Andrew and I were lucky enough to visit Rome in January 2009 and had the most amazing time – then again I think its virtually IMPOSSIBLE to have a bad time in Rome, Italy! We were traveling on a moderate budget so an affordable hotel choice was important to us – especially when you’re spending euros! We found a gem in Hotel Traiano!

As you will have read, Andrew and I traveled to the Philippines in June 2008 and had the most amazing 4 week adventure. From mountain villages to island retreats – we experienced it ALL and will keep the memories we made that month in our hearts forever.

It was our first real adventure holiday as a couple so there were definitely testing moments but what we learned about ourselves, our relationship and travel in general has definitely led us to the travel lifestyle we now live!

While in the Philippines we visited several island and enjoyed VERY different experiences from “roughing it” in the mountains to pure luxury on a private island resort.

I wanted to put a post together to try and provide all the information you’d need to know if you’re planning to head up to the Banaue Rice Terraces in Northern Luzon, Philippines. Amongst other reasons, the effort it takes to get there, namely, the 9 hour bus ride from Manila, means you want to get your trip right, and know what you’re getting yourself into. This post isn’t about the whole of the Banaue adventure, but specifically the rice terraces. If you’re going there to see them, you need to know what it is you stand to see.

After seeing the pictures and videos online of the Rice Terraces, one of many claimed “8th Wonders Of The World”, we knew coming to the Philippines that we had to get to Banaue to check them out for ourselves. I’ve written about Banaue elsewhere, but I wanted to take this post to make a special post and review of the place we stayed at in Banaue, the Sanafe Lodge. There were a decent number of choices for accomodation at Banaue so you might find it difficult to make a decision.  Mail this post

I’ve gotta be honest, Batad, in Northern Luzon, Philippines is perhaps my favorite place on earth. And it’s not just the Batad Rice Terraces that are the highlight, it’s everything about the place, from when you arrive to when you leave. In this post I wanted to give you a rundown on the 2 days we spent at Batad in the hope that you can get there and enjoy it as much as we did…  Mail this post