Travel tips from Drew

At the rate he’s traveling for his Biyahe ni Drew show for GMA, Drew Arellano must have his passport packed full of stamps, renewable every so often. Among the countries he has visited so far were Japan (“Multiple times,” said Drew, “with Okinawa as the latest”), Hong Kong (several times), Thailand, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea…name an Asian country and Drew has been to it.

He and his wife Iya Villania have just arrived from a holiday in New Zealand (after a few days in Australia to visit Iya’s folks) Sunday last week and two days later he and his crew were off to a pilgrimage (Jordan, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, etc.) for his show’s Lenten presentation.

“More than the different types of cuisine,” said Drew, “what makes the trips interesting is that I get to talk to the locals and knowing about their culture, who they are, what they are.”

Saying that he’s not a “nostalgic” guy, Drew doesn’t collect souvenirs from the countries he visits.

“It’s useless because they are going to be trash when I get home,” explained Drew. “What I treasure are pictures and, of course, the memories.”

As a seasoned globetrotter, Drew makes sure that he travels light.

“I love to pack. What I usually bring with me is light-weight stuff, more practical, such as those that are easy to wash. The thing to remember is don’t overpack. I make sure that I include vitamins and medicines (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, etc.), and toiletries. In fact, I have them all in a small bag. Naka-ready na ‘yan. My favorite backpack, a big one, is neat and compact with everything that I need, which I leave in the hotel. Inside that bag is a water-proof small backpack which I use when I walk around.”

How does he cope with jetlag?

“Sleeping pills take care of that, especially if I’m traveling long haul. During the flight, I usually read books or watch movies. Otherwise, I just sleep. Fear of flying? No, I don’t have that.”

More tips: Check that your passport is not expiring in six months otherwise authorities at the airport won’t let you leave. Traveling to a country that requires a visa? Be sure you have a valid one. And travel insurance. Of course, have enough money.

“See to it that you pack the right clothes for the weather of the country you are going to,” added Drew. “Thick jackets for a cold destination and light clothes for a warm destination. CNN airs regular weather forecast around the world, so watch it.”

Biyahe ni Drew has been on air for more than three years, evolving from Drew’s show Balikbayan which featured stories about the hometowns of celebrities. That show has brought Drew around the country (to Catbalogan City in Western Samar to trace the early years of Tessie Tomas, etc.).

“I also have another show (on GMA) called AHA, which is six years old already, in which we have incorporated sign language, just like what Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko used to do. That way, we can tap the deaf-mute market.”

His wife Iya is busy with four shows, the Chika Minute segment of 24 Oras, the soap Because Of You, the new talent Lip Sync Battle Philippines and Taste Buddies (on GMA News TV).

Asked if he and Iya are too focused on work at the expense of having a baby (they’ve been married for more than year)?

“We’re never busy for each other,” said Drew, “We’ve been trying our best to have one. It’s just a waiting game.”

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