Philippines Trip Series: Travel Experience: The Journey, the Adventures, and Memories - Part 5
The Journey Begins
After all the preparation, excitement, and anticipation, we were finally on our way to the Philippines! The long flight wasn’t as difficult as I thought it might be, and Lincoln handled it like a champ. He was calm and excited throughout the entire journey. With plenty of snacks, entertainment, and breaks, we made the most of the long travel time, and the excitement of the adventure ahead kept us all energized.
Upon landing, the reality of being in a new country hit us, and the whirlwind adventure truly began. There were a few bumps along the way, but nothing that couldn’t be managed. We were excited to be in the Philippines, and Lincoln’s curiosity about everything around him added to the joy of being in such a vibrant place.
Exploring the Beauty of Palawan
Our first stop was Palawan, a place that is often described as paradise. The natural beauty of Palawan took our breath away. It was everything we had hoped for—and more.
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Island Hopping Adventure: One of the most unforgettable experiences was our island-hopping tour. We visited crystal-clear lagoons and pristine beaches, and Lincoln had the best time splashing in the shallow waters. He loved being in the water, and it was such a joy to watch him discover the ocean. His smile as he ran around in the sand will forever be etched in my memory.
Beach Days: We spent several afternoons just relaxing on the beach. Lincoln played in the sand while we soaked up the sun. Whether it was jumping in the waves with his dad or collecting seashells, these simple moments were some of the best.
Puerto Princesa Underground River: We took a boat tour through the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The surreal beauty of the cave and its rock formations left us all in awe. Lincoln was fascinated by the adventure, even though he was a little unsure about the dark cave at first. It was a peaceful, magical experience that made us feel so connected to nature.
Manila: The City Vibes
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Manila Ocean Park: One of the first places we visited was the Manila Ocean Park. Lincoln was absolutely enchanted by the fish, especially when we walked through the underwater tunnel. Watching him marvel at the sea creatures around him was one of the highlights of the trip.
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Skyline Views and Food Adventures: We also had s
ome wonderful meals in Manila, where we explored local flavors. Lincoln was brave enough to try some traditional Filipino dishes, though he especially enjoyed the ice cream and fresh fruit. We also enjoyed b
reathtaking views of the city skyline from a few rooftop restaurants, making it a perfect setting to unwind and relax. -
Mall of Asia: We spent a day at the Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in the country. There were so many activities for Lincoln to enjoy. We took him on the Ferris wheel, watched a movie, and even explored the mall’s amusement park. It was a great indoor activity to balance the outdoor adventures.
The Challenges: Keeping It Together
While the trip was filled with incredible moments, there were also some challenges we faced. Traveling
with a toddler means you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Thankfully, we were able to handle everything with patience and flexibility.
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Jetlag and Adjusting: My son did amazingly well adjusting to the time difference. The first few days were tough, but we managed to get our bodies adjusted to the time. We managed it by taking things slow, letting him nap when needed, and spending time in quieter places to rest and adjust.
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Toddler Tantrums: As any parent knows, toddlers can be unpredictable, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. We had our fair share of tantrums during crowded moments or when Lincoln didn’t understand why he couldn’t do something. However, we stayed calm and gave him the time he needed to adjust.
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Heat and Humidity: The Philippines can get really hot and humid, and the weather was something we had to adjust to. We made sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in air-conditioned spaces, and keep Lincoln cool with hats and light clothing.
Memories Made: Highlights of the Trip
Despite the challenges, the memories we created were priceless.
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Bonding with Family: Seeing Lincoln connect with my family was unforgettable. Watching him interact with my mom, dad, siblings, and cousins for the first time was such a special moment for all of us.
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Exploring Together: From the beaches of Palawan to the excitement of Manila, every place we visited felt like a new adventure. Lincoln’s excitement to explore and discover kept us motivated to take on new activities and explore as much as we could.
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My Son's Growth: Throughout the trip, I noticed how much he was learning and adapting. He grew more confident in new situations and began to enjoy new experiences with a sense of independence.
What’s Next: More Adventures to Come
Our trip to the Philippines was an incredible adventure. It was a journey of family, discovery, and making memories that will last a lifetime. But this wasn’t the end of our travels—there was so much more to see and experience. In the next part of the series, I’ll share the final leg of our trip and the lessons we learned along the way.
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