Phil – ESCapology – Five Travel Questions

Taking on the Five Travel Questions today is Phil from ESCapology. When he’s not surfing, diving or trekking, he’s taking awesome photos – have a look for yourself!

Why do you love travel?

For me, traveling equals freedom. Freedom to do and not do whatever you want, to go wherever you want to go, whenever you want to and just life without the many constraints we face back home. It is the thrill of adventure, that funny feeling which you get when heading for an unknown destination and the excitement of exploring exotic places. It makes me a better, a more humble person as I discover how different lifestyles can be. And I love it because of all the friendships I make on the road, other travelers and locals alike. There is so much good about traveling that I can’t name it all. But one thing is for sure: Whereas I regret a few things I have done in my life, traveling was never one of them.

What destination is top of your bucket list?

I personally don’t really have a bucket list and I am not a friend of this concept. It always sounds like crossing things off of a list and I think it puts pressure on people. In the end it it will be all about crossing things off and not about the experience itself.
I am generally more into the off the beaten path experiences. I have a few places which are very intriguing and which I’d love to see one day. There is Bhutan, there is Tibet, there are the seven sister states in India, there is Mongolia, there is Ethiopia and there are the Philippines, which I have visited already but which I will have to return to. Just too much to see and do there.

Where is your most favorite place you have travelled to? (and why).
This is closely related to my reply above. The Philippines have been amazing and that is also why I stayed for three months during my one-year trip across South East Asia. As I have a written in one of my last blog posts, the country has it all. Waterfalls, surfing, volcanoes, pristine beaches, rainforest and probably the friendliest and most hospitable people in all of SEA. And on top of all that, it is still not as touristy. I usually don’t tend to come back to places I have already visited. But the Philippines will be an exception, that’s for sure.

What is your most favorite memory or experience whilst travelling?
So hard to tell as they are so many of them and each one of them is unique. I lived for a month with locals in a small town by the ocean in the Philippines. Friends I have met before during my journey across the country. That was probably one of the best experiences since it allowed for an intimate insight into the country’s culture and customs. It also allowed me to live a rather regular life after having been on the road for quite some time already. You know, going surfing in the morning, chilling out, cooking food together, having beers at night and all those simple things that make life good. At that time, I really appreciated that and it allowed me to recharge my batteries.

What is your favorite photo from your travels?
I don’t even know if that is my favorite photo, but it has been featured a lot recently. It was taken during an island hopping trip around El Nido, Palawan which is also in the Philippines. Crystal clear waters and the best scenery. It just brings up good memories.

Check out some of Phil’s other great shots!

Follow him on his travels on his blog ESCapology, Twitter and Facebook! If you’d like to take answer our Five Travel Questions, see our write for us page!