While having a vacation can be expensive, it may need not to be just as long as you know how to keep it within your budget. I always hear this..."Why do you often travel?" "Isn't it's expensive?" "Wish I can travel din!" Of course you too can. I am a "traveller" who like to reward myself with a vacation once in while but I am also a "budget conscious" traveller. Believe me, I will do the "backpacking" thing in a heartbeat just a long as I have someone to share that kind of adventure with. Meaning, I would like to have my vacation and spend it within my budget range.
I come across this picture in the net and I could not agree more :-)
Our country is considered as one of the top tourist destination in South East Asia for a reason. That is because we are "blessed" with many beautiful places . I am a firm believer of this phrase that I grew up with while watching all those travel programs in tv and reading all those travel magazines. I wish to travel the world of course (who doesn't?!!) but I would like to travel to my own country first. Because as they say....
"Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan"
Here are my very own tips on how you can enjoy your vacation with budget still in check.
1. Plan and Save.
Don't be in a rush. While its such a good feeling to see your self swimming in the crystal blue waters of Boracay and go there within the week. There is a rule of thumb in traveling. If it's possible, plan your vacation at least three to six months in advance. This way you can plan, save and enjoy the best rates for flights and accomodation.
2.Sign up to local airlines that offer promo and cheap airplane tickets for domestic destinations.
This would always be my advice on friends who would like to travel or those who are planning to travel. This is the most that you have to consider when you plan for a vacation aside from your accomodation of course. Airfare around the country will cost you more than three thousand pesos(or higher depending on the airlines and the season) but the good news is that many local airlines are offering "seat sales" every now and then. Cebu Pacific has piso fare but I have to inform you that don't expect to pay just piso...if you will add on the taxes and surcharges, luggage allowance and system web fee, the piso fare will go up to as much as 1,000 to 1,500 pesos (so you wont be shock and say "oh I thought its just piso!!" )but still a 1,000 plus airplane fare is much cheaper than a more than 3,000 plus regular airfare, right?
If you plan to take an out of town vacation, you have to sign up with local airlines through their website.....by signing up you will receive regular emails informing you that promo or seat sale is on going. Of course save up and ready your money because these seat sale are selling like hot cakes online. What is "available" at night might not be available in the morning. They have different payment method.They accept credit card, debit card or pay through affiliated bank...and through payment center like LBC, Cebuana Lhuiler just to name a few.
Here are the top 3 budget friendly airlines in the country to where you can sign up for regular emails and updates offering seat sales.
3. Research. Research. Research.
Whenever I planned an itinerary for travel, GOOGLE is my bestfriend. It's a guarantee I can always find information on this site.There are many many information found in the web. Do your research and make your own itinerary, .while searching you will will have those aha moments..."I like to do that!", "I like to try that!". Don't be a "clueless" tourist who just rely on your tour guide, plus it's really cool to see the actual place you just saw in pictures and actualy "be there".
Here are my top website whenever I plan for my travel itinerary. Here you can look for cheap accomodations and compare hotel prices that best suits your budget.
Here are my top website whenever I plan for my travel itinerary. Here you can look for cheap accomodations and compare hotel prices that best suits your budget.
4. Look like a tourist but ACT like a local.
When you're on a new place, you can easily be spotted as a tourist...either its the way you dress, the way you talk or you simply have that "appearance" as if a big sign is plastered on your forehead that spells t-o-u-r-i-st! Unfortunately some will take advantage of it (well I guess it depends on the place where you are at). You see,I am not really good on "haggling" but I've learn the trick especially when I am on vacation where I mind about my budget :-)
When haggling whether it is with manong taxi driver or manang tindera, or manong bangkero, the trick is to be firm with what you are willing to spend. Don't be "sway" by there "asking price", remember you are the customer here, you are their source of income...so if you stick to your "budget" and be firm with it, chances are they will "give in" and plus you can always look for another that is willing to compromise within your budget range, trust me.
