Travel Room Wasters

Disclaimer: This post is intended for budget/coach travelers and not those who can afford to travel business/first class, stay at fancy hotels with porters, rent cars with drivers instead of take public transportation.

I have been reading a lot of travel blog posts recently in preparation for an upcoming trip. I came across the term room wasters in one of the blog posts I read (sorry, I can't remember which one), and thought to myself how many room wasters I have brought with me on my trips, whether domestic or international. 

I have come up with a list to help you avoid filling your bag with these room wasters to make packing a more enjoyable activity, and to make your suitcase a lot lighter. 

When traveling, keep in mind that you will have to forego some of the luxuries you enjoy at home. You have to be able to live a simpler life. Realistically, you won't have space for countless outfits anyway. Remember, bring pieces of clothing that will work overtime for you - which means you should be able to wear them more than once and should be able to pair them with other pieces. Anyway, let's begin. 

1. Statement tops and bottoms

I know you want your Instagram followers to see you in that super chic top you bought at the neighborhood vintage store. However, a statement top doesn't really blend in, it stands out. Meaning, if you don't want to seem like you're always wearing the same top, you should opt for a more basic, classic cut. Believe you me, you will hate yourself if you bring clothes that you can only wear once. 

2. Stilettos/boots, etc.

You're dying to wear those sexy stilettos together with that LBD that accentuates every curve. However, you're forgetting that when you travel, you're going to be doing a LOT of walking, and not all streets are paved. What if you end up in a desert? Stilettos and sand or cobblestones don't go together. I would also suggest you leave the boots at home, especially if you're thinking about bringing a pair of dressy, pointed ones. Like what I said earlier, make your clothes and shoes work overtime. Boots take up so much space that it would be a waste to bring them if you don't intend to use them all the time. 

3. Hairdryer, hair and curling irons

Unless extremely necessary, like if you're attending a wedding, an awards ceremony, or any event that requires dressing up, leave these hair paraphernalia at home. They are such space wasters and are quite heavy as well. Chances are, you'll always be in a hurry to leave your hotel room/apartment anyway, that you wouldn't even have time to use these. One tip: make sure you sport a low-maintenance haircut before you go on that trip. It will save you a lot of time. 

4. Excessive makeup, skincare, and hair products

Channel your inner low maintenance girl. If she's not in there, channel even harder. Just bring smaller versions of the essentials. There's really no need for all of those makeup products. A lipstick, cheek tint, powder, eye liner and mascara will take you from day to night. Besides, when you travel, especially in the summer, the lighter the makeup the better. You wouldn't want to sweat your foundation now, would you?

5. Heavy coats/leather jackets

Unless it's winter or your attending a Harley Davidson convention, leave the heavy coats and leather jackets at home. My rule is -0 to 15°C thick coat 16°C to 22°C trench coat. 23°C and up, you can just use a cardigan or a light jacket. Of course this really depends on your cold tolerance.

6. Unnecessary gadgets

Again, unless it's really needed for the trip, I suggest you leave unnecessary gadgets at home. Not only are they space wasters, they are also extremely heavy. If you feel like, at any point on your trip, you will need to write emails, etc., then perhaps a portable blue tooth keyboard is what you need. I bought one in Japan, and I use it to write articles, etc., with just my phone and a Microsoft Word app.

If you love photography, you can take wonderful photos using a wide range of point-and-shoot cameras, or even just your mobile phone. Photos I took with my Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 5 were good enough for a glossy business magazine to publish. 

7. Paperbacks

I know, I know, some of you think it's a crime to read e-books, but believe me, you'd be glad you have a few saved on your phone instead of actual books weighing down your backpack. And if you're a fast reader, you can read as many books as you want during your trip. Although, would you rather read a book than explore a new place you've never been? What's the point of taking the trip then?

8. Multiple handbags

I know that a lot of women have bags for different occasions and outfits. However, one clear sign of a travel neophyte is having multiple bags when you travel just so you'll be photographed wearing them (wearing? using?). Maybe we can compromise. Bring two - a tote (or backpack) and a sling bag that can go from day to night. Chances are, you won't be needing that beaded or sequined clutch. Again, make your clothes, shoes, and accessories work overtime. 

 All it takes is a little discipline and a lot less self-love. If you follow my tips, you will never ever bring room wasters again.

Tips on Booking Accommodation

Planning a multi-city trip these days is easy enough. You don't even need a travel agent to do it. Everything you need is available online. This blog post will focus on one of the most important (and expensive) part of your trip - your accommodation.

