Meet the Nomads – Jerick Parrone

Jerick’s blog shows everyone that you don’t need to quit your job to see the world. Especially if you’re job is something that you really love doing.

Jerick aims to set foot on 25 countries before he turns 25 while keeping his job which I find really amazing because he could maintain a balance between his professional career and his personal passion. He has already been to 21 countries as of the time of writing.

Get to know more about Jerick and visit his blog at 25Travels.

Here’s my short interview with Jerick.

How did you discover your passion for travelling?

“I think the passion started when I moved to Europe in 2008 after graduating from university. I want to take advantage of the opportunity of being in Europe so I decided to travel around, at least one trip per month. And when I got back to the Philippines, I realised that I want to travel some more and see the rest of the world. So here I am, still bitten by the travel bug and currently waiting for my next journey.”

What’s the most horrible experience that you’ve had on the road?

“I had a few mishaps before including being held in immigration in Clark airport and almost getting hit by a tram in Amsterdam twice. But I think the worst experience was when I lost five cameras in a span of six months in 2009. Story behind it?Well, I dropped one camera on a river while hiking in Morocco, misplaced another at the Budapest airport (It was brand new, bought it two days before my trip) then finally losing three cameras when the place I’m staying in Brussels got robbed. Lesson learned though.”

What’s the best travel experience that you’ve ever had?

“That’s a tough question as all my travels each have a unique and often good experiences. But if I have to pick one, it’s probably my backpacking trip across Morocco – from Marrakech up to Tangier. It was a cultural experience completely different from what I’ve experienced in Europe, US and Asia. Plus, I got to spend a couple of nights in the Sahara desert which was very surreal!”

What’s the biggest realization that you’ve got out of travelling?

“Two things:

First, travel made me a better person – it broadened my mind set, challenged my understanding of the world and taught me to be flexible. At the same time, I realised that people, despite coming from different backgrounds, always something in common. I remember sitting in a hostel room with people from five different nationalities, and we were all talking about Mexican telenovelas. How cool was that?!

Second, that we are lucky that we can now travel easily and cheaply. You don’t have to be rich to see the world. I grew up thinking that you need to have a lot of money in order to travel and that nice hotel, dinner at restaurants and arranged itineraries are a must for any trip. While you still need money to go and fly, there are many ways to travel frugally while still getting the best experiences.”

What keeps you going? What keeps you motivated?

“I think that’s where my 25-country goal helps a lot. Having a goal and a set objective in mind helps in pushing me to go out there and travel. After I finish this goal, I think I’ll continue to put challenge myself travel-wise so I can continue to be motivated!

And of course, I’m lucky to have the support of family, friends, and recently fellow travel bloggers and blog readers. Their encouraging words definitely keeps the travel spirit alive!”

This is a silly and hypothetical one. If you would be given a chance to travel with a popular person or a celebrity, who would it be and why?

“James Franco – he’s funny, laidback and cool. He’s perfect to be part of my wolf pack! But if we’re talking about an island getaway – bring me Keira Knightley, Megan Fox and Sienna Miller anytime. Why? I don’t think I need to answer that!”

Where’s your favourite place in this planet and why?

“El Nido in Palawan. Truly a paradise – laidback atmosphere, friendly locals, pristine white sand beaches and overall stunning natural beauty. I wouldn’t mind living there if I get a chance!”

What’s your best tip for newbie traveller?

“Bring only half of your original luggage ! Travel light, you don’t need to bring ten pairs of clothing or five pairs of shoes for a five day trip.

And don’t be afraid to get out of your confines every once in a while – spend a day with no plans, eat street food, try something different – it will do you good, I promise!”

What’s the funniest and silliest thing you’ve ever done while travelling?

“Running around Macau’s old town looking for the perfect white wall! I had to send a passport photo urgently for my visa for Europe and shops were already closed. So me and my friend had to find the whitest wall so we can take a photo of me with the wall behind it.

We got confused faces at the tourist office when we asked them “Where they have the whitest walls in the area?” I think if they had a contest on the weirdest questions they’ve been asked, we’ll be the winners for that week!”

What do you think about yourself?

“I am your average guy with extraordinary travel aspirations. Like most young people, I have a full time job and live a middle class lifestyle. I do grocery shopping and worry about bills every end of the month. But I dream big and work hard to make these dreams happen!

I’m often laidback but always eager to take on any challenges. I take advantage of my youth and always try to live in the moment! I travel, one country at a time, hoping to one day see the entire world!”

25travels.com is a blog around my goal to travel one country at a time to 25 countries before I turn 25 next year. My travels are mixed stories about travelling as an expat and short backpacking excursions. And soon, I’m hoping to start my RTW trip. Aside from the usual roundup of travel destinations, tips and experiences, I aim to motivate people to take on the first step and travel – that money or having a full time job are no excuses for failing to see the world! – Jerick Parrone

Editor’s Note: Pics are provided by Jerrick.

Next: Angel Juarez of Lakwatsero. Previously: Kara Santos of Traveling Up. For more interviews with travel bloggers, check out the archives of Meet the Nomads.