I’m Arnette or better known as Round The World Girl. I’m a solo female traveler born in the Philippines, raised in Canada, lived in California for almost twenty years, and now back living in Canada. I’m not a budget backpacker or a millionaire traveller. I would say I’m somewhere in between but obviously love both a budget bargain and a luxurious experience. I seek the most value for my money but I am always ready to splurge big to ensure an unforgettable experience. I genuinely live for memories, which means enjoying everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining. My moniker comes directly from a 19-month, 19-country round the world trip I took starting in 2011. I initially planned a 10 month career break after the loss of my husband, but after also experiencing the loss of my mother during my extended trip, I decided to keep traveling, cementing the name.
Before setting off on that transformative trip, I worked in fashion retail and action sports industries, specializing as a trend forecaster, managing special events and retail operations for various brands like Vice Media and Nike. I originally decided not to blog during my travels so I could truly unplug and immerse myself in my surroundings and live in the moment. However, upon returning, I started this site as a permanent place to share my hard-earned recommendations and useful tips—making this blog a passion project aimed at inspiring others to travel near and far.