One of my favorite places in Dubai is the Arabian Tea House. This cozy restaurant, which is located at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is a must-visit when in the city. I’ve been here twice, and the experience is always homey and warm. It’s a perfect setting for alfresco gatherings, especially during wintertime.
I miss eating out. But the one thing that I crave the most is sharing a boodle fight with friends. Social distancing has been the new norm. While ease in restrictions is slowly being rolled out in Dubai, we still can't gather as close to each other as we would like, which is completely understandable. As long as there is no vaccine for COVID-19, life will continue to go in this manner.
#THROWBACKTRAVEL | Bacolod is one of the cities in the Philippines that you should see. Not only is the “City of Smiles” a culinary haven (famous for its sweet treats and Chicken Inasal), it is also home to some of the most interesting spots and attractions. The best way to see this local destination is to make SM City Bacolod your jump-off point, as it's close to several tourist sites in the city.
#THROWBACKTRAVEL | Known as a Heritage City in the Philippines, Silay in Negros Occidental is home to some of the most beautifully preserved ancestral homes and buildings – all exuding a great fusion of both foreign and local initiatives. The exquisite architecture and fine artistry can be seen and admired in all of these old structures. Truly, these picturesque, deep-rooted structures are worth visiting and more.
It's always a treat for a traveler like me to come home and rest on a cozy bed after a long day of exploring. But wouldn't it be more of a treat to come home to an environmentally-sound bedroom? That be the ultimate escape, right? If you're dreaming of having an eco-friendly bedroom, the bed is an excellent place to start. Since we spend approximately 25 years of our life asleep, the bed we buy is very important. Sadly, a lot of people buy a cheap mattress and don't think twice about how it impacts the environment.
Trying the food from Wok Boyz was an enjoyable experience because we love eating anything that’s Pan-Asian-inspired. It only takes five easy steps to create your wok-in-a-box. But I had a tough time choosing what elements to mix into my meal, as I wanted to have it with as many vegetables possible.
The first half of 2019 was a difficult one. A lot of things kept piling up (physically, emotionally, mentally), that it was already too much to handle. My husband and I needed a breather from all the stress and challenges that OFW life and work threw at us, that we decided on a whim to travel somewhere in Asia. We initially wanted to explore other Asian countries that we haven’t been to yet then realized that we still had to apply for a visa, which might take some time. We had to leave in a few days, so that wasn’t ideal for us. But that’s when the idea of going back to Hong Kong came to us. Asia’s World City has always been a favorite destination of mine (been here twice already). So it just felt right to revisit it after nine long years.
We recently visited Hong Kong, a food outlet located in Oasis Centre’s food court in Al Quoz. My husband and I had an early dinner here and ordered five delightful Asian dishes. Check out our selections below.
I recently downloaded this mobile application called Surkus, which is a discovery app that gives you access to attend events and to try products and services in the UAE for free or for a discount, in exchange for a review or post on social media (i.e. Instagram, Facebook, Google). To my surprise, a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course activity was posted for users to try. So I applied and was luckily accepted.
One of the things that I looked for when I relocated to Dubai was Filipino food establishments. There are quite a few here that already cater to the Philippine market. But nothing beats the kind of authenticity and consistency, in terms of ingredients and taste, that Max’s Restaurant provides to its customers. This homegrown brand is truly one of the best Asian restaurants in the emirate. And it has been our go-to eatery whenever we long for legit Philippine food. I’m glad that we no longer need to travel back home to satisfy our cravings, as Max’s Restaurant is now offering some of the most sumptuous meals from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Allow their exclusive menu to take you on a tour of the Philippines in seven delectable dishes.
One of the things that I promised myself as soon as I got home in the Philippines was to touch base with family and friends. Even if I lived in Quezon City, I would still travel to the south to see and be with my closest buddies. So when a good friend gifted me with GCs to use in their BGC-based restaurants, I knew I had to invite my best gal pals who resided in the area. And the first one on my food-trip list was Motto Motto in Serendra.
Vietnamese and Thai food are some of my favorite cuisines in Asia. So when my friend mentioned the Papaya Salad Restaurant in Dubai that served an Asian menu, I knew I had to try it.
If you're a coffee-lover like me, then you will love the Coffee Museum in Dubai. You'll know it's nearby when the aroma of roasted coffee beans touches your nose. It's a place in the emirate that showcases the connections between the past and the present coffee world (Arabic style, Ethiopian, Japanese, etc.).
