From Riyadh to the ends of the Earth: OFW family with 2-year-old daughter conquers seven continents

A Filipino family, currently OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has recently achieved the remarkable milestone of traveling across all seven continents, with their latest adventure taking them to the icy landscapes of Antarctica in February 2024. Jayson Bucsit, his wife Abigael, and their daughter Celeste Avery, who was just 2 years and 4 months old at the time, embarked on this unique journey, fulfilling a lifelong dream of exploring the world together.

The Bucsit family’s passion for travel has driven them to explore a vast array of countries, with young Celeste already having visited countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the Philippines, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, the UAE, the USA, Peru, Brazil, Egypt, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. This extensive travel list completes their visit to all seven continents.

Reflecting on their motivation, Jayson shared with The Global Filipino Magazine, “It’s a dream; we love to travel, and nothing makes us happier than traveling.”

This sentiment was vividly brought to life during their epic journey to Antarctica, which they embarked on from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Their 14-night Antarctica cruise aboard the Celebrity Eclipse took them through some of the most hazardous and breathtaking sea routes in the world, including Ushuaia, the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn, and the infamous Drake Passage, eventually reaching the white continent of Antarctica.

The family’s Antarctic adventure allowed them to witness the continent’s dramatic landscapes, towering mountains, vast glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, humpback whales, orcas, and seals.

“Our journey to the Antarctic was indeed a dream come true and another item to tick off The Bucsit List,” Jayson said, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime and majestic experience.

Traveling with a toddler presented its own set of challenges, from managing tantrums to adjusting travel plans for convenience and child-friendly activities. The Bucsits emphasized the importance of flexibility, preparation, and slowing down to make the journey enjoyable for all family members.

As OFWs, the Bucsits highlighted how working abroad has enabled them to pursue their travel dreams without sacrificing their careers, thanks to the decent income and long holidays afforded by their jobs in Saudi Arabia. Through their travels, they have encountered and embraced diverse cultures, cuisines, and customs, enriching their understanding of the world.

The Bucsit family’s journey is not just about fulfilling their travel dreams but also about inspiring others to seize the moment and pursue their own dreams.

“Take advantage of the time you have now, there is no better day than today to start living out your dreams,” Jayson encourages.

As they continue to explore new destinations, the Bucsit family hopes their story will inspire others to dream big and embark on their own adventures, regardless of the challenges and opportunities that may come their way.

Explore their captivating journey through the photos below: