Travel. Photograph. Write. Repeat.

Nathan Allen of I Dreamed Of This

I’m Nathan Allen. As a little boy I felt so confined by society’s expectations of me. 

I dreamed of a life full of food, culture, adventure, and most importantly, freedom

I began to focus tremendous energy on my passions…first it was music, then photography and travel. With a lot of dedication and a few BIG sacrifices, this slowly enabled the life I dreamed of to take shape.

With a lot of dedication and a few BIG sacrifices, this slowly enabled the life I dreamed of to take shape.

For me now, it’s all about the promise of new horizons…seeking out and photographing the world’s most fascinating cultures and locations for my blog. That, and also the goal of being able to get by in at least ten different languages. Often challenging, always rewarding. 

This is my life. I don’t have much money, but I assure you…through these experiences, I am a wealthy man.


A Heads Up For My Readers…

Anytime you travel and book hotels online, you can help me by simply visiting the booking websites using these links below (or any other on my site). For the best prices (much cheaper than booking with hotels directly), I personally use Booking.com and also Agoda.

You are welcome to contact me directly before you book…I will want to personally thank you for supporting my site, and I will also be happy to help you with your travel plans if I can!

– Nathan


Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

TG-4 Underwater Camera Review via @idreamedofthis

As a musician myself, I started a modest audio-production business back in 2008.  Word spread, and I began attracting online clients from all over the world. 

When I realized I could run the business from almost anywhere, I made many sacrifices to make it happen.  (If you are a musician and want to hear how we can improve your songs, you can get a free mastering sample

For me, being location-independent is a dream come true.  My love of photography took root, and now I use it as a tool to share my photos & experiences with thousands of readers around the world…something I am grateful for each and every day.

It may be cliche, but now I try and live in the moment; to let go and be completely open to what life has in store for me. 

The more I learned to trust in this process, the more incredible and fortuitous my experiences seemed to become.

One moment, I’m on the beach taking pictures of a stunning sunset…the next, a Brazilian couple walks up and tells me about a mind-blowing waterfall in a neighboring country. 

The following day I find myself on a bumpy bus-ride to the next great adventure!  I learned to throw expectation out the window and embrace the magic of the moment

Yes, I travel very far with very little money, but “I Dreamed Of This” is not here to show you how to do that – there are enough people showing you how it’s possible.

One moment, I’m on the beach taking pictures of a stunning sunset…the next, a Brazilian couple walks up and tells me about a mind-blowing waterfall in a neighboring country. 

The following day I find myself on a bumpy bus-ride to the next great adventure!  I learned to throw expectation out the window and embrace the magic of the moment

Yes, I travel very far with very little money, but “I Dreamed Of This” is not here to show you how to do that – there are enough people showing you how it’s possible.

My goal is to simply share the magic and wonder I see in the world each day – and hopefully to put a smile on your face in the process.

This is my dream.  I hope you will follow along and feel inspired to take steps toward a dream of your ownLife really is too short.

– Nathan Allen

From The Desk Of National Geographic…

A childhood dream of mine has finally come true. One night in Singapore, I received an email from the editor of National Geographic Traveler! They wanted to buy two images for the Nov / Dec 2018 print edition. Really, I couldn’t be happier about it…

More good news: I also just finished 2 years exploring and living in California’s rugged Sierra Nevada mountains!  In fact, I have started a brand new website specifically for Yosemite Photos. All exclusive images are available directly from me. Have a look around the site, and feel free to pin or link!

Finally, the biggest news of all. 2020 was rough, wasn’t it? The one thing that really kept me going was that I became a DAD at the very end of the year! Can’t wait to continue the dream with my family. Here is our Yosemite Maternity Shoot in the meantime…

– Nathan Allen

Photos From My Favorite Destinations – Dreaming Wide Awake

El Nido Archipeligo, Philippines

If true paradise is what you’re after, look no further.  El Nido is becoming touristy very quickly, but you can still head off the beaten path and find an island to call your very own if you really want to….read more

Bantayan Island, Philippines

This sleepy little island off the coast of Cebu has some of the finest white-powder beaches you’ll see outside of crowded Boracay.  I didn’t get to spend as much time here as I’d like, but I’ll be back! Read more

People regret spending money on a lot things, but travel is never one of them. Start planning a dream of your own below…

More Destinations…

This is no vacation – SE Asia has been home to me for almost 5 combined years.  I love the food in Thailand, the spirit of the people in Cambodia, the serenity of Laos, the pace and culture of Vietnam, and the stunning beauty of the Philippines! 

I bought a one way ticket and spent three months in India last year as well.  What a mind-blowing cultural experience!  In order to fully experience the wonders of the world, I had to completely embrace travel as a lifestyle

Click here to “like” I Dreamed Of This on Facebook, and I’ll keep you updated on the newest posts!  I won’t let you down. Note: I hope to write more international blogs soon….for now, check out my blog section HERE🙂 I have been quite distracted by the beauty of the Philippines as you can see….

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