Just like you, I was once single too. And to make you feel better, it also took me a few failed relationships and a lot of heartbreaks to eventually find the right one. I've waited for 24 years to meet the man who was destined for me. And three years ago, I finally married my best friend.
My husband and I love to eat. So when we dine out, we make sure to avail the budget-friendly restaurant selections on our Entertainer app. It's where we get some of the best bargains, like the Buy-1-Get-1 deal from Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que.
I'm not much of a morning person. But when my friend invited me for brunch (a prize she won from a contest) at Bosporus, I knew I had to get up early for it. The location was at Jumeirah Beach Residence, so it was almost a 2-hour commute from where I lived (bus then metro). Despite the long travel, I knew I couldn't miss it because the photos of the food spread she sent me were just too enticing to pass up.
I was recently invited to the VIP Media Launch of Lakbay Museo, an exclusive preview of a local museum that offered 14 unique experiences from 11 Philippine destinations. Excited as I was to attend, I couldn't since I'm based abroad. Fortunately, a blogger friend agreed to represent my blog for the event. Here's Franco's recount of his fun exploration in Lakbay Museo.
Getting tagged to come along a party on a chartered boat, even on short notice, was one for the books. It was one of those impromptu events that you’re likely to grab and go to because you rarely get an opportunity to experience it for free. So when my friend MJ got invited to attend a birthday celebration of a friend, she immediately asked Mane and me if we wanted to go with her. Of course, we said yes. We were with one another the entire day already, so what better way to cap off the day than to spend a lovely night onboard a beautiful catamaran boat.
My husband and I haven't gone anywhere together since our Singapore family trip. Luckily, our friend MJ won Aquaventure tickets, to which she invited us to enjoy with her. Good thing our schedules were free, so we were able to enjoy an after dark pool party at Aquaventure Atlantis The Palm.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is just a 2-hour bus ride from Dubai. While there is plenty of interesting places to see, you can go on a quick weekend tour by visiting some of the sites below.
Located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia is a beautiful country called Georgia - a romantic destination that became an instant favorite. Here, we experienced the daintiest things in the most affordable of ways like wine-tasting in Kakheti, DIY church-hopping in Signaghi to sightseeing in Gudauri and Gergeti. This astonishing nation simply gave us some of the best memories.
My husband and I spent five days in Georgia. That was exactly a year ago today. Going back, I initially thought that this trip would be easy to prepare for (in terms of packing our clothes and travel essentials), but I thought wrong. It was our first time traveling to a country that had actual snow, so we were a bit clueless if what we brought to Georgia would get us through the cold. Thankfully, we survived the weather, though wished that we had packed more thermal wear. Lesson learned.
I’m very new in Dubai, so I've only tried a couple of burger joints in the city. While my ultimate favorite is Jollibee’s Champ burger (yes, I may be biased), Shake Shack and Big Smoke Burger come in second place. But after this weekend’s food trip with friends, I might have found another worthy contender: Blaze Burgers.
Budget Biyahera was born after recognizing the need to share past trips that were arranged according to a specific budget while traveling with different types of people and gears. Everyone has their own financial perspective on things, whether you’re a big spender or the economically-conscious type. But as a constant wanderer, I’ve managed to keep my previous trips budget-friendly by allocating my resources.
Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples, can be traversed through the Angkor Archaeological Park. You can even explore its significant areas via the Grand Tour Circuit or the Small Tour Circuit (either start or end your journey with the smallest circuit). The latter option might be the shortest route, but it's also the one with the best views.
You can explore dozens of temples and ruins in Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples. Discover what the Angkor Archaeological Park has to offer by getting on an adventure-packed day by trying the Small Tour Circuit and/or the Grand Tour Circuit (recommended to do both when traveling to this side of Cambodia).
TIP: Try to get on the Grand Tour Circuit first as it offers the longest route.
We almost didn't get to explore the War Museum during our city tour because it heavily rained the entire afternoon. But good thing our Motodup's tall built helped endure the mud-covered streets on our way to the open-air gallery.
Siem Reap, which is the gateway to the Angkor temples, is a charming destination. You can plan your vacation days to know which sites to see and which activities to do so you can maximize your stay. And if you plan to visit its ancient ruins in the days to come, try to explore the town and its nearby localities on your first day in Cambodia. You won't be disappointed as the city is filled with remarkable places. Just take example of the Angkor National Museum.
