Category: Blog

Thanksgiving is less than 5 days away so we’re going to take a break from travel-related articles and instead focus on this long-standing tradition.

As you probably already know, this holiday is one with a name that says it all- it is a day that’s all about giving thanks and celebrating all the things, tangible or abstract, we should be grateful for. Traditionally speaking, most of us take this opportunity to step away from our own personal spaces and find it in our hearts to spend time with the people we love and care about.

We’ve said it a few words ago- Thanksgiving is not just a day of celebration, it’s a tradition we are all too familiar with- plates with generous helpings of roast turkey, family and friends sitting together in the living room to watch the parade, or maybe even going out to witness a football game. But if you’re looking to put a little twist to the tradition, here are some ways you can make this holiday unique to your family:

1. Have everybody cook
   Don’t just leave the responsibility of cooking to Mom. Get the whole family involved in planning what food to place on the table. You could have mom take care of the main dishes but have the children help prepare the dessert. It might seem like a lot of work at first but believe us, you’ll feel not just full but also fulfilled after eating.
2. Write the top 5 things you are thankful for. More often than not, people take this holiday for granted. They just go about Thanksgiving mindlessly through traditions but how about actually getting into the spirit of it? After you’ve all had your delicious Thanksgiving dinner, take the time to write what you’re thankful for then share it with everybody. This may look boring for some but we can assure you that everyone will feel appreciated afterwards.
3. Pay it forward.
   Not everybody has someone to celebrate with on Thanksgiving so why not extend a hand by inviting a friend you know is alone? There’s no better way to spend Thanksgiving than actually having someone tell you how grateful and delightfully surprised they are that they don’t have to celebrate it in solo mode.
4. Plan out exciting games.
   Instead of just lounging about in the dining or living room with your stomachs full of turkey, have a series of fun games for everybody. Assign a game master for each set and let every friendly battle mentally and physically challenge you and your loved ones. Whether it’s a traditional game of football at the park or a mystery run to search for clues, you’re definitely going to remember this year’s Thanksgiving- hey, you might even make this a part of your tradition!
5. Spend it someplace else. 
   If you’re up for a 360-change in Thanksgiving celebration, then we suggest you do it far from home. An out-of-town trip is something you could do alone or with your loves ones or if you really want an adventure, go for a tropical holiday in the beautiful islands of the Philippines if not now then for the next year.  Once you see this paradise, then there’s definitely something you should be thankful for.

No one can argue that Boracay remains to be the most visited tropical vacation destination in the Philippines. With pristine blue waters and powder white-sand shorelines stretching miles, it’s no surprise that this place has recently been crowned by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards as one of the Top 10 Best Islands in Asia for 2016.

The world-famous beauty of Boracay has continued to amaze both locals and tourists looking in for a well-deserved time off from the unforgiving city heat and traffic, not to mention the undeniable banality of the daily work grind. In fact, people from all over the globe flock to this island in search for the best Asia getaway that features a tropical vacation like no other. This has led to Boracay consistently being the number one island that promotes Philippine tourism.

Now, everyone is familiar with the island’s sand and sea but if there is one other thing you need to know about Boracay, it’s LABORACAY.

Laboracay is not a place in the island, it’s a happening that has taken the worlds of both locals and tourists by storm. The term is a combination of the words “Labor” and “Boracay” since this scene happens on the weekend of Labor Day in the Philippines.

The celebration leaves Boracay brimming with throngs of locals and tourists ready to enjoy and witness as the paradise island turns into a party island. During this time, Boracay visitors can indulge on a weekend of revelry filled with endless parties and overflowing drinks- all right by the beautiful shores of the island. Don’t even think about sleeping in early because Laboracay’s night life pulsates ’til the wee hours of the morning so our advice is to just embrace the thumping bassline of either live or recorded music, perk up with beer or cocktail, and eat charred seafood, chicken, and pork grilled to perfection. Believe us, there is a reason this phenomenon is dubbed as the Spring Break of the Philippines- it’s not something you’d do every year (especially if you like going to tropical vacations for some peace and quiet) but it’s definitely one of those things you won’t regret experiencing at least once. Laboracay is the perfect method of escape so you can free yourself from overthinking about all the responsibilities you have back home as you try to survive adulthood.

It’s still a few months away but you can book yourself a flight to experience the Philippine Labor Day in a Boracay vacation unlike no other! Just check out our Laboracay travel deals here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/promos/.

In addition to making your dream vacations come true, Philippines is also home to one of the world’s best dive sites – Tubbataha Reef. This gem is located in the island municipality of Cagayancillo, Palawan, and is part of the Coral Triangle, a center of marine biodiversity which encompasses 75% of the coral species and 40% of the reef fish in the world.

With Philippines being an amazing archipelago made up of 7,107 islands, a lot of tourists come to this country in search for their perfect tropical vacations. Here you can find some of the world’s most jaw-dropping beaches with the islands of Boracay and Palawan globally-known to offer a relaxing respite through its panoramic views.

