteer work in exchange for free food and accommodation. In our free time, we can explore, arrange yoga classes, and do massages for extra income.

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by
Michael Levine-Clark
CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Big Ben

As a reward for all our hard work and ingenuity, we even had a week’s holiday in the Maldives and three weeks in the UK to explore and meet Jonathan’s family before flying to South America.

We were in the Peruvian Andes for a month, working in a hostel surrounded by mountains and Incan Ruins, with free beds and food. Now, we temporarily settle here in Arequipa, Southern Peru with a freelance teaching job and our own Yoga and Massage business. We eat well, run yoga classes for the soul seekers and heal people’s aching bodies with Ayurveda massage therapy.

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by Greg Walters CC BY 2.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

We plan to continue this way of life as we travel through South America with a side trip to Antarctica, before moving on to Oceania and finally coming to rest in the Philippines in 2017 or 2018 – to build a Sustainable Earthship Yoga Retreat Resort, but that’s another story!

Realization

So now, after 16 months of being on the road, we don’t have a car, a house, or a ‘respectable career’ and we’re probably not keeping up with the ex-classmates and cousins either. The investment property burden, by forces out of our control, fell through and a refund is on its’ way.

All we have now are our 15kg backpacks and ourselves; brimming with optimism and vision that didn’t seem possible in our old lives.

Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?
Photo by v CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Do I have any regrets about leaving my stable corporate job for an unpredictable traveling lifestyle? Never! I may not have the same luxury and security I had before, but now I have something far more fulfilling – the freedom and inner happiness I was searching for all those years ago.

So to my fellow women, Filipinos or backpackers…Yes, you can have the traveling life you want, earn money and be successful at the same time. You just need your own definition of success, outside of the norms of society and culture. No visa restrictions, or cultural or language differences can block your dream, trust yourself and just do it!

UPDATE:  WE JUST GOT MARRIED!

Monkey Dividers

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87 thoughts on “Career or Travel, Why Not Build Your Career While Travelling?

  1. Hi Kach! Thanks for this amazing post. I’ve been following your blog for quite some time now and you INSPIRES me a LOT. Really, it started when I saw your trending video on Facebook about how you met your Hubby and quit your corporate job. Actually, I am currently experiencing the same scenario as what you had experienced before while still working in Middle east, well, I am in Dubai now, working for 9 months as Admin (9hrs on desk 5x a wk- ughh!!) and just graduated college last year – march 2016. (I just turned 21 years old and I’m a Filipina). Ever since I was in Highschool, my dream was to work abroad. It just how I think my life would be, and I got it, but unfortunately, I am not happy here and feeling aimless. I am earning good money, my cousin is here, I have friends, but it feels there’s a HUGE gap on my life. Like I don’t have any idea what to do in my life, it seems I am not contented on saving and investing for the future.. But thanks to you Kach, I know now where I should be. I will pursue for my goal, I’ll finish my 3 yrs contract lately on 2019, and save up as much money as I can and start my journey early of 2020. My parents and relatives are against with this idea, but I’ll show them how fulfilling this will this be. I might be 23-24 years old that time, so why not try while still young and single. hahaha Thank you so much Kach! Hope to meet you soon, by the way, when is your birthday? Are you an Aries? lol, Godbless <3

    1. Hi Caherine 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story with me/us. Really glad that you finally figured out what you really want to do with your life. <3 and yes, hope to meet you one day para makapag kwentuhan pa tayo 😉 and I'm a Leo 🙂

    2. Hi! Hearing everyone’s story got me fired up like I want to travel the world while working. Your story amazed me so much! Keep on inspiring people to travel. I’m going to work in Abu Dhabi and we’ll see where my path leads to. I’m 22 years old and I want to try new things. I love to take pictures of scenery and just enjoy the view. Soon I’ll be making my own blog and travel just like you.

