When you live in a tropical country like the Philippines, you must know that the country is part of Southeast Asia close to the equator. Temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C, while annual rainfall ranges from 965 to 4,064 millimeters. Assume you’re relocating to the Philippines or planning a vacation there. In that case, it’s critical to understand the seasons in a tropical setting. When the seasons change, our brain sends messages to our bodies, which causes them to alter. In this article, I’ve compiled a list of 11 things you should know about the changes you’ll face in the Philippines.
1. Heat and humidity in the tropics
Heat can have unexpected effects on your hair, energy levels, skin, eating habits, sleep quality, and just about everything else. If you’re from a colder climate, it can be a real pain in the neck. The following are some interesting facts about tropical living that you may not have heard anywhere else.
- Your hair may become highly wavy, frizzy, or curly.
- Sweating excessively can deplete your body’s minerals, resulting in negative consequences. You may have to replace them.
- The fungus can cause skin infections.
- Bite wounds can become infected very quickly, so exercise caution.
- Wearing makeup in the tropics may be complex. Applying makeup after a shower appears to be OK until the sweat returns and your foundation begins to slide off your chin and forehead.
2. The Damage Caused by Tropical Storms
Flooding is a potential tropical hazard when planning travel. Experiencing tropical storms can be an unforgettable experience, but they can also be extremely dangerous.
During a storm, the high winds, falling trees, road closures, and power outages are to consider. How prepared are you to deal with cyclones, hurricanes, and tropical storms of varying intensity and duration? I wouldn’t want to be in a tent for any reason.
3. Disease Threats and Health Risks
Even in the tropics, a disease carried by mosquitoes, like malaria, may still be lethal and wipe out thousands. There are several diseases to be wary of in the region, including malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever.
Using vaccines can prevent the Japanese encephalitis virus. In contrast, you can only control other mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever by avoiding mosquitoes.
Preventative measures must have to protect oneself from being bitten when participating in outdoor activities. On top of that, several developing countries are beset by endemic cholera, while others are trying to reduce tuberculosis but haven’t succeeded yet.
People are more vulnerable to parasites and other diseases and insect bites and scrapes. These can get infected since it’s easier to get sick in hot weather because wounds are more prone to infection. Therefore, to protect oneself from harm in the tropics, it is vital to warn others about these dangers and take more excellent preventive action to avoid them.
4. A swarm of bugs and insects in abundance
Relocating to a more temperate climate may prove to be the best decision for you. However, you’ll still have to figure out how to deal with a rise in the number and kind of bugs, insects, and potentially even spiders in your home or the beach resort you will rent. The tendency for such unpleasant and occasionally harmful critters to thrive in warmer and hotter regions of the country means that you’ll merely have to be extra cautious after your transfer.
If you are allergic to insect bites, having an excessive number of insects and bugs in your environment might be a significant problem.
Installing net screens on all doors and windows can prevent intruders from escaping your house, primarily if they use a flight or crawl. Check the area around your home carefully for signs of nests, mainly wasp nests.
5. Plan ahead
Moving to a warmer region of the country necessitates meticulous preparation. The most important thing to do is to schedule a visit to the warm-weather town ahead of time – this is especially crucial if you have never visited the area before.
You must be confident that it is an area where you can imagine yourself settling down permanently or for vacation months. Because extreme heat, floods, and other natural disasters are typical in warm-weather countries like the Philippines. You may not find them to be beautiful.
6. The cost of living
The cost of living in the Philippines depends on your lifestyle, but you may live well here on a budget. Even in some of the world’s most famous cities and beaches, you can live like a local on a monthly budget of just over $800. Sure, higher funding means a better lifestyle. In the Philippines, a couple can live lavishly for $3,000 per month. With that money, you can enjoy life more.
Rent is your most significant expense, so take your time finding the ideal place. The best—and cheapest—way to find a home is by word of mouth. Consider Cebu City, one of the Philippines’ major cities, with all the shops, restaurants, and bars you could want. The beach is also approximately 30 minutes away.
Relocating to a cheaper area may help you save money. Not having a car in the Philippines is the norm unless you want one. Walking is a popular choice for many because it is far cheaper than the local public transit.
It turns out that arranging for a welcoming, comfortable weather can be among the most cost-effective things you can do.
7. In a tropical country, you will eat more Fresh food
Photo Credits: Lisa Main
Unlike other types of climate, tropical weather fosters the growth of vibrant, fresh produce all year. Being able to consume truly fresh food at any time of the year is a benefit that can translate into enhanced health.
Moving to a small, quiet, and simple area requires a lot of courage. But with a plan, it is doable. If you prefer the city, that’s fine too. But you should seriously consider adopting some islander traits since the Philippines has many islands. And in some places, local fast-food chains, supermarkets, and corporations are absent.
Tropical meals are often light, flavorful, and packed with a slew of beneficial nutrients. They also contain fewer saturated fats, refined sugars, additives, and preservatives, various health problems.
Here are the common tropical foods:
- Carrots, squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are examples of root vegetables.
- Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and millet are good sources of fiber.
- Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans are examples of legumes.
- Broccoli, spinach, kale, celery, rocket, and artichokes are examples of green vegetables.
- Apples, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and pears are examples of fruits.
- Sea bass, cod, sole, salmon, red snapper, and haddock are among the fish available.
- Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, basil, and dill are some herbs used.
8. Beaches and Natural Environment
There is a terrific spot to exercise early in the morning or late in the day. So you have an excellent area for exercising all year that will help you live a better lifestyle right on your doorstep.