Visiting the temples and sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park need real preparation. You have to know when to book a guide for your tours (are you availing the small tour or the grand tour circuit?), what type of park pass to buy, and what travel essentials to bring during your day explorations (amongst other things). You'll want to prepare yourself for the journey ahead to better appreciate the wonders of Siem Reap, Cambodia.
[NOTE: This was a 5-day trip three years ago] As Philippine passport holders who are traveling to Siem Reap for the first time, my partner and I made sure to prepare for our trip by learning about the country, to best be acquainted with their rules and traditions.
An unexpected family matter came up that had my husband and I rushing to Abu Dhabi for the weekend. And since we were on a tight budget, we looked for ways to make our trip comfortable without breaking the bank. Good thing we had The Entertainer app, which offered a variety of Buy-1-Take-1 deals ranging from food & drinks, everyday services, travel and more. Through this app, we were able to get a 2-night stay at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi while paying for just one night.
Last year, I met an entrepreneur who created a very ingenious product. Joyy Tuazon's vision of creating such beautiful and valuable merchandise and realizing it to life has certainly helped keep a lot of my stuff more organized. Allow me to introduce Kiepsky (/kip-skē/) - a trimmed slim wallet that lets you find smarter ways to carry your essentials.
There are millions of people all around the world who dream of traveling the world. Unfortunately, many people will never fulfill their dreams. After all, traveling the world can be pretty expensive. While traveling can be expensive, it is also true that there are ways to minimize the costs. By learning how to do so, you’ll be able to find ways to travel even when you have little to no money. It isn’t impossible. Within this guide, you’ll learn how to do just that.
There are a thousand more islands in the Philippines (about 7,641 isles) that I’ve yet to visit and explore. And it's packed with natural treasures worth discovering like Mariveles for example - a picturesque seaside town in Bataan. Situated at the southern tip of Bataan (50 km west of Metro Manila), Mariveles is famous for its much-admired Five Fingers – a series of coves to the west of the municipality, which looks like a hand spread out when you view the map.
There are only a few things that make me remarkably excited, and one of those include out-of-town trips and hotel stays. I just love a nice getaway that provides a delightful bed and breakfast setup. To have the opportunity to dwell in a cozy and quality accommodation truly helps restore one's mind and body. So imagine yourself savoring all these and more at a redeveloped hotel that's resting on a hilltop, amidst a very tranquil and green setting. Want to know where to find such a place? Visit the Oriental Bataan in Mariveles, and discover why it's a destination of its own.
I was never a fan of long-haul travels, which is quite ironic for someone who loves to explore, right? So just imagine my hesitation when I got invited by a friend to visit Bataan again (check the 1st trip and 2nd trip here) - a Philippine destination that usually takes 3-4 hours to reach by bus. Fortunately, we discovered a better and more convenient way to reach the progressive province, all without the butt-numbing experience - 1Bataan Integrated Transport System (ITS) – a ferry service that brings Manila closer to Bataan.
It's no secret that I like setting aside a specific budget for my trips. But if I have limited funds (and still itching to travel), I make sure that I 'book and plan ahead'. Here's how I do it:
1) I choose a destination.
2) I book my plane or bus ticket a few months early (look for seat sales!).
3) I check online sources for reviews and recommendations and then narrow down the best affordable rates for accommodations and tours, especially if I'm going DIY.
4) I book my accommodation (eg. Airbnb, Agoda, Booking).
5) I make a projection of my expenses by creating an itinerary based on figures that I've gathered online (list how many meals per day, how many nights in a lodging, how much for commute fees, etc.). Remember, it's okay to work around estimates, as it makes for a good buffer too.
6) I start saving up for the trip by allocating a certain amount from my earnings every month.
Allocating my funds for a trip helps me track how much is still needed to achieve my monetary goal.
Dubai is a fascinating city. I've only been here for less than a year, and I've already enjoyed exploring this bustling emirate. With its magnificent and towering structures (it's not the City of Superlatives for nothing), this dynamic town doesn't fail to highlight its own culture and heritage, especially its ingenuity - all of the qualities that I absolutely admire about Dubai.
Below is a roundup of some of my personal and budget-friendly explorations in Dubai, along with some very interesting contributions from fellow travel bloggers.
First of all, a Happy New Year to you, Biyaheras & Biyaheros! How did you ring in the Year of the Dog? As for us, we spent the first day of 2018 by doing a photo walk along the Al Seef Marina in Dubai. It was a bit far from where we lived. But it was definitely worth traveling to, as it displayed the city's deeply-rooted culture and maritime heritage smoothly merging into urbanism.