  2. Oh my gosh! I love you, Kach, and your blog. Glad to know that you have found your love and dreams in traveling. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story. I’m assuming that we’re on the same age since we graduated in the same year, so since you did it, I’m hopeful that I can do it, too. I’m not getting any younger and I believe that today is the best time to see the world. God bless!!! ♥

    1. Yay! Sweet! Thank you so much, Jane 🙂 Yes, that’s why I’m sharing my stories with you guys, to let you know that you can do it as well. If you really want to travel, then don’t give up on that dream. okay? ❤️❤️

  3. hi kach i love to read your inspiring and motivated stories…like you i love t o travel..being in a corporate world is too stressful, so i make it sure that to reward myself i scheduled trip be it local or abroad is being planned ahead…i never been to europe yet…and thank you for posting your blog during your travel with your mom…god bless

    1. That’s good to hear Pauline, I’m so happy for you and very proud too! I really hope to meet you in one of your travels ?

  4. You’re my idol! Currently i have a corporate job but planning to travel the world with the help of social media work where I can get free food and accomodation. That’s a good life! Wanna see the world while young. 🙂

    1. Yay! Kinikilig talaga ako pag nakakabasa ako ng “idol” LOL. btw, thank you so much Charm and that’s a great idea too. It’s a lot of work but I know you can do it. If you need advice about traveling, itineraries and other stuff, we’ll be happy to help you. Goodluck Charm 🙂

  5. Hi miss kach! Ur story is inspiring and very informative.. Is your TEFL school teaches via online?…would love to avail one soon.

  6. Wow what a great and interesting story this is,,,what a life. lekker as we’d say in south Africa. Wishing you guyz all the best!

    1. Thank you so much Mfundo, and are you still in South Africa now? I’m planning to go there this year 🙂

  7. Hello Kach, I’m Gegeh from Cagayan de Oro. I love to travel as much as you do ^_^ . Cebu lang ang pinakamalayo na na-travel ko far but I’ve been to different places na here in Mindanao. Target ko next time is abroad naman hehee…. I got inspired with your article about earning while traveling. Hope I could do that also soon.

  8. Miss kach Im your new follower..I just want to ask..Where did you took your TEFL? Im planning to take the course but I found it too expensive for me as of now..Your advise is highly appreciated?-she mel

    1. Get the TEFL course from our recommended company, MYTEFL, here’s the link – http://bit.ly/1Va9qrL

      Since we’ve been promoting them for a year now, they gave us 40% discount to our readership for the whole year of 2016, so when you’re about to pay.. you need to type 2MONKEYS in the cart so from $300USD course, you will now only pay around $170. You need to pay with credit card or debit card with VISA or MASTERCARD. if you dont have it, let me know and I can connect you to the management to do an alternative payment of Western Union or something like that.

      You can also join our TEFL group on Facebook to have your support group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/TEFLEnglishTeachersWorldwide/

      I’m sure you’ll really enjoy the TEFL course, it’s a great way to travel the world. Please let me know if you have other questions.

      You can also re-read my Teach English Abroad Article – https://twomonkeystravelgroup.com/2015/02/teach-english-abroad-filipino-backpacker-guide

  9. Hi miss kach

    Hello to you and your partner..

    Im really inspired by your experiences.. I love climbing mountains and along with that I am attracted to traveling..i experienced this feeling when i had my first backpacking trip in abra..it was scary at first because i was alone and i had this lingering feeling of something bad will happen..but i told myself that i have to trust the goodness in each of the stranger i will meet during my stay there..It was a successful backpacking adventures..
    Im planning to have my 2nd backpacking adventure this coming month in bicol..
    I feel that Im also destined to travel in and out of the country..
    I have a stable job as a teacher and living independently. But there are times that i feel tired of what i do everyday and find myself thinking about the places i wanted to visit..
    I hope time will come that i have all the courage and resources i need to travel..
    Its really wonderful to discover new about yourself in different places you’ve been into..

    My prayers are with you miss kach and keep on inspiring women to find their selves and what makes them happy and complete..

    1. That’s great Maria 🙂 We’re so proud you! <3 We really hope that all of your dreams will come true too and we wish you safe travels along the way! God bless you!

  10. Good for you as in buti ka pa. I’m also from the Philippines and right now I’m here in the U.S of A. Ever since, I always wanted to travel the world but my question always is “how on earth am I supposed to do that?” For now, I’m focus muna on getting a job again on a cruise so that atleast just maybe when I save enough money then the next continent that I will visit would be Africa 🙂

    1. Hi there Mitch, then you’re doing it right. I think it’s really smart and one of the best way to earn money while traveling. is by working on a cruise ship. 🙂

  11. Its indeed a right timing for me to read your article… i am planning to do the travelling this coming june as i am on a leave… its very inspiring and encouraging…my feet are very itchy to do the around the world thing?

