Cover photo: India enjoying the culture and this beautiful November weather in Seoul. A reasonable and alternative way to travel internationally with a long layover. Explore a new country in an inexpensive way. Take advantage of this and find a free transit bus tour, like the one in Seoul, South Korea. This six-hour tour takes…
Author: elijah
Story teller, an avid observer. I love culture and the Idea of traveling the world with my family. He > i.
More than a coffee culture, this is Project Brew
featured photo: credits to Project Brew Butuan city. This small humble corner in Butuan has since been a familiar comfort for me. Like visiting a relative or a family member- a friend. Only fitting, this joint is unassuming. But has a lot to offer. Let me walk you through this featured post and give you…
Our MSC Orchestra Mediterranean Family Cruise Itinerary
Rome • Valencia • Barcelona • Marseille • Genoa • Florence • Pisa • Livorno • Castel Gandolfo Cover photo: The Scala Elicoidale Momo (often referred to as the modern Bramante Staircase) is the famous exit staircase of the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Momo in 1932, it stands as…
Vibrant Guatemala and a family adventure
Cover photo: Iconic, vibrantly painted “chicken buses”— rugged American school buses reborn for the chaotic dance of public transit—gracefully weave through narrow, hard-hewn stone streets, embodying the raw spirit and rich tapestry of local culture. We rented an SUV for five days, weaving our way through the vibrant tapestry of Guatemala City, Panajachel, and Antigua….
Experience Flamsbana with children; the most memorable train journey in Norway
Cover Photo: The Flam line, only 20 kilometers (about 13 miles) long, is a popular rail adventure in Norway. The Flamsbana train ride takes about 1 hour and offers stunning views on the journey from Myrdal to Flam and back, making it one of the best train rides in Europe. We had the privilege of…
2 days in Budapest with kids. The history, culinary and Goulash!
cover photo: budapesti belvárosi ferences templom. The Baroque-style Inner-City Church of the Franciscans, a beautiful view from our hotel suite. Shot at f/11 at 2 sec. Fuji xpro-1, Fuji 16 mm f/2.8. The two-day visit in Budapest with the family was more than a tour of the grand architecture, intricate castle and the stunning hillside…
A family adventure to Czech, Slovenia, and Hungary; learning history and the cadence of public transportation
Cover photo: India posing along romantic cobble stone pathway. Prague is known for its magical and romantic atmosphere at night, with the illumination of historic landmarks casting a soft glow on the cobblestone streets, enhancing the feel of walking through a fairy tale. The enchanting sound of music wafts through the air from nearby cafes…
Family-Friendly Travel Guide: Tuna Landing in General Santos (GenSan)
General Santos City has been called the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” due to its impressive total daily catch of tuna that exceeds any other fish ports in the country. This vibrant city not only boasts a rich marine biodiversity but also plays a vital role in the local economy, providing countless jobs and livelihoods…
A family guide to experience world-class gestures of Mindanao’s Grand Mosque and its nearby Pink Mosque
Cover Photo: The pink Mosque of Mindanao, or Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid, is an architectural gem renowned for its vibrant color and intricate designs. Serving as both a place of worship and a cultural landmark, it reflects the Islamic heritage of the Filipino people. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, its unique pink hue symbolizes peace,…
Discover Dapitan, the shrine City of the Philippines
Cover photo: Rizal’s letter to Fr. Pablo Pastells: “I consider myself happy to be able to suffer a little for a cause I believe to be sacred | itinuturing kong maligaya ang makapagtiis nang kaunti alang-alang sa isang layunin initnuturing kong banal.” A blend of historical importance and a true retreat plots Dapitan as an…
24 hours in Boston, a family adventure
Boston and the IT outage; How a canceled flight turned into a family adventure. Let’s take you to our canceled flight turn family city adventure. After a restful sleep, my family and I headed to the dining hall. All our luggage are infinite in their final fit. All I needed now was a cup of…
How to find Isak Heartstone
Who is this beautiful Giant in the woods? Isak Heartstone is a 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture on the Trollstigen Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. Isak was created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo for the annual Breckenridge International Festival of Arts (BIFA) in August, and he is known for promoting recycling by making art from trash….
