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What to bring on a travel to a tropical destination

Philippines is an archipelago made up of 7,641 islands. This world-recognized tropical destination is famous for its picture-perfect beaches but since the climate here is very different from what you’ve been accustomed to, you need to know how to prepare so you can maximize your vacation. We’re not just talking about booking your flight ahead … Continue reading “What to bring on a travel to a tropical destination”

Philippines is an archipelago made up of 7,641 islands. This world-recognized tropical destination is famous for its picture-perfect beaches but since the climate here is very different from what you’ve been accustomed to, you need to know how to prepare so you can maximize your vacation. We’re not just talking about booking your flight ahead or reading about the must-visit places on your chosen destination but also about knowing what to pack for your travel to the Philippines or any other tropical country. To help you out, here are a few things your bags should contain:

1. Documents

First and foremost, you can’t go traveling the world without your important papers. Anything can happen during your tropical vacation so make sure to have all these documents ready for a no-hassle getaway.

-Passport

Of course, this is pretty obvious, you can’t explore the amazing places that make the world without your passport. Wherever you go, it’s best to have this in your purse since it’s also accepted as a valid ID.

-Valid IDs

Doing various transactions, especially when it involves banks, require you to present at least two valid IDs. Government IDs like your driver’s license and professional IDs should always be in your wallet so in the event you’d be asked to show one.

-Photocopies of your travel documents

It may seem redundant but having photocopies of your travel documents can prove to be helpful. This is one of those instances when it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Have photocopies of your IDs, passport, and birth certificate.

2. Essentials

When it comes to other basic necessities you should bring on your travel, there are some things that are specific to a tropical country. We’ve listed a few here including other items your bag should contain no matter what destination you’re heading to:

-Map

Whether you’re an old-school physical map user or one who relies on map apps available on your smartphone, having one allows you to roam around and explore your destination much easier. Of course, you can always ask the locals but if you really want to feel like an adventurer, knowing how to read a map could be really helpful on your travels.

-First Aid Kit

This one is definitely a must-have for travelers. Having a first aid kit on your bag allows you to be prepared in case of emergencies. Whether it’s against scrapes and wounds or cough and colds, being ready with band-aids, gauze, and medicine can make you feel a little less worried about yourself and others around you as well.

-Insect Repellent

Since tropical countries are continuing to be a top choice for holiday travelers, scientists are encouraging adventurers to carry and use insect repellent. Remember, tropical destinations like the Philippines are surrounded by bodies of water and are filled with lush forests, mountains, and other landscapes so it’s best to be prepared against mosquitoes and other insects.

-Sunscreen

If you don’t want sunburns that sting, better apply some sunscreen to your skin before frolicking on the beach. In fact, you could also use this not just on the white sandy shores and blue waters but when you’re about to go on a trek to mountain peaks or just have plans to walk around and explore, protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun with a reliable sunscreen.

3. Gears and gadgets

Advancements in technology have provided travelers the liberty to document their journeys and turn moments into captured memories. To help make your adventures something you can revisit anytime, here are a few things you can bring to your travel:

-Extra phone

It can be another, cheaper phone but having an extra one is not just for picture-taking purposes but for making calls and messages as well. When you’re in a different country, it’s advisable to always be available for incoming and outgoing communications in case you find yourself lost in unfamiliar grounds.

-Camera

Of course, visiting a tropical country on your dream holiday is not complete without your camera. With social media readily available for you to share your adventures, this particular gadget continues to be a travel necessity, so you can post your favorite views and moments real-time.

-Power bank

The lifesaver of the new generation. If you have this on your travel, you don’t have to worry about low or empty batteries for your smartphones. Just make sure it’s fully charged before your every adventure; believe us, it’s a great help if you like documenting your travels.

4. Clothes

We’re not going to list three clothing items in this part but instead give you a piece of advice- it’s all about layering. Tropical countries like the Philippines experience mostly hot or humid weather but when you’re staying somewhere in the rural areas where the great beaches usually are, it could get pretty cold at night even without air conditioning. Our suggestion? Learn to layer clothes. Bring summer clothes, of course, like tank tops, swimsuits, and shorts but don’t forget to pack light cardigans, leggings, or jogging pants when the nights prove to be a little cooler than usual.

