Has the Philippines been on your travel bucket list for a while now? Maybe you just saw an ad or brochure and decided right away to go to the Philippines. Whatever the reason, it’s time for you to have the Southeast Asian vacation of your dreams.
Getting to the Philippines isn’t a walk in the park, but it doesn’t have to be as complicated as a lot of blogs make it out to be. All you need is a good plan, some savings, and to make sure you have everything in order before you go.
After all, this country is one of the least expensive in the world! Stunning beaches, friendly people, and great food – all for a very low price.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Before You Book: Important Documents
No matter where you’re going, you’ll need some documentation. Especially if you’re going overseas, a passport is mandatory. You’ll want to give yourself a few months before leaving to let the passport application process.
- Even if you already have your passport, make sure that you’ve checked the expiration date. Did you know that most countries require your passport to be over 6 months from expiring?
- ID cards are your best friend when traveling. Bring your license, but also your student ID as a backup. If you get lost or hurt, having an ID on your person lets authorities know who to contact.
Before You Go: Plan Your Trip
With the documents secure, it’s time for you to plan your adventure in the Philippines. Remember, the Philippines are a series of islands, so that will make planning a bit unique from other countries. Plan to spend the maximum amount of days you can traveling around to get all the sights in.
- If you’re a fan of cities, Manila and Davao City are two places you’ll want on your list. But, they are on two separate islands, so make sure to book a ferry or flight to get from one to the other.
- On the other hand, if nature draws your interest more, the Philippines offers a bunch of amazing destinations. For example, you could hang out in El Nido for a while and see the white sand beaches, coral reefs, and go snorkeling. Then you could go from El Nido to Coron by ferry to see more diving and natural beauty.
Remember to be realistic with your plan. Focus on what you want to do but leave a bit of room for exploring once you arrive. You’ll want to focus on the joys of the trip while you’re experiencing it rather than having to concentrate on where to go next or financial issues.
While There: Stay in Touch
Exploring the Philippines allows you to disconnect from everything digital. But, staying off the grid has major downfalls as well. If you get injured or lost, you have no way to contact friends or family.
That’s why it’s essential to purchase a SIM card in the Philippines. Instead of buying a new phone, it’s simple to go to your phone company and ask them to unlock it. With an unlocked phone, you can take it to any country and use a SIM card with it.
You don’t need to update everyone via social media whenever you’re somewhere new. A text to your closest friends/family will suffice. Make sure that people know where you are in case of an emergency.
Planning your Accommodation
Looking for an affordable place to stay? Check out our guides to hostels in Manila, hostels in Cebu, and party hostels on Boracay.
Enjoy the Philippines
The Philippines is a beautiful island nation with a lot of natural and urban scenery to explore. If you prepare thoroughly and make sure to stay cautious, you’ll have the trip of your dreams.
Now it’s time to figure out what to pack and what camera you want to use!
Bryan has visited exactly one more country than his wife, and she won’t let him forget it! Also an avid photographer, he enjoys entrenching himself within the local culture in order to learn more about the people of a place. He is the co-founder of Budget Your Trip and loves a good adventure, an exotic meal, or a passionate conversation about global events.
