Travel 101: A Quick Guide

Escape and breathe the air of new places 💕
Vayang Rolling Hills, North Vatan, Batanes

Here are some tips I've learned from the handful of experiences, both good and bad, which I have personally encountered during all of my travels. I hope this list would help you on your next adventure! :)

1. Book super early for greater discounts. Promo flights usually come up whenever there are holidays or any important celebrations, and airlines usually post them on their websites by 12AM for non-members. However, there's another way to get the news before they publish it - that is, to sign up for membership on their website. It does not only give you updates of promo one day  ahead, but it also offers exclusive perks. 

2. Lengthen the days of your trip. Three days on your plane ticket may seem that long, but it won't be advisable. Usually, the first and last days are eaten by travel time, leaving you with just one whole day to enjoy the place. Pick an early morning flight for the the first day, so you would still have the rest of the afternoon for wandering or activity. Then for the last day, choose an afternoon flight so you could still have the rest of the morning for resting or for buying pasalubong. Never book the last trip, because once it gets cancelled, you will have to wait for the next day's early morning flight. (Actually happened to my El Nido Trip. Flights ahead of us got delayed. And since we were on the last flight, we did not make it due to airport runway closure.)

3. Research. It's very important to read several travel blogs before you start with your trip. It gives you details on what to expect on that place, and offers you updates on necessary information like the prevailing transportation fare, flight/boat/bus trip schedules, fee for activities, reviews on accommodations and even weather conditions that will help you schedule your vacation. No one wants to go on the beach on a stormy day.

3. Set up your itinerary. Having a list of your activities does help you in budgeting your time especially when you don't have the luxury of it. I would usually tabulate it thru excel and keep it on my iphone just for a quick guide.

4. Estimate the expenses. Project the expenses by listing down all the activities, the transportation fares, accommodation charges, as well as the budget for food and pasalubong. This is quite important before your trip so as you won't fall short in cash. Remember that there are places where ATM's are not available. Always, keep extra cash which you'll be using only for emergencies. It's also very convenient to use the ENVELOPE METHOD where you allocate funds for specific purposes, e.g. one envelope for food, one for fares, one for activities, and one for accommodation. It does saves a lot, and accounting for your money would be such an ease.

5. Travel light. I usually travel with my backpack. Find one that's big enough to carry all your things, but not that bulky to fit into the stowage bins. Traveling with an excessive amount of baggage is such a hassle especially when you are commuting. As for me, I organize my clothes per day and pack 2 extra shirts and undergarments. And yes, pants and shorts can be used more than once. 

6. Check all your containers. As a general rule, NOTHING MORE THAN 100 ML. For deos, bring sticks or roll ons, aerosols are not allowed. If necessary, refill your liquids on smaller bottles or buy them on sachets. 

7. Try the local food. Aside from visiting all their popular tourist attractions, don't ever leave a place without tasting their native delicacies. Some are indeed exotic, but at least you get to try them once in your life. :)

8. Talk and mingle with the locals. Nothing beats a good travel story without the native phrases you've learned from the locals. Meet new people and learn about their culture. You'll be surprised how these strangers can easily turn into your new found friends. Sometimes, they'll even help you out on your trip and offer you perks. :) (During my Bantayan trip, most of the entrance fees were waived because of the Police Officer I met during the ferry ride)

9. Keep memories. Take as many pictures as you can, but remember to live in the moment. Photos are just tangible things that will help you remember, but without the experience, those prints will mean nothing. Feel the sand, breathe the air, swim in the waters, and lastly, enjoy every bit of it. :)