The million star accommodation in Joshua tree National Park
The stargazers haven and the rock climbers playground. This unique landscape is an iconic midwest setting. It is known for its natural beauty, artistic community, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from around the world. It has long been a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and writers, drawn to its serene beauty and otherworldly…
Explore Sedona; a four day excursion with children
An oasis in the dessert, teaming with vibrant rock buttes, surrounding itself with new age art galleries, sophisticated food entries and who can deny the mild weather, setting Sedona a destination for all seeking both inspiration and luxury in the dessert. This was a perfect getaway for my family and my two young children who…
Ilocos reflections; a recollection. A reverence to my roots through the eyes of my children.
A journey; a self reflection | A road trip to the ilocos region, Philippines. At the break of dawn Joycee and I headed down quaint Crisologo street. The cobbled stone pathway is the most authentic at this hour with the dark blue moonless sky and the ambient tungsten light illuminating the picturesque 17th century structures….
Big Sur’s Ventana campground; the window to the pacific coast
How we spent the weekends camping in the redwoods to plug in to nature connected us to pure solitude and the very charming pacific coast. The Pfeiffer forest, the ocean and rolling hills collectively brought us to a peaceful retreat enjoying every element as we bonded together as a family. prelude to Autumn The cooler…
The road to salvation, an afternoon stroll with young children
Have you ever been in a place so desolate, uninspiring, neutral? We all have been to that daily mundane routine in life. Where part of us is a desert- our thoughts wander like the tumbleweed in the vast and open dry land. No growth, just stagnant air. Leonard Knight: The artist heart The war in…
Children and the Culinary World in Travel
opening image: the kids enjoying an authentic virgin pina colada (non alcoholic ofcourse) from a local vendor in labufadora in Ensenada, Mexico. This is a great way to enjoy the easy nice walk while shopping along a street full of vendors slowly descending down on top of a hill overlooking the pacific ocean down to…
Escape Manila’s bustle and experience Baclaran’s redemptorist church; the Baclaran phenomenon
One should not discount the facade of the Baclaran church in comparison to the Duomo Milano in Milan, or the Cologne cathedral in Germany, or even the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona because of its deep rooted faith and the gravity of penitence that the Milieu of the Filipino people share. It is a common…
Simple minivan conversion for a weekend camping trip with the family
The ticking sound that changed the course of time I love camping and the outdoors. I have always been fascinated in buying a transport van and converting it into a functional living space enjoying the luxury of camping and the outdoors with the family. In 2017 we bought our minivan when my daughter India was…
Photography in travel and the candid reminders of children at play
When words become obsolete and distant, the world of travel turns to capturing raw images of uncomplicated forms and reflections. It is an extension of a new dimension untapped to the human psyche, but sustained in the art and form of candid moments. Photographs. Still images. Raw, unedited frame of existence; Of one’s mind and…
A peek inside an annual pass holder at Legoland, California
Building Lego(s) nurture the active and physical mind. It forms and build an inner creative process in a way that shelter the imagination, produce a self reflected satisfaction; Confidence within one’s inner child, over time build a concrete- stable judgement that can be applied to the everyday adult life, with a hint of a few…
7 helpful tips while traveling on Public Transportation with Kids; Europe edition
Welcome to adventure, the most memorable part of the destination Our most recent travel to Central Europe opened up new ideas into a few more helpful insights in how we can safely and efficiently use public transportation for our future travels. Traveling on public transportation with children can be a manageable and exciting experience. Here…
Unforgettable Maui experience with young kids
Because of the recent wildfire that’s devastated Maui, I want to extend my family’s prayer for all who are affected. May this island recover in the boldest of what Hawaiian’s are always viewed as- the beautiful gesture of Ohana. This was our humble trip with family friends just a month before it leveled most of…
