For many medical professionals, traveling is a luxury that nobody has time for. But for Dr. Amadeus Baraan, it is a necessity to keep him sane.
Fondly called ‘Deo’ by friends and family, he fell in love with traveling—oddly enough—in medical school because he believes “youth only comes once.”
Traveling ‘keeps me sane’
“My first semi-backpacking trip to Europe fueled my wanderlust,” Deo recalled.
“I actually started traveling when I was young, but the peak of my travel was in college and medical school. When I finally finished medical school, I decided that my mind and body needed a break,” he added, so he took a few trips around the United States as well.
“My love for travel grew stronger and nothing could stop it,” he added.
Today, Deo is currently training as a dermatologist in a Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) accredited hospital in Manila where he serves as the chief resident.
“Despite my seemingly impossible schedule, I make sure that most weekends (especially the long ones) are devoted to traveling. Those days keep me sane,” Deo explained.
But how does he balance his demanding workload and his love of traveling?
“People always wonder how I can juggle all my work, but the secret is quite simple. At the end of the day, it’s all about time management,” he answered.
”The thought of getting stuck and having regrets was the most frightening thing,” he said. “I always told myself I didn’t want to spend most of my prime years in the hospital.”
The birth of the Grandeur Traveler
His passion for traveling gave birth to his successful website “Grandeur Traveler” where he documents his trips. In fact, he considers his website as his “biggest investment aside from [his] medical career.”
He’s also gained quite a following on social media because of his amusing stories and gorgeous photos. As of posting, Deo has over 46,000 ‘Likes’ on Facebook and more than 4,900 followers on Instagram.
“Documenting my travels through my travel blog was a product of passion. It seemed like a natural course,” he shared. “There was something about blogging before the rise of social media that made it more personal. In a way, that made it more exciting. I wanted to share my stories, both the good and the bad. I eventually learned how to take better photos since it was a necessary skill for a blogger.”
Today, Deo said that he couldn’t travel without his iPhone, DSLR camera, and powerbanks (yes, plural) because he loves taking photos so much.
On Deo’s website is his catchphrase: “Because traveling is anything but ordinary,” which is one of the reasons how his moniker—the Grandeur Traveler—came to be. But if he’s all about grandeur, does that mean money’s no problem when it comes to traveling?
“Considering my career as a travel blogger, I would say that this ‘job’ has helped me save money,” he said. “I don’t necessarily have techniques on saving money, but I think the best advice I can give is to be smart about travel.”
Deo was gracious enough to share his traveling tips with us.
“First, when I book hotels, I am always loyal to one booking engine. You can become a VIP member and you get special rates and discounts. The same concept goes for airlines. You need to stick to one that has good partnership with other airlines. I also use my credit cards that have the best travel programs and benefits,” he explained.
He also pointed out that he’s received sponsorships from various establishments, which enabled him to travel more.
“Through my blog, I have received a lot of sponsors that have literally taken me to many beautiful places, from Palawan to Los Angeles. I consider myself lucky in that sense,” he said.
Captivating destinations, daring adventures
Deo has traveled extensively within the Philippines and even abroad, but when asked about his favorite destination in the country, he had only one place in mind.
“El Nido (Palawan) is on the top of my list,” he said without batting an eyelash.
“All those towering limestones, pristine waters, sandy beaches and secret coves are the ingredients of the perfect tropical getaway,” he explained. “I once heard a tourist say, ‘I can’t believe something like this exists in the world.’ I couldn’t agree more with him.”
Aside from El Nido, Bohol is Deo’s second favorite spot in the country.
“[Bohol] has a captivating geographical landscape, unique fauna, and laidback atmosphere that will make you want to live there,” he said.
Despite having reached numerous destinations, Deo still has dream destinations—three to be exact.
“I still want to see Morocco and get lost in its culture and history. I am thrilled that this trip will be happening later during this year. Galapagos Islands and Antarctica—two destinations that have a special place in my travel book, will hopefully be next,” he answered.
“I [also] want to explore more of India again soon,” he adds. “My trip there a few months ago has opened my eyes to India’s unique way of living—something that I have never strongly felt in other countries… India is a feast for the senses.”
“Aside from the beautiful chaos and its people’s spirituality, I have found the life of the Maharajas particularly interesting. I may have one in my past life,” he laughed.
While staying in Oberoi in India, Deo said he would never forget what one of his fellow guests told him. Deo shared, “[She said,] ’People go to India to find themselves but it is India who ends up finding them.’ It is what I may have unknowingly wanted to get from traveling.”
He adds, “I don’t think traveling will ever end for me. Even after seeing some of my dream destinations, there’s always something out there that will continue to inspire, fascinate and move me.”
When asked about his most dangerous and/or daring escapade, Deo recalled his trip to Bohol.
“The Plunge in Danao Adventure Park in Bohol was quite mad,” he said, referring to the three-second free fall where you swing like a pendulum.
“There was a silent scream from start to end,” he shared.
But when it comes to his most unforgettable trip, he always goes back to the place where he first fell in love with traveling.
“All my travels are unforgettable—especially my recent trip to India and Maldives—but nothing could beat my first trip to Europe because curiosity got the best of me,” he answered.
“When I went to the Red Light District near Moulin Rouge, I decided to enter one of the ‘clubs’ there with so much naiveté that it almost got me killed. And before that, we got mugged in Amsterdam, and my things were stolen at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris,” Deo shared.
“It was Murphy’s Law at its best,” he said, adding that since his European trip, he has “become a wiser traveler.”
What’s next for Doc Deo?
With the success of his travel blog and his residency program’s nearing conclusion, what’s next for Doc Deo?
“For now, I am just finishing my residency program, which will be done in a few months. If everything falls in its proper place, I will start my dream clinic,” he said.
So what does this have to do with his traveling?
“Since I will be controlling my time, I can have bigger plans for my blog. Perhaps I can get writers to contribute for my site. I have always wanted to have an online magazine.”
Oh, that. That’s a great plan. But how would Doc Deo encourage Filipinos—and foreign tourists—to go out and explore the Philippines?
“For Filipinos and foreigners alike, I always say the same thing: An open mind is important,” he said.
“Beyond the traffic and the urban pollution, this country’s natural beauty is unparalleled and mesmerizing. You only need to start exploring one place and you will just fall in love with this country,” Deo shared.
For those who are struggling to find the inspiration to travel or starting their own travel blog, Deo says, “Love everything you do. Everything stems from that… In my life, the magic of travel will never fade… It is an addiction with one simple cure–travel more, Grandeur Traveler style! “