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The Philippines has thousands of beautiful tourist destinations that can offer very enjoyable trips. But tourist destinations themselves are not enough to guarantee a really enjoyable trip. It takes careful preparations to consummate a travel destination to success.

First, know as much about a travel destination as possible. Get a book or magazine on the location, or go online to search about it. It’s advisable to know exactly how to get to the travel destination. Study routes to it. Try to know alternative routes. Get a map and examine the main and minor roads to the place. If possible, get some information on usual traffic situations on routes to a tourist destination. Ask if there has been some rerouting or detour along the way. Inquire about the hours it would take to reach a travel destination with and without rerouting or detour, if any.

As much as possible know the weather condition in a travel destination. The weather bureau can easily give this information. Airlines and ship liners also provide the same. When traveling by plane or ship, bring necessary provisions for the kind of weather prevailing in a tourist destination. If bulging luggage is not preferred, bring enough cash for emergency purchases of wears or implements for weather protection. Weather in nearby travel destinations are easy to approximate.

Research about the features or amenities of a travel destination. Avoid missing the fun of a particular amenity or special feature just because of preparation failures. If a tourist destination has picture-perfect sceneries, prepare a camera. If it has swimming pools, prepare swimming suits especially for the kids. If it involves some hike or canoeing to get to a travel destination, bring along light shirts, shorts, shades, or straw hats perhaps. Small towels may prove handy.

Travel agencies may help a lot, especially in distant travel destinations. They take care of plane or ship tickets, lodging and dining arrangements. But if a tourist destination needs no air or sea travel, a self-prepared travel plan is enough. Just know enough of the travel destination. The research often proves to be thrilling and the tourist destination adventure can begin right there on an Internet surf. Just go online and, with enough surfing skill, reservations and other arrangements can be worked out.

Enjoying a travel destination is more than just going to a beautiful tourist destination and having enough cash in the wallet. It takes careful preparation and some foresight to smoothen or ease up every travel detail.

Tags: Bicol, Cebu, Wordpress, philippine-beaches, asia travel, Pinoy, Travel Philippines

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Philippines is a rich country in terms of natural resources and historical sites, which made her the “Last frontier of the Pacific” and naturally the most attractive tourist destination in the Far East. From the marvels of her seas, to her majestic flora and fauna, you could see the paradise on its fullness. As an archipelago, from north to south, as what people used to call, “Aparri to Jolo”, you will be amazed by the vastness of its awesome richness.

The white beaches; green mountains; tropical rainforest reserves; marvelous islands; unique extinct animals; and most of all the people – the hospitable and friendly people, the best in the world; are only a few of the natural beauties and characters of the Philippines.

The world’s best, Boracay in Aklan, most famous for its white beaches and crystal-clear water; El Nido in Palawan, the beauty of virgin nature, offering peace and serenity; the most loved Goliath waves of Siargao, most known among surfers worldwide; and of course the famous and gorgeous Manila Bay, the “World’s Captivating Sunset.” And in Bohol, you will see the most sought after “Tarsier”, the smallest monkey in the world. Bohol is also been known for its white beaches and the yummiest “Chocolate Hills.”

Because of her beauty, Philippines had been enslaved by conquerors awed by her, but they failed to destroy her, instead these moments, as a part of her glorious past added beauty and character. For now, you could see her past implied and enshrined from the famous historical shrines and sites all over the country. From the first Spanish landing in Cebu to World War II events, memories are kept alive through these beautiful and momentous places.

These sites are mostly present in the Philippines’ three major groups of islands, namely Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. To mention a few of these historical places are the following: the first landing and baptism of Christianity reminisced in a shrine in Cebu, and also present is the famous Cross of Magellan; the old Spanish churches in Bohol; the Corregidor Island in Bataan which houses the World War II American and Filipino camps and war artilleries; Dapitan old village in Zamboanga, Mindanao, that the National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal developed by his wits and ingenuity; Camp John Hay in Baguio City, was an American encampment in WWII.

