About Joshua
Hailing from the bustling streets of Metro Manila, Joshua Lagandaon is a writer with an insatiable appetite for adventure—and for food!
A seasoned contributor to travel magazines, Joshua is the kind of traveler who maps out his destinations based on their culinary scene, where street food stalls and hole-in-the-wall eateries top the itinerary. In fact, food isn’t just a part of his trips; it’s the reason for many of them, often consuming (pun intended) most of his travel budget.
With a passport stamped across Southeast and East Asia, Joshua has made it his mission to savor every flavor the region offers. While his current expertise is rooted in Southeast Asia, his ultimate dream is to explore the rest of the world, one bite at a time.
An avid lover of nightlife, he thrives in neon-lit streets and thumping dance floors, where strangers often become lifelong friends over a shared cocktail or a spontaneous karaoke duet. His travel philosophy is simple: eat well, dance often, and connect deeply!
How did you get into travel
I stumbled into travel writing quite serendipitously, and it turned out to be one of the best detours of my life. My second job was as a staff writer for Mabuhay Magazine, Philippine Airlines’ travel and lifestyle publication.
At first, it was just another job, but somewhere between researching dreamy destinations and writing about hidden beaches, I caught the travel bug. I fell head over heels for the magic that travel brings—the way it pulls you out of your comfort zone, introduces you to new cultures, and reminds you just how vast and vibrant the world is.
Joshua's unique travel experience
Glamping in Calaguas was a dream come true. The pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the solitude of the island made it unforgettable. Dinner that night felt like pure magic—lobster, cheese, and champagne under a star-studded sky. It was the kind of indulgence that felt surreal in such a remote paradise.
Our tent was no ordinary setup; it came with modern amenities, blending the comforts of home with the raw beauty of nature. Falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves was pure bliss.
Latest travel articles and insights by Joshua Lagandaon
October may be one of the wettest months in Cambodia, but there are upsides to it. Popular tourist sites are less crowded and accommodation rates are cheaper— perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. From the ancient Angkor temple complex to the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake to the capital city of Phnom Penh, a trip to Cambodia in October promises a tranquil escape, awe-inspiring sights, and affordability.
May rings in the official start of the wet season in the Maldives, but occasional rainfall doesn’t take away the charm of this tropical paradise. The island country sees fewer tourists in May, meaning the popular attractions are less crowded and the hotel prices are more affordable. Immerse yourself in thrilling adventures like surfing and snorkeling in the South and North Male Atolls, discover the marine reserve area in Hanifaru Bay, or explore the markets in Male. Rain or shine, your trip to the Maldives in May is bound to be memorable.
A trip in Thailand in July will make you experience a lot of rainstorms due to the southwest monsoon. But visitors who take a chance will be rewarded with fewer tourists, off-season discounts, and a lusher, more alive landscape. The best time to see the country's biggest cities' cultural attractions is right now. Of course, you can always head to the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, where the weather is comparatively sunnier and the beaches are picture-perfect.
Thailand is in the midst of its rainy season in August. It is one of the wettest months of the year, so rainfall is expected throughout the country. But this does not mean you should postpone your vacation plan. You can still have a good time if you visit the parts of the country that are comparatively drier. Keep to the central and western regions of the country, and you can enjoy a memorable holiday. As most travelers avoid visiting Thailand in August, you will be able to explore the otherwise tourist-heavy places in relative peace and quiet.
Monsoon is active in much of India in August. However, travelers should not give up hope just yet. Not only are there plenty of gaps in rain clouds to afford great sightseeing tours in New Delhi and the Golden Triangle, but the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan are also relatively dry for exploration during this time. So ignore the naysayers and plan a trip to India in August.