We've all dreamed about getting out of our comfort zones, seeing the world and travelling extensively. We just can't afford to actually do it because there are various hang-ups and considerations that prevent us from taking the plunge.

Jobs and money are two primary things that mostly hold us back. I, for one, just can't imagine quitting my day job without a sure fall back especially in these trying times. But some, however, like them travel bloggers [Edcel Suyo of Soloflighted; Lois of Sole Sisters], are brave enough to pull the trigger and take a chance. So far it has worked out fine for them.

For us who dream of traveling but are not ballsy enough to quit our job, there are a few options that would let us travel without having to worry about keeping a steady source of income.

1. Teach Abroad

Image from Google

Becoming a teacher off shore is probably the most popular way of going to a different country and still make money. Some employers don't require an undergraduate course in teaching, a teaching certificate or TOEFL can suffice. I've a friend who got employed by an international school in Malaysia without any teaching certificate. But the chances of getting a job offer are much higher if you have one. There are short-term education programs offered by local universities.

Miley Cyrus was wrong. It's not just about the climb. There are a few other things that are just as essential as the climb itself. Here's a few tips from a first-timer, who still has lots to learn when it comes to hiking and trekking.
1. Clear your stomach. Unless you want to drop your babies in the mountain, you better make sure your tummy is happy before the ascent. You don't really want to cause delay should your stomach act up along the way.

You don't wanna 'drop your babies' here.

2. Bring trail water and food. You can't compromise these two. Any seasoned mountaineer will tell you that it's important that you keep a good stock for your own and peer consumption. Boys must take 4 liters of water; and 3 for girls.

I only had 3 liters because I didn't think I could carry 4. It's my first mountain trek anyway so I guess I was exempted. Anyway, my share was enough for the trek. I was able to 'donate' 1 liter for the 'community' (a term used by mountaineers to refer to the group) and I still had enough for the trek down.

Food can come in various forms. Jelly ace is a good trail food and three packs are still a lightweight. Chocolates can cure hunger, which is inevitable even if you had big meal prior to the trek. Bananas are good source of potassium, mineral needed to sustain energy. Remember that there are no convenience stores atop the mountain.

Base camp. (Photo credit: Mark Gonzales)

There's a base camp, which is a good 1.5 hour hike from the jump-off point, where you can refill your water supply.

3. Do some endurance exercise. You don't just climb a mountain without proper physical preparation. Run. Walk. Exercise. There's a mandatory stretching done at the jump-off point but that's just not enough for the 4-hour trek. But if you're fit as a bull, no need to worry about endurance.

The only exercise I had prior to the climb was the Casaroro trek I did in Dumaguete a week ago. It wasn't enough but I believe it went a long way.

4. Join the front runners (self-devised term to describe the hikers who lead the pack) or at least stay behind them so you can get enough legroom (to rest). There were 23 of us in the group, almost half were experienced mountaineers, and the rest were beginners. We decided to join the guys who led the way. It wasn't a strategic move, but later on, we realized that we were in the best spot (order) simply because we got to have enough time to rest while we waited for the others. The second group took time to keep pace with us so came rest time, we enjoyed an extra 5-10 minutes.

5. Pack smartly. The bag you carry during the trek can either make or break you, so it's very important that you pack your stuff efficiently. To reiterate, you can't compromise food and water, which take half of your bag space. But clothes and other things, you can actually live without. A pair of trek or swim shorts, and two-three pieces of tops (preferably rashguard) will do. Every weight counts, so leave those things that you don't really need.

Carrying things other than your bag is advised against. You should keep both hands free. Any item that won't fit inside your bag can be hung on your back instead.
6. Bring tent. Or make sure you know someone in the group who has a tent and is willing to adopt you inside their camp.

I didn't have a tent but my good friend, Jhyng, had one - a really big one - but it still didn't save me the hassle of carrying one. You want to share a camp, share the burden of carrying too.

7. Don't forget your windbreaker or jacket. It's chilling cold up there, with coldness that seeps its way inside the tent, so if you don't want to freeze your ass off, bring a piece of clothing (sarong or malong) that will shield you against the cold.
8. Be a responsible mountaineer. Keep your own trash. Don't litter.

9. Other essential things to bring: a.) wet wipes (for your face and ass); b.) medicine kit (meds for headache, band-aid, and betadine in case you cut yourself); c.) camera (for documentation); d.) off-lotion (optional); e.) cooking equipment (more often than not, you can pass the buck to the mountaineering guys).

10. Wear comfortable footwear. Rubber shoes are good hike shoes as well as sturdy sandals (Sandugo types). Flip flops will do as long as they have spikes.

I was the only one who wore flip flops because I couldn't find sandals, but I still survived the climb. I brought an extra pair though, just in case.

11. Have fun. Another essential part of the trek is having fun. Enjoy your company, share stories, laugh, enjoy the trees and the view atop. I realized that a good conversation with friends can actually make you forget the weight you're carrying on your back, literally. Music can keep you going too. Miley Cyrus' song can be a source of inspiration, you'll see.

Special thanks to Ascend for making this trek possible.

