Fab Traveler: Myrna Cabaccang

For the third feature on my Fab Travelers series, I’d like you to meet Myrna Cabaccang. She’s a happily married wife with two kids, currently lives in Simi Valley, California, and works in the workers’ compensation and insurance business. She loves food, traveling, shopping, RVing, and going on cruises. Myrna also happens to be my cousin (I call her Ate Ninnai) and I’ve admired how throughout the years, she has pursued her passion for traveling despite the demands of family and work life. Sharing with you now her travels with some pictures of her recent trip to Europe.

List the destinations where you’ve traveled.

Most of my Europe trips are land tours, and the rest are cruises, or by land or air within the U.S., Mexico and to name a few.

In Europe: Rome, Venice, Pisa, Sienna Italy, London, Amsterdam, Holland, Paris, Belguim, Brussels, Lisbon Portugal, Tanger Morocco, Madrid, Seville, Toledo, Costa del Sol, Marabella, Alhambra Granada Spain, Stockholm, Malmo,Denmark, Finland, Norway, Gottenburg, Munich, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary,

In the U.S.: Honolulu Hawaii, Utah, Maui, Lahaina, Grand Canyon Arizona, Las Vegas, Laughlin, New York, Florida, St.Thomas, Virgin Island, St. Martin Atilles, San Juan Puerto Rico, Kitchikan, Juneau, Sitka, & Skagway Alaska, Fort Lauderdale, Nassau, Castaway Cay Disney’s private Island, in Mexico: Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, & Chichen-itza Yucatan, Mexico.

In Canada: Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls, & Montreal Quebec

In Asia: Hongkong & Singapore.

Which is your favorite country/city and why.

My most favorite so far is Paris. It’s an amazing place especially with your husband or boyfriend. I especially love the Siene River Cruise, with all the lights & glitters during the night.

Name one place in the Philippines that you still haven’t been to but would want to visit.

I would like to go to Coron, Palawan.

Favorite outfit/thing to wear when traveling.

Mostly comfy clothes, like a set of Juicy Couture sweats, True Religion stretch pants, and a handly light Lacoste sweater, as it gets cold in the airplane sometimes.

Name one country still in your must-visit list.

Russia.

Best restaurant/food discovery in your travels.

Of course, tapas in Madrid, Italian food in Palacio Borghesi, best goulash is in Budapest, sausages in Germany,and my favorite dining experiences are aboard Holland America Lines and Disney Cruise Lines.

Give one packing tip that you swear by. And a beauty tip for travelers.

Pack light, bring bright colors, and bring more tops than bottoms (for picture purposes!). I like bringing Longchamp Le Pliage purses that can be matched with either shoes & tops and I love them because they can fold really small. Before your flight, try to get more hours of sleep than your usual to prevent jetlag.

What are your absolute essentials whenever you travel?

I’m ok as long as I have my toiletries, my MAC makeup essentials, good tinted or non-tinted foundationw/ SPF 50 (like MAC studio Fix & Powder Fix).

Favorite luggage/ handcarry bag.

My favorite rolling carryall is my Polo, and handcarry bag is Gucci.

I noticed from your travels that you frequently go on cruises. Is it really a good idea to see places by cruising? What are the pros and cons of traveling this way?

I like to go on cruises because you get to experience the best of both worlds—-you can both see your destinations but at the same time, you can still relax and enjoy while you’re on the ship. You’re not always in a rush. The only disadvantage is that cruises can get more pricey than land tours. But for me, usually you don’t get enough time to spend in one place when you’re on a land tour, especially if you want to shop. Land tours are also more tiring. That’s why I like going on cruises and my favorite is Disney Cruise Line.

Traveling with girlfriends, traveling with family/kids, or traveling solo. Which is your favorite?

It depends. If I go to Europe I would prefer a friend, because my family hates walking. When it comes to bonding vacay like cruises & beaches, then I would prefer to be with my family. I hate traveling solo.

What’s your best purchase (bargain or otherwise) in your travels?

Got them in my last trip to Europe: Longchamp Le Pliage purses, which are $45.00 less than in the US; scarves are $10.00 less, and a nail file in Prague. I mostly know the prices here in US, so anything that I find cheaper than in US, then I will probably buy. And of course, my souvenirs.

The best travel advice that you’ve ever received.

Save more money for your travels, rather than for materials things. If you like designer purses, just buy one of each high end purse—you don’t have to collect all from the same brand. The best travel experiences in life cannot be bought.

What’s your travel philosophy?