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  • Scandinavia on My Bucket List: A Filipina’s Epic Viking Adventure Itinerary (Norway–Sweden–Denmark Guide)
    Northern Europe,  Europe Itineraries

    Scandinavia on My Bucket List: A Filipina’s Epic Viking Adventure Itinerary (Norway–Sweden–Denmark Guide)

    October 3, 2019 /

    Scandinavia has a strange pull on the imagination. Even from the Philippines—where humidity is practically a personality trait and the closest thing to a fjord is a flooded street in Marikina during typhoon season—it’s impossibly easy to romanticize longships cutting through misty waters, medieval castles standing quietly against icy winds, and fire-lit Norse feasting halls echoing with ancient stories. This is the kind of destination that earns its spot on a bucket list. And for me, planning this Epic Viking Adventure is already half the journey. So let’s call it that, the Epic Viking Adventure. This guide is not about pretending I’ve already been there. It’s about planning it properly,…

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  • Here’s Why You Suck at Hiking: The 30 Most Common Mistakes by Newbie Hikers
    Travel Tips,  Travel Thoughts

    Here’s Why You Suck at Hiking: The 30 Most Common Mistakes Newbie Hikers Make

    October 2, 2019 /

    So, you’ve finally decided to try “hiking,” huh? Perhaps you’ve done it once or twice and realized you were about as coordinated as a newborn giraffe on a slip-and-slide. You’re probably right; you were likely awful. But don’t let that bruised ego (or your bruised shins) stop you just yet. We’ve all been there, standing at the trailhead looking like we’ve just been evicted from a sporting goods store. The truth is, the trail is a harsh mistress, and she doesn’t care about your aesthetic Instagram photos. Most of the suffering you endured was probably due to a series of avoidable mistakes by newbie hikers. In fact, some of us—myself…

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    Is a running buddy really necessary? Absolutely! Think of it as having a built-in motivator—someone to share your training, keep you accountable, and push you forward. Those early morning runs at 4:00 AM feel impossible when your bed is too cozy, but with a running buddy, you have no choice but to get up and hit the road (trust me, I’m not a morning person!). Plus, running with a partner adds an extra layer of safety, especially for night runners like me with hectic schedules.

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  • Ultimate Hiking Checklist: Must-Have Essentials for a Perfect Day Hike
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    September 19, 2019 /

    Day hiking is all about fun and adventure! But let’s be real—nothing ruins a great trek faster than realizing you forgot something essential (trust me, I’ve been there). While keeping your pack light makes for an easier walk, going unprepared can put a serious damper on your trip—and even your safety! I get it—packing can feel overwhelming. Sometimes, we just toss in whatever seems useful and hope for the best. Been there, done that, and let’s just say… my #EpicFail moments are still legendary among my hike buddies. But after years of hitting the trails since 2014, I’ve figured out exactly what you need for a smooth, safe, and fun-filled…

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  • SUMMIT: Simple, Useful Mountain Manuals for Inspired Travelers
    SUMMIT

    SUMMIT: Simple, Useful Mountain Manuals for Inspired Travelers

    August 30, 2019 /

    Hello, Fellow Travelers! Welcome to our very first blog series: SUMMIT, which stands for Simple, Useful Mountain Manuals for Inspired Travelers. It’s a title that’s very close to my heart and a nod to my absolute love for the great outdoors. In this series, I’ll be sharing practical tips and guides to help you explore the mountains safely. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or someone who has never laced up a pair of hiking boots, you are welcome here! We believe that the trails are for everyone, and there is zero discrimination on this blog. A Little Bit About Me My name is Polly, and for a long time, I’ve…

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  • 2019 Visa-Free Destinations for Philippine Passport Holders: The Ultimate Travel Adventure Guide
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    2019 Visa-Free Destinations for Philippine Passport Holders: The Ultimate Travel Adventure Guide

    August 26, 2019 /

    Planning on traveling soon? Going to France, US, or Japan? It can be quite discouraging knowing that these countries have strict visa requirements. Applying for visa is time-consuming and costly and there's no reassurance that you'll get one - plus you wont get your money back when you get denied.

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    20 Useful Japanese Phrases for Travelers

    August 25, 2019 /

    20 Useful Japanese Phrases for Travelers If you’re planning a trip to Japan and you’re not quite fluent in Japanese, no worries at all! It can feel a bit daunting wandering around a new city without the language skills to ask for directions, right? But fear not! You’ll find English signage all over the place, whether you’re hopping on public transport or exploring popular tourist spots. And guess what? When you swing by one of those handy Information Booths, you’ll likely run into friendly folks who speak fluent English. Super convenient, huh? Still, it never hurts to pick up a few basic Japanese phrases for those extra special moments.

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  • The Ultimate Travel Guide to Oslob in Cebu, Philippines
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    August 20, 2019 /

    Oslob is a small town on Cebu Island’s southern coast that includes 21 villages, including Tan-awan. Because of the whale sharks that swim near the coast, it has been a domestic and international tourism hotspot since 2011. But wait, there’s more! This charming city is gifted with beautiful beaches! This post will give you a lot of reasons to visit Oslob in Cebu, as well as travel and budget tips to help you plan your trip.

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    August 20, 2019 /

    I’m not a big fan of animal tourism. Friends of mine have previously tried swimming with these gentle giants and returned home with wonderful experiences. I’ve been to Cebu multiple times, but it has never piqued my interest. The only reason I did this was to see/experience firsthand how the whale shark watching activity in Oslob is run.

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  • MT. TALAMITAM: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (Day Hike Guide + Useful Tips)
    Minor Climbs,  Batangas,  Mountains

    MT. TALAMITAM: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (Day Hike Guide + Useful Tips)

    July 28, 2019 /

    MT. TALAMITAM (Day Hike)Nasugbu, BatangasJump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu Mount Talamitan is located in Nasugbu, Batangas and is considered to be the ‘younger sister’ of Mt. Batulao, partly due to the close proximity between the two mountains, and because both can be hiked in tandem in a single itinerary, as a ‘twin dayhike’.

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Polly Amora

Hey, hey! I’m Polly Amora—a curious global citizen with a soft spot for culture, a weakness for history & beautiful architecture, and a not-so-quiet obsession with epic adventures.

So come along—because this isn’t just about seeing the world, it’s about living it.

Want to learn more? Nice.

I share all things travel—stunning destinations, foodventures, learning new languages, itineraries, and travel insider & budget tips. I also share about survival tips for both the corporate jungle and real-life adventures. From fun moments to the not-so-glam side (hello, visa applications), if it’s part of the journey, I’m talking about it.

BLOG SERIES

  • AFAM: A peek into my life in a cross-cultural relationship, featuring fun date-night ideas and tips for bridging two different worlds.

  • DEAL: Helpful tips for scoring amazing travel deals so you can see more of the world for less.
  • LOVE Scams: Stay informed and secure! We break down common online scams and how to keep your heart (and your info) safe.

  • SUMMIT: Simple, Useful Mountain Manuals for Inspired Travelers

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No fluff, no fake hype—just honest recommendations I’d actually stand by. Thanks for keeping this little travel chaos running.

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