Getting from Morzine to Avoriaz in the Summer! FRANCE

So technically, the first day of Summer in Morzine/Avoriaz France is around July 15th. Not sure if this is the exact date every year, but your best bet is to contact the Tourism Office in the heart of Morzine to get the correct information. When I visited the tourism office in Morzine, the people there were very helpful and kind.

Tourism Office in Morzine, France

I wanted to write a little post on this because I was in Morzine a few weeks ago to film the Spartan European Championships, and when I booked my accommodations for the event prior, I booked it in neighboring Avoriaz not knowing that it was literally atop the mountains about 20 minutes away from Morzine. The view from Avoriaz is amazing, but it was a small hassle to go back and forth to Morzine for the Spartan Race event. One reason why I think most people stay in Avoriaz is because the hotel rates were much cheaper, at least during the time I was there in July.

If you do not have a car and you need to get back and forth from Morzine to Avoriaz, the best way is to use the LIFT called "Telepherique Avoriaz Prodains", or just go to the Tourism Office in Morzine and let them know that you would like to take the LIFT to Avoriaz, and they will help you.

Bus Schedule to Avoriaz Lift

To get to the Avoriaz Lift, you can take the city bus from either the Pleney or Office de Tourism bus stops. Just ask the local people around the area where the city bus picks ups, but you should be able to see them from the street. The cool thing about the city bus is that it is completely FREE! I highly recommend that you get an updated bus schedule for bus departure and arrival times.

This is how the city bus shuttles look like =)

Once the bus picks you up, it will take about 50 minutes to get to the LIFT to Avoriaz. The city bus will drop you off right in front of the lift which is super convenient. Just go straight to the ticketing window and the lift tickets start at around 6 euro, it's much cheaper to get R/T lift tickets. I also recommend that`you find out the times of the lift as this changes depending on the season, as well as the weather. Once you are on the lift, it only takes about 10 minutes to make it up  to Avoriaz.

R/T Lift Ticket to Avoriaz from Morzine

If you are not sure where your hotel is in Avoriaz, just simply ask the ticketing agent when purchasing your lift ticket, and they can help you and might also be able to provide you with a map of the hotels in Avoriaz.

Inside the Telepherique Avoriaz Prodains, "Lift to Avoriaz"

Once you arrive in Avoriaz, there is also a little train that`can take you around the village, so if you have a lot of baggage, then this might be very helpful to you as Avoriaz does not allow vehicles around the village area. Avoriaz isn't that big, so if you just have a backpack like I did, I just walked to my hotel.

Watch the Spartan European Championships in Morzine, France

Anyways, hope this helps, and have fun! Morzine/Avoriaz, the French Alps are amazing! So many activities to do in Avoriaz, great`shops and restaurants, and of course the view is epic!

Getting to Morzine from Geneva Airport Switzerland:

The best airport to fly into to get to Morzine is the Geneva Airport in Switzerland. There are shuttles that you can take from GVA to Morzine, the prices are from 20-50 Euro. I used a company called AlpyBus, you can book their shuttles here. FYI, you should book your shuttle online 2 days in advanced. You can call them if you are not able to book online 2 days in advanced, but it will be more difficult to find availability, and trust me, you don't want to call last minute and miss your flights!

Arnel is a donation-based filmmaker, digital nomad, sponsored adventure traveler, and online Beachbody Coach. Feel free to connect with me or ask me anything!

Never Forget Where You Came From

As I am sitting in my typical coworking space where I do most of my work here in the Philippines, awaiting for my Gopro equipment to finish updating on the newest software, I was just thinking about how I came to this point in my life.

How did a skinny, shy and not so bright person who was a "momma's boy" end up traveling around the world while running a small internet business? I was an extreme introvert, never really made a lot of close friends, and hated being in the pubic eye. I didn't do very well in school, and was always and still terrified of public speaking.

How did I get here?