Mindanao’s Britania and its inspirational charm with children
Ate Lourdes Ate Lourdes sits on a shaded part of the island surrounded by pristine blue waters against white sandy beach shorelines. The calm breeze inviting a slow morning crawl of tiny crustaceans and pulsating waves. She hand picks sea urchins in a bucket. Next to her, a pile of seaweeds and few fresh catch…
Traveling Light with Children: A Parent’s Guide to Stress-Free Adventures
Are you a parent eager to embark on family adventures but feeling daunted by the thought of packing for your little ones? I was there too at one point in time exchanging ideas with my wife. But this will be you guide to ultimate resource for mastering the art of traveling light with children, equipping…
Carnival Radiance cruise with children
Ensenada, Mexico Featured photo at the Plaza Civica de la Patria with the Bust of Benito Juarez. He was a Mexican Liberal lawyer and statesman who served as the 26th president of Mexico. Benito pursued constitutional reforms that helped establish a democratic federal republic. Thing one and two, a carnival cruise experience for you It…
9 important and common questions answered when flying with children
What documents does a child need to fly within the US? When flying within the United States, children typically need to provide identification documents. For children under the age of 18, a valid government-issued identification card, such as a passport or a state-issued identification card, is recommended but not always required. Additionally, some airlines may…
As we lay here in the cabin
Rest, as illuminated in scripture, unfolds with a sacred rhythm that beckons us to pause and remember His promises, compelling us to lean into His unwavering provision. It is a powerful, intentional break in the chaos of our daily lives, urging us to reflect deeply on the overflowing blessings we often take for granted. In…
Christ; the Journey to every man
Welcome to this website. If this is your first visit, I write about travel with young children and the journey we collect over the years as a family. Since it is a brand new year, it is most fitting to bring about a story of hope. I can’t pass on the greatest story told to…
we are the banyan tree
A welcome note Let me introduce you to the framed line of this photograph, the becoming of a curious mind and the vertigo of a wanderlust mother. Let me become anonymous and paint you a raw unedited version of my family. It is in those playful coffee hour of the tungsten lit room where Joycee…
Come again to Camiguin Island; A three day family trip packed with adventure
Our 2022 Mindanao road trip brought us to this wonderful finale of a retreat in the intimate and quaint Island of Camiguin. A wonderful family vacation Island you’d want to visit if you want to feel a private tropical welcome away from the busy crowd. Immerse with the locals at every town, drive with the…
Create your own passport photos at home
The easiest and most affordable alternative in getting your passport photos is by taking it yourself at home. Yes, at home, on your own convenience and time. It saves you money and saves you time specially having children to photograph. Here is my step by step approach that I have followed the last few years…
Our journey to beautiful Alberta with a one year old.
A dreamy state of mind Have you awaken from a dream of pristine waters and un-ending stream of river that rest on a panoramic mountain rage of snow capped mountains? Captivating waterfalls and rolling hills of wild flowers and dramatic skies? Lakes that stretch for miles across vistas and evergreen that foil dramatic and ominous…
Enter the enchanting; A road trip to the Pacific Northwest with a toddler
Cover Photo Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., located on the Olympic Peninsula in western Washington state. Celestial birthday, an introduction to our Pacific Northwest adventure. on my 33rd birthday I woke up extra early at 3 in the morning. I joined the early morning with a fresh aroma of…
10 important photography tips to consider while traveling with children
Although smart phones are truly smarter these days, it still lags behind any digital cameras that are in the market. Most notably the use of an external flash, the low light capabilities digital cameras has; and how it out-performs mobile devices– with a few more important technical advantages it offers. Here are 10 of the…
What’s the best light weight camera gear to travel with kids?