If you are a harried city-dweller, a sun-splashed holiday on the sandy beaches of Palawan is the perfect getaway for you. But if you are an adventurer by heart, braving the deep blue of the Tubbataha Reef will be an exploration of a lifetime. The dive spot has an amazing coral reef with a perpendicular wall stretching over for a hundred meters with lagoons and two coral islands.

A research done by scientists who have been exploring the reefs since 1980s revealed that in this reef, you can find no less than 360 coral species, 600 fish species, 13 dolphin and whale species, and 11 shark species; not to mention that it’s also home to hawksbill, green sea turtles, and over a 100 bird species. You know what that means right? It means that going for a dive in this tropical haven you can expect nothing short but a rainbow of marine life, definitely a diving spot too beautiful to pass up.

If you want to know more about Tubbataha Reefs, no words can describe it better than actually experiencing it! Book your holiday travel to the Philippines now and indulge yourself in a tropical vacation like no other! Check out our travel deals here: https://philippinetourismusa.com/plan-your-trip/.

image credits to http://www.wallconvert.com/

When it comes to best beach destinations in the country, no three places come to mind other than the blissful beauty of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu. Considered to be the country’s top three main tourists spots, this trio is still continuously serving as homes to travellers and adventurers looking to discover the magnificent archipelago that is the Philippines. From places rich in history to islands that resemble paradise, the islands of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu are surely enough for anyone to fall in love with the country.

But coming from America, there is a lot to know about these three to make your stay your most memorable experience just yet- memorable in a good day. We understand that you are going away to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and treat yourself to a few days off of work or school and every stress that comes with it. But besides the actual best beach destinations like the white-sand beaches, mountain peaks, and underground rivers, we know that you also want to spend your night in place that could make you feel like you are at a home away from home. Yes, we are talking about hotel accommodations in the Philippines. It is only natural that you want to make your vacation come full-circle with a comfortable place to sleep in after a day of frolicking in the beach, trying out heart-pumping activities, and conquering mountain tops.

To give you a headstart, here are the best hotel accommodations in the crowd-favorite islands of Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu:

1. Discovery Shores Boracay

In Boracay’s Station 1 is the 5-star, 87-room hotel of Discovery Shores. This hotel accommodation is nothing short of breath-taking to the point that it has been named one of the best hotels in the world for years. The hotel lives in a philosophy of “Service that’s all heart” and we can tell you, they surely do. It offers 87 luxurious rooms with beachfront views, amazing amenities, and a globally-renowned spa. If you want total relaxation and Instagram-worthy photos, you are guaranteed with Discovery Shores living up to their promise of an award-winning, iconic, and unfrogettable experience- this is your home in Boracay.

2. Aman Hotel Resort Amanpulo Palawan

If Boracay is known for its powder white sand beaches and pulsating night life, Palawan is home to the quiet quaint charm of a barely-touched island. With Aman Hotel’s world-class villas and 42-beach front, treetop and hillside Casidas, you’d gladly call this place your home. The hotel accommodation is located in the northeast of Palawan Island, a part of the Cuyo archipelago. Rooms offer picturesque views of the beach and the hillsides so you can have your patch of blues and greens, a step away from the greys and glasses of the city.

3. Abaca Boutique Resort, Cebu

Abaca Boutique Resort is a the perfect private space for travellers looking to surround themselves with the whimsical wonders of nature. Located in Mactan Island, This hotel accommodation boasts of six deluxe suites and three villas designed to make Philippines feel like home. The tropical foliage and panoramic ocean view make of the rooms make for the picture-perfect dream holiday we know you deserve. Yes, there may be other 5-star hotels in this beautiful island but there is something cozy in the way this place promises peace and tranquility.

Now we know how difficult it is to talk from agents to agents looking to book a flight, a resort, a hotel so to help you plan your next dream vacation in the Philippines’ best beach destinations and book you in some of the best Philippine hotels in the amazing destinations of Boracay, Cebu, and Palawan, you can contact our booking partners here.

Let us take you to Asia’s 24/7 Island, Boracay!

For this month, Viki.com is featuring this world-class island.​ ​​​With i​t​s splendid beaches and nightlife, it is surely a place to come and visit.​ ​
Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination.
The palm-studded island of Boracay – with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather, and warm, crystalline waters – is like a hypnotic magnet. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent simply lazing on the beach while nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle.
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C​heck out HanaTours USA, as they partner with the Philippine Department of Tourism Los Angeles in offering you exciting packages to the Philippines. ​
Viki.com is one of the largest asian video websites, watch and subtitle global primetime shows and movies in more than 200 languages.

The first reason travelers like us go to visit the Philippines is cheap beach vacations. We’re not talking cheap because it’s not worth seeing, but because compared to other tropical vacations in the world, the 7,107 islands of this country is something you can appreciate without breaking the bank. But if there is a second reason that makes Philippines the ultimate destination for holiday travel, it’s the diving spots.