So, there you go! Make sure to check this list out every time you’re about to take on a new tropical country and remember, the best way to maximize your vacation is to always be prepared no matter the situation.

Viva Visayas: 4 must-see destinations in Central Philippines

There’s more to the Philippines than the picture-perfect seascapes of Boracay and Palawan. In fact, more and more travel writers are becoming gateways to the world as they beautifully narrate their adventures in this amazing archipelago. The great thing about this country is that with over 7,000 islands, you will surely find the kind of escape you are looking for. So how about experiencing four amazing islands in the Visayas, in just 8 days? Some may say it’s crazy, but we say it’s possible! To help you fully appreciate the beauty of this country, let’s go on a wild ride through Cebu, Panglao, Bohol, and Siquijor.

First stop- Cebu

It only makes sense to start this tropical escapade in the Queen City of the South. This part of Visayas is like a bite-sized version of the country’s capital Manila with its electricity but with an additional serving of mother nature’s best creations. So, if you the vacation of your dreams is a perfect combination of the pulsating city life and the quaint charm in the arms of amazing oceans, then Cebu is the place to be.

We’ve done a few articles highlighting the many destinations you should experience in Cebu. For places that are rich in history, you definitely should pay a visit to Magellan’s Cross which Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan erected to commemorate the conversion of King Humabon of Cebu and his Queen, son and daughters, together with some of 800 of their subjects to Christianity. Another historical site worth visiting is the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño, the home of the original and oldest religious relic in the Philippines in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.

Of course, you can’t leave Cebu and move on to the next destination without treating yourself to an actual magnificent tropical getaway. The seascapes here are incredible with marine life that would definitely make you want to stay underwater. Our recommendation- Tingko Beach, Mactan Island, and Malapascua.

Second stop- Panglao

The beautiful Central Philippines is located in the north Bohol Sea and is home not just to breathtaking white-sand beaches but also to gorgeous terrains like mountains, hills, and limestone formations. Out of all the many islands that make Panglao (like Gak-ang, Pontod, and Balicasag), the most popular is Alona Beach, recognized for its white sand and pristine waters. This island is also perfect for travelers looking to take their adventure travel to the next level through water activities such as scuba diving, dolphin watching, snorkeling, and island hopping. In fact, around 250 new species of crustaceans, as well as 2500 new mollusks species, were found around the island, this discovery actually revealed that Panglao has more marine biodiversity compared to the Mediterranean Sea and Japan.

Third stop- Bohol mainland

Now, we go to the mainland of, an island province filled with natural wonders. Yes, Panglao does the fair share of bringing in tourists to this destination but Bohol mainland is known for its lush forests and white-sand beaches, and more importantly for the majestic Chocolate Hills.

The Chocolate Hills makes for some breathtaking landscape views you would ever see in your lifetime and what makes it even more amazing is the many stories and legends that surround it; one of which is of two giants in a battle throwing boulders at each other. But this place is just the tip of the iceberg that is Bohol because you still have those cute bug-eyed tarsiers, the delectable local delicacies, the historical attractions, and the white-sand beaches to see and experience.

If you want your #SummerGoals achieved, Bohol is definitely a place to visit because you will go back home with a suitcase filled with unforgettable adventures.

Last stop- Siquijor

Known for being a place of mystery and magic, Siquijor is a must-visit destination for those who are after a truly unique tropical adventure travel. If you’re up for it, you could time your vacation to witness their festivals which focus on rituals of healing. On these local occasions, incantations are being sung while the elders brew potions made out of herbs, insects, tree barks, and roots. In fact, if you’re lucky, a few locals would gladly share legends of witchcraft on the island.

But stories of wizardry are not just what makes Siquijor a must-experience destination; it has plenty of natural wonders that would make any traveler come back time and again. With a 102-kilometer coastline of white-sand beaches, it comes as no surprise that Siquijor is home to some of the best diving spots in the Philippines. It also has caves, waterfalls, a natural park, and a butterfly sanctuary.

