Philippines - Manila

Rode a donkey up the Taal Volcano. didn't realize it was a donkey until someone laughed at me (everybody else had a horse)

Hobbit bar! So weird that we only stayed for like 5 minutes

10 Travel tips from Diana

1.   Always have a travel playlist. I always get super nostalgic whenever I listen to my playlist on long bus rides or walks :)

2.   Always try to show up to a flight extra early... I once missed check-in by 3 mins and paid a huge premium

3.   Ok, but maybe not too early… Always double check the date of your flight. Staying at an airport for 30 hours straight is not fun

4.    Don’t lend backpackers money.

5. Save your money on that overpriced pasta dish that you can make at home and eat the local foods

6.   Wait to book cheap flights if you’re not on a tight schedule. Use skyscanner!

7.   Never be afraid to speak to people. If they suck then you can move on, and if they don't, you've just made friends!

8.   Always assume that this is going to the last time in a particular place, so you’ll make the most of it. I feel like I didn’t make the absolute most of some places as I always just said to myself “I’m going to be here for a lot longer” or even, “I’m going to come back in the future! Probably with kids of my own, so I’ll just roadtrip with them”

9.   Couchsurfing is not dicksurfing, but some people just don’t get it. Check references

10. Know that it’s possible to travel very cheaply, especially if you’re young and have no commitments :)

 I could elaborate on all of these later... Now it's time to take a nap. I've been at the airport for the past 12 hours and have another 17 to go (see #3)