Common notion is that traveling is a hobby of the rich and the affluent, of people who have nothing much to do but see the world with their surplus finances; that ordinary people can’t afford it, or can, but choose not to because there are much more important things to spend traveling funds on. I’d like to think otherwise. Don’t get me wrong—I agree that sure, there could be more substantial expenditures to use money on and I completely understand that each individual has varying sets of priorities, but I want to dispel the belief that traveling has to be expensive and extravagant.
Indulging in the cultures and places that the world has to offer is not an activity exclusive to the rich; it is a means to self-discovery and the introduction of change in one’s psyche—much unlike superficial material things that don’t have the capability to fill an aching void in a person, traveling is actually worth every cent you spend on it.
Contrary to a major misconception, although traveling requires a bit of a budget, you don’t necessarily have to bear a hole in your pocket for it. The essence of a trip lies in the venue-exclusive experiences you get to gain from it, not in the level of luxury your accommodation and transportation have.
It’s been more than three months since my short 5-day trip to Cebu, but when I look back to my overall experience—from the luxurious hotel check-in at the posh Movenpick Mactan, to the pocket-friendly but practical and decent stay at Express Inn, and finally the free stay at my travel buddy’s friend’s house—I realize that so much had changed within me since then.
At NAIA Terminal 4 with my travel buddy and childhood friend, Joy (check out her travel blog).
Click here to see the rest of the photos and to read about my trip to Cebu! →
Erika's Secret Closet 