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Philippine Travel Tips
Planning your trip to the Philippines:
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Travel
light - limit the things you carry with you when you travel. If at all possible,
carry just one 9" x 22" x 14" bag with a maximum weight of 20
pounds. If you can manage to limit your bag to this size, you don't have to
check-in your luggage at the airport. Upon arrival to your destination, you
can go directly to customs while everybody is waiting for their luggage at
the carousel. Pack light and pack smart. When choosing what to bring, think
in terms of what you can do without rather than what might be handy for the
trip.
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When
you travel to the Philippines, bring light clothing specially if you're
visiting in summer. Cotton Tees, shirts, pants and walking shorts are your
best bet. For ladies, a hat with brim will help protect against the heat of
the sun. A pair of sunglasses with UV protection is recommended. And if you
plan to travel to the countryside or walk a lot, don't forget to bring your
comfy sneakers or sandals.
-
Note
that the Philippines uses 220V of electricity. Most 5-star hotels provide
100V outlets but generally, they are not available, specially in the rural
areas. So if you're planning to bring some electronic gadgets, make sure you
bring a converter with you.
-
Travel tip
for smokers: long haul flights can be difficult for smokers. Bring with you a
couple of nicotine patches and put one on about an hour before your flight.
It is amazing how this small patch can make your craving for a smoke disappear.
Travel Tip on Valuables:
-
Avoid bringing
valuables. A decent watch and faux accessories (optional) are all you need. But
in case you did bring some expensive jewellery, deposit them and your other
valuables in the hotel safe (most major hotels provide them for free).
-
Make sure
you make a photocopies of your passport and tickets just in case you loose
them. Keep the copies in a separate locations - place them in the
deep pockets of your luggage.
-
It is a
good idea to use a belt bag to put your money, passport and other valuables
when on the road rather than a bag. And position it in front of your body
and under your shirt if possible. Better yet, use a money belt and hide it
under your clothing.
-
Never
leave your bag and other valuables on the beach or at the poolside when
swimming. It is a lot safer to leave them in your hotel room.
Tipping:
-
It is
customary to leave a tip when rendered a service. On restaurants, a 10% tip
based on the total bill is recommended. However, if there is already a
service charge on the bill, a tip then becomes optional.
-
Taxis
drivers, bellboys, chambermaids, all expect to be tipped. For a short taxi
ride, a P20 tip will suffice. But for hotel bellboys and chambermaids, a
P100 tip is more appropriate. Adjust the tip according to your length of
stay and service rendered.
Shopping Tips:
-
If you are
about to do some shopping and are scheduled to visit the Philippines, don't.
Do your shopping in the Philippines. Even designer clothes are sold cheaper
in the Philippines than the countries they are made in. Many Filipinos
living overseas come home to see their families and shop at the same time.
-
Aside from
the goods, you can save substantially by having your medical, dental and
cosmetic needs done in the Philippines. Ask for referrals from friends (or
the hotel concierge for minor services) and choose the best ones. The
savings oftentimes pays for the vacation itself.
Philippine Travel Seasons:
-
June to
August is the typhoon season. Although the temperature is moderate and hotel
rates are lower, it is not the best time to travel specially if you intend
to see the countryside or cross the islands by sea.
-
From March to
May is summer time and is a good time to see the islands with clear skies
and calm waters. You are also assured that no flights or ferry boat trips
will be cancelled due to typhoons. Although expect the temperatures to
occasionally reach 38 degrees centigrade.
-
The best time
to see the country is from November to February when the weather is cooler. It is
also a good time to see the longest Christmas season in the world. Were Filipinos
start to decorate for Christmas as early as October.
Accommodation Tips:
-
It's a good to have an idea of the type of activities you would like to do
and the attractions that you would like to see. This will help with your
accommodation selection in that you will try to find a hotel that is close
to everything that you want to do.
-
Do your research on the Internet and look around for accommodation packages
that will suit your needs. There are many hotel reservation sites online
that offer very competitive deals and so it makes it hard to make a decision
on which one to choose.
-
Once you have found a few hotels you like, don't forget to look through the
amenities and facilities. Make sure your room is air conditioned because it
can get really hot especially in summer.
General Philippine Travel Tips:
-
Filipinos
(as with most Asians) are mostly conservative. Act, speak and dress modestly, more
so when going to the countryside. In most places, wearing
shorts, tees, sleeveless shirts, sandals or sneakers are fine - specially in summer.
-
Avoid talking about
religion and politics specially to people you have just met. Especially when drinking
(alcoholic beverages) this sometimes lead to heated arguments or worse.
-
If you are
going to Mindanao (southern Philippines) where some areas are predominantly
Muslims, dress conservatively - specially the women. And don't call Muslims Moros.
It's considered rude.
-
When travelling overseas,
its always a good practice to get a travel health insurance. Travel health insurance
offers peace of mind when abroad. Also, check with local health authorities for any
concerns when going to remote villages. And drink only bottled water or canned beverages
when unsure of the local water supply.
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Filipinos are a very friendly
and welcoming people. The Philippines has a lot to offer its visitors. Discover the country,
get to know the people and their culture. Enjoy your visit to the Philippines and Mabuhay!
Philippine Travel Destinations Home Page |
Manila |
Baguio City |
Banaue Rice Terraces |
Bohol |
Batanes |
Boracay Beach |
Cebu |
Corregidor |
Davao |
Iloilo |
Palawan |
Pangasinan |
Puerto Galera |
Vigan |
Philippine Festivals |
Philippines Airline Guide |
Discover the Philippines | Philippines Travel Tips |
Philippine Map |
