Most people know Blanca as a CPA working in finance in New York City. But Blanca isn’t all numbers, she also has an intensely creative side. Blanca has a ceaseless passion for design, fashion, food, art, and especially travel. She’s channeled this through a beautifully crafted and inspiring Instagram page dedicated to her jet-setting and eye for aesthetics.

Blanca attributes her love for travel and adventure to her parents. From a young age, they instilled in her precepts like, “life is meant to be lived,” “the world is your oyster,” “take risks,” and “try something new.” She was less than a year old when she flew on an airplane for the first time, and she has been traveling ever since. 

Coming from a culturally diverse family and having family and friends all over the world, Blanca has an enduring love for travel and is always on the hunt for her next destination. While technically a citizen of both Philippines and Spain (thanks to her dad), Bianca prides herself on being a citizen of the world. 

Second only to her love of travel is Blanca’s attraction to art, culture, fashion, and food. She always incorporates these aspects into her trips, creating unique travel experiences for herself and whomever she’s with. When she travels, she strives for an all-encompassing experience, one that’s not just about where she is, but also where she’s staying, what she’s eating and drinking, and who she’s interacting with.

In Blanca’s eyes, “It is not about the destination, but rather the journey. Travel should be a full 360 experience, and a memorable one at that. When I visit a place, I try to experience how people live, as well as understand who they are, where they come from, and the reasons they live the way they do.”

Read on for more tips and insights into Blanca’s unique travel style.

What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?

During my visit to the Maldives, I stayed at the LUX* Maldives South Ari Atoll, and my beachfront villa had a private outdoor shower. Showering under the moon and stars was honestly the highlight of my trip! Also, the fact that my hotel occupied the entire island was pretty cool. It was very private – the most perfect place to unplug. 

What hotel room design element can you not live without?

I make it a point to stay at hotels that are focused on design and art that’s specific to the place I’m visiting. I enjoy being surrounded by design and architectural elements that tell a story. In some way, this makes me feel like a true local, and gives me another taste of that place’s culture and personality. 

I truly love learning and understanding the culture of each place I visit. I try to incorporate this desire into every element of my trips, most especially where I stay.

Recently, I stayed at the Hotel Escondido in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Everything in the hotel (from the coffee cups to the mezcal) was sourced and made in the nearby town of Oaxaca. Everything about it was true and authentic to who they were and where they came from, which I felt gave me a deeply authentic Oaxacan experience. 

Do you have any favorite travel hacks? 

If you love to travel, do yourself a favor and get an American Express Platinum card – make your money work for you! Access to airport lounges and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck are just a few of their many travel perks. DM me for a referral 🙂

What do you always bring with you in your carry-on? 

My Metier passport case, LV card case, and MontBlanc pen, along with the current month’s issues of Architectural Digest and Elle Decor (or a finance book – I’m currently reading One Up on Wall Street). 

I will also have my Biologique Recherche face mist, Augustinus Bader hand cream and lip balm, hand sanitizer, and water – always! I’ve always got my iPhone and AirPods, too.

If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be? 

Fashion influencer Bettina Looney… hands down.

Where would you go for a digital detox/to get off the grid? 

The Maldives. And if you want a true private experience, pick a hotel that occupies the entire island. Harbour Island, Bahamas, is also at the top of my list. And so is Puerto Escondido – you can’t go wrong with either the Hotel Terrestre or Hotel Escondido. 

(Note: I know most of these places are hard to get to, but that’s what makes them so special and intimate!)

Best travel advice you’ve ever received?

Anthony Bourdain once said, “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”

What’s your favorite travel book?

I’m obsessed with anything and everything from Assouline Publishing. For my home, I like the large, hardcover travel books. Their brightly colored covers are eye-catching and look great stacked together on a bookshelf, coffee table, or nightstand. They are also easy to read and filled with pictures. My top five are: Athens Riviera, Palm Beach, Ibiza Bohemia, Amalfi Coast, and Tulum Gypset. 

To bring with me when I’m traveling, I like the “In the Spirit of” destination series by Assouline – Palm Beach, Bali, St. Barths, Rio, and Capri are my favorites. There is also a list of top spots at the end of each book, which makes them perfect to bring along on your travels!

Who is your dream travel partner? 

I prefer to travel in twos, whether that’s with my boyfriend or one of my best friends. If it’s with my family, though, I’ll always make an exception to travel in a larger group.

For more from Blanca, check out her Menorca guide and follow her on IG.