Ready to take on these four amazing islands? Check out the eight-day tour of Central Philippines our travel partner has for you and start booking your flight for another summer to remember!

5 Travel hacks when travelling to Southeast Asia

Sunny days, white sand beaches, diverse marine life, interesting culture, accommodating locals and delectable food! Southeast Asia is the paradise on Earth where many tourists flock each year to the thousand islands searching for the ultimate Asian adventure. No matter how much you search for flights and accommodations, you’ll always be behind in preparation until … Continue reading “5 Travel hacks when travelling to Southeast Asia”

Sunny days, white sand beaches, diverse marine life, interesting culture, accommodating locals and delectable food! Southeast Asia is the paradise on Earth where many tourists flock each year to the thousand islands searching for the ultimate Asian adventure. No matter how much you search for flights and accommodations, you’ll always be behind in preparation until you get there. Here are some of the best travel hacks to save you the trouble as you explore South East Asia.

1. Pack as light as possible

Travelling as light as possible not only saves you money on luggage fees but also lightens your actual travelling process. Frequent travelers tend to carry two bags – one for clothes and a slightly smaller one for airport essentials and toiletries. Before starting your journey, make a list of the things you’ve brought so you could check everything before you return home. Everyone knows the rolling clothing trick, but don’t forget to use vacuum seal bags or ziplock bags. It would allow to use every nick and cranny of your suitcase and at the same time, make your things more organized.

2. Travel during the Shoulder season

The monsoon season, usually from June to October, are most commonly avoided by rookie traveler. Little did they know that during that season, you could easily haggle for lower prices on accommodation, transport, and activities. It will certainly rain from time to time during the monsoon season but it won’t hinder the experience to seeing the astonishing beauty present throughout Southeast Asia, plus you’ll get to save some bucks along the way.

3. Book Flight connections wisely

One of the most common mistakes first-time travelers make is that they add too much on their itinerary leaving no time for unprecedented events. Southeast Asia is full of islands, mostly reachable through diverse modes of transportations such as airplanes, buses or boats but it doesn’t mean it can be easily accessed. It will take hours and hours before you can get to your uninhabited destination. And you also have to factor out schedule delays which is very common in Southeast Asia.

4. Bring skin protection

Take note that you are travelling to a tropical destination, surrounded by lush forests, rice fields, rivers, and mountains. Protect your skin from the sun as well possible insect bites by buying a good and efficient sunscreen and insect repellent.

5. Take your time

Spending more time in a foreign country may require bigger budget. But it doesn’t need to be expensive if you research and plan well. Inquire with tourism information offices or check with travel websites and blogs for tips and recommendations. Make sure to spend enough time to immerse yourself with a culture you could only search about on the internet before. Learning more about the locals and savoring the beauty found nowhere else is undoubtedly priceless.

Ready to embark on a new tropical vacation? Choose among our 7,641 islands – from our multi-awarded destinations like Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu to the best-kept hidden gems such as Banaue, Albay, or Vigan.

Contact our travel experts to help you plan your adventure!

Manila and its Southern Outskirts

Summer is almost here and you just can’t wait to bathe under the scorching sun. Coron, Cebu, and Boracay are one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines where you can just flaunt and daunt. Travelling in the Philippines seems like heaven-sent as you travel along the many islands of the Philippines. However, your ticket to paradise still have some downsides. Comprised of more than 7,800 islands, it would be hard to spring from one place to another unless you have the time and the resources. Good thing there are world class destinations a few hours from Manila. Go down south of Central Luzon and experience accessible world class destinations without spending too much of your time!

