Our supposed final destination was an "intentional community" in a peaceful bushland near hippie suburbs Mullumbimby and Byron Bay, where we planned to stay for a month. Though we're kicking off another year as a technically homeless family, hubby and I are thrilled at the idea of schooling (Or shall I say unschooling?) ourselves again in far-flung foreign lands. Never mind we spend all our earnings as we go, so long as we live in "the now".
The long drive on the Pacific Highway made us fondly reminisce about how we traveled like it's the end of the world in 2012. Twelve countries. We're probably never gonna top that. But it doesn't matter because it ain't a goal of ours. What we do intend to accomplish this 2013 is to live in different places, in the Philippines and beyond, on longer periods. In a way it shall prepare us for normalcy. Next year, our daughter will start preschool education which will surely anchor us somewhere. Where exactly? We don't know.
I feel as though we've started counting down to the end of our carefree days. A prison with cells made of conventional rules and routines awaits around the corner. It saddens us quite bit, but who are we to whinge? For four years that the hubby and I have been together, all our memories revolved around travel. Packing and unpacking. Checking in and checkin out. Departure and arrival.
Like I said a while back, the universe spoiled us to bits. We really couldn't ask for anything more. Can hardly wait to know what 2013 got up its sleeve! And you know what? I'm spreading the good vibe around via a giveaway!
Left: Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2012 and 2013 bundle. Right: The Travel Blogging Calendar 2013, Women's. Can you spot the Pinay Travel Junkie?
Prizes at stake (one winner for each prize):
Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2012 and 2013 bundle. Jumpstart your 2013 reading about the best travel experiences the past year and for the year ahead!
Travel Blogging Calendar 2013, Women's. 24 fearless travel bloggers from around the world posed nearly naked (Okay, mostly the men.) and purred for the camera... For charity! All these sizzling hot snapshots are printed on a 2013 calendar (Thanks to Uprinting.), and all proceeds from the sales will be donated to Mitrata Nepal and VSO Bahaginan Philippines. If you don't win this one, please consider buying. $25 each.
Punchdrunk Panda's "Stamp Collector" SLR camera strap by Jennifer Horn. Get your travel groove on by embellishing your DSLR with this fun strap!
What you gotta do... Just "like" a bunch of pages and share the news to others. Let Rafflecopter lead the way.
Open to Philippine residents. Contest will run from January 13 to January 31. Winners will be announced on February 1. Prizes will be sent within the month of February.
Good luck, fellow travel junkies! Now share us your travel plans for 2013.
This is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers' Blog Carnival "New Beginnings" for the month of January, hosted by Roj Braga of Adventuroj.
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143 comments:
January 13, 2013 at 12:11 PM
Nice work :-)
January 13, 2013 at 12:15 PM
Disqus Exodus, baybeh.
January 13, 2013 at 1:18 PM
Congrats to your four years going five! Nice preparation for Luna's schooling. Keep it up hippie parents!
January 13, 2013 at 2:13 PM
Thanks Roniel!
January 13, 2013 at 2:56 PM
2013 seems to bring in a lot of new beginnings. Though I envy you and a lot of other travel bloggers for still having the freedom to roam, my Teloyskie will starting grade school this year so I have to be more grounded/domesticated. I am not complaining though and still plan on exploring the region with the boys instead :)
January 13, 2013 at 4:13 PM
This 2013, I'm planning to take my studying "SKILLS" to the next level, hopefully! I also want to publish a book or a story online for this year! :)
January 13, 2013 at 4:36 PM
Kibungan, Benguet! :)
January 13, 2013 at 5:20 PM
Take me with you!
January 13, 2013 at 5:30 PM
How exciting! Yup, I guess you guys just gotta make the most out of school holidays. We'll get there soon.
January 13, 2013 at 6:05 PM
2013 travel plans include diving with the whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon, attending the Malasimbo music festival and solo trips to Vietnam and Malaysia. :)
January 13, 2013 at 6:13 PM
Malasimboooo! I hope we'll be in Pinay by then. Some PTB are going too.
January 13, 2013 at 6:13 PM
Wow, good luck on you book!
January 13, 2013 at 6:29 PM
2013...Planning to visit Apo Reef with girlfriends. wanna try water rafting & zipling in visayas with hubby's bestfriend & a friend. Hope to travel with habibi to an off-beaten path again. God bless on your trip gaye...your family rocks!!!!
January 13, 2013 at 6:50 PM
Aww.. Thanks, Loreen! Apo Reef sounds awesome! I'd really love to visit someday too though I'm not keen on diving.
