Bangkok, Thailand
Geanuel Tayone, a spirited adventurer from Davao City, defied the conventional career path to carve out a unique life of exploration and discovery. Before embarking on his journey as a full-time traveler, Geanuel spent six years working in sales despite having a university degree in Physics. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own clothing business, which not only became his passion but also a means to fund his travels. A firm believer in making a positive impact, Geanuel established a thrift and second-hand clothes retail business. With a dedicated team, he managed to create a steady source of income, allowing him to travel while supporting sustainable practices.
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
From Local Trails to International Peaks
Geanuel's love for travel began at home, exploring the rich and diverse landscapes of the Philippines. But it was a hike up Mt. Kota Kinabalu in 2021 that truly ignited his passion for global adventures. This international trip marked the beginning of what would become an extraordinary journey across the world. In 2022, he achieved one of his biggest milestones by trekking to the Mt. Everest Base Camp, a testament to his perseverance and passion for high-altitude challenges.
Mt Everest Base Camp, Nepal
An Unstoppable Year of Travel
From August 2023 to October 2024, Gean embarked on an awe-inspiring feat — traveling non-stop for over a year! During this year-long journey, Gean visited 26 countries: UAE, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Russia, Iran, Qatar, Oman, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Nepal, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, and Singapore. This brings his total to 35 countries and territories explored in his lifetime. His relentless spirit and dedication to exploring new cultures have been nothing short of inspiring.
Lut Dessert, Kerman, Iran
During this period, he stayed in Morocco the longest, spending three months immersing himself in the country's diverse landscapes and rich culture. Gean explored cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fez, Essaouira, Marrakesh, Merzouga, Meknes, Agadir, and Dakhla, making the most of his time there and connecting with local communities.
Sahara Dessert, Merzouga, Morocco
Among his most unforgettable experiences was volunteering at an orphanage in Mauritania. Spending ten days helping local children, Geanuel formed deep connections that left a lasting impact on him. His journey didn’t end there; he went on to ride the longest iron train in the world across the Mauritanian desert for two nights, an experience few dare to undertake. Another highlight was celebrating Christmas and New Year in Russia, where he enjoyed week-long festivities that he’ll never forget.
Zouérat الزويرات, Mauritania
Traveling has not been without its challenges. Securing visas has often been a hurdle, and there were moments like being denied entry at the Senegal border, forcing him to endure a grueling four-hour drive back to Nouakchott in 52-degree Celsius heat. Yet, Geanuel's resilience and adaptability have helped him navigate these obstacles, driven by his desire to explore and connect with different cultures. He takes pride in representing Filipinos positively around the world, demonstrating the warmth, resilience, and friendliness of his people.
St Louie, Senegal
Future Goals: Seven Summits and Seven Wonders
Geanuel’s travel aspirations are as bold as his spirit. He aims to conquer the Seven Summits — the highest peaks on each continent — and visit the Seven Wonders of the World. These lofty goals reflect his passion for pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. For those dreaming of seeing the world, Geanuel has this advice: “Manifest and be open-minded. Don’t settle for less; explore the world, unlearn some things in our culture, and always be proud of being a Filipino.” His journey is a reminder that the world is vast and full of possibilities, and that embracing new experiences can lead to profound personal growth.
Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Geanuel's inspiring journey has not gone unnoticed. He has been nominated as a Finalist in the 2024 NomadMania Travel Awards, dubbed as the "Oscars for World Travellers", under the Biggest Low Passport Index (LPI) Traveller category. This recognition celebrates his incredible achievements and highlights his dedication to exploring the world despite the challenges associated with travelling using only a Philippine passport.
To follow Geanuel’s adventures and learn more about his journey, visit his Instagram: @geanthejoatmos.
From scaling mountains to riding across deserts, Geanuel Tayone’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, courage, and an unyielding spirit. His story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and explore the world, one adventure at a time.
Nouadhibou نواذيبو, Mauritania