No regrets –  just growth.

— The Travel Zen of Cai

Latest Posts


  • A Season of Hiatus –  And Why That’s Okay

    Life has a way of hitting the pause button when we least expect it. For me, that pause came in the form of a move –  a big one. I left everything behind: my home, my career, my family, and… Continue reading

  • A Peaceful Stay at Ayothaya Riverside House

    In 2023, I took a solo trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand-a decision that turned out to be one of the most peaceful and memorable travel experiences I’ve had. I booked a stay at Ayothaya Riverside House, and it became more than… Continue reading

  • Do Something Your Older Self Will Be Proud Of

    There will come a day when you’ll look back at the version of you reading this right now –  the younger you –  and you’ll either smile with gratitude or sigh with regret. The choice, believe it or not, is… Continue reading

  • Climbing Mount Finaratan: Maducayan’s Hidden Treasure

    Dried leaves carpeted the forest floor, vibrant orchids bloomed as they hung delicately from moss-draped branches, and thick, emerald moss blanketed ancient tree trunks. Birds flitted through the canopy, their cheerful chirping echoing through the trees, while the faint murmur… Continue reading

  • A Magical Overnight at Café Orilla, Baguio City

    Tucked away in the quiet corners of Irisan, far from the usual buzz of downtown Baguio, lies a hidden gem by the river –  Café Orilla at Camp Riverside. My sister and I had the pleasure of staying overnight, and… Continue reading

  • When Literature Becomes Real: My Visit to Edgar Allan Poe’s House

    I was looking at our backyard when I saw a bird. Not ebony black, but dark enough to be called black, with a grayish tint on its chest. I asked my husband what kind of bird it was, and he… Continue reading

  • How to Pull Off a Chic Layered Look While Living in Baguio

    If you’re living in or visiting Baguio during the cold season, you know the weather calls for thoughtful layering that keeps you warm without feeling bulky. Pulling off a chic layered outfit here means balancing function and style – light… Continue reading

  • In the Heart of the Highlands

    I remember looking down below—it was steep ravines and the deep blue river at the bottom seemed so angry, its raging current crashing against the rocks with a wild intensity. I quickly averted my eyes forward. The endless sharp curves… Continue reading

  • What Happened After Graduation 2019?

    Have you ever thought about where you might be now if the world hadn’t paused back in 2020? Not just in terms of places you could’ve gone, but the version of yourself you imagined becoming. The plans you made –… Continue reading

  • My First Taste of Pad Thai

    When it comes to food, I’ve always been a little cautious- sticking to what I know and love. My husband, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He’s the kind of person who gets excited about unfamiliar dishes, bold… Continue reading

The Travel Zen of Cai

Travel with intention; live with style.

Skip to content ↓