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Kumusta ka? I’m Claudia Rodríguez, co-founder of Travel Around the Philippines and Viajar por Filipinas.
I’ve been part of the “old school” travel blogging world for years. Back in 2010, when there was still very little information online about the country, I launched my first blog, Mabuhay Filipinas, where I shared my stories about living in the Philippines.
After a few years working in an office in Madrid, where I put my degrees in Business Administration and Law to use, I decided to follow my real passion: travel. In 2014, I bought a one-way ticket and created another travel blog, Solo Ida, a project that helped shape the path I still follow today.
I started travelling the world on my own and soon realised that the one year I had planned was not going to be enough. So I found a way to make it sustainable by working online while I travelled. That’s how I became a professional travel blogger and SEO specialist, working for companies such as Skyscanner, LATAM Airlines and IATI Seguros.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel independently through more than 70 countries, but, as you can probably guess, the Philippines is my favourite. I’ve lived in one of Manila’s typical condominiums, explored the country from north to south on my own, with friends and with family, and it was also here that I met the man who is now my husband and the other half of Travel Around the Philippines.
The idea of creating an independent, honest, easy-to-read and up-to-date website about the archipelago came shortly after our paths crossed. Today, after many seasons spent travelling around the country, I can say that I’m a Philippines travel specialist.
We work every day to offer you the best possible content about the Philippines, not only about the places that are already popular with travellers, but also about lesser-known corners we explore ourselves. We constantly update our guides and love helping travellers plan better trips, whether by sharing practical advice, route ideas or trusted local contacts.
I love diving — I actually started diving in the Philippines — I’m obsessed with Google Maps, especially when looking for good food, and I can travel with just 3 or 4 kilos of clothes.
Expertise: Philippines, Independent Travel, SEO, Travel Content, Social Media.
We are sure that taking island hopping tours in Dinagat, one of the best things to do in Dinagat, will in a few years become as well known as those of the increasingly renowned Balabac area, the neighboring Siargao or, if we push it for quite some time, Coron or El...
If this little-known corner of the Philippine archipelago has piqued your curiosity, the first thing you need to do is find out how to get to Dinagat. Spoiler: it’s much easier than you might think and, in fact, while we were there, we kept asking ourselves how it’s...
Coron is one of our favorite places to visit in the Philippines. We’ve been eight times (most recently for 12 days) and we’re sure we’ll be back many more times. There’s plenty to see and do in Coron—and, cliché as it sounds, even more to experience. Coron Island is...
Looking to do island hopping in Coron? We don’t blame you. This destination earns its place on many Philippines itineraries for good reason. The massive black limestone walls contrasting with the turquoise waters of its lakes, lagoons and the sea create a landscape...
Siargao is the darling of the Philippines. Unknown until a few decades ago, its popularity grew quickly when surfers from all over the world came drawn by its famous waves. There’s much more to do in Siargao than surfing, and that has made it even better known among...
No trip to the Philippines is complete without visiting Siargao. Although it remained under the radar for years, this island in the southeast of the country has been winning over so many travelers that it’s hard not to leave a little piece of your heart there, just...
If you are looking for fee-free ATMs in the Philippines, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve been traveling/living around the archipelago since 2010 and we know the best money‑saving tricks, which we’re going to share with you below. ATMs with no fees in the...
Some of the most common questions we get from travelers planning to travel around the Philippines are: how should I manage my money in the Philippines? Is it better to bring cash and exchange it? Can I withdraw money from ATMs in the Philippines without fees? Can I...
If you’re keen to dive or swim with the turtles of Balicasag, enjoy beautiful beaches and a bit of nightlife, the first thing you need to know is how to get to Panglao. This island is one of the best known among travelers who decide to take a trip around the...