Filipinos’ love of traveling is evident in the many times they venture into new places.
According to a study by Picodi, a Polish company that offers access to deals and discounts from local and international brands, almost half of Filipinos surveyed travel at least twice a year. But we travel frugally.
The average Filipino spends about P13,000 for every trip, which covers fares, food, accommodation, and incidentals. With promos available left and right, this could further go down, enabling many to plan several trips.
However, the current coronavirus outbreak has impeded many a travel plan, causing filed off days—allotted to that much-awaited trip—go to waste.
Our country is blessed with a number of breathtaking destinations, some we can reach without needing to book a flight. And the best thing about them? They can be enjoyed without spending over P5,000. Hotel management company RedDoorz offers suggestions on where to go without breaking the bank.
Lake lunch—San Pablo, Laguna
Take weekend dine out with the family a few notches higher by heading to Laguna for a meal in the middle of the lake. For as low as P600, you can cycle along scenic trail on a bike, hop on a tricycle tour, and indulge in some of the finest local meals while on a bamboo raft in one of the lakes at Seven Lakes in San Pablo.
River cruise—San Juanico Strait
In Tacloban, Leyte, a group of “navy seals of water sports and island-hopping” offers an exciting way to enjoy and appreciate San Juanico Bridge, connecting Leyte and Samar. For P800, guests can take a river cruise, go island hopping, and munch on local dishes. Dinner cruise under the bridge, meanwhile, costs P1,000.
Falls in love—Badian, Cebu
Several kilometers southwest from Cebu City awaits the breathtaking Kawasan Falls, known for its cold, turquoise water. This stunning three-stage cascading waterfall is a favorite of nature lovers, especially thrillseekers who enjoy climbing, rappelling, and jumping off cliffs and into the water. Klook offers a canyoneering and waterfalls day tour priced at P2,250.
Chocolatey day tour—Malagos Garden Resort, Davao
In the southern part of the Philippines lies the country’s first chocolate museum. A perfect side trip for those who love chocolates or want to learn more about it. For a ticket priced at P650, visitors to the Malagos Garden and Chocolate Museum can watch how chocolates are made, from fruit to production, and sample them after. Complete the “Tree-to-Bar” experience by making a personalized bar for P450 for 200 grams.
After a chocolatey day, enjoy other fun-filled activities in nearby attractions such as Museo de Mariposa (Butterfly Museum), or go biking or horseback-riding for as low as P80 per hour.
RedDoorz allows travelers to enjoy more without spending too much on lodging with its affordable rates. The company currently has more than 200 hotels in over 20 cities nationwide, including key cities and emerging tourist destinations.
“A single day just isn’t enough time to enjoy each and every part of these destinations. When traveling with a group, book rooms in a budget hotel strategically placed near your dream destinations. That way, you can save more time and money, but not on experiences and adventures with your family and friends.”