January 13, 2013 at 7:12 PM
Hey Gaye, not sure if you've already seen this blog, but it might give you ideas about the future: http://www.soultravelers3.com/
As for my 2013, I have plans, pero secret lang muna haha. Hope to catch you in Australia (or wherever) someday! :D
January 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM
This is a great giveaway! I am happy you want to support our charities with a copy of the Travel Blogging Calendar :)
January 13, 2013 at 8:12 PM
Happy to spread the news about our awesome project, Alex.
January 13, 2013 at 8:24 PM
You totally rock, Gaye! And Luna's just really lovely! Hoping to visit Sagada and Ontario this year! :)
January 13, 2013 at 9:06 PM
Yup, been following them for a long time na. I stalk a lot of nomad families online and I'm not sure if it's healthy for me. Haha. I get all these radical ideas that the hubby and I debate about.
January 13, 2013 at 9:07 PM
Planning to go Brunei, Vietnam and Cambodia this year. More Luzon or Mindanao travels too! :)
January 13, 2013 at 9:11 PM
I want that Lonely Planet Mag hehehe :)
January 13, 2013 at 9:16 PM
I am planning to go to Palawan, hopefully :)
January 13, 2013 at 9:16 PM
Hoping to see more of Mindanao as well *cross fingers*
January 13, 2013 at 9:17 PM
I have so many plans for this year! Basta the travel plans that I'm 100% sure of - I have to do Cambodia this year, Chiang Mai (I am so adopting a panda or a koalaaa! And I have to do Siquijor and maybe Camotes. Baby steps. Busy-busyhan sa work. Chos. :)
January 13, 2013 at 9:18 PM
Wow, thank you! Hope your travel plans push through.
January 13, 2013 at 9:19 PM
Ooh... I'd love to see Camotes. And pandas again and again and again.
January 13, 2013 at 9:28 PM
I'm so bad at planning. I don't plan beyond the next few months (which makes me miss out a lot on promo fares!). So, so far it's just Nepal for me in Feb.
January 13, 2013 at 9:39 PM
No plans for this year, basta bahala na si Batman kung saan mapadpad :)
That strap rocks by the way! ;P
January 13, 2013 at 9:42 PM
No plans for the first half of the year. Might just go with the flow :p But I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Laos-Myanmar trip will push through in Q3.
January 13, 2013 at 10:04 PM
Weee Nepal! Is ze mom going too?
January 13, 2013 at 10:06 PM
I'm pretty sure Batman will let you roam to soooo many places, Christian!
January 13, 2013 at 10:09 PM
You think Luna's preschool education should anchor you? Have you ever heard of homeschooling? *wink wink*
Anyway, I don't really have much fixed travel plans for 2013, but my goal is to incorporate volunteerism whenever I can in my travels, especially teaching baybayin, our ancient Filipino writing system. =)
January 13, 2013 at 10:09 PM
Via the Batmobile I hope haha
January 13, 2013 at 10:13 PM
I've thought of homeschooling and even unschooling. But the thought of taking Luna to school, and picking her up after actually excites me.
January 13, 2013 at 10:26 PM
Go to El Nido! :D
January 13, 2013 at 10:41 PM
Unschooling - I like that! Often conventional schools take away creativity and sense of adventure. If you do get anchored, I'm hoping for the best school that suits a cool and unconventional family like yours. =)
January 14, 2013 at 1:16 AM
My Travel Plans this 2013 is to go to Bohol! :)
January 14, 2013 at 4:07 AM
Oh, wow! Hope to see some PTB folks there :)
January 14, 2013 at 5:55 AM
I have no fixed plan yet but as long as I don't stay at the same place all the time, it'll be fine by me :) and yes, I love that calendar hahaha!
January 14, 2013 at 5:57 AM
Sagada!!! :))
January 14, 2013 at 8:25 AM
Surf sa surigao sa march! :D
Si luna na talaga ang pinaka bonggang bata. many adult travel bloggers envy her. kasama na ako dun. ehehehe \m/
January 14, 2013 at 8:55 AM
Hahahaha! High five!
January 14, 2013 at 9:34 AM
I initially planned on going to Indonesia to see Mt. Bromo, Borubodur Temple and Ketut -- but no definite plans yet. I also want to do some volunteer work in Nepal or Thailand :)
The BRATpacker
January 14, 2013 at 10:32 AM
travel plans? im going to Indonesia today! wee! Also, im plotting all possible plots to get my ass off to another continent.. i love Asia, but i've been here for too long :D
January 14, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Will try to finish off SEA this year ;) Myanmar on March. SG, Indonesia, Malaysian Borneo and Brunei on 4th Quarter. I'll try to squeeze in Laos whenever I can. South Korea is in this year's list too. India and Nepal with 2 fellow bloggers also in the works. n_n
January 14, 2013 at 11:14 AM
Oh wow! Good luck on your plans. Would love to see Nepal to this year.
