Travels with Andy D.

The last time I saw  fellow Boholano Andy Digal Doria was in 2015 during a whirlwind visit to Los Angeles.  

Andy, an insurance broker in California, is a fashionista famous for his sexy facial hair.

When at home, he loves to cook using Saladmaster, the world premium 316 surgical stainless steel cookware that inspires better cooking, healthier living and a variety of delicious opportunities. He’s really confident when he’s in the kitchen with Saladmaster.

"Santorini erupts with charm,” says Boholano traveller Andy Digal Doria, who visited the island recently which is immortalized by poets and painters. 

What I love Andy is he likes to travel.

So far, Andy has visited 25 countries including Canada, Japan, Prague, Singapore and France. His favorites are Amsterdam in Netherlands and Santorini, Greece.

Just recently, he visited Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Greece for 14 days!

What’s in Andy’s backpack when he travels?

Of course, first and foremost on the list is his passport, cash and sunblock.    

             

“They are a must,” he said. “Otherwise, I would get lost.”

The reasons why people love to travel are varied.  But for Andy, travel is not about how many new cool things you see, but how you experience them.

“Travel definitely makes me happy,” he said.

Whether it’s your first time visiting Europe or you visit multiple times per year, Andy said avoiding some of the most common travel mistakes will make your trip so much more enjoyable.

From the background of these pictures,
 it’s easy to tell where Andy Digal Doria
posed for posterity. Travel,
according to Andy, broadens someone’s
 perspective, making a person more aware
and open to new things.

Here are tips for travelling Europe:

1. Check visa requirements. “A quick search online will find tourist visa requirements and whether you need to acquire a visa upon arrival at the airport or online prior to arrival,” said Andy.

2. Make reservations in advance.  “Booking airfare, hotels, train tickets, and tours in advance also ensures that you are getting the best price,” he said.

3. Visit on Off season. Traveling during the off season is the best way to avoid the crowds and save money on accommodations, airfare, train tickets and tours.

4. Use budget airlines.  

5. Bring comfortable shoes to walk everywhere. As one of the best ways to explore a city, you will do lots of walking during your European vacation, therefore having a pair of comfortable walking shoes is a must

6. Bring suitcase you can carry. Packing light. “Bring a backpack. You’ll need something to carry your phone, camera and souvenirs while you’re out exploring in Europe,” he said.

7. Pay with cash mostly, use your credit card sparingly.

8. Travel by train and stay longer in one place.

9. Do as the locals do.

10. Learn the language.

Andy’s dream trips are to Moscow in Russia next year.

“I would also like to visit Scandinavia,” he said.

Scandinavia covers the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

In the meantime, Andy is busy preparing for his homecoming this week. He plans to explore Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete and Leyte.

In Bohol, Andy would like to visit his relatives in Loboc, Sevilla and Alburquerque. And of course, he would want to attend every fiesta.

***

Speaking of fiesta, in every sitio, barangay (village), town, somewhere, we are celebrating the merry month of fiestas here in Bohol province.

The island sinks about an inch during May because thousands of Bol-anons who come home to attend the many town and barrio fiestas celebrated during the month.  

The fiesta celebration is not complete without the famous lechon (roasted pig), humba (stewed pork) and plenty of beer and tuba to match.

If you are adventurous enough, you can practically go round the whole province without any money and eat for free and experience the famous Boholano hospitality.

Everyone is welcome, no invitations required!

May 1 - Tagbilaran City (Saint Joseph the Worker)
May 4 – Alburquerque (Santa Monica)
May 4 – Mabini (Santa Monica)
May 4 – Sagbayan (San Agustin)
May 8 - San Miguel (Saint Michael)
May 10 - Calape (Saint Vincent Ferrer)
May 15 - Bilar  (Saint Isidore the Farmer)
May 15 - Trinidad (Saint Isidore)
May 15 - Tubigon (San Isidro Labrador)
May 19 - Candijay (Saint Joseph)
May 29 – Talibon (Blessed Trinity)

Last Saturday of May (Holy Trinity)- Talibon

P.S. Pakapin lang ning June He! He! He!

June 13- Sikatuna- (Saint Anthony de Padua)
June 15- Loay  (Holy Trinity)
June 24- Garcia-Hernandez (Saint John the Baptist)
June 29- Loboc (Saint Peter the Apostle)
June 30 –Inabanga (Saint Paul the Apostle)

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