All About Maya The Explorer - Expat Blog

 

Hello and welcome! My name is Maya and I’m an African-American Puerto Rican who decided to move abroad 6 years ago. I’ve always loved to travel, but when the bills and debt became overwhelming and I was no longer able to travel as much, I decided it was time for a change. I moved to the Philippines to live and teach and have been in Asia ever since.
It was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made and inspired me to share my story. So whether you are wanting more information on teaching abroad, are interested in what it’s like to be an expat, looking to get out of debt and build wealth, or just need advice on where to go on your next vacation, you’ve come to the right place.  

It should also be known that it is impossible for me to separate my race or background from my experience, so I share that as well. Both my heritage and my upbringing have had a huge impact on who I have become and continue to drive my goals and where I’m going. So whether it be my planned adventure to Africa this summer, my continual quest to perfect my Spanish and be surrounded by my Latino culture or just my desire to help others achieve their dreams, I touch on it all. So if you’re looking for inspiration, or simply want to know that you’re not alone in the struggle, welcome.
What now?
Dive in and check out the content. Please feel free to comment. I’d much rather hear from readers than just crickets. I’m also always looking for topics to write about, so if you have questions about living abroad or any of my experiences, fire away. And if you really love it, please subscribe or follow me on social media.

The blog is organized by categories which can be found at the very top of each page. You can also click on the travel section to see a map of where I’ve been and what I recommend in each of those countries. Thank you so much for reading. I really hope you enjoy it!

My First Love - Maya The Explorer

La Fortuna Waterfall. One of my favorite places on the planet.

Beautiful sunset near Playa Tamarindo.

When people ask me my favorite place in the world my answer is always the same; Costa Rica. It also happens to be the very first country  to which I traveled.  There isn’t a place, outside of San Jose, that didn’t take my breath away. You can find sleepy little towns, alligator pits, surfing meccas, volcanoes, wildlife, Rastafarians, etc. etc. You name it, it’s got it. It has something for everyone. I’ve been to Costa Rica five times, including two summer study abroad programs and I still haven’t come close to seeing everything. I especially recommend it to people traveling outside of the United States for the first time.

Maya The Explorer Blog

Inspiration to not only travel abroad, but move abroad. Join me as I share my experiences traveling around the World. Visit Maya The Explorer @ http://ow.ly/oNds30ab0NU #expatblog #blackExpatLife #expattravelblog #travel #indonesia #expatblog

Chasing the Sunset in Lombok, Indonesia

Today was a beautiful, albeit strange, day in paradise. We spent most of the day lounging on the beach. When we got tired of that we decided to walk through the village. I’ve never seen a place with such unique charm. Once you leave the main road of Gili Tarwangan, you’re not in Kansas anymore. The streets were lined with eclectic houses and messy shacks. Everyone was so lively and warm. I could have wandered for hours. Somewhere along the walk we set our sights on making it to the other side of the island to watch the sunset. Continue to read Chasing the Sunset in Lombok, Indonesia.

Interested in trying AirBnB? Click here for $20 off - Expat Blog

  In the world of Air B&B, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I just won big! When the pension I normally stay at near the center of town was completely booked, I used it as an opportunity to find something quaint, outside of the hustle and bustle. What I found was so much more than I could have hoped for. For the U.S. equivalent of about $80 per night, I’m staying in a two bedroom, two-bath villa with a wrap around balcony that overlooks the rice paddies.

 

But it doesn’t stop there.  Even the view from the bathtub is something from a postcard. There is also a crystal clear pool, a welcome drink, a local cell phone to carry with us to communicate with the reception desk, two daily round-trip rides into town with a private driver, and a 30-minute welcome foot massage. And perhaps the best part is that the staff is so welcoming, polite and smiley. Everyone is genuinely so happy, including me. I couldn’t have asked for more.  For once, I think I’ll have to have a day where I do nothing but enjoy the room.

Interested in trying AirBnB? Click here for $20 off of your first day.

Visit Maya The Explorer - Inspiration to not only travel abroad, but move abroad. Join me as I share my xperiences - Maya The Explorer @http://ow.ly/7ZtC30a6B8u #expatblog #blackExpatLife #expattravelblog #travel #indonesia #expatblog

Hiring a Live-In Maid in Singapore

Before you hire a live-in maid, here are realities of hiring a Live-in Maid in Singapore that you have to consider before going through the proces.

