Magic, wildlife, and travel surprises—bringing your dream vacation to life

For seasoned explorers Amanda Griffin-Jacob and Dr. Kim Cantos (a.k.a. The Moonlighting Doctor), travel isn’t just about destinations; it’s about crafting once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

From chasing the northern lights in Norway to gliding over the safari plains of Kenya, these adventurers believe the world is full of magic; but only if you’re ready for the surprises along the way.

Amanda’s dreamy storybook adventure through the fjords

Amanda Griffin-Jacob has long championed mindful living. For her, travel is an extension of that philosophy. Her next set journey is a return to wonder—a Disney cruise that weaves through the dramatic fjords of Norway. 

“I imagine it to be like sailing into a fairytale,” she says. “We are excited to explore the rugged coastlines, go on hikes surrounded by waterfalls, and kayak through icy waters. And in the middle of it all would be that familiar Disney magic that will make the adventure feel timeless for our kids.”

But big family adventures come with big logistics, and Amanda knew she needed to stay focused on the joy, not the what-ifs. 

“With kids in tow, you can’t afford to stress about things like delayed flights, missed connections, or sudden medical issues. That’s why we never travel without solid coverage,” she shares. 

For Amanda, peace of mind is part of the packing list—so she chooses travel protection that can keep up with her family’s bold itineraries, allowing her to stay present for the magical moments.

Doc Kim’s first safari: A long-held dream in motion

For Dr. Kim Cantos, visiting Africa has always been a dream. For him, it is a destination that represents wild adventures and personal milestones. 

“This trip is more than a vacation,” he says. “It’s something I’ve visualized for years. To finally see the great migration, to float over the plains in a hot air balloon—it’s surreal.”

A doctor by profession and storyteller by passion, Doc Kim understands how important preparation is when it comes to turning travel dreams into reality. 

“Safaris aren’t what people expect,” he says. “They’re intricate and pricey—especially during the great migration. A one-week trip to Kenya can easily hit ₱200,000. With that kind of investment, having travel insurance isn’t just smart but essential. It protects you from unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, so you can focus on the experience, not the risk.”

That includes the parts of travel most people don’t talk about. 

“Honestly, I’ve always wanted to try the local cuisine—but I’ve hesitated. I’ve seen what food poisoning can do,” he admits with a laugh. For Doc Kim, knowing there’s a 24/7 hotline you can call for any travel assistance and emergency—especially in remote regions—allows you to explore with confidence and enjoy your trip more. 

“Good coverage isn’t just about protection,” he says. “It’s about freedom. The freedom to say yes to a new experience without fear holding you back.”

Dream big but travel smart

For Amanda and Doc Kim, exploring the world is more than just ticking off destinations—it’s about embracing the unexpected. They know that the magic of travel lies in the surprises along the way—but also that being prepared makes all the difference. 

That’s why they count on AXA Smart Traveller, a trusted companion for every journey. With up to ₱3.5 million in medical coverage for illness and another ₱3.5 million for accidents abroad, it goes beyond the basics. From trip delays to lost baggage, it’s designed to cover what matters most so you can stay focused on the moments that make travel unforgettable. 

Recently recognized by the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Awards, this Schengen-accredited plan also offers discounts for annual multi-trip and group travel—making it ideal for everything, from family vacations to year-round bucket-list adventures. 

Whether it’s kayaking through Nordic fjords or tracking wildlife in Africa, Amanda and Doc Kim know that having travel insurance coverage that’s as big as their travel plans means one less thing to worry about, and a lot more room for wonder. 

Because when you dream big, you owe it to yourself to travel smart.

Planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip? Learn how AXA Smart Traveller can help protect your big moments abroad by visiting the official website here.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by AXA Philippines.