Laguna

Located Southeast of Metro Manila, Laguna is engulfed in rich culture, nature and plenty of attractions you could discover yourself. The promising destination is home to Pagsanjan falls, Mount Makiling, Paete wood carvings and hot springs. If you’re fond of a serene atmosphere where you could contemplate about life, Lake Pandin offers a calm adventure and you may even dine in the middle of the lake with your special someone. Make sure not to miss Villa Escudero for you to get the extreme dining experience of eating your food by the waterfalls.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay is the most popular choice among locals looking for a cooler climate. Its chill atmosphere, refreshing sights and outstanding restaurants offer an easy escape from a buzzling city life. People who are in dire need of a quiet time alone deserves this haven called Tagaytay. One can drop by Palace in the Sky, situated on top of Mt. Sungay where you could overlook and enjoy the interesting landscapes. Another noteworthy spot is Tierra de Maria which is an ideal place for some internalization and spiritual healing. It is famous for its 50-foot tall statue of Virgin of Manaoag and its smaller replica at the foot of the statue. Several vantage points are available for you to visit and be amazed with the overlooking views that can be seen in Tagaytay.

Batangas

Having one of the longest coastlines in Southern Luzon, Batangas offers a variety of beaches perfect for your travel adventure. Batangas is known to have it all – centuries-old architecture, a volcano within a lake, pristine beaches, diverse marine life and everyone’s favorite, irresistible delicacies. Adventure tours in Batangas include island hopping with impressive shorelines and well-preserved heritages. If you want a bit of both, you can drop by the myth-like Fortune Islands especially known for its limestone cliff. An underwater adventure to see the surreal views below the surface will certainly blow you away!

Enjoy the beauty of the Philippines with these provinces and secure yourself with the best tropical vacation without the expense of your time! Contact our travel experts and embark on another meaningful journey.

What to do in Bohol

Home of the cute Tarsiers, Bohol is serene but adventurous version of the entire archipelago. The endless possibilities found in Bohol will not only calm your screaming tired soul but also awaken the sleeping adrenaline junkie within. Listed below are four things you must not miss when in Bohol. 1. Exploring Loboc River Surrounded by … Continue reading “What to do in Bohol”

1. Exploring Loboc River

Surrounded by captivating rainforests, Loboc River is a jaw-dropping turquoise-colored river that Bohol takes pride in. While most people opt for a cruise along the impressive river, adventurous people can take an extra mile by stand-up paddle boarding along the river. It is a lot easier to paddle board in Loboc due to tranquil waters which involves less friction and smooth-sailing. Stand Up Paddling offers a quiet time and re-connecting with nature. You paddle at your own pace, meditatively as you cruise down this river paradise in Loboc. You’ll get to see the ruined 17th-century coral stone San Pedro Apostol Parish Church which was destroyed by consecutive natural disasters. Watching the colors of the sky change as the night time approaches is an added bonus to end your relaxing day at Loboc River.

2. Island Hopping in Panglao, Bohol

What would a vacation mean without getting a luxurious time at a beach? But in Bohol, you should not stay at just one beach. Known to have a lot of beaches with light blue waters and defined sandbars, it would be hard to discover them all. There are plenty of activities you can do depending on the island you are about to encounter. Passing by fish pens can be arranged so you could feed the tiny schools of fish., you can also check snorkeling off your list in an island called Gak-ang or scuba dive in the neighboring island of Balicasag. Immeasurably protected and preserved by the government, you will only find unspoiled beaches with clear waters free from litter and any kind of trash. Since they are strict with implementing rules, you must enjoy the lovely sceneries while abiding the rules. Leave nothing but memories, good friend!

3. Getting cozy with tarsiers

Traveling around Bohol without visiting the tarsiers in their sanctuaries would be incomplete. These cute googly-eyed mammals are most active at night and lives on a diet of insects. One of the smallest primates in the world, Tarsiers even have a special adaptation in the neck which allows its head to be rotated 180 degrees. While visiting these shy lemur-like animals, always move in with caution. As they are extremely introverted, flashes of cameras and loud sounds can startle them in an instant. Make sure to ask your guide for any questions to fill up those tarsier trivia you’ve been dreaming of learning.

4. Sight-seeing the Chocolate Hills

Last but not the least, the essence of Bohol, Chocolate Hills. Spread in a wide area of 50 square kilometers, the majestic hills are covered with grass, which, at the end of the dry season, turns chocolate brown making it one of Bohol’s main attraction. One travel tip would be to ask locals or your tour guide on famous folklore about the chocolate hills that you could brag and pass on to your friends. Make sure you have eaten before watching over the symmetrical chocolate-colored hills as it would just make you crave more for Hershey’s kisses.

