Expect the Unexpected When Traveling with Family and Friends.

This group has been my constant. I met them all during college, and we kept our circle closer even after graduation. We have traveled to a few places together, been part of each other's significant events in life, and become godparents to each other's kids. In short, we are always present in each other's lives. Since starting a family of our own, we have seen how our priorities have shifted. How our used to be freewheeling vacations evolved into ones where kids' safety came first. After being unsure of where we would go or where the trip would take us, we began making plans, making sure that out-of-town travel would not only be enjoyable for us but also for our kids.

The Planning.

Our trip to Ilocos was laid out and planned six months prior. We waited and timed it where most of us were present and available, since most of us were committed to work. And just like most of our trips, we looked for a trusted travel and tour company to ensure that everything went according to plan. However, it is anticipated that some adjustments will be made along the way because there are still a few months until the plan is carried out.

A week before our trip, we received a text from one of our friends saying that they could no longer go because her boss got sick and she would relive her. Then another cancellation message from another member of the group mentioned their family emergency and unforeseen events. We only have a few days to make rearrangements, and we almost paid for the trip in full. Luckily, the travel coordinator was kind enough to readjust the payment, but the place that will accommodate us can no longer make new adjustments or refunds. We still proceeded with the plan, though it felt heavy that a few of us were left behind. The two full van companies that were originally planned were reduced in half.

When deciding where to stay, we took into account two choices. A six-bedroom resort with a pool is the first option, and the other is just a room with a free breakfast. We chose later, after deliberating and checking our itinerary. Our schedule was packed from morning to night, so we doubt the kids will still have energy to swim in the pool. We are also thankful that we picked the later options, or else we will be charged more with half of the guests going, and more paid rooms will be unoccupied.

The Day of Our Trip.

After a stressful stage of planning, here comes the day of the trip. The day the kids look forward to and are excited about.

We left on Friday night and were expected to arrive at our destination early in the morning the next day. Estimated 8 hours of traveling by land. We reached the welcome arch of Ilocos at four o'clock in the morning. The kids were sleepy, and only those who were awake got out of the vehicle for a photo.

Our check-in time was noon, and since we arrived before morning and wanted to make the most of our time, we visited the first three places on our itinerary. As our tour guide recommended, he also suggested eating breakfast after we were done with the sand dunes because it was going to be a bumpy ride. Later, you will know why he recommended doing this activity before everything else.

First Stop: Sand Dunes.

At first, I thought it was just a chill 4x4 ride, but I was so wrong. That 30-minute ride wasn't a joke. The video of us screaming our lungs out was the witness. We were warned not to bring anything that can easily be blown away, like sunglasses, caps, or any accessories; my phone almost skipped my hands! The downhill ride is the most exciting but also scary. At last, the ride was over. They offer sample pictures of us on the trail, but I wouldn't pay for a photo of me with my mouth exaggeratedly wide open. lol

The other half hour was spent on sandboarding, which was located at the midpoint of the trail. Me and my husband tried it, but my kids got scared and backed out because the two kids before them let go of the sand board and rolled over. I don't think they got hurt, but the sand was all over their body and face. I worry they'll get some sand inside their eyes.

While on our way back to the starting point of the ATV Adenture, I realized why our tour guide insisted on doing the sand dunes adventure first. I just realized it after the experience. We were there as early as seven in the morning, and the sand had already absorbed too much heat from the sun. I can't imagine being there at peak noon; it will be so hot that stepping on the sand is already excruciating.

We freshened up a little, ordered some snacks to go, and rested in the vehicle while we were on our way to the second location on our itinerary.

I will be posting where we went next tomorrow!

I hope you stay tuned!

That's it for me today. See you on my next one!

❤️❤️❤️

All photos are my own, unless stated otherwise.