My 2017 has been charged with a lot of positive emotions, major transitions, and self-reflection. A period filled with bonds tested, friendships rekindled, memories collected, dreams realized and plans fulfilled. It's been a good season. No, scratch that. It's been a damn good year!
It's been over a year since my husband and I shared our first holiday as a married couple. Despite our circumstances then (he went back to work abroad, while I recuperated from a major surgery), we finally made it to our honeymoon a few months later.
There's plenty to see in and out of Baguio that spending a few days in the Summer Capital of the Philippines wouldn’t be enough! Making the City of Pines your destination of choice will let you experience one of your best adventures yet. The cold weather in the mountains, the warm welcome from the locals, the sumptuous food choices, and the rich culture and heritage up north makes Baguio one of the top places worth seeing in the Philippines.
It's always been a challenge, especially for me, to look for accommodations when traveling with a big group. I've experienced this countless times, particularly when I have a certain budget and schedule to consider. Thankfully, I've found homey lodgings that cater to specific needs, just like in 1896 BNB in Baguio City.
When I was about to launch my shoe business (3 years ago), my family and I, and a few workmates traveled to Baguio to do a quick shoot for Lakhambini. Now, given my Kuya's request to have a comfy and safe space for his wife and baby, I booked 1 chamber for them, and two more - one for the boys and one for me. Good thing (and good timing), I discovered 1896 BNB. Their rates ranged from PHP1,500-1,800 per night (non-peak/regular), which was perfect for our budget for two nights. Our package also came with complimentary breakfast, which was the best deal that I could find given our many conditions. It was simply perfect!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about France? Would it be the Eiffel Tower which dominates the Parisian skyline? The amazing wine? Or perhaps the fashionable beaches on the Mediterranean coast? A friend who's really into the arts told me he thinks about Monet. But, well, even if that's not your sort of thing, the country has something for everyone. Thinking about that, I want to share with you three regions you should visit on your next trip to France, whether it's you're a first-time visitor or a regular traveller to the land of François Macron.
A visit to Antique has been long overdue, and all it took was a little push from friends to finally come and explore the province. And I’m glad I went because spending six days all over Panay Island was quite memorable, as it blessed me a week filled with amazing travel experiences, loyal camaraderie, new discoveries, and deep reflection. Antique has put me under its charm, completely.
Savoy Hotel Boracay has three dining outlets: Savoy Café, Chambery Pool Bar, and Vienne, Lobby Lounge. Savoy Café, which offers a contemporary cuisine, is open from 6 AM to 11 PM. It can accommodate around 150 people inside, and 98 more by the pool area. Chambery Pool Bar, which is fixed by the main swimming pool, can seat up to 30 diners (open from 10 AM to 11 PM). Vienne, on the other hand, can seat up to 85 guests (open from 9 AM to 12 AM).
I miss the old Boracay where roads weren’t congested, and where passageways going to the beach weren’t jam-packed. I’m all for boosting the isle’s tourism and progression. But it was a bit of an eyesore to see so many construction sites sprouting up like mushrooms. I had a hard time recognizing certain areas that were so familiar before that I felt somewhat confined. It wasn’t the island vibe that I was longing to experience, as sceneries have definitely changed since I visited 3 years ago. So imagine how refreshing it was to stay on the same islet but on a more quieter and calmer side of it. Given all of the major changes in the bustling side of Stations 1-3, I’m glad I found Savoy Hotel in Newcoast Boracay. You’d be surprised that such a place existed just 30 minutes away from D’Mall in Station 2.
Aside from my love for travel and adventure, I also love watching movies and TV series that I can find travel inspirations from. Some of my favorite shows were actually filmed in Europe, specifically in Iceland, which has been on my travel bucket list. Now that I’ve relocated in the UAE, I know that my chances of exploring the island nation is much closer than it was before.
{LONDRANGAR BASALT CLIFFS} Photo courtesy of Iceland Tourism
I've been to Baguio several times, and have passed by Te Quiero all the time (given its great location in the city). So when I stayed at Microtel Baguio for the second time, I finally got to try their Spanish offerings; and boy, was I blown away!
Cebu Island is full of adventures for those who are just willing to go out and explore. Some of the destinations below are suitable for a day trip, and some are perfect for a weekend. It just really depends on how much time you have. But rest assured, you will find the adventure that you're looking for in Cebu. In this post, I will provide you with a north to south guide of Cebu Island, for you to know which spots can be paired together, especially if you're planning a longer vacation.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
