Winter Break

When I first found out that the winter break in South Korea is 2 and a half months, I first got a bit worried. Why such a long break? But then again, it will be a great opportunity for me to travel around Asia and see new places. Studying Tourism and Hospitality Management, I feel that it's extremely important to have a wide view of the world, cultural experiences and able to understand people from different religions and backgrounds. Personally I was chocked about the fact that just a few of my classmates decided to study abroad. Sure, tourism doesn't always mean that you have to travel around, there is tourism in Finland aswell, but in my home university, it's really appreciated to study abroad and I feel that many of my classmates at home are missing out on an amazing opportunity. 

Anyways, I wanted to tell you about my winter break plans. First of all, I will be living in an apartment I rented in Hoegi, the area I'm living in at the moment. How awesome isn't that? It feels like I am moving out from my parents house once again, moving away from all restrictions and rules. 

19th of December: This week right after my final exams, my best friend Josie will visit me here in Seoul. We will celebrate christmas together and I will show her all the crazy things South Korea has to offer. 

2nd of January: The time for my mother to experience Seoul and South Korea.

12th of January: My mother is my biggest inspiration. She started traveling around Africa when she was my age and that has made me develop a huge interest in discovering the world. So, Philippines, is the first destination of our adventure together. Happy to get away from the country obsessed with Internet and Wifi and get to spend the whole day lying on the beach, not worrying about anything. 

13-18th of January: In Philippines, we will spend our time at the island Puerto Princesa with sight seeing and relaxing. Since my mother is a hardcore diver, I will spend five intense days by take my diving certificate. 

19-24th of January: Still no specific plans for these days. Our last days will be spent in the capital Manila.   

25-27th of January: Time for our next destination, my choice - Cambodia. So why Cambodia? I feel that it's an untouched country with beautiful nature, an interesting history and many eye opening attractions. First flight in the morning from Manila to Saigon, Vietnam and then we will arrive to Siem Reap, Ankor Wat.  

28-30th of January: By bus, we will travel to our next destination - Phnon Penh, Cambodia. 

31th of January: Bye Cambodia, Hello Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I will spend approximately one week in Malaysia with my mother and her husband. 

6-16th of February: Now it's the time for me to travel by myself. From the beginning, I was planning to travel around by myself, but since my mother is a bit jealous of me being in South Korea, she couldn't let me do it by myself. So around these date, I will be spending my time in Indonesia. A specific destination is not set yet, but I'm open for suggestions. Also, if there is any friend of mine who is interested joining me, give me a call. 

16-20th of February: Flights from Indonesia was quite cheap, but the choice of destination was easy. I have made a lot of friends during my stay in South Korea, so I have to pay my friend in Singapore visit, even though she wants it or not. She also told me, since Singapore is a small country, many days are not needed for seeing the most important attractions. 

So, the outline for my winter break trip is basically like this: South Korea - Philippines - Cambodia - Malaysia - Indonesia - Singapore - South Korea