All the tourist spots mentioned here are only a small part of the vastness and awesome world-class uniqueness of this tropical country. There are more to see in the Philippines. Certainly, the country got the world’s attention for her untainted beauty and qualities and every visitor can attest to that.

Tags: Filipina, Tagalog, Manila, Filipino, Asia, philippines-beaches, Beach

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It’s not everyday that one goes to a Philippine tourist spot. Many times a lot of things to enjoy in a tourist spot are missed. This is simply because we do not know how to maximize our experience in a visit to a Philippine tourist spot.

Philippine tourist spots often have more things to offer than just the beautiful spot itself. Most of the time, these tourist spots are well developed for more tourism attractions. For us not to miss all there is to see and experience in tourist spots we have to know what to prepare and what to look for.

First, never forget the camera and to load the camera. Philippine tourist spots are worth taking pictures of. Then, always travel light. Leave luggage in a secure hotel or inn and take along only necessary things that fit a small belt or shoulder bag. Take enough cash according to the planned trip for the day. And never leave without a specific travel plan for the day.

In a tourist spot, always look for the information counter or desk. Ask for what the tourist spot can show, aside from the obvious. For instance, at Mines View Park in Baguio, there are other open terraces that afford other views of the mountains and deep ravines. With a little help from local vendors or tourist guides a trip to a tourist spot can be maximized. Luneta Park in Manila has lots of spots to offer tourists. And various times of the days there are mini programs in a specific spot of the Park. A short inquiry at the Park office would reveal minute details to maximize a visit to this tourist spot.

Luneta Park, for instance, has the Rizal Monument, Chinese and Japanese gardens, a Philippine archipelago replica, a café run by mute, blind, and deaf people, a huge grandstand, Manila Bay view, and an observatory, to name a few. Most tourists just peek at the Rizal Monument, take pictures there, and go. A foreign tourist might pass by Luneta Park and its various tourist spots just once and missing it’s entirety is a big tourist trip loss.

Get to know other visitors in a tourist spot and try to learn what tourist spots they have already visited. Ask their opinions and experiences about the places they have seen or gone to. This saves time and gets direct and fresh information straight from fellow tourists.

Traveling to Philippine tourist spots may be maximized to add to a total Philippine tourist spot experience.

Tags: Philippine Islands, Filipino, Baguio, Tourist Destinations, vacation, Beach, Tourist

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The Philippine Archipelago is composed of more than 7,100 islands, so what better place to do your island-hopping than in this tropical paradise located in South-East Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

The climate is perfect for local and foreign tourists who love the sun, the beach and the sand. The Philippines boasts of long stretches of white sand beaches
and offers first class resort facilities and five-star accommodations that include excellent food and drinks, spas, clubs, entertainment and various water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, surfing and other water sports.
 
For the adventurous, the country is blessed with verdant forests and mountains excellent for climbing. Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and cool breeze on top of these mountain villages that are endowed with beautiful flora and fauna. Shoot the rapids in Pagsanjan or go bunjee jumping in Subic. One can also try white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, ride a balloon in Clark Field, Pampanga during the Hot air Balloon Festival or explore the underwater caves of Palawan.
 
For the romantic and religious, visit the different museums and centuries-old churches. Enjoy the festival parades that boast of colorful mardi gras costumes and street dancing. Climb the mysterious Mount Banahaw, apopular destination during the Lenten season. Also try the different native delicacies that are exclusive to the region.  Go on a religious retreat in Tagaytay, the Capuchin Retreat House in Lipa, Batangas or visit that “out of the way” place called Caleruega, also in Batangas and get close to nature and to God.
 
Tourists can learn about the rich culture and history of the Philippines by visiting museums and historic places like Corregidor Island, Cebu, Fort Santiago and Malacanang Palace in the City of Manila, Leyte, Malolos Bulacan, Cavite, Vigan and Bataan.
 