January 14, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Yey! Today's THE day pala. Have a safe trip Grasya.
January 14, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Settling down like most families do make for weary ordinary days, but it does build and heighten the excitement for future travel plans like no other. Too, there's that heartwarming comfort in coming home to something familiar after a trip elsewhere. Slow travel ain't such a bad idea :)
This year, we're revisiting Corregidor, Tagaytay and Bataan. Crossing my fingers that I could also start mountain climbing na this year, kahit Manalmon sana or Maculot :)
January 14, 2013 at 11:58 AM
would like to swim with butanding . my dream travel plan this year.
January 14, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Maculot's my first mountain! And it's true. I crave for that feeling of coming home to a familiar pillow. It hasn't happened for a looong time.
January 14, 2013 at 9:12 PM
I'm traveling anywhere my wallet and my feet take me! From Iloilo to Boracay to Pangasinan to Vigan. These are just my booked plans for Summer! So many more to come!
January 14, 2013 at 10:16 PM
A traveler will always be a traveler. I am very sure you'll find your way to travel even if your Luna will be on her preschool... I am sure of that =)
January 15, 2013 at 2:20 AM
madeira or copenhagen, hoping to see any of the two this year. wish! wish!
good luck to both of you and to the little traveler! :-)
January 15, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Am going to India in March, but I want to go to South America on the second half of the year! Cross fingers!
January 15, 2013 at 10:31 AM
i have 3 plans this year, siem reap, hanoi and coron. I wish i had more budget to pursue more trips but that's just it for now! :)
January 15, 2013 at 10:32 AM
My plans this year includes a solo trip to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos as well as getting my butt to Coron, Bohol, Kalinga and hopefully back to my favorite, El Nido!
January 15, 2013 at 10:38 AM
being technically homeless gives you the adventure of a lifetime!.. the road is your home but yes, sometimes there are certain things that we can't getaway with because this is the rule of life, e.g. schooling.. but it's not as bad either..
My 2013 plans?.. haven't really thought about it.. :) but first, I must ensure that I'm still alive before this year ends.. lols.. Maybe stepping away from home for a year is not a bad idea!.. :)
January 15, 2013 at 10:44 AM
revisiting Mindanao for 3 long months. South Cotabato - Cotabato City - Sultan Kudarat etc, will be knocking on my relatives doors, lol.
January 15, 2013 at 10:52 AM
our very own Pilipinas this first quarter. and hoping to catch winter : Canada perhaps? to see mareng Aurora Borealis :D
January 15, 2013 at 11:19 AM
We're going to Coron for island hopping and snorkeling trip, Calauit Island to visit the wildlife park and backpack around Bicol Region.
January 15, 2013 at 11:54 AM
Wow, 3 months!
January 15, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Travel is going to be year of "immersion" so I vow to visit less places but experience more. I was thinking of hitting Borneo and Bhutan. Crossing my fingers.
January 15, 2013 at 2:33 PM
My travel plans for 2013 is to go back to Palawan with my ex-boyfriend (now my husband) for our 13th anniversary. :)
January 15, 2013 at 7:51 PM
I'm spending my holy week 2013 in Laos and Malaysia. How I wish I could go to Myanmar, too! :)
January 15, 2013 at 9:16 PM
Spending two nights at Taal Vista Hotel with someone. Go treking at Pico de Loro in Maragondon Cavite this summer vacation with my high school friends. :)
January 15, 2013 at 10:04 PM
Hi Gay! This giveaway of yours is packed with all the right travel goodies! I hope I get to win at least 1, so that I can bring those with me on my future travels.. Oh yeah, I'm planning on flying to Tacloban to visit a friend... and maybe book more flights to Davao for Kadayawan, Surigao del Sur for the Enchanted River.. and more! *Here's to more travels and moolah for us this 2013! :P
January 15, 2013 at 11:17 PM
Thanks for sharing this gay.. this gives us more reasons to travel. Hope to meet you.
January 15, 2013 at 11:21 PM
I just want to see more of the Philippines...
January 16, 2013 at 12:32 AM
I want to swim with the stingless jellyfish at Bucas Grande!