A minimalist camera gear approach to traveling with children I have been asked many times on what camera(s) I use and the gear I bring in our travels as a family. As I have evolved from traveling with bulky camera gear to carrying a toddler with me– over the years, I’ve had the best opportunity…
Yellowstone and the Grand Teton in Autumn
Why a road trip through Wyoming is a great alternative to see the colors and foliage in the fall We all gravitate toward a selected ideas and places for inspiration. A book, a meditational or inspirational music, and travel, for many- including the whole family. The everyday mundane and the monotony of life can take…
A family guide to Mindanao’s stunning mountain resorts
The beautiful mountain ranges of Mindanao from Digos (Davao Del Sur) to Kitcharao (Agusan Del Norte) featured photo: Alicia’s ridge eco park in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte with India and cousin Tan Tan overlooking a vast mountain ranges of Buenavista covered in afternoon fog creating an atmosphere of flattering diffused light | 2022 The mountain…
How to budget travel for a family of four
Planning for a trip with two children involves a lot of planning, research and proper timing. We have tailored 20 helpful ways to make the most of our travel without breaking the bank. Take each one with a grain of salt. We have worked around these steps to be able to continue to travel with…
Drive the beautiful 902 Surigao-Davao coastal route
Featured photo: A side trip off highway 902 to a stunning natural wonder in the Island of Mindanao, the Aliwagwag falls is renowned for its cascading curtain like beauty and lush surroundings. A quick photo with the family before continuing our coastal road trip to Davao City If you were thinking about a road trip…
bike the pacific coast with the kids
Southern California is definitely a warm welcome to families seeking to travel with multitude of activities in mind, from snowboarding the mountains of big bear lake to finding their way down the pacific coast just hours away- watching surfers riding a perfect barrel. Illuminated under the orange tinged pacific sun setting in the horizon is…
The children of Talaingod
After a recent completion of a paved road connecting Davao del Norte to Bukidnon, travel between the two cities have shortened the distance and time significantly. The two lane road run through the municipalities of Kapalong and Talaingod. What we have encountered here have been an eye opener- a life changer, perhaps with how the…
what’s your story? The fujifilm instax share sp-2
The magic of the moment cover photo with Joel and Ryan pose outside the Jardin de Senorita | Travel is nothing short of a breathtaking adventure! To share that adventure with the incredible people we encounter is truly a gift. Learning their stories, forging deep connections, and cultivating friendships, all while leaving behind a tangible…
Experience Siargao island’s charm with children
From the pristine beaches of Siargao Island, vibing with the locals, learning to surf, exploring the hidden waterfalls and secluded gems of Camiguin island, to the very peak of the Mindanao mountain ranges- a sweet serenade and early sunrise glow from the very mount Apo backdrop and trailing morning dew and fog. The newly opened…
When do you start to travel with your children?
A milestone approach to traveling with children When do you start traveling with the baby? The answer is now. Whether you have an infant, a toddler or a school age child, the perfect time is now. This is a bold statement to make but ultimately possible for any parent. It may sound cliché but there…
10 easy ways to pack and travel light
1. What’s in the bag? We use two travel luggage(s). One smaller size luggage for the kids and larger one for myself and my wife. The bags contain comfortable mix and match clothes, one extra pair of shoes each, extra underware, socks, and toiletries. The duffle backpack/bag, which also serves as the the carry on,…
An honest Interview with children about travel; and the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from them
One night after reading a book to my kids, I had an intimate conversation about our recent travels with them. My daughter is five and my son is seven years old. I asked a few random questions that brought genuine laughter and smiles not just to them but myself as well. But most importantly the…
What does a 12 hour flight look like traveling with children?
Many of our international flight usually follow the same routine in four separate phases. (1.) The first meal, (2.) sleep, snack(s), (3.) second meal and (4.) preparation for landing. This is a small peak in to our travel with a toddler and school age children. Hour one and two, take off and the first meal. …
Why you should ‘Minimeis’ when traveling; a hands free carrier for small children
Here are five reasons why you should consider the minimeis as an alternative baby carrier to maximize travel experience with a toddler. My wife and I continue to praise this carrier on all of our travels, as it has truly transformed the way we explore the world with our children. Over the past three years,…