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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’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...
Coron is one of the most incredible places in the Philippines and a favorite among many travelers (including us). In Things to do in Coron, we already told you about everything you could do there, but in this article we are going to explain in detail how to get to...
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...
Manila is the gateway to most trips around the Philippines, and the city can feel overwhelming if you need to pass through it at some point. Is Manila dangerous? What is the best area to stay in Manila? Should I stay near the airport? What are the best hotels in...
The small island of Panglao is a classic stop on many trips to the Philippines that include Bohol among their destinations. Connected to Bohol by two large bridges over the sea, it is a place many travelers choose as a base for discovering the different things to do...
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...
Are you thinking about traveling to the Philippines at Christmas and wondering what to expect? Don’t worry—we’re about to tell you everything you need to know about this celebration in our favorite country in Southeast Asia, which we’ve spent more than 15 years...
Siargao is one of our favorite islands and also one of the best-known in the Philippines. Lots of people want to experience its charms, and in recent years it has undergone a tourism “boom” that has led to a huge increase in the number of hotels in Siargao, although...