You can’t do that in a cold area unless you’re a seasoned runner or cyclist. No more tedious treadmill sessions or costly gym memberships!
A minority gets to experience what nature looks like when you live in the tropics, with some examples of it appearing just outside your door. Studies have concluded that character has a relaxing effect on blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Humans respond well to it, as it has a calming effect on the body and can help reduce the risk of depression.
9. The Ebb and Flow of Life
Everything moves at a considerably slower pace in the tropics due to the heat and humidity. It would be fantastic for those who regard this as holiday mode.
The “tropical mood” refers to a relaxed way of life and various cultural elements such as a vibrant landscape, abundant fresh fruit, unique birds, clear skies, gorgeous flowers, parades, and great parties. You can lead a far less stressful existence by immersing yourself in the slower pace of living that exists in a tropical climate.
10. Dress Codes in Tropical Countries
These tropical climates are frequently sunnier and more humid than the climates. Plan out your clothes purchases so you don’t get stuck buying travel clothing the day before leaving.
Fabrics and colors are essential.
Cotton is a breathable and long-lasting natural fiber fabric. Cotton’s capacity to adapt is what makes it ideal for usage in many different types of garments. As well as cotton, linen is another evaporative fabric that’s good for cooling the body.
However, it does require special care when washing. For daytime wear, lighter colors such as white or ivory are preferable to darker hues. Colors that are darker in the shade deflect sunlight, but lighter ones reflect light and seem warmer.
In the vicinity of the water
Everyone visiting the tropics must have a bright or patterned swimsuit in the pool or on the beach because it matches the vicinity of the water.
Though it’s OK to desire to obtain a tan, remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. As an alternative to just a T-shirt, a sarong or sari provides a fashionable cover-up. A caftan, like a tunic, can be worn as a top or cover-up over a swimsuit or pants. Neutral sandals that you can wear poolside and beach should be on everyone’s vacation must-have list.
Travel With Ease
Leave the clothing that is too tight at home because it will simply make you feel uncomfortable in the tropics. Consider wearing slightly long and loose cotton shirts or pants, along with light-colored patterned shorts or jeans instead of tighter-fitting pants and shorts. Another charming option is to wear breezy summer dresses. If it rains on your trip, preparing a waterproof rain jacket with a hood is essential.
Accessories
To avoid sunburn in the hot and humid tropical climate, you need lots of sun protection. Wearing a broad straw or woven hat is suggested because it will protect your face from the weather, and wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes. Don’t bring plenty of jewelry.
11. Unlimited activities in the Philippines
Spending time in the sun and get a beautiful tan
An excellent tan awaits you when you first arrive at the sand beach. Lying on the powder-soft soothes the entire body. When traveling in the tropics, you will need sunscreen (which will be your only tanning expense) to avoid burning, but you will need it regardless.
Consider this if you don’t think tanning is a waste of time. To maintain a beautiful tan when traveling in the tropics, you’ll want to start with a tanned appearance. Walking the beaches in tropical countries, with your complexion as white as the freshly fallen snow, is guaranteed to get you odd looks from passersby.
Soak up some rays on the beach and enjoy the beautiful sunshine. If you tan for one hour each day, you’ll be golden-toned in no time.
Take notice of the sunrises and sunsets.
Tropical sunrises and sunsets are spectacular natural color displays, regardless of whether your tropical island is a flat sandbar or a mountainous volcanic protrusion. Read on for more information. In contrast to the painfully early sunrises for those who are “morning challenged,” evenings are a perfect time to relax and take in nature’s amazing free shows.
Maintain a healthy weight
It is only natural for people to associate beaches with lounging, sitting around, and chilling out. Beaches, on the other hand, are excellent places to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Take a stroll, jog, and climb through the rainforest, swim, or snorkel. Decide on your favorite activity and maintain your physical fitness while taking in the fresh, unpolluted air and taking in the breathtaking surroundings.
Swimming
Tropical climates have warm oceans, which are ideal for cooling down while also being active. Swimming is the most effective total-body workout. As soon as the tropical heat becomes too much to bear, a quick plunge into the sea is a delightful way to cool down. ** Always make sure to verify the sea conditions before getting into the water. While many tropical oceans offer calm, welcoming waters, some contain dangerous currents or waves that you should avoid.
Snorkeling
The vast majority of tropical beaches are stunning coral reefs, making for excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Hiking
Most tropical places, islands, or mainland beaches, provide more strenuous hiking/tramping possibilities, whether in rainforests, rice fields, mountains, or other natural areas. Look for hikes in your area by asking locals, other travelers, or consulting guidebooks.
Set up camp on the sand
Many beaches in Southeast Asia provide free camping. Using a tent, you can fall asleep to the sounds of gently lapping waves, gentle breezes blowing through palm fronds, and crickets chirping in lush foliage while traveling. Soft sunrises over the sea, chirping morning birds, and the ever-present sound of waves on sand greet you as you awaken.
Go on ‘nature seeking outings to learn more about your natural surrounds.
Nature provides a plethora of opportunities for learning and discovery. Taking it upon yourself to investigate will result in an endless search. You will have an “identifying” mission to look for trees, plants; flowers; insects; birds; amphibians, reptiles, tropical fish, and corals. Choose a topic and see how many distinct variations you can think of doing. You can spend a month learning about the natural world around you by focusing on one topic per day. If you have a curious mind, you should give it a shot. You’ll be astounded in no time.
Final Words
What have been your travel experiences in a tropical country thus far? How did you deal with the variations in weather, diet, and other factors that affect you as a tourist? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!
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