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…
Tag: travel with kids
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,…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Magical camping experience with family in San Diego’s Roar and Snore safari Park
A sleepover adventure in the San Diego Safari Park! October 2021 | Imagine a night that’s captured the intimate darkness, the late October sun not hesitating to delay and retire itself to pave the way to a clear autumn sky. The crickets chirp loud and clear this pandemic uncertainty. Everyone is just about in their…
Ha Long bay’s Orchid Cruise experience with young children
One night, two days, and a lifelong hospitality. Welcome to Luxury Orchid Cruises. Kuya Ronald comes around the corner to check on the guest at Dinh Vu port in Hai Phong City. He serves a welcome drink on this humid day as sweat drips down my forehead trying to contain the kids with a doodle…
A family road trip to the Yucatan Peninsula
A road trip to a lost civilization Spring 2016; Setting out early in our rental car- an avocado colored ford fiesta as our vessel, Joel is strapped in his car seat in the back at 16 months, his bottled milk ready for the trip, and we took off to our first family road trip adventure…
Family adventures in the Lone star state
Hold the fort. ‘Remember the Alamo!’ To where it stands now, unparalleled structures rise around, not a cast of shadow gloom over this historic land. Dwarfed building pave way to the Alamo as it hold its ground. The reminder to the very foundation of this land. From the Spaniard’s settlement and their missions- the origin…
ABC’s of flying internationally with a baby
When Joel was mere 10 months old, we took the plunge on a 12-hour flight to the Philippines, followed by a two-hour layover to my hometown. It’s a staggering 16 hours in total, layovers included. But let me tell you, it wasn’t just a trek; it was an odyssey, and now I’m here to spill…
Summer, coffee and play; a parents perspective traveling with young children
Summer Solstice; an introduction Ideally I would stow away the camera and claim a corner spot in the bed. This is usually when the coffee is just about digesting my breakfast I just consumed and conserving every calorie for the full day ahead. Cover photo: I saw this nice diffused light trying to encamp around…
Europe tour bus experience and journey with young children
GoeuGo bus tour with children | part I: Welcome to our journey to seven beautiful places in Europe. Go to Part II. Places visited: Lucerne, Zurich, Rhine Falls, Titisee, Frankfurt. Prelude Travel re-kindles a deep passion for new ideas. A quaint place to reflect. It recharges the soul for new adventures and culinary experience. It…
The train to Paris, a family adventure with young children
cover photo: Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile soars 34 stories high, providing breathtaking views of Paris and its iconic monuments. Perfectly situated between the bustling business district of La Défense and the famed Champs-Elysées. View from our bedroom window. ‘It’s only a matter of time when the kids grow up and we can plan this trip…
Barefoot in London, a fond recollection and travel with an infant
Prelude: It has been four years since we made a bold decision to venture out to travel to Europe. We had a one year old and a three year old then. Tagging them along seven different countries in a span of eight days was incredible to say the least. I don’t know how we managed…
Florida keys with the family; the journey to mile zero
A road trip to the deep south | Part IV: a Florida birthday special The final part of this travel series to the deep south encompasses a magical journey to my daughter’s fourth birthday interlaced with Joycee’s birthday week make for a double celebration. It is a different charm the Florida keys bring when traveling with…
The southern welcome fragrance
A road trip to the deep south | Part III: springtime in Savannah Pulling up to a valet in the sidewalk on a warm and humid spring afternoon a nice gentle man greeted us a welcome note in a creole accent. The streets has soaked up tourist on this early afternoon while I scan for…
The road to sunny Auburn, a family journey to the historic south
A road trip to the deep south | Part II: the road to Alabama and Georgia. As I find my bearing and buried myself in mental preparation for the many miles ahead- I turned on the local radio listening to an opening piano piece and ensemble of wind and brass as it picks up to my…
The road to hospitality; The big easy for the little eyes.
A road trip to the deep south | Part I: A family adventure in New Orleans. Around every street corner a trombone catches a note of invitation along with the band bringing a pace of left, right and a thumb snap, maybe even a whistle, skip and tip toe if you like. Music and expressive…
Mission Pacific’s boutique charm
A weekend getaway: Oceanside, California On this very first review I want to talk about a local favorite beach front hotel my family and I continue to enjoy in many weekends away from home. The World of Hyatt’s Mission Pacific Hotel in Oceanside California. A boutique hotel that sits on the pacific coast highway quite…
Resilience and the island of Phuket; a reflection with young children
Clothed with white Burmese white jade– the Big Buddha in the island of Phuket sits atop a peaceful hill, that when hit in a perfect angle, it glistened and shines- multiple diadems of dancing lights with the sun. As you get closer to the top of this hill on a winding road you start to…
Walking tour in Hanoi with young children
Vietnam was an incredible place to visit with the kids. It allowed us to immerse in a rich culture of tradition, food and a sense of family on every street corner. A little bit of walking and you blend in to the vast array of side walk vendors and food served on a sidewalk. The…
India, meet Thailand
cover photo: India meeting Thailand for the first time descending down the beautiful steps at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha On this blog post Joel and India will take you to a series of tours through the rich, beautiful, exotic and wonderful regions of Southeast Asia. We will take you to three beautiful country’s…