10 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM MY RECENT TRIP

It's been a month since our recent trip, can't believe how time flies so fast! Anyways, I'd like to share some things I've learned from this trip. This is not only applicable upon traveling to Korea, but can be anywhere!!! Enjoy reading :)

ABOUT AVAILING THE TOUR PACKAGE

1. If you're a first timer in a certain place (especially abroad), and have no or not that much connections, then a tour package is recommended to avoid hassle since almost everything is prepared on your plate.

IF PLANNING TO GO BACK TO THE SAME PLACE

2. You can now do the DIY trip most especially that you're quite familiar with the place already.

TOUR PACKAGE VS DIY TRIPS 

3. In a tour package, you're a follower. Time is limited, but everything is organized. It's just that, you explore a place with a limited time, so if you want to be in a specific place for a longer time, then that falls into the DIY trip.

EXCHANGING MONEY

4. When going to Korea, you can bring USD/Philippine Peso. I suggest, don't exchange everything into won, just yet. It's because money changers tend to have a lower amount here, since it's business! In short, do it in Korea. Bringing USD for exchanging is more recommended.

BRING GOOD SHOES

5. They say good shoes take you to good places. I couldn't agree even more. Always a common tip for everyone!

WHEN YOUR ITINERARY INVOLVES A LOT OF WALKING, BRING A SMALL BODY BAG

6. Bring only your valuables! Cellphone, wallet, passport, make-up, or whatever that you just need. Bringing a small light bag will save you from body pains at the end of the day! (Plus, don't forget to insert a foldable/eco-bag ish inside your bag for extra stuff you can buy along the way)

It would help if you'd place all your travel documents inside a pouch.

AS MUCH AS YOU CAPTURE, IMMERSE MORE

7. It's not necessary to take pictures of everything! Give yourself the time to immerse, witness and enjoy the place with your own naked eyes.

IT'S OKAY TO REPEAT YOUR SLEEPING ATTIRE or some of your clothes, in general.

8. To save space and kilograms for your baggage allowance, you can bring very few sets of sleeping attire. Repeat your pajamas. Repeat your shirt. Anyways, you just used it for sleeping. In my case, I repeat wearing it twice or thrice.

DON'T FORGET TO JOT DOWN MEMORIES.

9. Not a journal person? At least write your day by bullets. Like:

Today, we went to:

• Bullet 1
• Bullet 2
• Bullet 3

If in that case, you can already remember the memories, then that's very okay.

LASTLY, DO A LOT OF RESEARCH!

10. Everything is almost a click away, so research, research, research! This was my mistake. Since we were in a tour group, I forgot to do my own research. I only searched on IG for the IG-worthy spots. I forgot to search on THE THINGS TO DO in a certain place. I needed this kasi especially at times when we were allowed to explore the place by ourselves, as long as we remember the meeting place and time.  So, in order to seize your trip, at its really best, help yourself by doing your own research.

NOW, HERE'S TO WHERE UNEMPLOYMENT WILL LEAD ME! HAHA

I know this will not be my last international trip, but it will take me some time to have the next one. Gotta work hard for that! Thank you for reading.

Radiating sunshine,

Hannah Borja