Dresses to Bring On Your Next Vacation

V-Neck Tribal Print Bell Sleeve Dress / V-Neck Printed Maxi Dress / Off Shoulder Bodice Maxi Dress / Floral Printed Maxi Dress / Fringe Side Slit Maxi Dress

A week ago, I just booked the hubby and I a trip to a tropical vacation destination. I won't spill details yet but as with everything I do, I am already planning ahead (even though it's still a few months away). Despite the fact that I've traveled for quite a few times already, I've earned the rep as a serial over-packer. The husband and I both agree to always bring carry-on luggage (because we both hate the queue on the baggage claim). While I am certainly no light packer yet, I think I've gotten better at it. For a tropical destination, packing cute dresses is a no-brainer. One advantage to this is you can save space since you are bringing just one piece instead of a top and bottom. Plus, summer dresses tend to be of lighter fabric such as cotton or chiffon. You can save a lot of space if you roll them in your luggage because they are not bulky. The dresses that I've linked above are just a few of those that I have my eye on from Fashionmia - one of the websites that I shop for for trendy but affordable pieces. They are one of my go-to's online because I have had a few excellent products based on my own shopping experience. 

Here are just a few of the Fashionmia pieces that I've styled in the past. Which of these do you think should I bring with me on my next trip?

Original post here

Original post here

Original post here

Original post here

I've purchased quite a few items (mostly dresses) from Fashionmia and I have been quite satisfied with what I got. As with most of these overseas shops, it is always critical to check the sizing details and read the reviews from customers so you can assess the quality of the items! You can find a wide range of options from all kinds of dresses, outerwear, and plus size clothing from the website. 

Have you got tips to pack light for a tropical vacation? I could use some of them so leave them in the comments below! 

xo, Abby

Graffiti Shorts

On my trip to Malaysia, Langkawi Island was our first stop. We spent two nights and three days at this beautiful island. I compare it to the Philippines' Boracay island, which is a hot spot for tourists. The beach is also within walking distance from the resorts so you can conveniently take a dip, have a picnic along the beach, or engage in water sports activities whenever you want. I was quite overwhelmed by the size of the island. There were too many sights to see and/or explore. Hence, comfortable clothes and footwear were a must.

This blue graffiti print shorts from Sheinside was one of those items that I bought specifically for this trip. I bought a lot of comfortable shorts because I knew there was going to be a lot of walking and traveling. And so, I tried my best to stay as comfortable as possible. And there is nothing more casual and vacation-ready than a pair of shorts and spaghetti strap top. I love this shorts, though, because it is quite versatile. You can wear it low-key and casual like I did here, or you can also pair it with a more dressy top. 

Check out more photos from my vacation showcasing this outfit:

How do you plan your vacation outfits? 

 

Vacation Style: Part 1

I got back from my long awaited vacation about a week ago, so this is going to be a late post. I went away to Dahilayan Adventure Park, about 6-7 hours from where I live, for a couple of days for a much needed retreat. It's amazing how two days of break from the everyday cycle of life and work can make such a difference. I went back feeling rejuvenated albeit slightly tired from the travel. But still, it was everything we planned it to be... only so much better!

Since we were going somewhere over 4,000 feet above sea level, I expect to enjoy some cold weather. Hence, I went on a shopping hunt for a sweater top I can wear. Ordering online was not an option because the shipping could take several weeks and I knew that it wouldn't make it in time for my vacation. My search came to an end at Terranova. I found this teal sweater and at a sale at that! The shorts is from A&F while my shoes is the trusty Converse.

During the night, the temperature continued to drop. I decided to add in my scarf to add some more warmth, although I made the sorry mistake of taking off my shoes for some sandals. Still, we had a lovely dinner (even though I badly did not want to get up from my bed) and I even managed to go outside for a few minutes (two minutes, at max) for some photos. 


Were you able to enjoy some time off recently?