Convinced of the ultimate Bohol getaway? Contact our travel partners and we’ll arrange everything according to your taste. See you soon!

Top three summer destinations in Palawan

Summer is right around the corner so it’s only natural that you and your friends are starting to plan ahead for this year’s #SummerGoals. No worries, Philippines doesn’t come short of tropical holiday destinations that would make your summer a time to remember. If you consider yourself a traveler, then the wonderful 7,641 islands of … Continue reading “Top three summer destinations in Palawan”

Summer is right around the corner so it’s only natural that you and your friends are starting to plan ahead for this year’s #SummerGoals. No worries, Philippines doesn’t come short of tropical holiday destinations that would make your summer a time to remember. If you consider yourself a traveler, then the wonderful 7,641 islands of this country are probably part of your travel bucket list.

Known as the country’s last frontier, Palawan has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural habitat through the years. Palawan, the largest province in the country is an irregular coastline that stretches for almost 1,200 miles. The place is peppered with over 1,780 islands and islets as well as fine, white sand beaches and rocky coves. It is also home to some of the Philippines’ most amazing stretch of virgin forests that cover numerous mountain ranges, so sea and landscapes are something you can marvel at.

This world-recognized tropical holiday destination is famous for the quaint charm and paradise of white sand beaches namely, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. To help you decide on where to go on your Palawan trip, here’s what you can expect from the three:

PUERTO PRINCESA
In the heart of Palawan lies the capital city of Puerto Princesa, a tropical paradise with lush rainforests and white sand beaches simply hours away from the city proper. Puerto Princesa is known not just for its beach resorts and exceptional seafood cuisine but also for being recognized as the cleanest and greenest city in the country. Tourists continuously get enticed to visit Puerto Princesa to indulge in vitamin sea, sand, and sky since the island is city crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and green luscious forests. Puerto Princesa is also home to one of the New7Wonders of Nature – the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. So if you’re not just a traveler but adventure and thrill-seeker as well, exploring the waters and caves of Puerto Princesa is the right itinerary for you.

EL NIDO
A slice of paradise is another possibility in El Nido. Here, island hopping is not to be missed. El Nido is a managed resource protected area so you can expect nothing less than spectacular white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and rock formations. You can also see great coral gardens if you have the time to go underwater. El Nido is also popular among travelers since it is the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, another seascape you shouldn’t skip visiting if you’re into lagoons, coves, white-sand beaches, and diverse marine life. The Bacuit archipelago is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world. On any given dive, you are likely to see dugongs, manta rays, sea turtles, and a very large number of fish species, some of which are endemic to the Philippines.

CORON

If you are one of those people in search of some well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of city life, the place to unwind is Coron. This part of Palawan is popular among divers because aside from its fine white-sand beaches, its waters are also home to a dozen sunken World War II Japanese warships, corals reefs, and marine life. You could also give Calauit Safari Park a visit to experience a nice walk in the wilderness. Calauit Safari Park is a 9,100 acres game reserve and wildlife sanctuary located in Calauit Island alive with indigenous species and African wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. Sea turtles, sea cows, and a variety of marine life nestle on its shores.

What are you waiting for? Book your travel now and visit one of the top tropical destinations in the world! If you want a different experience, you could also try booking a cruise with us and we’ll take you right to Puerto Princesa Port.

Packing for a trip to Boracay

The year 2016 is about to come to an end (finally) and with its inevitable closing comes another year for you to explore and travel the beautiful Philippines. With spring break just a few months away, now is the perfect time to book your flights and take advantage of various year-end airfare sales. But with … Continue reading “Packing for a trip to Boracay”

The year 2016 is about to come to an end (finally) and with its inevitable closing comes another year for you to explore and travel the beautiful Philippines. With spring break just a few months away, now is the perfect time to book your flights and take advantage of various year-end airfare sales. But with 7,107 islands waiting for you in this tropical destination, which one deems worthy of your spring break? We have one word for you- Boracay.