Shop till you drop and enjoy the best choices in the giant Malls and department stores. Bargain-hunters will surely have a feast haggling and getting big discounts and bargains in the flea markets of Quiapo, Baclaran and Divisoria.
Fall in love with the warm welcoming smiles of the people as they go about their daily activities. The Filipinos are generally polite and are almost always willing to help.

Nature Lovers, City dwellers, Adventure-seeking Individuals, Romantics, and those who are just tired of the pressures of the daily grind, have a different kind of high by island-hopping in the Philippines.

Enjoy and experience the unparalleled hospitality and cheerful fun of the Filipinos and you’ll find yourself coming back over and over again!

PopularTourist Destinations in the Philippines:

Luzon:
 Pagudpud
 Banawe Rice Terraces
 Baguio City
 Pagsanjan Falls
 Vigan
 Hundred Isalands, Pangasinan
 Bicol
 Batangas
 Tagaytay
 Subic Bay
 Siargao Island

Visayas
 Palawan
 Cebu
 Bohol
 Boracay Island
 Guimaras Island
Mindanao
 Cagayan de Oro
 Camiguin Island
 Davao
 Zamboanga

Tags: Snorkeling, scuba diving, Asia, asia travel, Tourist Destinations, philippines-beaches, philippines travel tips

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What basically are Philippines rural hotels? What can one expect in general? And how do we spot the best ones? The following are facts from what tourists have experienced in their stays in different Philippine rural hotels across the country.

Let’s classify Philippine rural hotels into three: small, regular, and grand. Basically Philippine rural hotels are coping with basic standards that common travelers expect of hotels. Inns and lodges strive to do the same. But there are exceptionally good hotels and inns in the countryside that offer one of the best comfort amenities in the country. So how do we find them in rural areas?

Philippine rural hotels, lodges, and inns found along highways are often drab and less maintained. More so those designed for bus terminal passengers who need to spend a night near the terminal. Or there are those with beer houses or grill restaurants on the ground floor. These are often classified as small rural hotels. They’re cheap, but one can expect only so much quality and service. Some are even designed for short-time affairs or escapades. So if one wishes to avoid them, one ought to go to central districts.

If we search in main streets near city or municipality centers, we may find the regular Philippine rural hotels or lodges. These are clean and considerably more decent lodges that offer better comfort amenities. They’re mostly in fairly big business or commercial centers, lined up with popular department stores, eateries, or parks in the locality. Regular Philippine rural hotels often provide security, parking, clean ample rooms and beds, but often without competitive entertainment and communication facilities.

Grand Philippine rural hotels are very enterprising lodges at times almost at par with regulars or even grand ones of urban cities. In addition to regular services, they often have swimming pools, average and working facilities like TV, DVD, amusement games, Internet connection, phone, and money transfers. There are super grand Philippine rural hotels that offer even more than what some grand urban hotels can. These are found mostly in known tourist sites well promoted by the government.

For Philippine rural hotels that rate somewhere between grand and super grand but which are reasonably priced, here are some tips: they are mostly those offered by small but classy resorts, estates, or golf courses, or those near mall complexes.

Philippine rural hotels can be a uniquely pleasant experience if one can spot where small, regular, and grand hotels are in a locality.

Tags: vacation, Asia, scuba diving, Snorkeling, Philippine Islands, expat, philippines-beaches

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Philippine hotels are exciting lodges to stay in. A couple of days stay will surely be pure delight, especially when it’s a luxury hotel. Though they can also be a bit expensive, there are ways of maximizing one’s stay in a Philippine hotel.

Most Philippine hotels are historical. They may not have figured in major Philippine historical events but they nonetheless have some olden story highlights in their existence. Just lift the phone receiver and ask operator service for some historical background on the hotel, especially if it was originally started before Word War II, or at least circa 1950s.

