Before visiting a new nation, it is essential to understand what to do and what not to do to prevent problems and unfavorable conditions. Being informed about a place can undoubtedly make your vacation more enjoyable and save you a lot of time. The more you know about the country, the more peaceful and delightful your vacation will be.
The Philippines is a lovely destination that will make you fall in love with it. There are, nevertheless, some precautions or travel safety recommendations for the Philippines. These Philippines travel ideas can assist you in making the most of your visit.
If you haven’t gone to the Philippines yet or intend to go soon, follow these travel tips, and your adventure will be a memorable one.
Make a Schedule
There are several places to visit in the Philippines, whether you are interested in historical sites, beaches, cities, or mountains. When you’ve decided the locations you want to see, it’s better to rely on Google Maps to plan your schedule based on distances. If you’re going in a group, renting a vehicle or a van may be a better alternative because it will be less expensive and less stressful. However, if you’re feeling daring, try commuting like a local.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Since the Philippines is a tropical country, expect temperatures ranging from 21 to 38 degrees Celsius. That is, while packing, bring clothes that you would be comfortable with while traveling. Cotton shirts and skirts are your best bet. Even though it is humid in the Philippines, it is always wise to prepare, therefore carry a jacket.
Before you Travel, Have Yourself Checked
Visiting your Doctor is especially essential for people moving from colder climates since the weather shift may impact their health. It’s vital to consult your Doctor about what you’ll need before traveling, especially if you have allergies or a sensitive stomach.
Always have Enough Cash on Hand
Every year, millions of visitors flock to the country since it is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Therefore, it is critical to understand the currency and maintain a sufficient amount of cash on hand. Though you may pay with your credit card or other online payment options, many locals prefer cash in exchange for the products. So, familiarize yourself with the currency and bring a sufficient amount of cash that will come in helpful at any point throughout your trip.
Get a Local Prepaid Sim Card
When the plane is ready to land in Manila, several airlines inform passengers that a free prepaid card is available at the airport. In addition, local sim cards are available in exchange for your passport information. Prepaid sims are still less expensive than roaming or pocket WiFi for your mobile data needs. Globe and Smart are the two largest mobile network operators in the Philippines. Seek for their kiosks and inquire about which promotional package best matches your demands.
Understand the Language
Filipino, English, and Spanish are among the 120 to 180 languages and dialects spoken in the Philippines. Even though English is a common language in the area, many residents like to communicate in their dialect, Filipino. Since a result, it is essential to learn a basic language before traveling to the nation, as it may be helpful or required.
Utilize Public Transportation
The Philippines is a vast country with several attractions. As a result, traveling through the area in a hired car or a taxi would be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, you should take public transportation such as buses or the metro to save money and time. Public transit will readily get you to your destination in a hassle-free manner.
Bring Insect Spray and Sunblock with You
There are a lot of mosquitos eager to suck you dry. To avoid bites, bring some excellent insect spray with you. Many places in the Philippines are malaria-free. However, rural areas and certain islands may be at a higher risk. Make sure to finish your homework before you go. Sunscreen is another must-have essential. Even during the rainy season, the sun is powerful and scorching in the Philippines, so you’ll want to protect your skin.
Identify the Travel Adaptor you Require
In the Philippines, plugs rotate between American two-prong outlets and European two-round plugs. Many places featured outlets that could accommodate both into the same socket. Bring an adaptor that has both to ensure that you don’t run into any problems while traveling across the nation.
Learn How to Say the Names of Cities and Regions Correctly
The pronunciation of Philippine cities proved to be rather tricky. Learn the proper pronunciation before venturing out to guarantee that locals understand where you’re attempting to go and that you’re heading in the right direction.
Be Adaptable
Our is the most crucial Philippines travel advice on this list. Even if you have spent a long time preparing your trip, you will probably need to make modifications at some point due to overbooked transportation, missing connections, or inaccurate information. On the other hand, if you are willing to be flexible, you may encounter locations you have never heard of before.
Carry a Dry Bag with you at all Times
Storms are common, and you and your possessions will almost certainly get wet on boat journeys in El Nido, Coron, and Panglao. On the islands, dry bags of various sizes are commonly available. The dry bag is without a doubt one of the essential Philippine travel tips.
Reasons to Visit the Philippines Right Now
Before you decide where to spend your next holiday, have a look at this list of reasons why you should visit the Philippines. Learn what makes the Philippines special and what draws people back to explore more of this tropical paradise.
👍 Summer Lasts Almost the Entire Year in the Philippines
Is it possible to get away from winter? If you want to feel the sun on your skin, the Philippines provides plenty of opportunities. The Philippines, as a tropical country, has just two seasons: dry and wet.
👍 Budget-Friendly Locations
A traveler’s budget is one of the most important factors to consider. Fortunately, travel in the Philippines is relatively inexpensive. You will also discover a variety of low-cost lodging alternatives in the Philippines, ranging from dorm-style hostels to bed and breakfast homestays, all of which are ideal for budget-conscious visitors.
