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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.
Going snorkeling in Bohol and Panglao is probably one of the main reasons you came to this corner of the Philippines. With little more than a mask and a snorkel, you’ll be able to enjoy colorful reefs teeming with life. Both Bohol and its neighboring island, Panglao,...
Pamilacan is one of the islands near Bohol—one of the country's most popular with tourists—yet it still flies under the radar on many travelers' routes. Although it is similar to Balicasag in what it offers (good snorkeling or diving), the level of tourism is still...
Siargao, a beautiful teardrop-shaped island that charms almost everyone who visits, isn’t as large as Luzon or Bohol, but you shouldn’t underestimate its size either. That’s why we want to explain how to get around Siargao, whether on your own or by public...
You already know that Malapascua holds a special place in our hearts and feels like home whenever we visit the Philippines. If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days there, you can enjoy its underwater world, beaches and warm local hospitality. You’ll also find...
We’ll never get tired of saying that Malapascua has a unique atmosphere, magical sunsets, gorgeous white-sand beaches, and that it’s a great base for trips like the sandbar excursion to Kalanggaman Island. There are many things to do in Malapascua! But if there’s one...
It’s rare for anyone to have heard of Dauin for anything other than diving. This little town south of Dumaguete, on Negros Island, has become popular thanks to its underwater world, home to rare species that have made it one of the top destinations for muck diving and...
Coron is one of the most popular stops on many travelers’ itineraries around the Philippines. It’s easy to see why: although Coron Town itself isn’t particularly attractive, it’s the most convenient base for exploring everything this spectacular corner of the country...
Port Barton is a highlight of many trips to the Philippines. This charming little town has been winning people’s hearts for years thanks to its simplicity, but it’s changing fast. Although we’d personally—and perhaps selfishly—love it to stay just as it was when we...
We’ve already told you about the great things to do in Moalboal: snorkeling amid a huge sardine run, diving along rich coral walls, relaxing on beaches, or marveling at the gorgeous Kawasan Falls. If you’ve decided to include this corner in your trip to the...