Tired of scrolling through endless “best places to travel” articles that are either unrealistic or not family-friendly?  As a freelancer nearing 47, I’ve always dreamt of an epic family adventure, but juggling work and budget constraints always seemed to get in the way.

But what if I told you it’s possible to explore the best places to travel with your family, even on a freelancer’s budget? That’s exactly what we’re setting out to do.

This guide isn’t just another travel wishlist. It’s our family’s 3-year plan to explore 13 incredible destinations across the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan.  We’ll share our itinerary, budget-friendly tips, and how we’re making it happen while still managing our freelance careers.

Why These Are the Best Places to Travel 

Each of these countries offers a unique blend of experiences that are perfect for families:

Philippines: Pristine beaches, hidden gems, and affordable adventures.

South Korea: Vibrant cities, ancient temples, and delicious cuisine.

Japan: Modern technology, rich traditions, and iconic landmarks.

Our Journey Begins

It’s a big dream, but we know it’s possible. My recent travel to Seoul South Korea, a gift from God, has shown me that amazing things can happen when we step out in faith.  While it’s our desire to complete this 3-year adventure, we ultimately trust that God’s plan will prevail.

So, if you’re a fellow freelancer with a family and a travel bug, come along for the ride! We hope our journey inspires you to dream big and trust that even the most ambitious plans can unfold with God’s guidance.

Why the Philippines, South Korea, & Japan?

These three countries emerged as the perfect trio for our family travel bucket list:

Philippines:

The allure of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life is irresistible.

We’re also eager to discover some hidden gem travel destinations that might not be on everyone’s radar.

South Korea

The blend of rich history, modern cities, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious cuisine is a huge draw. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet K-pop culture, offering something for everyone. As a family with kids, we’re particularly excited to visit the best places to travel with family in South Korea.

Japan

A country of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with futuristic cities. Japan offers a unique cultural experience, with its own distinct cuisine, traditions, and natural beauty. We’re excited to explore family-friendly destinations in Japan like Tokyo Disneyland and immerse ourselves in Japanese culture.

Crafting Our Itinerary: 13  Must-Visit Destinations

Here’s a sneak peek at the destinations we’re most excited about:

Best Places to Travel Philippines

Island Hopping Tour Boracay: Island hopping and beach bumming at this best vacation place in the Philippines.

El Nido Island Hopping : El Nido, Palawan: Exploring hidden lagoons and limestone cliffs.

Puerto Princesa Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see best vacation destination in the Philippines.

Camayan Beach Resort: A relaxing day trip from Manila with stunning views.

Bohol Countryside Tour: Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and scenic landscapes.

Best Places to South Korea

Busan and Gyeongju Day Tour: Explore two beautiful cities in one day.

Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park: A taste of Switzerland in South Korea.

Busan Drama Movie Tour: Visit filming locations from popular K-dramas.

Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses and charming streets.

Jeju Island Sunrise Tour: Witness the stunning sunrise over a volcanic island.

Best Places to Visit in Japan

Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea: A magical experience for the whole family.

Legoland Japan Resort: Fun for kids and adults who love LEGOs.

Osaka Castle: A historic landmark and symbol of Osaka.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kyoto: A serene bamboo grove with walking trails.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A somber but important reminder of history.

Budgeting for Our Adventure

Since we’re both freelancers, we’re creating a budget that balances our income with our travel goals. We’re looking for ways to save on flights and accommodations, researching free activities, and taking advantage of travel deals when we can.

Making it Happen: Our 3-Year Plan

We’re breaking down our travel goals into smaller trips each year, starting with domestic travel in the Philippines and then venturing to South Korea and Japan in the following years. We’re also researching visas and other travel requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Why We’re Sharing Our Journey

Our hope is that our adventure inspires you to dream big and trust in the possibilities that lie ahead.  We believe that with faith and a willingness to take that first step, incredible things can happen.

Our journey isn’t just about ticking off destinations on a list; it’s about embracing the unexpected and trusting in God’s plan for our family.

We want to show you that financial stability and unforgettable adventures aren’t mutually exclusive, and that even the most ambitious dreams can become a reality when we align our desires with God’s will.

How to overcome betrayal in the workplace?  This has been the question that I have pondering for the last few weeks because I can’t believe and I can’t accept that I have to go through trust betrayal. But what is trust betrayal? According to Merriam-Webster,  it is “to do something very bad and hurtful to someone that causes a loss of respect”. Betrayal is a state where there is intentional actions or omissions of a trusted person.   Betrayal affects the brain that may include but not limited to the following: damaged self-esteem, self-doubting, shock, loss & grief, and anger. On my end, I eat up all the anger within me that I wanted to rant in social media so I could just release my anger but I know it’s not proper to do it. I wanted to move on but I cannot really help it. There is so much pain and moving on is very difficult but as these days passed by, I am reminded with few things.

1.  I have 3 choices: Define me, Destroy me, or Strengthen me.

2.  In your ANGER do not SIN.Do not give the devil a foothold. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful of building others up. Ephesians 4: 26-29

3.  For a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  James 1:20

4. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

5.  I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born says the Lord. Isaiah 66: 9

As I look into the question on how to overcome betrayal in the workplace?

1. Be still. Let Go and Let God. Psalm 46:10

2.  Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. Luke 17:4

John 16:33 says, In this world, you have trouble but take heart I have overcome the world.  Looking back, I overcome the world

• when I was diagnosed with ameloblastoma (jaw tumor) check it here.
• when I lost freelancing jobs, check out here.
• when my mother died, check it here.

 As of this writing, yes, I am still in pain but I believe and by the grace of God, I know I can overcome the pain of betrayal. Moving on with a better perspective in life.