2012: The Year That Was

2012 has been a great year for me. It was a year of spontaneous travels, numerous food trips and finally took the road that I've really wanted since I was a kid. Truth be told, it was my most extensive travel year yet. I have traveled to as far as Lingayen, Baler, Clark, Baguio down to the most underrated province, Siquijor. Oh, I shouldn't forget my Kota Kinabalu trip!

There were times that I have doubted myself if I am doing the right decisions. Well, even though that I haven't achieved some of my goals, at least I have learned so many valuable lessons not just in traveling  but life in general.

This shouldn't be long. Now presenting, the obligatory year-end post: 2012: The Year That Was

Whaddup, homeslice?

And I made a promise that I should finish all of my backlogs after Christmas since I should start reviewing for the departure and arrival charts. Wow, talking about studying on a holiday break! Bummer. Well, it's not that I'm complaining... It's just, I always look forward for this much-awaited break. I got giddy when the plane finally landed at Davao! Nevertheless, I appreciated the true spirit of Christmas more than last year. I appreciated the presence of my family and relatives, celebrating noche buena together.

So yeah, what's up? I know that I haven't had any serious travels since August. But I'm going to share a bit of something about my new journey.

Pasko Fiesta: Celebrating Christmas in Davao

Ho ho ho! 'Tis the season to be jolly Fa la la la, la la la la! 

And all I thought I won't come home for the first time due to the busy schedule of our training. But thank God, we were granted to have a one and a half week break - a much-awaited break to be more precise. And as my scheduled flight to Davao drew nearer, I get excited and giddy, knowing that I'd spend the holiday seasons with my family, friends and to a place where I truly belong.

Your Guide to Surviving Post-Holiday Air Travel

The RITA (Research and Innovative Technology Administration) Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that "during the Christmas/New Year Holiday [air travel] rises by 23 percent." As millions are stuffed into into airplanes and weather conditions change flight schedules problems for passengers escalate. Believe it or not, the right attitude and a solid plan can alleviate most travel frustrations, read these tips and become a holiday-travel expert—happy flying!

See The World in Style on the Vision of the Seas

The Vision Of The Seas gives its name to what is arguably the most sophisticated and elegant class of ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet. As ever with ships of its calibre there is a huge range of activity options for guests to choice from throughout the day and on into the evening. A key element of which is focussed on the food side of the equation, with a banquet of cuisines always on offer on the Vision. You can do very little indeed or you can try your hand at every last activity but the real draw of the whole thing remains the views and on the Vision you really are able to see some truly stunning regions of the world. For the very best vantage point, you'll want to head up to the Viking Lounge, which offers incredible views in every direction.

Thailand Boosting Its Medical Tourism Industry

Photo credit by wcpath.org

Medical tourism is a term that has two possible meanings; it can refer to obtaining treatment for medical conditions in a foreign country or improving wellness with spa and relaxation activities.Thailand is considered a leader in the medical tourism industry; it offers both options for tourists who want to improve health or work on treating a medical condition for a reasonable price.

According to TTGAsia.com, Thailand has an incentive to work on the best medical facilities and tourism activities for visitors. TTGAsia.com suggests that medical tourism adds billions to the country’s economy because visitors are seeking medical treatments, relaxing spa activities and other wellness options as an alternative to the traditional tourist actions.

No Turning Back

Now, the battle has just begun. After my short vacation in Davao last week... Oh wait, it wasn't really a vacation per se since I was soooo busy reviewing for our final examssss. Honestly, I did not expect that it would be THAT hard.

The Things I Hate About Flying

Traveling around the Philippines is indeed challenging. In order to maximize time, one has to fly from one island to another. But today, every Juan can now fly, thanks to the promo fares of the local LCCs (low cost carriers). Flying has never been this convenient. Sometimes, I even availed some of their promos and I did save time and money!

But there are some drawbacks about it. Here are some of the things that I hate about flying around the country.