Hi! I’m Gail, a travel blogger, postcard lover and Harry Potter fan. I share practical travel tips, destination guides, honest reviews and ideas to help you plan your next trip with confidence.
You’ll also find Harry Potter travel inspiration, postcard writing ideas and stories from my travels around the world.
Hi! I’m Gail
Welcome to Postcards from G. This little corner of the internet is where I share my favourite travel stories, honest recommendations and magical moments from around the world.
My love for travel started during my childhood in the Philippines. Because my family moved around, I grew up experiencing different provinces, learning four dialects (yes, four!), meeting people from different backgrounds and nd really getting to know the rich culture of my home country.
It shaped how I see the world and sparked a deep curiosity for new places and people.
Now, I’m on a mission to help fellow travellers (like you!) find joy in the journey.
From Tourism to Aviation and Beyond
That curiosity eventually led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and begin a career in the travel industry. And what an adventure that was! Working in the airline industry gave me a front-row seat to the ins and outs of travel, and it only deepened my love for exploring new places.
But life had a plot twist in store for me, and I soon found myself crossing borders and planting my adventurous spirit in the land of maple syrup and hockey, Canada. Little did I know, this move would open up a whole new chapter. Working in hotels gave me the incredible opportunity to connect with travellers from all over the world, help them plan their adventures, solve travel challenges, and create memorable experiences.
Between my background in tourism, years in aviation and hospitality, and visits to more than 20 countries, I’ve seen travel from many different perspectives. Those experiences have taught me that good trips don’t happen by accident. They come from a mix of planning, flexibility, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
That’s exactly what I hope to share through Postcards from G: practical travel advice, honest recommendations, and real experiences that help you travel with confidence.
Unforgettable Travel Memories
Somehow, I have a real talent for stumbling into the most amusing travel mishaps. Oh, the stories I could tell! From chance encounters with unexpected characters to life lessons learned the not-so-easy way, my adventures are rarely what you’d call ordinary. So buckle up, it’s about to get interesting! Here are a few of my favourite tales from the road:
Guangzhou, China
In Guangzhou, China, the streets were busy and full of markets, food stalls and shops.My dear friend Joshua, ever the curious soul that he was, spotted a street vendor selling a dancing doll that looked like it had a personality of its own. Naturally, he had to have it.
What we didn’t realize was that just around the corner, a group of police officers was on their way to crack down on street vendors. Suddenly, the once-lively street turned into a scene of panic. Vendors scattered. We froze. Then instinct kicked in, we ran, totally unsure of what was going on, just trying our best to avoid getting caught up in the chaos.
But wait. Where was Josh?
Determined to get that dancing doll, Joshua chased after the vendor and vanished into the crowd. What he didn’t realize was that his quest for a souvenir was about to get him into a lot more trouble than he bargained for.
I hurried through the streets looking for my friend while he chased a street vendor like he was on a mission to recover a priceless treasure instead of a dancing doll.
Eventually, we found each other. There he was, grinning from ear to ear and proudly holding the doll he had worked so hard to get. I was relieved, but I also couldn’t stop thinking about the panic I had felt moments earlier. For a brief moment, I genuinely thought I might have to figure out how to bail him out of jail in a country where I didn’t speak the language.
The more we talked about it, the funnier it became. We burst out laughing at the thought that all that chaos had happened over a dancing doll worth less than 10 yuan. Thankfully, it ended with a great souvenir and an even better story.
P.S. After all that, he never did figure out how to make the doll dance. lol
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fast forward to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Joshua, my sister and I were happily navigating the metro when we spotted a familiar face.
Well, technically, he spotted us first.
He was one of those frequent flyers we saw so often that he practically felt like a coworker. Of all places, we somehow ran into him in the middle of Kuala Lumpur.
After the initial “What are you doing here?!” and “What are YOU doing here?!” exchange, he was genuinely excited that we were visiting his home country. Before we knew it, we had been invited to dinner at one of Kuala Lumpur’s famous hawker stalls.
Of course, we said yes. When a local offers to show you where to eat, the correct answer is always yes.
That evening turned into one of the highlights of our trip. We enjoyed incredible food, swapped stories, and laughed about the odds of meeting halfway around the world after years of seeing each other at airports.
Moments like that remind me that the world is surprisingly small. One day you’re checking in passengers, and the next you’re sharing dinner with one of them in Malaysia.
Life Lessons, Laughter and Misadventures
These little stories? They’re just the beginning. Travel has a funny way of surprising us, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with lessons and often with a bit of both. It’s not always the big landmarks that leave the biggest mark, but the unexpected twists, the spontaneous moments, and those “did-that-really-just-happen?” kind of days.
