21 hours ago
Pinay Flying High: How a Filipina Built a Travel Life Abroad
When most people imagine a travel influencer's life, they see curated Instagram feeds and luxury destinations. But for Noemi, the woman behind Pinay Flying High, the journey started with a BS Tourism degree, a leap of faith at 23, and a one-way ticket to Dubai.
Finding Her Wings in Dubai
Born and raised in the Philippines as the youngest of four, Noemi knew early on that she wanted more than the traditional path. At 23, she broke away from her close-knit Filipino family and moved to Dubai after landing a job with Emirates as a travel agent.
For seven years, she lived and worked in the UAE—soaking in not just the travel perks, but also the cultural shock, the heat, and the lessons that came with being an OFW.
Catching the Travel Bug Early
Noemi's love for travel didn't start in Dubai. She began backpacking at age five with her aunt around the Philippines. That early exposure to adventure grew stronger over the years and evolved into a lifestyle. Today, she continues to explore the world—now with her husband, fondly called 'The Greek Mister,' by her side.
Together, they plan at least two trips a year, balancing time between Greece, the Philippines, the U.S., and occasional personal holidays.
Living Across Continents
After Dubai, Noemi relocated to Doha, Qatar for her husband's work. While she expected to dislike it, she was surprised by how well she adjusted. Eventually, though, the couple decided they'd had enough of the Middle East's harsh climate and made their way to the UK, settling in Kingston-Upon-Thames, London.
Now based in the UK, Noemi's blog covers London life, European travel guides, and honest reflections on expat living—from cultural adjustments to finding joy in the city's abundance of trees.
Navigating Interracial Marriage
Married to a Greek man, Noemi shares the ups and downs of intercultural marriage—from language barriers to clashing food preferences. Her posts often highlight the humor and heart in dealing with these differences—though her husband isn't always thrilled when he's mentioned!
Despite struggling to learn Greek, she proudly admits she knows all the important 'bad words'—and is still working on mastering the gestures to match.
Building Her Platform
What started as a personal blog turned into a platform that connects, inspires, and entertains. Pinay Flying High isn't just a travel blog—it's a glimpse into the real life of a Filipina who carved out a life abroad on her own terms.
