hi, i’m monica!

I am a Pinay traveler, writer, and the storyteller behind The Boho Travels.

So far, I have traveled to 30 Philippine provinces and 15 countries in Asia and Europe – and I’d love to explore more new places and immerse myself in their local cultures!

Travel has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my parents meticulously planned weekend road trips for our family — from the places we’d visit to the restaurants we’d eat at, even down to stopovers and bathroom breaks. Those trips were comfortable, fun, and memorable, and they taught me the value of thoughtful planning.

As I started traveling on my own, I realized that trips don’t always go smoothly. From figuring out accommodations in Jogjakarta to budgeting in Bali, I learned that research, careful planning, and flexibility are key to fully enjoying a destination.

Since then, I’ve become the unofficial trip planner for my friends — researching accommodations, activities, and tours to make every trip smooth, enjoyable, and meaningful.

Every guide on this blog is written with the same approach: thoughtful, well-researched, and grounded in real experience. My hope is that these travel guides, tips, and stories will inspire you to explore confidently and create beautiful memories — so that when life gets tough, you’ll have a reminder that life is short, but you’ve lived it fully!

a little about me…

I have a degree in Public Administration from the University of the Philippines, and began my career in political and development work. Since then, I’ve worked in startups, NGOs, and global travel companies, taking on roles from project staff to remote destination manager and HR business partner for a fast-growing online travel agency.

During a two-year sabbatical for what could be called a quarter-life crisis, I backpacked across the Philippines to reconnect with my roots and meet indigenous communities. As a result, I started this blog, The Boho Travels, where I share experience-led travel guides, practical itineraries, and stories from the places I visit.

I love indigenous weaves and Pinoy-made designs and have been an advocate of supporting local communities — values I carry with me on my travels and in the stories I share.

where i’ve been

Here are some of the countries and cities I’ve explored:

📍 Brunei: Bandar Seri Begawan
📍 Belgium – Brussels
📍 Cambodia – Siem Reap, Phnom Penh
📍 Czechia – Prague (including its famous tourist spots)
📍 Indonesia – Bali, Yogyakarta, Surakarta (Solo), Central Java
📍 Italy – Rome (it’s indeed worth visiting! loved exploring its best tourist spots!)
📍 Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, Penang
📍 Myanmar – Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Taunggyi
📍 Netherlands – Amsterdam, Alkmaar
📍 Philippines – Metro Manila, Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Palawan (Puerto Princesa, El Nido – loved their island hopping tour!), Kalinga, Mountain Province, Benguet, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, La Union, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, Tarlac, Zambales, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Samar, Aklan, Misamis Oriental, Davao, Bukidnon, South Cotabato, Camiguin
📍 Singapore
📍 Taiwan – Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan
📍 Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Ayutthaya
📍 The Vatican – Vatican City
📍 Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, My Son, Danang

🤝 let’s connect

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a question or just want to say hello, feel free to contact me or connect on Instagram. My handle is @thebohotravels

If you’re a brand interested in partnerships, you can learn more on my Work With Me page.