Traveling is a passion I want to pursue and really get serious about. The creation of this blog and regularly updating it are a testament of my growing love for travel. I want to document my adventure so when I grow old, I'll have something tangible to show to my grand-kids that I was a wanderlust when I was young.  (Oh grandpa, you were always small ever since!) Sharing my experiences with other people and tickling their travel fancy are both my ideal and noble aims. 

Looking for a travel-oriented social networking site? Try Couchsurfing.com.


But what is CouchSurfing.com? For starters, it is a real-life social network site that connects travelers, or "surfers" who are willing to offer a free place to stay among visiting 'friends'. Just like Facebook, it incorporates features such as user profiles, photos and friend requests. Instead of looking for people you know, you use CouchSurfing.com to find people who'd like to meet in places you want to visit. You can arrange to meet for a drink somewhere or even request to stay with them — on their couch or sometimes in a guest room. 


For backpackers wanting to save on accommodation, this is a perfect deal. Before you get too excited, learn the basics of Couchsurfing first. 


How to Couchsurf
Couchsurfing is as simple as creating an account on Couchsurfing.com and then looking for a suitable person to stay with or meet. Finding a good host may prove to be a little challenging but you can improve your chances by creating a good profile. Your profile is the most important part of your couchsurfing life.


Hosts have requirements too, which are normally stated on their profiles. They indicate where in their house the guests can sleep (photos may be available), what type of people they're willing to accept and which time of the year they can accept travellers. They can decline offers. After every CouchSurfing interaction, the people involved leave references about each other — positive, neutral or negative. A negative feedback means a bad reputation. 


Now, the most important question - Is it Safe?


I haven't personally tried it yet although I have an account with them. I've looked at some of the members' profiles and most testimonials are relatively positive. You'd be surprised to learn that there are several Filipino members acting either travellers or hosts.


The site's service is designed around the premise similar to eBay's - People are basically good. However, there have been some unfortunate and well-publicised accounts of violent and non-violent crimes perpetrated by bogus couchsurfing hosts.


To build confidence among its users, Couchsurfing has adopted some “security and verification features, one of which is the “official verification”, where the user donates a minimum of $25 dollars to verify their name (through a credit/debit card) and address (by entering a code mailed on a postcard).


Still you can't rule out the fact that there are risks involved with this kind of set-up because after all, you're staying at a stranger's house. 


Some safety tips for couchsurfers:


1. Take time to read and review people’s testimonials and references
2. Arrange meet-ups in a public place, like a café or restaurant near their house.
3. Always have a plan B. Make sure to keep contact details of a nearby hotel just in case.
4. Most importantly, always let someone know where you’re going (forward address details to a trusted friend, and call or email to let them know how things are going there once you’ve arrived.)


Good luck and let us know of your first Couchsurfing experience. :-)

CDO-bound on a rainy afternoon

Surfing is increasingly becoming popular locally, and you really need not be a rocket scientist to figure out why most people find this outdoor activity addicting, not to mention exciting. In a fast-paced, busy and sometimes crazy world, going for a surf is surely a breath of fresh air - both literally and figuratively - and it's a perfect opportunity to become one with nature, challenge yourself with a new adventure, have waves of fun (no pun intended) and get some exercise in an exciting way.

Visit a new destination. Reconnect with an old friend. Or simply get away from the city and enjoy a nice trip down South or up Noth. These are few of the things we look forward to when travelling. Travelling is indeed fun but packing isn't and can be a huge hassle. Unfortunately, packing is part of travelling. You need backpacks and suitcases for your clothes and other essential belongings.

Some people find it hard to travel light. I'm actually one of those people. I always end up having a hard time carrying my heavy luggage. When you have a bulky bag on your back, you'll find it hard to maneuver through a crowded terminal. Packing light is a technique that you'll eventually master over time. It's also an essential habit that will prevent you from experiencing stress and inconvenience on your next trip. Having a taut, light suitcase or backpack can save you a few bucks in airfare because you don't need to pay to have it checked-in.

Here are a few tips that can help you in packing efficiently:

1. When deciding on which clothes you need on your trip, it's important to consider the weather you're likely to experience. There are websites that let you determine the weather conditions for the number of days you'll be spending on your trip. You should be able to figure out how many and what kinds of clothes you need to pack based on weather predictions and the types of activities you plan to do.

For example, if you're going to the beach, you know you'll need more than one pair of swim suit. You don't really need your boots if you're going to Boracay, and you need a jacket or two if you have Baguio or Sagada for a destination.

2. Review your selections by taking into account the duration of your trip. Bring important items as much as possible and eliminate duplicate stuff. Having a few clothing options is good but unnecessary. Pick your favorite one and move on.

3. Once you have all your selections ready, you can start packing. Tightly fold all of the bulky items like jackets and jeans and place them on the very bottom. The idea is to allow the items on top of them to weight them down, thereby deflating them and providing more space.

4. Undershirts, boxers, socks or tank tops can be folded several times and can be placed between the various stacks of clothing in your suitcase. They can act as buffers between other folded items and the material of the suitcase.

5. Don't bring an extra pair of shoes if you don't really need one. Slippers are a much ideal choice for a footwear when travelling. But if you really need an extra pair, you can place them on top of one another and make sure that you alternate the heel to toe.

