About – The Passport Lad

Jamello Fabrique

(better known as Mello)

At 21, I hopped on a plane for the first time not knowing it was just a beginning of the journey to many different places that I am about to discover, interesting people that I am about to interact with, lessons that I am about to learn, and dreams that I am about to realize.

5 years later, I stepped out of the travel norms and crafted my own travel style by exploring the edges of my comfort zones and made lasting memories on the road! Traveling the world opened my mind to new interesting perspectives that shaped me in many ways and brought me into documenting them in a journal. I’d like to believe that I’m not a writer, I just happened to have a story, and I have many of them, written by my experiences. Opening up the pages of my journal to give you a glimpse of how I perceive the world through my vision. I aspire to inspire and touch the lives of the people through my stories!

The Passport Lad

Passport is the first thing I put in my bag whenever I decide to travel, it is a basic essential we carry that can bring us to places. But, what if your passport is the one thing that is depriving you to go far? Ironic how I still named my travel blog after passports, when I actually hated mine for giving me such a hard time to navigate the world with it. I know every third world passport holder echoes the same sentiments.

Most countries require a visa for a passport like mine before I can set my foot in their territory. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to get one, it takes a lot of time, effort, and money! Gathering numerous documents to comply with visa requirements, long processing time, and excessively expensive fees can be physically, mentally, and financially exhausting, not to mention the possibility of getting denied for no — apparent — reason! But the struggle doesn’t end there, even approved visas cannot guarantee your entry to certain countries. I remember when I arrived at Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney, the immigration officer raised an eyebrow, seconds after seeing my poor brown passport, (then questioned me);

I.O.: What are you doing here?

ME: I’m traveling for leisure.

I was even asked to show proof that I will not overstay in the country, but at least in the end I was permitted to enter. Although, my heart still broke to witness other people who were refused of entry and were asked to fly back to their home country. These are just a few of many crazy experiences I had with my passport that I think are worth sharing. Looking back, I realized it was my passport who put words into my story! As they say, some of;

Life-style & Travel Guides

Travelling is fun, but planning a trip can be overwhelming. Lost and don’t know where to begin? I write to produce useful information and in-depth travel guides to help you be equipped on your adventures! Here’s what you can expect from this blog:

Travel Documents

Simplified guide to help you on how to prepare and successfully obtain important travel related documents (such as passports, visas, etc.).

Travel Itineraries

Wide variety of sample do-it-yourself itineraries; from day trips, weekend getaways, actual daily itinerary, and travel routes (including tips and suggestions).

FINANCE

Life is precious, but being alive is expensive! Creating a solid financial plan can be intimidating, but totally attainable with the right mindset and proper guidance.

Here, you will find tips and guides to kick-start your finances from having the right financial approach to developing the right mindset to achieve financial freedom (including practical ways to manage your finances, live a more sustainable lifestyle, and all other financial solutions). Remember, Practical is the New Smart!