January 16, 2013 at 1:03 AM
I will visit my girlfriend in Singapore in April, then I will go to Hong Kong with my brother in May, I will go to Hong Kong with my girlfriend and her family in June to celebrate her birthday and I will visit my girlfriend in Singapore again in July for our first anniversary... :) I booked all my tickets already! :) And for the 2nd half of 2013, will probably visit again one or two Philippine destinations (e.g. Coron, Cebu or Bohol) :)
January 16, 2013 at 2:20 AM
Will be in Kalibo for Ati-atihan this weekend. :D A good travel start for 2013 I guess. Planning to be in Cebu on Holy Week as well. Hopefully I could go to Ilocos before the year ends. :D
January 16, 2013 at 7:26 AM
Hi Gay! Cynie here :) Mishu much.. I will be joining your contest.. :p
I will be in Marinduque and Batangas this January. The provinces in Panay Island by April. Singapore-Malaysia-Thailand in June. Negros provinces and Siquijor in November. And anywhere goes in between those months. <3
January 16, 2013 at 7:53 AM
That's an action-packed year, Cynie! Mishu too.
January 16, 2013 at 7:55 AM
A good travel start indeed.
January 16, 2013 at 7:56 AM
Ahaha! Yes, more moola please.
January 16, 2013 at 7:57 AM
Hope to meet you in 2013 too!
January 16, 2013 at 7:58 AM
Ahh... I'd LOVE to experience that too!
January 16, 2013 at 8:07 PM
i want to visit Caramoan :)
January 17, 2013 at 2:47 AM
My travel plans this 2013 is to visit Manila on February. Then, a family trip to Boracay is Scheduled on March. After, We'll be going to Davao for another round of family bonding until we finally go back to General Santos before The School Year 2013 starts! :)
January 17, 2013 at 3:47 PM
i joined! Happy 2013 Gay! :)
January 17, 2013 at 7:33 PM
no "plans" at all. palipad hangin lang. kung saan dalhin ng paa at wallet :)
January 17, 2013 at 9:41 PM
Would Love to go to Cebu again and be with my 'kuya' but this time I'm really hoping that I could travel with my whole family and stay there for 2 to 3 weeks (crossing fingers super hoping) :)
January 17, 2013 at 11:18 PM
take on more challenging trips (physically) =)
January 17, 2013 at 11:29 PM
my travel plans for 2013 is
1. go to boracay this summer
2. bohol
3. baguio for christmas and new year
January 18, 2013 at 8:49 AM
I'm crossing my fingers for you too :)
January 18, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Hahaha! Importante yung 'wallet' part :D
January 18, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Spending Xmas in Baguio would be awesome!
January 18, 2013 at 11:57 AM
to go to Coron, Nagsasa Cove, Calaguas and Visit my auntie in SG
January 18, 2013 at 10:00 PM
going to Corregidor
January 18, 2013 at 11:22 PM
Another solo trip to Visayas, and then hopefully, my first out-of-the-country trip! :D
January 19, 2013 at 3:59 AM
For 2013, my travel plans are the following:
- to visit and explore Ilocos (Vigan and Pagudpod) within March
- enjoy and invade Coron in September
Just hope the weather will cooperate so as to enjoy the trip .. !! :-)
January 19, 2013 at 7:01 AM
Exciting! Wonder what country :)
January 19, 2013 at 8:02 AM
Our travel plans for 2013: either visit Hong Kong Disneyland (for my kiddo who loves Mickey Mouse), Palawan or Boracay
January 19, 2013 at 8:25 AM
My travel plan is to go in Bataan this year 2013 with my classmates <3
January 19, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Most probably somewhere in SEA. :)
January 19, 2013 at 12:23 PM
I pLan to explore South Luzon this year! ^_^
January 19, 2013 at 3:43 PM
hahabol..hehe
no definite travel plans yet..but this year I want to explore more of Mindanao, climb (major) another mountain, run a half marathon (half lang muna) hehe, revisit El Nido & Myanmar and hopefully ma meet na kita..hehe
January 19, 2013 at 5:47 PM
attend the panagbenga festival:)
January 19, 2013 at 9:46 PM
i Plan to go to Baguio. Really wishing .
January 19, 2013 at 10:29 PM
I plan to go to bohol this 2013 with my family.
January 20, 2013 at 12:09 AM
My travel plan for this year is to go to Boracay with my Hubby and Kids <3
January 20, 2013 at 6:51 AM
Oh a family trip! Love that.
January 20, 2013 at 6:51 AM
Should be fun fun fun!
January 20, 2013 at 6:51 AM
Oh I do hope to meet you na rin Nath :)
January 20, 2013 at 9:59 AM
just got back from Taipei trip, starting early.....
January 20, 2013 at 10:10 AM
I plan to backpack around the Philippines for 50 Days :)
January 20, 2013 at 12:15 PM
Spend our honeymoon in the Visayas with my family and his family!