👍 Beaches and Islands in the Philippines
Conde Nast Traveler, CNN, HuffPost, and other magazines routinely rank the Philippines as having the most incredible beaches and islands in the world. With over 7000 islands, stretching from coast to coast, it is impossible to deny that the Philippines is full of beautiful scenery with the enchantment of nature’s wonder.
👍 Incredible Dive and Snorkeling Locations
The diving locations in the Philippines provide an underwater experience unlike any other. You’ll discover that the Philippines is more than simply beaches and islands; it’s also a haven for marine life.
👍 Exciting Outdoor Activities
The Philippines boasts a diverse selection of scenic mountains and hiking routes for you to pick from, all of which vary in size. Hiking in the Philippines will be a fantastic trip for you, whether you are a novice or an experienced hiker.
👍 The Philippines’ Preserved History
Understanding a place’s history is the greatest way to get to know it, and the Philippines has plenty of stories to tell due to its various roles in world history. Learn about history and heritage tours and experiences in the Philippines, from the precolonial era to the Spanish, American, and Japanese occupations, to learn about the events that formed the nation into what it is today.
👍 Philippine Festivals that are Colorful and Exciting
Filipinos know how to throw a street party, and they do it in full costume and color. Festivals in the Philippines are among the most joyful, entertaining, and noisy in Asia. So make sure you have your camera ready to capture the most outrageous smiles and joyful faces.
👍 Filipinos are Kind and Warm People
Aside from the gorgeous locations of the Philippines, the warmth and kindness of the Filipinos are incentives enough to visit the nation. The Philippines is Asia’s friendliest country. So when your plane arrives, you will be greeted with the sincere and warm smiles of the Filipinos.
👍 Delectable Filipino Cuisine
If there is one thing that distinguishes the Philippines from surrounding Asian nations, it is a melting pot of diverse cultures, having been conquered by Spain, the United States, and even Japan. Furthermore, the Philippines maintains strong links with the Malays and the Chinese. Tourists may find this rich history and various cultural impacts in the local cuisine distinct from its neighbors.
DOs and DONT’s When Traveling in the Philippines
DOs
✔️You Should See as much of the Nation as Possible
Making plans is a wonderful thing, and it will undoubtedly assist you a lot; however, when in the Philippines, don’t only stick to your timetable. Since the Philippines offers so much more than you believe, make sure to explore the undiscovered and make the most of your stay after you’ve completed your schedule or if you still have spare time.
Of course, exploring the beaches of the Philippines is a must. However, if you want a more adventurous trip, you might walk or dive to the most incredible places in the nation.
✔️Converse with the Locals
Filipinos are so welcoming that they would truly assist you on your travels. Even if you don’t ask, they will recommend other locations to see. Aside from that, they are open to discussing their lives, and there may be instances when they will give you a deeper insight on how to accept life modestly or appreciate life even in the simplest of ways.
✔️Be Patient
If you’re coming from a more developed nation, you may notice that the Philippines is a little slower in lines, and traffic in Manila, especially during rush hour, is horrendous. So extend your patience as far as you can. The key here is to be strategic in your approach to seeking answers nicely. But don’t worry, this does not occur in every region of the Philippines.
DONT’s
❌Display your Expensive Items in Public
The Philippines is a pleasant nation to visit, and the people are kind, although snatchers and pickpockets are common in some areas, particularly in Manila. Wearing too many bright items will keep you out of sight of the snatcher.
On the side streets, avoid using electronic devices. When visiting tourist attractions, strolling around, and taking public transit, always keep your things, such as your bags, wallets, phones, and other personal stuff, safe.
❌Give Money to Beggars
It is important to note that providing donations to beggars is a violation of the Anti-Mendicancy Law. And once you start giving money, beggars may contact their pals and ask for more.
❌Be Shy to attempt the Videoke
Whether singing loves them or not, Filipinos love to sing. So don’t be shy when called to perform; take the microphone and sing your heart out. Don’t worry; no one will criticize your voice since what matters most to Filipinos is that you’re trying to connect with them and having fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe for tourists to visit the Philippines?
A: The majority of the Philippines is safe for visitors, however, it is always prudent to remain mindful of one’s surroundings when visiting a new country.
Q: When should I plan a trip to the Philippines?
A: November to April are ideal for visiting the Philippines since it is the dry season, and the temperature is nice.
Q: Is it usual to tip in the Philippines?
A: Tipping is not customarily in the Philippines.
Q: Which month is the cheapest to visit the Philippines?
A: Flights are generally inexpensive from May to October because it is the rainy season in the Philippines and hence the off-season.
Q: Is it possible to use my credit card in the Philippines?
A: In the Philippines, Visa and Mastercard are acceptable.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you travel or how long you stay, the Philippines has a lot to offer, and you won’t have to spend a fortune. It will seem like home as long as you know where to go and how to live like a Filipino. So don’t second-guess whether it’s worthwhile to schedule a vacation to the Philippines. It most certainly is worth it, and you’ll most likely find yourself looking forward to your next visit here.
Have you ever been to the Philippines? Share your experience in the comment section.
