From Manila to the World: How One Filipina Conquered 193 Countries with Savvy Travel Hacks!
Oh, sweet travel dreams! As a Filipina, I bet you’ve scrolled through countless breathtaking travel photos, sighing, “Sana all!” (I wish that were all of us!) We often joke, “Born to be a traveler, forced to be a weak passport holder.” It’s a viral social media saying that hits a little too close to home, isn’t it? Our beloved Philippine passport, unfortunately, currently sits around 73rd in the 2024 Global Passport Ranking, granting us visa-free access to just 67 countries. That means endless paperwork, exhausting embassy visits, and watching our hard-earned savings dwindle just to get a stamp of approval. It’s enough to clip anyone’s wings, right?
But what if I told you there’s a Filipina who not only defied these limitations but actually traveled to all 193 countries in the world? Yes, you read that right! Meet Kach Umandap, a true pioneer who made history as the first-ever Filipina to achieve this incredible feat as of 2025. She’s living proof that our dreams of global exploration don’t have to be just dreams. And guess what? She’s here to spill the tea on her tried-and-tested hacks, so we can all embark on our own adventures with less stress and more joy. Let’s dive in!
Unlocking the World: Kach Umandap’s Game-Changing Travel Strategies
Kach’s journey is a beacon of hope for every Filipino longing to see the world. She’s turned what seems like insurmountable obstacles into stepping stones. Her secret? A mix of smart planning, courage, and a dash of classic Filipino resourcefulness. Let’s explore her top tips that will change how you view international travel forever.
1. The Power of Perpetual Motion: Don’t Go Home Yet!
Growing up, many of us were captivated by the iconic travelogues of Susan Calo-Medina’s Travel Time. The idea of traveling for leisure always felt like a distant fantasy, didn’t it? Kach felt the same. But her top tip for overcoming the “weak passport” woes? Keep moving forward, quite literally! Instead of flying straight home after visiting one country, she advises leveraging nearby destinations.
Think of it like this: if you’re already in Europe, why not hop over to another country or two that are geographically close? Kach, for instance, maximized her time as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait. The Middle East is brimming with holidays, and she smartly used these breaks to explore nearby Armenia, Georgia, and Sri Lanka. It’s like a domino effect – one trip leads to another, saving you time and potentially money on international flights from the Philippines. It’s all about strategic momentum!
2. Tap into Your Network: Friends Are Your Best Travel Guides
Who doesn’t love catching up with friends? Now imagine doing it in a new country! Kach’s ingenious hack is to connect with friends living abroad. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone: you enjoy their company and get to savor authentic local dishes and explore hidden gems. Plus, having a local host can make a world of difference. They can help you navigate like a pro, translating, finding the best deals, and even protecting you from potential scams. It’s the ultimate bayanihan spirit, but on a global scale!
Before your next big trip, open your phone book or social media. Do you have a friend, a relative, or even an acquaintance in that country? Reach out! As Kach wisely puts it, “You’re not really intimidated to know saan pupunta (where you’re going), baka puwedeng may mag-host sa ‘yo, or baka puwedeng makatulong sa ‘yo (there might be someone to host you or help you) in these places.” It’s a fantastic way to feel safer and more comfortable in unfamiliar territory.
3. The “Momma” Strategy: Your Guardian Angel Abroad
Safety first, especially for solo female travelers like us! Kach has a heartwarming and incredibly smart habit: she seeks out an “adopted Momma” in every new country. Before or upon arrival, she looks for an older, trustworthy local resident to connect with. This isn’t just about company; it’s about having a guardian angel.
“In some planes, airports, or check-ins, I look for [what I call] ‘Momma’,” she shared. These “Mommas” often check in on her daily, and she, in turn, keeps them updated. This strategy not only provides a sense of security but also gives her a ready response if anyone tries to take advantage. “I would tell new people that I meet that I know someone here,” she explains. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective way to ensure someone is looking out for you.
4. Master the Money Game: Exchange Rates & Local Payment Systems
We all know that bringing US dollars usually gets us better exchange rates. But where you exchange them can make a huge difference! Many travelers, myself included, often rush to the airport currency counters. However, Kach reveals that depending on the country, you can almost always find significantly better rates outside the airport, in local banks or reputable exchange offices in the city center. A little research before you land can save you a pretty penny!
Beyond cash, Kach also emphasizes understanding each country’s unique payment systems. Did you know that in Uruguay, for example, US dollars have little use, but they offer an automatic 22% discount if you pay with an international credit card? Imagine the savings! Doing a quick search on “best payment methods in [country name]” before your trip could be a game-changer for your budget.
5. Group Tours vs. DIY: The Smart Traveler’s Choice
When Kach began her nomadic life, she was all about budget-friendly, DIY travel. But she quickly learned that one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes, going with a group can actually be the smarter, more practical choice, especially for destinations that require a visa.
For countries with strict visa requirements, group tours often come with stronger documentation support and smoother passage through immigration. Think of it as presenting a united front! However, for many Asian destinations, DIY travel remains the more flexible and often more affordable option. It’s about knowing when to be independent and when to lean on the collective.
6. Invest in Your Safety: Don’t Skimp on Peace of Mind
When you travel as frequently as Kach does, saving money becomes second nature. But here’s a crucial lesson she imparts: never compromise on your safety, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. While we love a good deal, sometimes spending a little extra on lodging or a reputable group tour is an investment in your peace of mind.
Imagine this: saving a few dollars on a questionable hostel, only to spend the night worrying about your belongings or safety. Is it really worth it? Kach reminds us that even in more expensive destinations, there are often budget-friendly options that still offer good quality and, most importantly, security. Trust your gut, and prioritize your well-being over pinching every single centavo.
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Your Passport to Freedom
How did Kach fund her incredible adventures? Well, while exploring the famous “banana pancake trail” in Southeast Asia (think Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia), she realized she needed a stable income. So, she started teaching English online. To further fuel her wanderlust, she launched her own travel blog in 2024, the incredible Two Monkeys Travel Group.
Becoming a digital nomad isn’t just about freelancing; it’s a whole new lifestyle! It’s about working on the go, securing stable income sources while traveling, and adjusting your finances, schedule, and living arrangements around your upcoming trips. It’s a commitment, yes, but one that offers unparalleled freedom. Kach’s journey is a testament to the fact that building digital skills and finding remote work can truly open up the world, even with a passport that feels a bit “heavy.”
Inspiring the Next Generation: Kach’s Vision for Filipino Travelers
Despite the perceived limitations of our passport, Kach firmly believes that Filipinos are absolutely capable of becoming seasoned explorers. Her ultimate goal? To give back to the Philippines by sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences with her fellow Filipinos.
She’s doing just that through her upcoming Taglish booklet, How to Become a Digital Nomad, published by Penguin – how exciting is that?! But her mission doesn’t stop there. Next year, she plans to embark on an ambitious 12-year mission she calls “1642,” aiming to travel across all 1,642 cities and municipalities of the Philippines. Her goal is to distribute her book and inspire the next generation of Filipino dreamers and adventurers. Imagine the impact! Our own lakwatsera (wanderer) making sure we, too, can see the world, starting with our own beautiful archipelago.
So, what are you waiting for, my dear reader? Are you ready to dust off those travel journals and start planning your next adventure? Kach Umandap has shown us that with a little ingenuity and a lot of heart, our passports don’t have to define our travel dreams. The world is waiting, and we, too, are born to be travelers. Tara na! (Let’s go!)