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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.
What are the best dives in the Philippines? As you know, we’re absolutely in love with scuba diving. In fact, we actually cut our teeth in the diving world right here in this archipelago. In Diving in the Philippines we give you a detailed rundown of the best bases to...
Accommodation is an important part of any journey around the Philippines, but—believe us—where to stay in Batad is one of the key factors in enjoying this trip through the mountains of Luzon. People come to Batad to gaze at that natural amphitheater of rice terraces...
How to get to Puerto Galera? If you’re planning to visit this beach destination in Mindoro, read on for our detailed guide. One thing to keep in mind is that Puerto Galera has two main ports: Balatero and Puerto Galera (Muelle). Public boats now only dock at the...
You might be wondering what are the best things do in Sibaltan because, despite being just under an hour from one of the most touristy places in the Philippines (El Nido), the truth is you hardly hear about this destination. However, we fell head over heels for its...
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...
There are still very few travelers searching for things to do in Guimaras. Despite being easy to reach from Iloilo City, this island in the Visayas is well known to domestic tourists, but not so much to foreign travelers. Its main attractions? Trying the sweetest...
Have you ever heard of the Gigantes Islands? Probably not, as they are not among the best-known destinations in the Philippines, especially among international visitors. However, that does not mean these islands in the heart of the Visayas, a few hours from the...
Siargao is one of the highlights of any Philippines itinerary. Although it became famous for surfing a few decades ago, it has gradually turned into one of the country’s trendiest destinations thanks to its scenery, its surfer/bohemian vibe, and the many cool...