Poppy Gee, 35

Teng Balili Ongpin
May 1, 2020
3 min read

Being in the airline industry, doesn't necessarily mean you get to experience different places. It takes curiosity, eagerness and a pair of itchy feet to be able to fully immerse yourself in traveling. Poppy Gee made sure to maximize all his travel perks and made his travel diary as colorful as he is.

Kraków, Poland

Siquijor, Philippines

How did you get to be such an avid traveler?

It started in 2008 with a short trip to Singapore then to Malaysia. I jumped right into it without even planning - no Google Maps, no Lonely Planet, no YouTube travel videos. I had a great time exploring places, taking pictures, meeting new friends, learning phrases and even collecting souvenirs. So, I said to myself that one day, I will see more of what this world offers. Grateful of this job, being in a travel vertical, I have the benefits of discovering more places and learning about their culture which broadens my understanding not only of the geography, but also the humanity in other parts of the world. I started exploring places where I do not need visa applications such as countries in ASIA. After that I then went to EUROPE, to NORTH AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA, AFRICA and then to AUSTRALIA.

Singapore

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Thamel Street in Katmandu, Nepal

What is your most memorable experience while on one of your travels?

Paris. First Class. International.

Yasss! It was in Paris when I had the most memorable experience. My best friend, Daryl Iris and I were living our dream and enjoying one of the most magnificent must-visit places, Paris. On the bridge next to Notre Dame, people were taking pictures and videos of me because of my eye-catching Sponge Bob outfit matched with a colorful umbrella.

It was really a moment to remember, I felt like I was living the dream in the movie - View from the Top.

I will never forget this!

Poppy Gee & Daryl Iris

Paris, France

Paris, France

Palermo, Italy

What are the best travel tips you've learned throughout your adventures?

PLAN.

Make sure to have an alternative plan and that it should be flexible. Make a SMART plan.

What would you like to achieve? Attractions. Food to eat. Activities. Shopping. Learning about the culture.

TIME.

Wake up early. Eat breakfast. Make time to rest.

SAVE.

Traveling does not need to be expensive. If you are traveling solo, stay in hostels or join a group in which you will meet a lot of friends and travelers with the same intentions and have fun.

TICKETS.

Always carry this mantra - The closer you get to the travel dates, the higher the rate. And prices are not guaranteed until booked. So, book in advance. Book directly at the airline’s website to save from paying the agency fees.

Gudauri Ski Resort in Georgia

Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar

Kotor, Montenegro

Moscow,Russia

Entebbe,Uganda

If you could pick one destination from all the places you've been to, which would you recommend to someone and why?

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic, the 13th largest city in the European Union and the historical capital of Bohemia. It is also known as the City of a Hundred Spires.

Prague is really beautiful. Tourism. History. Food. Beer. Night Life. People. Transportation. Picturesque and Instagrammable views.

Prague,Czech Republic

Prague,Czech Republic

Zamboanga del Sur,Philippines

What's next on your travel bucket list?

I look forward to visit BAKU, AZERBAIJAN as I have visited Tbilisi, Georgia and Yerevan, and Armenia already. I want to tick TRANSCAUCASIA off the box and enjoy the uniqueness of the three colorful Caucasian countries.

I also plan to visit INDIA to see Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Delhi and Mumbai.

Lastly, I plan to experience the festivals in the Philippines.

Kadayawan Festival in Davao. MassKara Festival in Bacolod. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo. Sinulog in Cebu.

“Live Life. Love Life.” - Poppy Gee