Travelers and tourists who consider themselves adventurers and beach-lovers are more often than not surfers or aspiring ones. If you’re one of these people, then we’re willing to bet you probably look for all inclusive beach vacations that offers not just pristine waters or powder white sand but also a view beyond what’s above sea level. No worries, Philippines is rich in aquatic wildlife that could paint you a kaleidoscopic, panoramic picture of the best underwater views ever.

1. Tubbataha Reef in Cagayancillo, Palawan

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in December 1993, the Natural Marine Park part of Cagayancillo Municipality of Palawan boasts of its world-renowned marine biodiversity. With over 600 fish species, 11 shark species, 13 dolphin and whale species and over 360 coral species, this amazing dive spot is everything a diver’s dream is made of. It may be 150 kilometers southeast of the white-sand beaches of Puerto Princesa (about 10 hours away if you go by boat) but believe us when we tell you, it’s all going to be worth it.

2. Yapak in Boracay

If you think Boracay is just fine sand and nightlife, you are wrong. This popular beach destination is also home to Yapak, one of the best dive spots in the world. This place is has built a strong reputation for macro photography with its colorful marine life that go from small to big. Catch a glimpse of Barracudas, Manta Rays, Dogtooth Tunas, and White Tip Sharks and get Instagram-worthy photos of its vibrant corals. And the best thing about it? It’s only 15 minutes away by boat from Boracay proper so you can easily go back to the pulsating night life right after.

3. Malapascua Island in Cebu

The beauty of Malapascua Island in the northernmost tip of Cebu is getting a steady reputation as being one of the most breathtaking islands in the Philippines, next to Boracay and Palawan. This dive spot is about a 5 hour travel from the city (4 hour bus ride and 45 minute boat ride) and is the go-to place in Cebu if you want a dive experience like no other. The pristine waters of this island is home to Thresher Sharks, rays (Manta, Devil, and Marble Rays) as well as turtles and whale sharks. Another islet near Malapascua is the Gato Island where you can also find a wide array of marine life from sea snakes, blacktip sharks, and harlequin shrimp to frogfishes and blue ring octopus.

Who says cheap beach vacations won’t have you going back home without fun-filled and colorful memories of the sea? Get your dream tropical vacation and adventure and head out to these amazing dive spots in Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu! See more here.

Spending your dream vacations in the Philippines doesn’t just mean sinking your feet in the fine sands of its world-famous white beaches. If you’re not one for just lounging around and getting tan but more up to adrenaline-pumping adventures, then going mountain hiking is your cup of tea.

The 7,107 beautiful islands of this archipelago don’t just boast of its beaches but its amazing peaks as well. If you want Instagram-worthy photos of you looking like you rule the world, then no one can compete with an image of you on top of a mountain, arms outstretched and feeling like a boss.

Here are top 5 mountains you could climb in the country (for Beginners):

1. Mount Maculot

Mt. Maculot, located in Cuenca, Batangas, is a view to behold at 930 meters above sea level. This beauty is just an hour and a few minutes away from Manila, making it the ideal go-to spot for amateur climbers. Besides the summit and the campsite, you could also bask in the glorious view of Taal Lake.

2. Mount Batulao

Another gem of Batangas is Mt. Batulao, with its green landscapes and rolling slopes. This mountain is just 811 meters above the sea (just a few meters shorter than Maculot) making it the perfect mountain to climb for first-timers. With its close proximity to the city, you can easily escape the hustle and the bustle of the metropolis.

3. Mount Pico de Loro

When people talk about mountain climbing in the Philippines, there is one mountain that you won’t miss in a conversation- Mt. Pico de Loro. Since the mountain is only 664 meters above sea level, most hikers can scale in a day but there are some few who choose to stay overnight. If you are spending spring vacation with your friends, then spending the night at the amazing peaks of Mt. Pico de Loro is a great way to bond.

4. Mount Balagbag

Mt. Balagbag is part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges that Rodriguez, Rizal boasts of. With its easy trails and gradual ascend, the only thing hikers should prepare for is the sun’s mighty rays when you schedule your climb in the morning. If you want a more comfortable, skin-friendly hike, go for late afternoon or a night trek.

5. Mount Manabu

Standing tall at 760 meters above sea level, Mt. Manabu is another mountain to visit at Batangas. Mt. Manabu is part of the mountain ranges of Malarayat, very accessible from Manila. You can easily reach the peak of this amazing mountain in about 2 hours and just enjoy the view of its campsite covered with colorful flora. If you want to know if you’ve reached the peak of Mt. Manabu, there’s a large white cross waiting for you at the top.

Climb Mountains in the Philippines

There is really more to the Philippines than the sandy white beaches of Boracay and Palawan. So why not find the adventurer in you and get your thrill on these dream vacations destinations by climbing the mountaintops of some of the amazing peaks here in the Philippines.