  12. You inspired me! I am planning for a long term travel by 2017. Sana makayanan ko rin.. Kahit un family ko, ayaw nila. 🙂

    It will be hard for sure, lalo na s budget. I am an engineer. Kaya d ko sure kun mkkahanap ako ng part time job as engineer. D rin ako magaling s english. Kya d ko sure kun mkkpg teach ako ng english. Haha pero i am able to communicate naman. Haha i wish makahanap ako ng part time job kagad para msustain ko un pgttravel ko..

    Anyway, thank you Kach for inspiring us, your fellow female traveller/backpackers. Sana magkita tau s daan someday.. Hihi

    Joan

  13. Inspiring! Traveling is my passion and id really like to go out of my shell and experience all the things that you did! I already tried backpacking last year, it was lot of fun. But it gives me guilt feelings since I have 2 kids and money is tight nowadays. But i know someday, in some ways, i will continue doing what I love to do because I know dreams do come true!! 🙂 🙂 I love your article Kach. You open up my senses again.

  14. I love the story. So inspiring.
    One question i had in mind is, how can ido this when i have my obligations or dependents?

  15. Hi Kach!
    I’m inspired by ur stories.
    May connection ung travelling sa ❤ ko.
    Na wat I really want to do aside from my obligations with my siblings..hehehehhe anyways, I’m praying to have a courage like yours to pursue my upside down dream like yours.hehehhe..
    Thanks.

    1. Yay! Thank you so much Gevee. I hope that your dreams of traveling the world will come true too and I know na kayang kaya mo din. Don’t overstrain yourself about sa mga obligations mo, dapat nagtitira ka din para sa sarili mo. and I hope to meet you one day. Send my regards to your siblings, they’re so lucky to have you ❤️❤️

  16. Hi i loved your story. I don’t know what to do, my heart is for travelling the world and admire you.

  17. This is cool! But seriously, money is a big problem when it comes to travelling. How were you able to support your travel expenses?

  18. Lucky to read this.. same same feeling. I have good career…good compensation… service..invested house, good incentives scheme and yet it seems i always feel na may kulang. But if I analyze siguro takot lang ako e give up kung ano meron ako ngayon kasi I am a family man now. But everyday…I am struggling going to work. Kung sa work at work lang kaya…yet am not happy. I wanna know more of your adventure.

  19. I am so proud of you Kach….hope to meet you in person here in the UK….looking forward to that!!!

  20. I’m on my mid 20’s, now I have a daughter so I really cannot leave the security my job has to offer. But hey, you two and this blog are such an inspiration, especially you my fellow Filipino, to continue traveling and making it work with the my 9-6 and daddy duties. Thank you. Hope to bump with you two soon. Now I’m a fan hehehe 🙂

  21. Hey there,

    Hey kach we almost have the same story about traveling and our love ones but yours is truly amazing, im gonna email you soon and ask you some question i have in my pocket. Id love to hear travel stories from you. Keep posting and ill keep reading and maybe ill bump into you soon. 🙂

    1. Yay! That’s so sweet Ronny! I’m still looking forward to that questions of yours and I really hope I can meet you soon too ❤️❤️

  22. hi i was thinking if whats is the requirement for immigration purposes to visit brazil im filipina, i have my partner with me to go there

    1. They’ll ask for the itinerary and the onward flight ticket. It’s visa free for 90 days for Filipinos.

  23. the 3 of us is about to do our round the world journey, we are female at late 40 and we want to see the world and find inner peace in our heart

    we will start in Australia and go where our heart wish for us t go.. hope everything work well with our journey..

    1. Hi Norashikin, That’s great to hear from you guys. By the way, we’re here in Australia now. How’s tour trip here?

  24. I would love to do this too! Since the travel bug bites, I couldnt stop it. I’m 23, turning 24 next year. Currently working as a regular employee here in MNL but I’m unhappy. All I wanna do is to travel. I’m trying to save money for this… Hopefully.. One day… I’ll do the same as you guys do.