January 20, 2013 at 1:04 PM
attend the dinagsa festival in cadiz city..:)
January 20, 2013 at 1:16 PM
My travel plans for this year is to celebrate Negros Occidental Festivities with my friends....
January 20, 2013 at 1:48 PM
I'm planning to revisit Coron and hopefully go to the UK din :D
January 20, 2013 at 1:50 PM
Hopefully before employment, 7 day trip around Panay Island!
January 20, 2013 at 3:51 PM
I'm hoping to trip to Palawan.
January 20, 2013 at 6:16 PM
i want to go any beautiful places in philippines
January 21, 2013 at 9:11 AM
travel plans is at pagodpud
January 21, 2013 at 9:33 AM
A 3 days 2 nights vacation in Puerto Princesa Underground river this summer of 2013
January 21, 2013 at 8:59 PM
Hi! This 2013, I actually plan to explore different places here in the Philippines. I want to go to beautiful, unexplore beaches!
January 21, 2013 at 11:29 PM
I want to visit caramoan this march....
January 22, 2013 at 2:42 AM
I want to travel to palawan for one week for a vacation...
January 22, 2013 at 7:01 AM
going to corregidor next month :D
January 22, 2013 at 9:17 PM
I wanna go to South Korea! :)
January 22, 2013 at 10:19 PM
Will continue exploring El Nido! Done with Tour A and C and it was great, this year it'll be tour B and Dnaman. :)
January 22, 2013 at 10:24 PM
I would go to my hometown Bulacan :)
January 22, 2013 at 10:43 PM
I would go singapore this August!
January 23, 2013 at 2:10 AM
explore philippines,, I want to go to Palawan and Boracay this 2013
January 24, 2013 at 12:03 AM
If given a chance i would like to travel to mindanao or in visayas. where i can see my father's home town he kept on telling me about cebu but still i can't picture out what cebu looks like :)
January 25, 2013 at 3:42 PM
What are your travel plans for 2013?
would love to go to Boracay, hopefully this year & Negros occidental to visit my Relatives there.. :)
January 27, 2013 at 4:05 AM
My plans are to see the beautiful sceneries of the Philippines! :)
January 27, 2013 at 12:57 PM
My travel plan for this year is go to Sagada alone. :)
January 27, 2013 at 1:00 PM
10 days in bkk-chiang mai-laos...this coming may...
January 27, 2013 at 1:03 PM
Bangkok in June. Beijing in July. Bali in November. All BBBooked. :)
January 27, 2013 at 1:19 PM
Philippines and some parts of SEA. :)
January 27, 2013 at 3:06 PM
2013 travel bucklist:
1. Peninsular Malaysia
2. El Nido
3. Apo Reef
4. Ilocos-baguio
January 28, 2013 at 5:38 PM
Question: What are your travel plans for 2013?
Answer: As for 2013, I don't really have immediate travel plans. But if things go well, I might be going to Bacolod City or in Manila.
For the years to come, I plan to visit more places in the Philippines and some countries in Asia. Top of my list will be Japan, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
January 28, 2013 at 8:40 PM
My travel plans for this year is to spend my Christmas out of country like in Hongkong or Singapore. I want to experience Christmas in theme parks there :)
January 28, 2013 at 9:16 PM
backpack travel to cambodia-thailand-vietnam this summer :)
January 29, 2013 at 3:29 PM
i'm hoping to go to masbate and visit my grandma..:)
January 30, 2013 at 11:02 AM
this summer will backpack to zamboanga-basilan-jolo-tawi tawi all the way to Sandakan, Malaysia! Then Japan and Singapore on July the cheapest way possible!
January 30, 2013 at 12:59 PM
best is yet to come =)
January 30, 2013 at 5:17 PM
Phuket for my birthday!
January 31, 2013 at 12:35 AM
backpacking indochina for my birthday :)
January 31, 2013 at 1:33 AM
I and my travel buddies started wandering early, too. On Jan 2, we headed for Bantayan Island then to the islands of Bohol and Panglao up to Jan 7th. The following are my travel plans for 2013: February: Samal Island; March - Dipolog, Dapitan, Dakak, Fantasyland; April - Surigao Sur/Norte, Siargao; May: Agusan Marsh; June: Coron and El Nido; August: Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi; October: Bacolod and Camiguin; November: Manila and Manila Ocean Park's Asian Horror Ghost House if they'll have it again this year; December: free month. I don't like travelling alone, so either family, friends or both will be going with me in all those trips. Thank God my job allows "rest day on duty for offset."
January 31, 2013 at 11:19 AM
Wow! That's what I call fully-booked :)
January 31, 2013 at 12:20 PM
backpacking around Southeast Asia for a month or two.
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