I have no idea! My mom has told me many times that` when I was a little kid, I was always talking about traveling around the world and owning my own business. I think it stemmed from reading and collecting old National Geographic magazines at an early age. I was always fascinated by different cultures and people and exploring new places, pretty odd for being such an extreme introvert. I was also exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age by my father. Although he was in the Navy, my Dad always had a gig on the side to make extra money. When he was still in the military, he started a food concession business on the weekends where he simply towed a trailer and sold oriental food at fairs, music festivals, and flea markets. His business grew and he began to travel all over the USA selling food. His food concession business was so successful that` he was able to open up several restaurants as well as a catering company. I witnessed all of his hard work and dedication at an early age, and I was also voluntarily involved in the family business which at the time I didn't enjoy. But all of those years with my father has taught me about work ethic and the drive to BE MY OWN BOSS.

I didn't go to school for business, I studied Hotel Restaurant Management, and even did a culinary apprenticeship at Walt Disney World and became a Chef at the prestigious 5 Star Restaurant Victoria & Alberts. I learned so much about world cuisine while I was there, and even had the opportunity to cook for several famous celebrities.

Through the years, I went from job to job, but mostly stayed in the hospitality industry. I dabbled with all kinds of ways to earn extra income from day trading, starting an online casino, having a nightlife marketing business, travel business, and I even did Amway!

The first time that` I traveled abroad was I believe in 2001 or 2002, I can't remember, but I traveled to 5 european countries in 30 days, I was hooked! From that`point on, I made a goal for myself that I would somehow find a way to have a business that`would allow me to travel around the world. It took many many years, a failed marriage, lost financial and time investments, many more jobs, and a lifestyle change, but I was finally able to make it happen. In 2012, I was able to retire from 3 of my jobs, and be my own boss. My dream finally came true, it only took over 16 years!!! =)

Am i successful? I think so, but success to me in terms of financial wealth has changed through the years, I guess I've learned a lot. I have learned that it really isn't how much you make, but more about how much you save. I don't consider myself financially wealthy, I guess you can say that I am rich in happiness.

My Minimalist Approach to Being a Beachbody Coach

Over 3 years ago I became a minimalist. In the beginning, I did it to save money and to be honest, I just started selling things off because I needed the money to pay my bills. But it was through that experience that found that it wasn't about how many material things that`you accumulate, it was about the experience. It brought me back to my backpacking trip that did in 2002, I learned how to stretch my money for 30 days, and how to have `fun without spending a lot of money. So today, I have gained so much more knowledge about how to travel around the world and gain experiences with a shoestring budget. When people say it takes money to travel the world, I say "yes it does". I believe that if it's important to you, you will make a point to travel. And when you do, I promise you that you will gain many fun and educational experiences. I challenge you to travel for 30 days, I challenge you to go to a place you've never been, I challenge you to travel solo, I challenge you to do it now.

My Top 10 Travel Apps

It's like when people say, when you have a flat tire what do you do? Well, you get it fixed, because without your car, how can you go to work and pay your bills. When something happens in your life, we are programmed to solve it and move on, that's what`humans do. So if you leave and travel for 30 days, I promise you that you will survive. But not even that, you will learn so much about yourself, and what's so bad about that?

I've never forgotten where I came from, and that has inspired me to continue my path. I don't know what your goals are,I don't know what's going on in your life right now, but all I do know is that that's not that`important, because five years from now you will understand and be glad that you had the determination to do something great, and to do it for you! :).

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Much success to all of you, and I hope to see you all soon! If you would like to connect with me in regards to travel, fitness, or business ideas, feel free to message me here.

Arnel is a donation-based filmmaker, digital nomad, sponsored adventure traveler, and online Beachbody Coach. 

24 Hour Enduro OCR`World Championships

Photo Credit: Richard McGibbons

Heck no I didn't participate in this event ;) I had the opportunity to film the FIRST EVER 24 Hour Enduro OCR Championships, but I'll have you know it wasn't easy.