  25. That is a very inspiring story! We also would like to have a life of traveling, but having a child and a house does not permit us to do so. However, we don’t shut out traveling and going on adventures. In fact, we found out that traveling and adventuring can co-exist with other priorities through strategic planning and budgeting.

  26. Hi Kach,

    I got inspired by your story!

    I was a former Travel Consultant in UAE for almost 3 years and unfortunately wasn’t able to experience the perks of being in the Industry. When I moved here in Qatar, I decided to pursue my dream to travel without compromising my career. My job will be my source of fund to start reaching for my goals.

    Currently, I am enjoying both my work as an Executive Assistant, writing our travel tub (just starting) and making plans for our future wanders – with my husband.

    Well, I just wish everything will fall into place (blogs and travel plans to be successful).

    I’m getting good ideas as well from your blogs for my write-ups as a newbie!

    Hope I can contribute my experiences to two travel monkeys in the near future.

    And oh by the way, I and my husband are going to start our first ever trip next month to Jordan (for our honeymoon). Cheers!

    1. WoW! That’s really great Pie 🙂 I’m so happy for you and thank you so much 🙂 looking forward to meet you too ! 🙂

  27. Hey Kach,

    I’m a new reader to your blog. I came across it while looking for budget travel to the Maldives. I’m just curious, but how did you get a job in Kurdistan? That sounds unique to me before you even began traveling.

    1. Hello Lisa, I was already based in Kuwait. We have a family friend who’s working at the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad and told me there are open opportunities in Kurdistan. So a Kurdish family sponsored my business visa to turn to work visa but I didnt continue because I decided to leave to travel.

  28. Very inspiring! I hope to do the same before i turn 24 which is 6 years from now, omygod. I hope to find my partner also along or before the journey!

  29. Hi Ms. Kach,
    been reading your blogs. You inspired me in a lot of ways 🙂 After graduating
    in college last March of this year, I figured I must immediately start a
    career bec that’s what people expect me to do. I was immediately accepted in a
    company with a high paying job for an entry level, and at the same time I
    got accepted in a law school. But just yesterday I resigned, and I also
    did not enrolled myself in a law school which I haven’t told yet to my parents
    and relatives. Nasu-suffocate na kasi ako. I spent almost 16
    years of my life nakakulong sa school at bahay. Now, I want to try doing
    things on my own, and I also really really want to travel. Hihingi lang ako ng
    advice, paano ba ako magsisimula? Gusto ko rin sana magturo ng English sa ibang
    bansa. But that I don’t have any experience teaching, and I’m an Economics
    graduate. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thank you so much Ms. Kach J More power and blessings to the both of
    you!

  30. wow very inspiring stories you had Ms. Kach..i guess you able to inspired more than thousands of young and to those who are still want to try travelling and im one of those person you inspired how beautiful is life to travel. Its was really amazing how braved you are. You really made what is good and what can make you happy and really wanted to do things that is new and can learn a lot…..and for that id like to give you a salute Ms. Kach, very amazing you are…And do hope that you will continue inspiring and believing people what really life is when you travel around the world w/out hesitations and regrets in life….

  31. Wow! I’m so blown away by this! It bothers me that I CAN teach English too, but all you’ve accomplished seems unreachable to me! You’re such an inspiration! I’m 25 and married. I wanna be able to do the things you and your partner do. I’m a registered nurse with no hospital experience yet. My family expects me to work here in the Philippines, gain experience and apply abroad like the legions of other nurses are doing. Any tips on how to get started from where I am right now? (P.S I don’t mind not practicing my nursing profession to teach English instead.
    )

    1. Hello Trexi, sorry just now! This is Kach! To get started, write your life goals in a paper and from there you will start planning what you want. If you want to teach english to travel and to support your family – you have to consider other factors too. How about your qualifications? Will you move abroad on your own or with your family? Message me on facebook and I would be happy to talk more!