Dig up history facts some more by asking for archive records on the hotel; there might be a file somewhere in its database. Or search it on the Internet. The point is, it’s a different experience when one’s aware of the hotel’s past. For instance, a premier Philippine hotel in Cebu built in the 1950s used to be a humble four-table restaurant. Some hotels in Intramuros used to be mansions during Spanish times in the Walled City.

Philippine hotels often have a Filipiniana section usually in their lobbies. This is a good place to know more of the people and famous places in the country. Some Philippine hotels offer whole shelves of old books on Filipino culture and tradition, polished native and rare implements and tools as hotel decors, old photos, and special nooks for native delicacies and dishes. It will be worthwhile sampling these rare features.

Another way of maximizing a stay in a Philippine hotel is hanging out awhile at the lobby. The lobby and café (often adjacent to each other) of luxury Philippine hotels are favorite hang outs of well-known people in town. One may see movie or political personalities being interviewed there, or simply relishing a brewed cup of coffee or sipping a cool drink. Or one can try to meet new people to befriend at the lobby. It’s a safe place to gain new acquaintances from the city or locality.

Finally, catch a view of the sunset at an open lounge, at the pool area of the hotel, or on a terrace roof top. Don’t leave without even a glimpse of it, and the city skyline. Those are likely to make memory impressions that last.

A short stay at a Philippine hotel can have more delights than may be expected. It’s just a simple roaming around the hotel in thrilled expectation of something worth discovering.

Tags: philippines travel tips, Visayas, Tourist, Davao, Bicol, Makati, scuba diving

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The best way to fully experience any new place you travel to is by living the way the locals do. By doing this, you may discover some pleasant quirks about the people that you may not have seen if you constrict yourself to conducted tours.

In the Philippines, touring without a guide is somewhat easier since a large percentage of the people are able to understand and speak English. If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask someone. There is nothing to fear since Filipinos are known to be very hospitable, especially to foreigners.

The first place to find a reliable local guide is in your very own hotel. Don’t go the normal route by asking the concierge about tour packages, live a little by asking your bellboy where the best sisig (popular Filipino bar chow) in town is and he’ll be happy to point the way.

For the adventure-seeking traveler, public transportation is the safest way to get around the city and see some sights along the way. Even getting onto a jeepney is a unique experience all by itself! Also, there are no definite stops in a trip so you can feel free to ask the driver to stop if ever you see anything that catches your fancy.

Some helpful tips on Philippine travel:

1. Always have some change with you. For public transportation, you’ll be amazed at how far a dollar can take you.

2. Don’t bring too much cash, if you run out, you can always find an ATM.

3. Always ask for your hotel’s address card. In Manila, most cab drivers are familiar with the major hotels.

4. Bring an extra shirt or a towel; it’s a tropical country, after all.

5. Don’t be afraid to get lost. You don’t know what you just might find.

6. Smile! Filipinos are very friendly; a lot of people might just smile back!

It won’t be difficult to get around at all since most of the street signs are written in English and are easy to understand. There are also city maps sold in gas stations around the metro. These can serve as an easy guide on how to get to the sights that might not be in your itinerary.

Ultimately, the best way to experience a new culture is by allowing yourself to be swallowed by it. Let your inhibitions go, be open to seeing strange sights, tasting strange food, and receiving the warm welcome of the Filipino people.

Tags: Travel Philippines, Filipina, asia travel, vacation, Baguio, Boracay, Tourist

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Some 48 hours or so is all it takes to see the whole Philippines in a single car trip. The whole thing—from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—seen in one adventurous sweep of a long driving escapade. And this is probably the longest, most daring car trip possible in the country.

The trip is from Ilocos in the north to Davao in the south—an exciting 1,364-mile drive or about 3,000 kilometers. Called the Philippine Tourism Highway (Maharlika Highway before), it is vivid with rustic life and color.

The trip starts in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. A short visit to Vigan, Ilocos Sur can be rewarding. Then proceed to Cagayan Valley. Along the coastal roads are patches of scenic beaches like Pagudpud and Patapat. There are caves to see in Penablanca but that could extend the trip too much. Maybe next time.