Hiring a maid through an agency feels like what I would imagine going to a brothel might feel like. The women are lined up outside the agency and all happily greet you simultaneously as you walk in. You go in and tell the person in charge what you’re looking for and she brings you all candidates that fit those requirements for you to interview. When the interviews are done you hire someone, and have to walk back through the line of disappointed women on your way out. It’s really the worst part of the whole process, unless of course you have to fire someone. There’s also lots of paperwork you have to fill out, a course you have to take on how to actually be a good employer, and health screenings for your new helper that have to be done beforehand. Read more @ http://ow.ly/Qw6u30a1Wzu.

One of the many hiring agencies located in Singapore. You can find them in almost any mall.

Visit http://www.mayatheexplorer.com/ for more information

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Here are the 5 Things to Consider

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Here are some things to consider before setting sail on the ultimate beach vacay. Learn the 5 Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Maldives  @ http://ow.ly/1TBM309LGLS By considering these 5 things before booking, you are sure to find the perfect place for you. The planning is the hardest part. The rest is paradise.  #maldives #mayatheexplorer #travel #vacation #triptomaldives #expatlife

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South Africa Adventure Travel - Walking With the Big Cats

 Want to Walk With Big Cats? This Adventure Travel is a Must. At the Tenikwa Animal Rehab Center, which specializes in big cats such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, maracals, wild cats, they have them all. You have a chance to literally walk side by side with them. Visit http://ow.ly/VVSd309qtH5 for Maya's review.  #blackfemaletravel #expatliving #expattravelblogger

Jungle Trekking in Indonesia Review by Maya

Interested in seeing orangutan and hiking in beautiful surroundings? Check Maya's review on jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang, Indonesia ow.ly/HmNg309oc3y. #expatlife #solotraveller #blackfemaletravel #indonesia #bukitlawang #mayatheexplorer #solotravel

Visit Sri Lanka - Maya The Explorer

Sri Lanka is a destination that often gets overlooked. Check out why it should be your next vacation @ http://ow.ly/dNSG309eOHk
#mayatheexplorer #srilanka #travelSrilanka #expatlife #blackfemaletravel #vacation

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Location: Sri Lanka

My California Top 3 - Maya The Explorer

1. Yosemite
    Yosemite was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. I hiked, rode a cruiser bike around and just wandered aimlessly through the streams and fields.  Here are the  things you can do here:
    Events
    Arts & Culture
    Attractions
    Biking
    Featured Hikes
    Fishing
    Gold Panning
    Golf
    Horseback Riding
    Museums
    Rafting
    Rock Climbing
    Shopping
    Spas and Wellness
    Tasting & Breweries
    Tours
    Winter Activities

2. Sequoia National Forest

The Sequoia National Forest is a sight to behold as well, it is named after Sequoia Tree.
Sequoia’s are the world’s largest single living trees. Here are activities you can do in this themed Park

Black Bear Encounters
Lodge
Dining Options
Cocktail Lounge
Retail & Ski Shops
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp
Sequoia Campgrounds

 3. Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway has some of the most scenic ocean views ever and is dotted with interesting stopping points along the way. Here are interesting stopping points along the way.

Hearst Castle
Big Sur
The Monterey Bay Aquarium
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals Beach
Santa Monica Pier
Golden Gate Bridge
Point Reyes National Seashore
Redwood National Park
Florence Sea Lion Caves
Olympic National Park                               

 

My California Top 3 - Maya The Explorer

California is quite a large state with a bit of something for everyone. So what’s your top 3?. Visit Maya The Explorer for more Top 3 of your next Destination @ http://www.mayatheexplorer.com
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5 Advantages to Staying at a Guest House in the Maldives

5 Advantages to Staying at a Guest House in the Maldives

1. Price

To say that staying at a guesthouse decreases the cost of your stay would be an understatement. My boyfriend and I paid $3000 in total for a 7-day trip to the Maldives. That included round-trip tickets from Singapore, round-trip seaplanes from Male, boat transfers, all meals (and they were delicious), two dives each and a welcome massage.
2. Culture 
Guesthouses are located on islands where Maldivians actually live. You are free to roam the island, modestly clothed of course, and take in daily life.
3. Access to the island
I’ve heard some complain about being restricted within their resort. This was not the case for us. We were free to roam the guesthouse grounds, the entire island and even had a private island that we had access to via kayak. When we grew tired of the hotel we went for a stroll or kayaked.
4. Avoid the crowds
We basically had the beach to ourselves the entire stay. There was no competing for umbrellas and chairs. No crowded pool or restaurant.
5. Price
Did I mention how cheap it was? For me saving is important because it allows me to travel even more, but not at the expense of the experience. 

