Travel Story: X-Jumping to countries all over the world

In 2023, Expat Explore launched our first, annual X-Jump travel competition! To enter this competition and to win a free tour, we asked travellers to send us a picture of them doing our iconic X-Jump (or posing with their arms in the X-shape). We received thousands of entries from people all over the world and absolutely loved seeing how creative our passengers got with their photographs!

One such entrant was Thelannie Somera-Ingalla, then 57, a return-Expat Explore traveller from Baguio City in the Philippines. Thelannie lives a full life as an avid explorer, retired Investment and Financial Management Specialist, mother to 5 and grandmother to 5 (and counting)! 

Thelannie’s epic picture of herself and her husband X-posing on Machu Picchu in Peru won her a tour of her choice in 2024! Having just embarked on her winning Best of UK & Ireland tour, we caught up with Thelannie to learn more about her adventures and to find out what it’s like to win a free tour!

Here’s why travelling means so much to Thelannie:

How many tours have you done with Expat Explore? 

Our most recent was our 8th tour, the Best of UK & Ireland tour from August 3-15, 2024.

Related: This traveller experienced a life-changing festive tour in the UK & Ireland.

In what ways would you say travel changes people?

Travel makes you realise how lucky, favoured, and privileged you are. In the same way, it reminds you to be even more humble. Not everyone does or can travel. Travel is not as simple as it looks. Physically, mentally, financially… one must be prepared to travel. 

I consider travel as a spiritual retreat. It makes me realise that there is a lot to see, experience, and appreciate. It makes me realise that there is someone above and behind everything. Travel memories and experiences become a part of me that no one can take away.

Why are you passionate about travelling?

For my husband and I, travelling has been our favourite method of rest, relaxation, and recreation since we were a younger couple. It is our way of rewarding ourselves for all the efforts we’ve made in our lives. So much so that we now can afford it in all aspects (time, physical strength, finances, our children being adults now.) Most of all, it gives us time for ourselves and each other as a couple, away from the daily routine.

What would you say to someone who’s never travelled before?

They should travel as early as they can, to as many places as they can and as often as they can. Travel is for mental, spiritual, and physical health and well-being. This is my original quote: 

“Travel is spending money to gain permanently (it can never be taken away) so much more than what money can ever buy.”

What destinations do you want to see next and why?

The countries on our list are the following: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Australia and Alaska because we haven’t been there and we’ve seen and read about them and we are interested to experience those destinations. 

Related: Tick two countries off your bucket list on our Spain & Portugal Explorer tour!

What made you decide to choose Expat Explore as your trusted tour operator?

The pricing made me choose Expat Explore. They truly MADE TRAVEL POSSIBLE. After our first tour with Expat Explore in 2016, we knew that it wouldn’t be the last.

Read on to learn all about Thelannie’s FREE travel competition tour:

How did it feel to win a tour with Expat Explore’s X-Jump travel competition?

I was thrilled and ecstatic and, at last, I thought I was lucky. At least I can spare my husband from paying for my tour this time. Most of all, I was so thankful to God and to Expat Explore!

Who did you travel with?

I was with my husband, as always. We celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary during the tour!

Related: This couple renewed their vows on tour in Greece!

Why did you decide to travel to Great Britain and Ireland?

I wanted a tour which was not too short and not too long. We hadn’t been to any of the countries included on the tour or even to the UK for that matter. We have considered the shorter version of this tour before the pandemic but cancelled it and changed it to the Balkan Explorer tour.

What was your favourite destination on tour?

My favourite was Scotland. I was impressed with the landscapes and the old town of Edinburgh, particularly the Royal Mile and the festivities for the Fringe festival that we experienced on our day of visit.

Related: Don’t miss out on these annual Scottish events!

What is it like travelling with a group of ‘strangers’?

We love it, especially when there are fellow Filipinos. We enjoy making new friends and sharing our stories with fellow travel enthusiasts.

What did you learn from the other people on tour?

I learned that everyone loves travelling and comes from different walks of life. They come from different countries and cultures, not everyone has equal financial capabilities. I also learned that travellers decide a little “too late” to travel. It makes me more grateful that we started early on.

What was the number one highlight of the Great Britain and Ireland tour? 

My number 1 highlight was being able to patiently queue for one hour to kiss the Blarney Stone. Second was being able to experience the Fringe festival along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

Related: Everything you need to know about Edinburgh’s annual Fringe festival.

Is there a funny story or favourite memory of something that happened on the tour?

My most memorable moment was when Ben, our tour leader, asked me as soon as we checked in on the first morning if I was the “X-jump winner”. Then, he announced to our group that “one of the three X-jump winners is with us” and he even did a short candid and casual video interview with me towards the last days of the tour! I felt special.

How do you think the experience would’ve been different if you did not go on an organised group tour?

I would have been stressed with all the details that I would have to consider. I would not have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Will you go on an organised tour again? 

Yes, definitely. We are off to Egypt and Jordan this coming November 2024!

Related: Experience many ancient wonders on this 15-day Egypt & Jordan tour.

From winning the tour of a lifetime with our X-Jump travel competition to continuing her never-ending exploration of what the world has to offer, Thelannie is an inspiration to all of us at Expat Explore! We are honoured to have been with her through celebrations, bucket-list experiences and so many life-enriching moments. 

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Want to follow in Thelannie’s adventurous footsteps? Book a tour with Expat Explore or find out how you too can win a free tour!