  32. I just came across your blog and needless to say I am really amazed at how far you’ve come since you left your “old life”! I can definitely relate to your story and background – I am an Iska as well, turning 25 next month and working in the Middle East (Dubai, UAE to be exact) since moving here in 2010 with my Dad’s help. I’ve done a bit of travelling since 2 years back, in the company of friends/colleagues who are travel/tour enthusiasts themselves but each time, we only get to spend 4-6 days in every country we visit. It felt so bitin and I can only wish we stay and explore more, however this is what our budget could accommodate and also the only chunk of our annual leaves we could afford to spend outside of our home country Philippines. I wish I could be as brave as you are and take the plunge of travelling solo. It must have taken a lot of guts and will-power to leave everything behind. You are such an inspiration and I will definitely follow your story. Indeed, as they say in the movie UP: “Adventure is out there!”. Thank you for sharing your experiences through this blog, wish you could share some videos of your “expedition” as well 🙂 I’m definitely picking up ideas in here (e.g. IELTS application). By the way, I’m just curious to know – how much money/investment did you need when you started off your adventure? I’m just keen to get an idea so I can start saving up now. 🙂 Hope you read this message and get back to me when you can. Will really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance and more power to you!!!

    1. Wow Agnes! Seems like we really have the same story but I’m older lang sayo! I suggest you get the TEFL certificate and not the IELTS unless you want to use it to migrate or study at western countries.

      I left with 3K USD savings and it lasted for almost a year but because I invested on skills and I worked/volunteered while on the road. I offer coaching if you’re interested for more details! yipee! Positive vibes to you! =)

      1. Woah! Seriously? Ang galing galing mo naman! Nakaka-inspire ate.. I will go through more of your website and learn more. Have started following your FB page too! Yay! And for the coaching, please let me know the details po. God bless! Positive vibes to you too!!! 🙂

  33. Now I’m almost in a rush to read all your articles. :'( It’s so inspiring and it touches my whole being. I always dream to have this kind of life. To explore, travel and try new adventures on my bucket list as much as I can. I tried local mountain climbing and trekking trips, bought a mountain bike and I decided to join the Mt. Apo climb this summer, a lot more of adventure that I really want to try. But I feel how difficult it is to sacrifice all those possession that I have right now most especially that my family are moving to Canada for good and I will be all alone here in Philippines. But thank you, you made me realize that everything is possible if you believe that it will and it should. Your articles moved me and it gives me courage and hope to pursue that in the near future. God bless to both of you. May you inspire and help more people with your great tips and advice about travelling and backpacking. Have a safe trip always and more power.
    Hope I can meet both of you in some of my trip. I really want to meet you in person. =))

    1. Hello Jane, thank youuuu so much for reading our articles! Really appreciate it po! Good luck with Mt Apo hiking, my sister did that and I bet I will have a hard time with that but nothing is impossible in this world! =)

      Thank you again and come join ka sa forum namin – you will meet a lot of inspiring travelers there! facebook.com/groups/filipinobackpackeraroundtheworld/

  34. I wish I had the guts like yours! I’m turning 25 this July and is currently exploring the Philippines! Along the way I’ve met few backpackers, mostly foreigners chasing their dreams of travelling the world. I admired how you all can do this and the freedom it accompanies. I felt jealous because I knew in my heart that it is my dream too. But I must admit I’m scared. So many what ifs come to my mind. I’m glad I stumbled upon your blog and learned a lot. Very inspiring! I hope to have the courage to say YES to my dreams very soon! God bless and have a happy trip!

    1. Hello Anjo, you can make it! I can totally feel you, this time same month when I was 24 (my birthday is July too!) I’ve been reading a lot of blogs planning for the big trip and after 1 month I decided to let it go!

      I cant wait to follow your adventure! Feel free to personally message me! =)

  35. I’m a Filipina and almost 24 and could relate to the quarter life crisis you have been through (as I am experiencing it right now). I just recently moved to the US and will wait for another 4-5 years to get a blue passport for better travel opportunities. I stumbled on your blog and realized, why am I restricting myself just because of the type of passport I have? Just last night my friend from the PH and I decided we will be on a week long SEA tour this September, we’ll meet in Singapore and go from there. I can’t wait!

    I’ll definitely be coming back for more tips here in your blog. 🙂

    1. Hello Reg, I’m so excited for your South East Asian trip! Are you already a member of our Facebook Community Group? Come join us, you will meet fellow pinoy travellers there and some tips for your Pancake trail!!