There’s probably a very slim chance that you have not heard of Boracay because this small island and its breathtaking beaches have taken the world by storm by receiving numerous awards from various travel publications and awarding bodies. The island is renowned worldwide for being home to some of the best white-sand beaches and if there is a place that could make you forget the daily city chaos and school pressure, it’s definitely with some sand, sea, and sun. To help make your visit to this tropical destination fun not fiasco, here are a few essential that you should pack for a trip to Boracay:

1. Sunblock

Let’s start with the obvious. Frolicking under the sun is well and good until you wake up feeling like a slightly cooked chicken leg. If you want to enjoy your time at one of the top beach destinations in Asia, it’d be wise to slather on some good ol’ sunblock, unless you want to spend your time with red skin that stings with every move.

2. Personal Toiletries

Hotels in Boracay usually provide free basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste but if you have sensitive skin and scalp, it’s best to bring your own. Transient homes and Air BnB accommodation are also not likely to provide those so if you are not willing to allocate time and money trying to look for a store that sell those, the most convenient way is to pack it up before getting on that flight.

3. Plastic and Eco Bags

An experienced and self-proclaimed beach lover knows that packing extra plastics and ecobags comes in very handy on trips to tropical destinations. Whether it’s for a quick, makeshift hamper for dirty or wet clothes or storage for souvenirs you’ve purchased on your trip, you can never have too many plastic and eco bags

4. Spare Phone

If you do not have a camera to capture the mesmerizing land and seascape Boracay has to offer, then the next best thing you have to document your adventure is your smartphone. But your smartphones can only do so much especially if you will also use it to connect to the internet, make calls, and send SMS. Our advice? Bring a spare phone assigned only for those three activities and use your smartphone solely for taking photos. If you do not have a spare phone, then invest in a reliable…

5. Power bank

Thank your lucky stars for technology because power banks are now here to save you from strolling around with a smartphone that has an empty battery. Just make sure both your smartphone and power bank are fully charged before you head out to your tropical vacation.

There are probably a number of other essentials you should pack on your trip to Boracay (like clothes and flip flops) but these 5, on our opinion, are a few that most people tend to forget so make sure to include it in your checklist. Check out our promo deals here and you might just find an airfare sale for your Boracay trip!

Cebu’s Hidden Gems

Cebu, Queen City of the South, is consistently becoming one of Philippines’ most visited destinations. The place may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about dream vacations and tropical holidays but if you just, for a moment, try to stop yourself from going through inviting photos of the more … Continue reading “Cebu’s Hidden Gems”

The city is known for being home to some of the country’s most historical places. From Magellan’s Cross to the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child (the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines), there is more to Cebu than just history (which we still suggest you see, of course).

Cebu, being one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, has the second busiest airport in the country so you can be sure that booking a holiday travel here will be breeze. To guide you on the not-so-obvious, hidden secrets that Cebu holds, read on:

1. Ka-Tinggo Falls

Ka-Tinggo Falls may not be that dramatic in terms of height but this 100-meter waterfall is a sight to behold and a journey to experience. It’s a great place to explore for adventurers looking for an adrenaline-pumping ride because to get to Ka-Tinggo Falls, you have to trek, crawl, climb, and swim. Because of its friendly height, it is a perfect destination for jumps and dives. Besides the actual falls, you could also enjoy another attraction leading to it- a hanging bridge built over clear waters.

2. Binaliw Spring

Located in the north-eastern part of Cebu, the shallow spring locally known as Binaliw is rumored to have extraordinary healing powers. Near the source of the spring, a grotto with a statue of the Our Lady of Lourdes is erected. Tourists and visitors are more than welcome to take a dip in the spring while basking in the magnificent flora that surrounds it.

3. Virgin Beach

Now we get to the part we know you’ve been waiting for- the beach. Who says Boracay and Palawan are the only tropical destinations that offer sun-kissed white sand beaches? Another of Cebu’s well-kept secrets is Virgin Beach, a quiet, secluded, idyllic beach resort located in Daanbantayan Northern Cebu. The resort has everything you need for a peaceful tropical vacation away from the city chaos- the beach, the pool, the cottages.

No more waiting around! Book a flight now and get roundtrip fares starting $608! Plan your trip here.