From Cagayan continue towards Manila, though a short stop over Salinas Salt Springs and Dalton Pass in Nueva Viscaya probably wouldn’t hurt. While at it, see Biak-na-Bato and Bustos Dam in passing Bulacan.

After Manila comes the Southern Tagalog region and the first sceneries would be those of Laguna’s towns of local arts, crafts, and sweets, and a crazy burgeoning of hot spring swimming pools everywhere.

Then old fashioned Quezon Province, and much later the Bicolandia, where a short rest in Legasapi City would afford a good view of the famous Mayon Volacano. Then, onwards the road leads to the port of Matnog, Sorsogon, the end tip of the Luzon road.

A ferry ride from the Matnog port takes the adventure to the Visayas, landing in Allen or San Isidro in Samar. There, a stop to view the landing site of General Douglas MacArthur in Palo is recommendable.

From there to the famous San Juanico Bridge connecting Samar and Leyte. Then finally, Tacloban, where the night can be spent in comfortable inns.

Liloan, southern Leyte is the next stop the next morning, where another ferry ride takes the trip to Mindanao. Watch for welcoming dolphins during the ferry trip—one of its amusing features. After some two hours, the trip is continued on the roads of Surigao Del Norte.

Now, why not drop by Butuan City, a mere 7-mile (15 kilometers) deviation from the main route? By taking the Cagayan De Oro road, one cannot miss Butuan. From there, try to view Lake Mainit as you proceed to your last stop, Davao City.

The Automobile Association Phillipines (AAP) promotes this tourist route that takes visitors from tip to tip of the Philippine archipelago via land travel—in one sweep. No other land trip in the country can afford the eager tourist with a comprehensive survey of how diverse the Philippine Islands really are.

Tags: Travel Philippines, Diving, philippines travel tips, Bicol, Filipina, Makati, Asia

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Philippine cities are all bustling with various beehive activities. They all offer good tourism and gear up as best they can to keep a rush of steady inflow of tourists the whole year round. So what more can we ask of Philippine cities? Nothing much. But what’s really needed to truly enjoy them is our careful preparation.

Philippine cities from photos and promotions look perfect enough for any visitor. But just like any other cities in the world, there are some things we need to understand particularly how things work in the streets. If we understand rules and street culture in a Philippine city, we get about 60 to 80 percent assurance of pleasurable trips in them.

First is never be too obvious with how one looks. Tourists, especially foreigners, and first-timers in a city, ought to dress up casually like any other person on routine city travel. Don’t attract attention wearing shorts and shirts with tourism hypes written all over them in Philippine city streets.

Don’t show off expensive dark sun glasses, mobile phones, jewelry, dollar bills, and the like—and careful with that foreign accent, too. Relax with these things in malls, or luxury hotels and restaurants, but not in city streets—or even “just outside” a secure establishment. We don’t want to figure in any city crime scene, much more as a victim. This scenario will demolish all expectations of enjoying Philippine cities.

If foreign accent cannot be disguised, be sure to travel with a local in any Philippine city. Talk as less as possible but always smile. There are many simple Filipino words and phrases easy to learn. It is advisable to learn them a month or so before stepping in a Philippine city. Words like, “Magkano?” (How much?), “Salamat” (Thanks), “Saan?” (Where?), “Para po!” (Please stop the cab or bus or jeepney, I want to get off here), and “Anong oras na?” (What time is it?).

Always use city sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and overpasses for people. Obey all city traffic rules. They’re often the root of city street corruption. Take public rides only at designated locations. Get off on the same. If in a private car, park only in designated parking spaces or lots. Some Philippine city ordinances are fond of car towing.

A sure way of enjoying a Philippine city is knowing city traveling rules and city street culture that applies. Keep out of city street troubles and it will always be smooth sailing trips in Philippine cities.

Tags: Wordpress, Baguio, Filipina, filipino food, traveling, philippines travel tips, Travel Philippines

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