      Thank you so much for reading ha! =)

  36. I am amazed by how you carry yourself on your own. Travelling alone requires a lot of guts. I am in awe that you were able to help your family at an early age. I am sincerely happy for both of you that you have found what you truly want in life. As what ir shows, you are living your dream! A part of me wishes to have the same mindset as yours it’s just that situations are very different but you awaken my positivity again and i realized that i should not rush in life and just enjoy every moment and make the best out of it and lastly, do whatever it is that gives you happiness and fulfilment. God bless both of you!

    1. Hello Lola, thank you so much for your kind words! Really appreciate it! Indeed, there’s no rush, just do what makes you happy!! Positive vibes to you Lola!! Om and love! <3

  37. I love reading your stories and experiences about travel. It’s so inspiring, you both are!! I have the same view about life and travel as yours. I can relate to this article because I’m also from Philippines. It’s really crazy how they set standards of success here, right? I hate that particular culture of ours. Anyways, I am also experiencing some kind of crossroads too and I’m not sure what I really wanted to do until I’ve read this! I have to thank you! I did not really believe it’s possible to be stable while traveling but your articles give me hope and optimism. More power to both of you. Soon, I’ll be able to apply all your tips and advice here about travel. Keep on inspiring and helping people!

    1. Bets, just read this!! Sorry just replied now!!=) You can do it Bets, believe in yourself!! =) Feel free to message me if you need any questions! =)

  38. Amazing story! I am already a fan not only because of your one of a kind travelling experiences, your love story but also you are truly a proud Filipina. I was completely motivated and inspired knowing there’s someone like you po that despite of all struggles and challenges .I admire your determination of finding yourself and following your dreams without knowing what will happen to you. I think that is something wonderful and special. I really salute you for that especially those times you’re still alone when you started travelling! Before, I was just planning to travel the whole Philippines first before I turned 25 but after reading your articles. I guess, I’ll make some adjustments to my given timeline. I really hope to read some more travelling tips from both of you and when the time comes you already establish your resort here, I would definitely visit your place. More Power!

  39. Amazing story! I am already a fan not only because of your one of a kind travelling experiences, your love story but also you are truly a proud Filipina. I was completely motivated and inspired knowing there’s someone like you po that despite of all struggles and challenges especially the objections coming from your family. I know it’s a big deal but thinking how determined you are to find yourself and follow your dreams and now you are happy and feel satisfied. I think that is something wonderful and special. I really salute you for that especially those times you’re still alone when you started travelling! Before, I was just planning to travel the whole Philippines first before I turned 25 but after reading your articles. I guess, I’ll make some adjustments to my given timeline. I really hope to read some more travelling tips from both of you and when the time comes you already establish your resort here, I would definitely visit your place. More Power!

    1. Hello Popoy, this is one of the most sincere comment I received!! Thank you so much, you almost made me cry! Can you please message me on facebook, I would love to get in touch with you!! Wait for few years and the resort will be up!! yay!!

      1. Hello Ate Kach, I’ll loved too! I will message you right away. Thank you so much for being thoughtful and even replied to my comment. You are simply cool and awesome!

  40. Hi there! I read your featured article on Rappler and I want to thank you for inspiring me. It’s nice to know that there are other people out there who think of traveling as a lifestyle, not just a luxury. Hope you’re safe in all your travels, kabayan! Maybe we can bump into each other someday!

    1. Oh hello Carmina!! Thank you for reading. Kilig ako! Let’s keep in touch, you can message me anytime in our FB page and would really love to meet you too! Positive vibes! x

  41. Very inspiring…! It’s people like you guys that help other people to start traveling and that’s such a gift…
    I’m using the student exchanges that my university offers to be able to travel meanwhile studying… but I still feel the need of being completely free! Looking forward to finish my degree and leave everything behind! Currently studying in Santiago, Chile, if you are ever around and wanna meet, let me know!

    1. Wow Rihla!! We’re heading to Chile this December-January and would love to meet you! Awesome experience you have there! How can we keep in touch?

      1. Oh nice! I will be in Chile until end of December, then I have summer holidays and will be traveling around. We can keep in touch via our blogs or my email, [email protected], would be so nice to meet you guys!! 🙂

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.