As most of you know, I run the OCRTUBE media project and when I film endurance and adventure sports events, it is my own policy to not use any type of motorized vehicles. I prefer to run the course, or hike it in my case so that I can experience more of what the athletes are going through.

How I Stay In Shape While Filming Races Around the World

Sure as a filmmaker i can get better shots and be more productive, but I think that's the beauty of OCRTUBE videos, it's real and raw. I try my best to give a true recap of what actually happened, as well as go through the same tough conditions that all the participants go through (weather, terrain, and even snakes) to really share the story of what went on during the event.

With Veteran Filmmaker Josh Stephenson

For this event, it was cold, wet, muddy, and I had to be on the lookout for wild animals. The snakes are what really scared me, but luckily it was winter time in Australia during this event, so most of the snakes were nowhere to be found, I was pretty darn happy about that.

Overall, the event was well-run, the organizers: Tru Grit Obstacle Race and the OCR World Championships were great and good about keeping everything on time, which is a rarity in the OCR industry.

Check out my P90X OCR Hybrid Workout Schedule, its FREE!

I'm not much of a race review type of person, so I won't even try, but here's my race recap video of the 24 Hour Enduro OCR World Championships in Sydney Australia, hope to see you there next year!

24 Hour Enduro OCR World Championships - Australia 2018

Watch More OCR Video here!

Worlds 's Toughest Mudder Champion Deanna Blegg

With Tru Grit Founder and Adrian, Founder of the OCRWC

With 24 Hour Enduro Champion, Lachlan Dansie

Arnel is a donation-based filmmaker, digital nomad, sponsored adventure traveler, and online Beachbody Coach. Connect with me if you are into obstacle course racing, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, world travel, or need some health and fitness coaching & motivation. Facebook connect here, email him here.

Color Manila Challenge - Philippines

Color Manila Challenge

I had the opportunity to film the CM Challenge in Manila a few days ago, and I have to say that`I really enjoyed this event. Most of you who watch my youtube videos know that` I am focused on helping the sport of obstacle course racing grow around the world, and one of the best ways to help with this expansion, is to help people understand that this fast growing sport is literally for everyone.

Most people have heard of Spartan Race and Tough Mudder, two of the biggest brands in the world, and when people see the videos, sometimes they get intimidated by the elite athletes who look super fit, and the obstacles that`look mega huge and impossible to conquer. But I'll have you know, everyone had to start somewhere, and not all obstacles are difficult. There are obstacle course racing events specifically for beginners and people who just want to have fun, which to be honest, this group of people are the ones who are responsible for the main growth of this sport, it isn't the elite athlete.

Who is Arnel and OCRTUBE?

The CM Challenge in Manila, Philippines is one of those run events that` focus on fun and NOT`competition. Its about camaraderie and just having fun being active with your friends and family. The cool thing about the CM Challenge is that`it combines the idea of the popular color runs with the excitement of obstacle course racing. The company focuses on less running, more obstacles, and ultimate fun. Oh, and yes there are some obstacles that`you could see at some extreme races, but most of them are fun inflatable obstacles :). With the non-inflatable obstacles, there is no penalty for not completing the obstacle, you can simply decide to try it or not. The CM Challenge Run is not a timed event, it is simply a fun run event to bring out the kid in all of us, and do something that`our bodies were meant to do, run and play.

Here is a quick video that`I created for the Color Manila Challenge, it was a blast. To find out more about their upcoming events, or to sign up, simply go here and invite your friends!

CM Challenge - Manila, Philippines

Watch more videos!

Arnel is a Digital Nomad, Donation Based Filmmaker, Online Beachbody Coach and Sponsored Adventure Traveler #LagalagExploration. Connect with him here.

Ask me how I travel 7-12 months a year and how you can too!

Mount Maynuba Waterfalls Hike - Philippines

This was a really fun hike!!

Mount Maynuba is only considered a 3/9 hike as far as the difficulty factor, and although it was an easy hike, Mt Maynuba had a lot to offer in terms of scenery and waterfalls....8 waterfalls to be exact! If you are one of those extreme junkies like me, I'll have you know know that there are 2 out of 8 waterfalls that`you can actually jump from, it was so much fun!