 

Summer is More Fun in the Philippines

Since my first experience of travel, I have admittedly been bitten by the wanderlust bug. I believe this isn't applicable to me alone. The more you get to travel and see new places, the more compelled you are to see some more!

However, I made a point to explore my own country first before traveling abroad. And I can say with pride that there is so much to see and do in the Philippines. For the past five years, it is my goal to travel at least once a year or see a new place. It does not have to be far, but it should be somewhere I've never been to before. Come join me as I re-live my favorite travel memories!

10. Swimming and relaxation at Pearl Farm Resort. This trip took place on our 5th anniversary (almost three years ago) and was one of my favorites. The 1-hour boat ride going to Pearl Farm resort was worth the investment of time and money. We both had the day to ourselves enjoying in the beautiful view and amenities of the resort, munching on delectable buffet treats, and spending quality time together. I can't wait to be back here and for those traveling to Davao City for the first time, I suggest you include a tour here in your itinerary.

9. Meet-and-greet with my sports icon. A couple of years ago, I went to Manila for a short trip and decided to watch a live game of my favorite sports team. We got lucky with timing as it turned out to be a finals series! When we got to the coliseum on the actual game day, the line was ridiculously long! I got quite scared that we might not be able to buy a ticket. True enough, the lower box seats were already full so we had to go for the General Admissions section. Still, it was good enough of an experience for me to re-live throughout the rest of my life. If anything could top that, it would be seeing my favorite team win that night and of course, meeting my sports icon in person.

8. Seeing other UP campuses. The boyf and I both graduated from the same school. But more than the UP pride, we also relish the fact that this school was instrumental in us being able to meet (yes, we met back in college!). Whenever we go anywhere near a UP campus, a photo shoot with the Isko statue is a must!

7. Nature exploration at Eden Nature Park. Davao City has a lot of wonderful tourist attractions to offer that I feel so lucky we did not have to travel out of town to get to experience this nature trip. If you ever get to visit Eden Nature Park, don't forget to take the shuttle tour to see more of what this wonderful attraction has to offer.

6. Food trip in Cebu City. For me, travel and dining always goes hand in hand. As I had shared in my food blog, one of the best ways for me to get to know a city is through its food. Hence, I took time to sample as many restaurants or local food destinations in Cebu while I can.

5. Cooling off in Baguio. Here is another short but ultra memorable trip for me (and the boyf!). We got to travel to Baguio with his relatives and were quite excited about it as this was an impromptu trip. We got to visit a few sights such as the Mines View Park and Burnham Park, although we would love to see more! Definitely calls for a return trip there. 

4. Living the idyllic life in Bantayan Island, Cebu. If there is anything that I loved about Bantayan Island (besides its beautiful dainty beaches), it would have to be the idyllic lifestyle. It felt like I traveled to a foreign country that still feels quite familiar. The people were warm and they had this positive aura about them. It was definitely worth the long trip getting there.

3. Exploring the sights of Puerto Princesa City. I love Puerto Princesa. The city is beautiful in a lot of ways - the warmth of its people, the natural beauty, the rich culture and history, and so much more. I only spent four days in Puerto Princesa but it certainly felt like my second home. There wasn't a day that I did not dream of returning to this beautiful city since I got home.

2. Underground River tour in Palawan. The Underground River in Palawan was recently named as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Hence, I felt lucky to have the opportunity to see it first-hand. You cannot help but feel a certain level of awe looking at the rock formations inside the cave, especially knowing that it was carved by nature.

1. Boracay! Need I say more? Without a question, one of the most beautiful places I have been to so far. Its powder fine sand felt like heaven for a self-confessed beach bum like me. Meanwhile, the foodie in me was also rejoicing at the fact that there are plenty of restaurants and dining options to try here. These photos were taken during my first visit to Boracay, which I suspect will most certainly won't be my last.

Have you been to any of these locations? Please stay tuned as I continue to share my travel experiences with you here. Thanks! xo