5. Don't be afraid to try what locals do.
If riding a "habal-habal" (or local motorcycle taxi) will take you to places in a much much cheaper way, go ahead do it. Not only that its cheap, it is fun. I remember an interview that I read of J.LO where she said that one of the things that she missed is having been able to put her head out of her limo and just enjoy the wind blowing her face. Well, in habal-habal you will have that moment that Jennifer Lopez is craving for ha ha ha. I rode one, from Alona Beach to Tagbilaran city in Bohol, roughly 20 kilometers and it was such an experience and I would not mind doing it again.
What I'm trying to say is that, for me one of the best way to truly enjoy a vacation is to experience what it's like to live there, in the place where you at for a vacation. Go out in the streets, eat the local food, talk to the friendly locals. Pretend for a day that you are living there. It is one experience you wont regret.
"When you are new to a place, Mr. Magtanong is your friend".
More often than not, the locals who knew that their place is a tourist destination is much willing to help you and suggest places you would like to try. I have encounter quite a handful of driver who serves as a tour guide as well that not are only "madaldal" but also informative , meaning they are fun and willing to suggest places that are not too common as a tourist spot but equally worth a visit and sometimes way much cheaper that the "published" spot. Don't be a snob tourist, be a friendly tourist.
7. Learn how to pack light.
Well as a "girl" I do find this quite challenging at first but the more I travel the more I learn the value of packing light. Folding your cloths the right way,don't fold your clothes you "roll" it therefore it will give you more space on your luggage, believe me I tried it and I never exceeded the allowed baggage allowance (well, almost! ha ha) that can really hurt your pocket.
Plan your outfit based on the length of your trip. Whether it is a 3 day or 4 day stay...the best way to do it is to plan what you are going to wear during your day time tour or for evening walk or dinner. There is a little need to bring your entire toiletries like shampoo etc because most of these stuff can be bought in your destination.
Here is a sample on how it is to "plan" for your vacation outfit. Of course it does depend on your own style and imagination. You also have to learn to "mix and match" your outfit.
Here is a sample on how it is to "plan" for your vacation outfit. Of course it does depend on your own style and imagination. You also have to learn to "mix and match" your outfit.
You have to have your own travel essentials and what to always bring it with you when traveling.One of my "must have" is my camera, I mean how can you capture the best part of your vacation without your trusted camera. You know what they say "take nothing but pictures".My travel photos is one of my most cherished possession. The best way to tell the "story" of your vacation is through your picture, this will also help you to decide on what shots to take.
Here are "some" of my essentials when travelling:
9. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Easier said than done, right? But I have my fair share of these "hassles". I experience waiting for the next ferry ride for almost five hours. What Im saying is that plan for your itinerary but be ready for unexpected moment.
Whether it is a cancelled or a delayed flight, learn how to take it in stride. If you sweat the "small stuff" it will ruin your vacation mode and all you will remember on that trip is "The day my flight got delayed" instead of "The day I tried to zip line!", or "The day I bungee jump!". You can't always count on a "hassle free" vacation. Most often than not there is little "bump" in your travel...but as they say "don't just enjoy the destination but enjoy the journey".
10. Enjoy!
Often having a vacation is far from being a perfect one. Meaning somewhere along your travel you will encounter "hassles" or challenges that will really test your patience ...whether its a taxi driver over charging you, delayed flights and ferry schedule not followed. When I experienced delayed flights (this happen when you travel on peak seasons where tourist flock from all over just to be in that one destination) instead of bemoaning my lot...I took it a chance for me to catch up on my reading, or my writing or talk to stranger who can share you some fun stuff and sometimes lessons. Meaningful conversation with someone interesting is one of the many things I enjoy about travelling. You've got to meet a lot of people who can suprise you and realize that, yes we all have our differences but from there we can learn to respect that in each other.
some photo courtesy of:
