My name is Norma, and I’m the creator of Travel for Keeps! I’m so glad you’re here! 

I launched this site in October 2024. It’s relatively new, and some sections are still under construction, so I hope you enjoy what’s published as I continue to work on the rest of the site.

Who am I, and what is this website all about?

I’m like you—someone who loves to travel and explore! 

I was born and raised in the Philippines. Growing up, I spent hours dreaming of the far-off places I’d seen in books and magazines. 

It was my first international trip to Hong Kong that lit my passion for travel, though. Wandering the streets of Mong Kok, Sai Yeung Choi and Temple with my college best friend, Retchel, we were 18 and somewhere so different from what we knew. It was an eye-opening experience I will never forget—I was hooked!

Fast-forward a few decades, and I’ve turned those childhood dreams into reality. 

I’m a wife and mom of two sensible young adults, works full-time for a software company, and been living in the United States for over 20 years. Because I have limited time to travel, I’ve learned to make the most of every vacation day, long weekend, or short break I can squeeze in. 

Over the years, I have traveled solo, with family and friends, and on girlfriend getaways. I’ve traveled across continents, met incredible people along the way, experienced different cultures and sampled their foods. 

I love learning about my travel destinations ahead of time—their history, people, food, and culture. It helps me connect more deeply when I’m there and keeps me excited for months before the trip. This preparation made experiences like visiting Petra even more awe-inspiring. Chatting with spice vendors in Marrakech, standing in Þingvellir where Iceland’s first laws were made, and sipping fresh coffee in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle were all enriched by the research I did beforehand—incredible experiences that I could have missed, if not for the research I had already put in.

So, here’s what you’ll find on Travel for Keeps:

• Travel itineraries – based on my own experiences, to give you inspiration and hopefully help make the most of your time and budget
• Real stories and perspectives (including the mishaps – because those often make the best memories!)
• Tips on how to balance work, family, and travel without losing your mind – a process I’m continuously working on.
• Practical advice on everything from packing light to navigating around your destination to finding your local favorite restaurant

Travel For Keeps is my baby (now that my kids have grown and set off on their own adventures). It is my passion project, crafted with love for all things travel.

Through this site, I hope to inspire you to explore the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the world, creating travel memories that will stay with you long after your journey ends.