 Planning a trip to the Maldives? Like not having to pay and arm and a leg? Here are 5 reasons why guesthouses are an excellent option. Visit http://ow.ly/lgdK309ak7A #maldives #travelmaldives #staymaldives #mayatheexplorer

5 Tips for a Fantastic Southern Africa Safari

5 Tips for a Fantastic Southern Africa Safari. Planning for a Southern Africa safari? Check out these tips to help make your experience one to boast about.Visit http://bit.ly/2kANdCD. #safari #southernsafari #mayatheexplorer #africasafari #africa

Black Female Solo Travel to India

Are you Planning to visit India? Here are the things you might need to know before setting foot in India.  Black Female Solo Travel to India by Maya The Explorer.

I recently visited India for a week, following the very popular Golden Triangle Route. I started in Delhi and ended in Delhi, seeing Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur among other places along the way. It was all very beautiful, but it had an effect on me different from any of the other places in the world I’ve visited for one reason; I was traveling as a black, female, solo traveler. While most of the time this fact is very much an after thought for me, (after all I didn’t just wake up a black female one day- I’ve been one all of my life) it very much impacted my trip. It may seem strange, but I had never been so conscious of the fact that I’m a black woman as I was in India. Here are some tips for travelling India as a solo, black, female traveler as well as some things to think about. Read it here  Black Female Solo Travel to India

1. Hire a Reputable Guide and Driver

2. Say No To Pictures.

The amount of men in one location can be alarming. This is actually in Old Delhi, a place were I felt less anxious.

As you can probably tell from this unflattering picture, I was overwhelmed. It was raining, I was barefoot, everyone was either staring at me or trying to sell me something and I was filthy.

At Fatehpur Sikri. If you can avoid visiting during holidays or special occasions, do!

3. Say No As a Mantra

4. Put Some Clothes On

5. Try The Off the Beaten Path Locations

 In addition to these tips, I would also encourage solo female travelers not to travel alone at night in cities like Delhi. Hopefully these tips help if you’re planning on traveling solo to India and hopefully they are helpful to everyone regardless of race.

 Looking for more tips on traveling solo? Check out the Wise Traveller’s Solo Females Travel Bible or my previous post on traveling solo.

Best of Singapore - Maya The Explorer

Singapore, an island roughly the size of Los Angeles, is a city, state and country all rolled into one. You would think with a country of its size that there wouldn’t be much to it, but there is always something new to do, see or eat.

No trip is complete to Singapore without feasting your eyes on the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. It really is a gorgeous architectural wonder and is as impressive from the top as it is from across the water

Arab Street is another favorite of mine. The mosque sits in the center and is surrounded by little shops, specializing in everything from carpets and lamps to fabric. The restaurants in the area are quite good with Middle Eastern menus. This is also a great area for trendy shopping. Just two blocks over is Haji Lane, where up and coming Singaporean designers display their work.

Gardens by the Bay

Botanic Garden

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you have other favorites or things you’d like to see in Singapore? Visit Maya TheExplore for more travel reviews.

Location: Singapore

Expat Life Part I: The Philippines

An expat is defined as someone living as an immigrant in a country other than the country of his or her citizenship. Traveling has taught me a lot, but living overseas is a lesson in life you simply cannot get anywhere else. You learn so much about yourself and are forced to challenge all previously conceived notions, especially about yourself.

 Join me as I share my  Expat Life in the Philippines. 

Expat Life Part I: The Philippines

An expat is defined as someone living as an immigrant in a country other than the country of his or her citizenship. Traveling has taught me a lot, but living overseas is a lesson in life you simply cannot get anywhere else. You learn so much about yourself and are forced to challenge all previously conceived notions, especially about yourself.

 Join me as I share my  Expat Life in the Philippines.