6. Bring a small bag for your toiletries. It's a good idea to buy travel or mini versions of your favorite toiletries. Liquid items are allowed in carry-on as long as they don't exceed the required weight.

I admire people who hit the road with barely enough bread and money for the trip. Travelling on a shoestring isn’t for everyone but there are a bunch of Jesuses and Kerouacs out there who have the guts to hop on a bus, boat or plane with nothing in their pockets but enough confidence and a sense of adventure.

Travelling has become much more affordable because of seat sales.

Truth is, it’s really possible to travel around the country (let’s save the ‘world’ for another article) without any money. Just don’t expect your adventure to be all roses and fun. At the very least, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere because you have no money for transportation. Worse, you’ll find yourself starving. Granted, Filipinos in general are accommodating and hospitable so the chances of being taken care of by a family in a far-flung province in the North or an isolated island in the South are pretty much high.

If there’s one thing that hitting rock bottom can teach you as a traveler, it’s that certain comfort in knowing that things can’t get any much worse. Once you’ve hurdled your first ‘adventure on a budget,’ you’ll be proud and confident to try another one and the succeeding trips will be a breeze because by then you will have overcome the fear that keeps most backpackers from hitting the road.

But travelling on a budget, or without money is a humility trip.

You will be missing the point of the journey if you end up feeling cocky and superior about the fact that you have become a hardcore traveler. Keep in mind that travelling is about giving and taking in return. I know it sounds mushy but the trick in receiving help and kindness from strangers and local people is keeping a good attitude and positive energy.

Good luck on your adventure.

Those who are seeking thrill and adventure in their trip will probably skip Cebu from their must-go-and-see list due to a common but nonetheless miscontrued notion that it's 'a city just like Manila.' While the two cities indeed share a few glaring similarities - urban setting and lifestyle, among others - Cebu has lots to offer than meets the eye.  For starters, Cebu is ringed by more than a hundred smaller islands and is home to several white sand beaches. Beaches that you can actually enjoy are non-existent in Manila.

If you're planning on spending a vacation in the paradise-island of Cebu but are still undecided, don't be dissuaded by those naysayers. For what it's worth, Cebu is a must-see destination for every traveller.

Here are some of the things you can do in Cebu:

1. Hit the Beaches

Camotes Island

You won't be disappointed with what Cebu offers in terms of beaches and dive spots. Bantayan for one is a famous beach destination with its pristine white coast that will definitely amaze every beach lover. If you prefer beaches that are off the radar, you can go North and try Malapascua, Alegre and Camotes; Olango, Mactan, and Sulpa in the East; and Moalboal, Badian, and Sumilon in the South.

2. Experience the Sinulog Festival

Sinulog is Cebu's infamous festival that also defines its culture. Best to plan your trip on the third week of January when the festival culminates with its annual mardi gras, happening every third Sunday of the first month of the year.  Feel the festive air and watch the city explode into a vibrant sea of dancers and extravagant floats taking over the street.

3. Travel Back in Time by Visiting Old Churches

Magellan's Cross

Cebu is a historical city that hosts several old churches which date back to the Spanish era. The Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in the old downtown is definitely worth a visit as it's the country’s oldest church. It was constructed by the Spaniards in 1566 on the very spot where the image of the Santo Niño, left behind by Portuguese and Spanish explorers in 1521, was found preserved in a burned wooden box. Carcar, a three-hour drive to the south, is also home to a lot of old churches.

4. Go Downtown or Go Up High the Mountain Top

The oldest street in the Philippines can be found in Cebu. Built by the Spaniards in 1565, Colon St. has been the center of Cebu’s commerce. Although it has lost its glitz, you can still feel its old world charm with its old building facades and historic markers. Dine in one of the restaurants in the stretch and check out affordable finds in the flea markets. Don't forget your camera as you can take good photos of the beautiful houses that used to define the district. At the end of Colon St., just ahead the Gaisano Main department store, you can find a small obelisk (one of the many historical markers) in the middle of the road.

Mountain View

Don't miss out one of the attractions in the city - the nature park situated in the mountain which can give you a new kind of experience slightly away from the hustle of the city. It's a 15-20 minute ride from downtown Cebu and can be reached through a cab or a motorcycle which they call 'habal-habal.' If you're travelling in a big group, you can hire Mountain View Nature’s Park's van that would pick you up and drive you home. Entrance Fee is Php 50 per person for unlimited use of the park until midnight.

5. Indulge in Native Cuisine

You won't completely enjoy your Cebu trip without trying out their roasted pig, arguably the best tasting lechon in the Philippines.  Most recommended is the one cooked and prepared in Talisay City. Why? Because they say the Talisay inasal tastes best. Some say it is the herbs they place inside the pig, others say it is the way they cook it, still others say it’s the sauce they use for basting.

You won't miss out 'puso,' a staple rice wrapped in coconut leaves, because many establishments serve this instead of the regularly served rice to go with your meals. Puso rice pieces are strung together and servers just cut them off and slice them in half for serving, hence the term “hanging rice.”

Puso

Kinilaw - a must-try