Big Adventures Abroad That Fit The Budget: Motorcycle Trails, Cultural Tours, and More

The true magic of travel isn’t just in the destinations, but in the stories that unfold along the way. It’s the chance encounters, the unexpected detours, and the thrill of stepping beyond the familiar. For seasoned adventurers Xzar Lim and Jax Reyes, travel is less about ticking off landmarks and more about discovering and creating big moments that last a lifetime.

Xzar’s latest journey saw her navigating the winding roads of Thailand and Vietnam on a motorcycle, embracing the freedom to move at her own pace and live like a local. Jax, on the other hand, turned a routine layover in Colombia into a full-blown adventure, proving that unforgettable experiences don’t require a lavish budget—just intention, planning, and an open mind.

Their stories remind us that adventure comes in all shapes and sizes—and when paired with smart preparation, every trip becomes not just safe, but truly extraordinary.

Xzar Lim: The Road Less Taken on Two Wheels

Xzar’s passion for motorcycle travel takes her deep into the essence of Southeast Asia. “Traveling on two wheels lets you immerse deeper into local culture. You can stop anywhere, chat with locals even without speaking the language, and get lost in the adventure,” she recalls.

For anyone wondering, renting a motorbike in Southeast Asia is also simpler than one can imagine and is the most common way for travellers to get around. Rental shops can be found almost everywhere, from bustling cities to smaller tourist towns, with a range of bikes suited for beginners to experienced riders. Prices usually run between $4 to $10 daily, getting cheaper with longer rentals. Xzar’s advice is to stick with reputable rental places, verify that the bike has insurance, or a damage waiver included, and be ready to leave a deposit, often with your passport or ID.

When it comes to riding, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, and many countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany it. “Make sure you know and follow the local traffic laws and wear safety gear, especially a helmet, as roads can be tricky and traffic unpredictable. It’s smart to pack light repair tools, use offline maps for navigation, and always check visa and bike import rules if crossing borders. Approaching the adventure prepared will help keep your ride smooth and fun,” Xzar shares.

For Xzar, who loves to travel on the road on two wheels, AXA Smart Traveller’s coverage gives her the confidence to go farther. The plan offers up to ₱5 million in Personal Accident coverage for accidental death and disablement, on top of its ₱3.5 million medical coverage for injuries sustained while travelling. “Knowing I’m covered no matter where the journey takes me allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience,” she shares.

And sometimes, that experience is pure magic. One wrong turn on the way to a campsite led her to a hidden paradise, bathed in golden sunrise light—a serendipitous reward for trusting the journey, and a moment that perfectly captures the spirit of true adventure.

Jax Reyes: Culture-rich Travel is a Must

For Jax, Colombia was a remarkable layover turned culturally rich travel experience through careful planning and local interactions. “I spent hours researching the best hotels and booked directly with tour guides to save money,” he shares. He begins by listing his non-negotiables, “I list down the must-see, must-eat, and must-experience. These are what really make the trip worthwhile.”

Alongside these essentials, he identifies “nice-to-haves”—activities or encounters that enrich the journey but can be adjusted or omitted if circumstances demand. In Colombia, for example, Jax prioritized visiting key cultural landmarks and sampling local cuisine, which he felt were crucial to understanding the country’s true spirit.

Optional outings like additional museum visits or neighbourhood strolls were considered extras, included only if time and budget allowed. This deliberate separation enables flexibility without compromising on the core depth of experience, helping travellers invest their time and resources wisely. As he advises, “Nice-to-haves are great, but if time or budget don’t permit, I’m okay with adjusting them.”

The key to travel success, according to Jax, lies in planning ahead. “Booking early gets you the best prices. Last-minute deals are rarely deals at all,” he warns. Packing light and using accommodations with laundry services helped him stay nimble on a nearly three-week trip spanning varying climates.

For Jax, AXA Smart Traveller’s comprehensive coverage and 24/7 assistance offer real peace of mind, especially when it comes to travel uncertainties. With benefits that cover trip cancellations or postponements, he can book early to score great deals without worrying about losing money on non-refundable flights or accommodations. “It’s reassuring to know that even if plans change unexpectedly, I can continue to enjoy the trip and not ruin the fun,” he shares.

Traveling Big, Traveling Smart

Ready to explore beyond borders like Xzar and Jax? Now you can travel big and securely with AXA Smart Traveller, offering globally recognised and Schengen-accredited protection with the highest medical coverage, alongside 24/7 travel assistance designed for the intrepid traveller. Plus, getting insured is fast and easy—with instant quotations and coverage in just minutes.

Learn more by visiting this page and prepare to take on your next adventure with confidence.