The only downfall to this hike was the time that we began hiking, it was pretty darn late (which means it was also really hot, there is hardly and shade during the first portion of the hike so be prepared with water and snacks) despite our 5am start from Cubao, just out side of Manila. One of the highlights of this hike is to see the "Sea of Clouds" and for that, it is best to hike up the evening before, camp out and see this sight very early. We were not able to see it, but we plan, at least my fiancé and I plan to come back and check it out the proper way =)

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I posted a video below that`can help you with determining the cost of the trip from Cubao MRT train station. But if you have any questions, feel free to send me a message. This trip will also be available soon on PinayHikes.com, so if you enjoy experiencing the Philippines and it's mountains the authentic way, then head on over to my finace's fb page (Pinay Hikes) and we can take you based on our availability.

PinayHikes takes you to the mountains in 

authentic filipino modes of transport, just like this =)

Enjoy my quick video, and if you also are looking for the best quality Philippine Outdoor Gear company at very affordable prices, make sure to head out to Lagalag Store Manila in the SM North shopping complex. They also have an online store which you can visit here.

Mount Maynuba Waterfalls Hike

Hike Mount Daraitan - Check out this hike!

Mount Maynuba Summit

Arnel is an Online Beachbody Coach, Digital Nomad, and Sponsored Adventure Traveler. Need some health and fitness motivation and coaching? Feel free to message me here, all fitness levels welcome!

Free Online Coaching from Arnel, click here (USA link) All other countries, message Arnel directly here.

Spartan Philippines Obstacle Course Camp

I finally had the opportunity to check out the Spartan Gym in the Philippines, and although most of the obstacles were gone due to the upcoming race in Cebu, Philippines..I still had a blast hanging out with the Suns Out Fitness Group and the staff of Spartan Philippines.

Suns Out Fitness Group - Philippines

Join Suns Out

Here is a quick video that I made from the Spartan Philippines Obstacle Course Camp. The facility is located in BGC, Philippines on the roof deck of the W Building on 5th Avenue, Metro Manila.

Spartan Philippines Obstacle Course Camp 

Spartan Obstacle Course Camp - Click here

Related Links:

- Get Free Online Motivation and Coaching from Arnel, click here or message: ocrtube[at]gmail.com

- Watch more obstacle racing videos by Arnel Banawa, click here

- Subscribe to Arnel's personal travel youtube page

TOP 8 Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Nepal

Pashupupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Nepal

Kathmandu is an amazing ANCIENT CITY and there is so much to see, so the question is, where do I start right? For people who are on a really tight budget then I recommend the Free Walking Tour Kathmandu. The free tour normally starts at 9-9:30am and last for about 5 hours, click here to visit and make your reservation on Facebook. You get a great guide, but the places that you will see is limited. If you really want to see the best places, read on...

How I Workout When I Travel

To be honest, the best way to see Kathmandu is via motorbike! You can either rent a motorbike, or you can do what`I did, and book through the best company in Nepal, Himalayan Trekkers. Also known as Adventure Mission Nepal, they can handle all of your trekking, city tours, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and even tours to Bhutan, Tibet and India.

Here are my Top 8 Places to See in Kathmandu: (Watch video below)

1.  Syambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple

2.  Patan Durbar Square

3.  Bouddhanath Stupa

4.  Garden of Dreams

5.  Kathe Syambhu

6.  Indrachowk

7.  Pashupupatinath Temple

8.  Golden Temple

GET PAID TO TRAVEL THE WORLD

For this city tour, I met at the Adventure Mission Nepal office around 10am, and the motorbike tour lasted about 6-7 hours. This city tour can be totally customized depending on your mode of transport and the amount of people in your party. The more the merrier, and cheaper =). Contact Raj at Himalayan Trekkers here, mention me for a great`deal! =)

Top 8 Places to See in Kathmandu