Travels and Countless Discoveries
My travels have taken me across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, giving me the chance to experience different cultures, cuisines, landscapes, and ways of life.
Here are some of the places I’ve explored:
The Philippines
The Philippines will always be home. Growing up in Metro Manila and having the chance to visit places like Palawan, Batanes, Tagaytay and many others gave me an early appreciation for travel.
Each destination has its own culture, history, food, and scenery. Exploring different parts of the country helped shape my love for discovering new places and inspired many of the stories I share on this blog.
📌 Philippines – Metro Manila, Palawan (El Nido, Puerto Princesa) Batanes (Basco), Tagaytay, Cebu City, Boracay, Camiguin, Pampanga (San Fernando, Clark), Tuguegarao, Ilocos (Vigan, Pagudpud) Davao (Davao City), Bohol
NORTH AMERICA
📌 Canada – From Manitoba to British Columbia, I’ve experienced the cosmopolitan cities and breathtaking natural landscapes, including frozen Niagara Falls during winter.
Manitoba (Winnipeg), Ontario (Ottawa, Niagara, Toronto, Thunder Bay, Kenora), British Columbia (Vancouver, Victoria) Quebec (Montreal, Quebec City), Alberta (Calgary, Banff)
📌 USA – From Alaska to California, New York to Washington D.C., I’ve ventured to iconic cities and landmarks.
Alaska (Anchorage) , Arizona (Page, Grand Canyon), California (San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento) New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Seattle, Portland, Washington D.C., Virginia, Florida (Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale), Utah (Springdale), Minnesota (Minneapolis), Wyoming (Devils’ Tower), North Dakota (Grand Forks, Fargo) and South Dakota (Rapid City, Wall, Mount Rushmore).
📌 Mexico – Cozumel and Costa Maya have left me enchanted with their rich culture and picturesque settings.
EUROPE
My travels in Europe have taken me to historic cities, small towns, and beautiful landscapes. From wandering through old streets to visiting castles and famous landmarks, each destination has offered a different glimpse into the region’s history, culture, and daily life.
📌 Austria – Vienna, Gratz
📌 Czech Republic – Prague
📌 France – Paris, Mont St. Michel
📌 Germany – Nuremberg
📌 Hungary – Budapest
📌 Italy – Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre
📌 Netherlands – Amsterdam
📌 Slovakia – Bratislava
📌 Slovenia – Ljubljana
📌 Spain – Barcelona
📌 Switzerland – Interlaken, St Moritz
📌 United Kingdom – London, Edinburgh, Cotswolds
📌 Vatican
ASIA
These countries have captivated me with their cultures, stunning landscapes and delicious cuisines.
📌 Cambodia – Siem Reap
📌 China – Guangzhou, Shenzhen
📌 Hongkong
📌 Japan – Tokyo, Osaka
📌 Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu
📌 Singapore
📌 Thailand – Bangkok
📌 Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh
CENTRAL AMERICA
I’ve also had the opportunity to visit a few destinations in Central America:
📌 Belize – Harvest Caye
📌 Honduras – Roatan
AFRICA
📌 Morocco – Marrakesh
Where Harry Potter Meets Postcards
Two things you’ll find plenty of on this blog are Harry Potter and postcards.
I’m a longtime postcard collector and Postcrosser who still gets excited about finding the perfect postcard or receiving one in the mail. In a world of texts and emails, there’s something special about a handwritten card that has travelled across cities, countries or even continents.
You’ll also find guides and tips for fellow Potterheads. From Harry Potter filming locations and studio tours to magical experiences in London, Edinburgh, and beyond, I share practical advice based on my own travels.
Why Postcards from G?
The name comes from my love of postcards and the stories they tell. Every postcard represents a place, a memory, or a moment worth sharing.
That’s also the idea behind this blog.
Whether I’m writing about a destination, a Harry Potter experience, a hotel stay, or a postcard collection, my goal is to share useful information and personal experiences that help you plan your own adventures.
What to Expect from Postcards from G
What to Expect from Postcards from G
Here are a few things you’ll find on the blog:
Destination Guides
Practical guides based on places I’ve personally visited, including travel tips, suggested itineraries, transportation advice, and things to do.
Travel Planning Tips
Advice to help you plan your trips with confidence, from transportation and accommodation to packing and budgeting.
Honest Reviews
Reviews of hotels, attractions, tours, restaurants, and experiences, including both the highlights and things I wish I’d known before visiting.
Harry Potter Travel
Guides for Potterheads looking to visit filming locations, studio tours, themed experiences, and magical destinations around the world.
Postcards and Postcrossing
Tips on writing postcards, postcard collecting, Postcrossing, and creative ways to document your travels.
Welcome to Postcards from G!