A budget traveler's main concern, when booking any type of accommodation, is price. However, there are many other things that you need to take into consideration before clicking the "book it" button. Is the hotel/apartment you're booking accessible enough - meaning is it close to a metro station? Are there elevators? Is it near supermarkets, restaurants, convenience stores, etc.? Is the neighborhood safe? How far is it from the city center?

Below is a list of things you need to keep in mind when booking.

1. Read the fine print.

I recently booked an apartment which I thought was a steal. I read the "Read Me I'm Important" part, and found nothing weird. However, after booking, I checked the booking information and found out that, to secure the booking, I would have to wire money to them - (which I found weird, considering it was a "Free cancellation" booking and the fact that it also said the credit card already secured the booking. Also, the management requires a Euro 500 deposit, to be paid in cash, upon arrival. The deposit is double the amount of our whole 3 nights' stay. Something didn't feel right, so I cancelled the booking.

2. Free cancellation is love.

I could never emphasize this enough. Whenever I book any type of accommodation, whether a hotel room or an apartment on Airbnb, I always make sure I can cancel it within a reasonable amount of time before arrival date without paying a cancellation fee. If you're booking via Booking.com or Agoda, always look for these words - FREE CANCELLATION, so you can cancel your booking free of charge if your plans change.

If you're booking an Airbnb apartment, always read the cancellation rules. Will you get a full refund or only 50%? Do you have to pay the service charge or not? 

3. Pay later instead of pay now.

Always remember that it is possible to reserve a hotel room without paying up front. Many have the "pay later" option, with no difference in price. So be sure to click "pay later" if you'd rather pay closer to the date of your stay.

4. Airbnb, Agoda, Booking.com?

When booking any type of accommodation, use your better judgment. Ever since I started using Airbnb in 2014, I have almost always booked with them. Airbnb apartments tend to be cheaper than hotels, and if you're traveling as a group, you could save even more money.

However, Airbnb always charges you right away, whether it be the full amount or 50%. If you're still saving up for your accommodation and would rather pay later, then it's best to use Agoda or Booking.com. Remember, you can also find apartments on both Agoda and Booking.com

Also, make sure you check the rates on both booking sites. The same hotel room/apartment might be cheaper on Agoda or vice versa, or sometimes, you get different results from the same searches. I discovered this just today. I had booked an apartment, which my sister-in-law Anne found, using Agoda. She searched for an accommodation for 6 adults and 1 child and Agoda found a nice 2-bedroom apartment for us. However, when I did the same on the Booking.com website, it wanted me to book an extra room because apparently, the 2-bedroom apartment can only accommodate 6 adults. This was for the same apartment. Is the baby supposed to have his own room? Clearly, Agoda's search parameters are more flexible than Booking.com's.

5. Always check the accommodation's distance from city center.

I get that you want to save money. But chances are, you only have a few days to spend exploring the city, and wouldn't want to waste your time riding trains and buses. Of course, using public transportation is part of being a tourist. But if you're going to spend hours commuting to and from the city center each day, then it's really not worth it. Decide for yourself how much time you are willing to spare on train rides every day.

6. Are there supermarkets, restaurants, etc. near the hotel or apartment you want to book?

If you want to save money, then book an accommodation with a supermarket nearby. If you're a foodie and want to try local dishes, make sure there are restaurants around. It really depends on the kind of traveler you are. Ask yourself what you think is important be within reach while staying at your hotel/apartment.

7. Read reviews of the area where you plan to stay.

It is not only important to just read the reviews of the hotel/apartment where you plan to stay. Make sure you read reviews of the area as well. Some cities may seem glamorous to people who have never been there. But remember they are not all glitz and glamour. There are areas that may not be safe for, let's say, a solo female traveler. Be street smart and always use your common sense. Never let your guard down when you're in a city you're not familiar with.

8. A host cancels your confirmed booking. What now?

I believe everything happens for a reason, and when a host cancels your confirmed booking, just see it as a blessing in disguise. It's not the end of the world. That happened to me just this morning. When I saw an email from Airbnb saying the host had to cancel, I couldn't sleep anymore. Airbnb didn't offer any explanation, which I found strange. But, thank God we found a much better apartment, this time on Agoda.

9. Plan months ahead.

Booking your accommodation 6 months ahead could save you a lot of money. Remember, the closer it is to the date of your arrival, the more expensive it gets. Maybe for some of you money is no object, but for most of us, every penny counts.

It is quite stressful planning a trip on your own. However, that is part of the excitement. Enjoy the experience and don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help.

Sankt Goar Germany

 My good friend Treena brought me to Sankt Goar when I visited her in May 2012. 

Sankt Goar is a beautiful town that lies on the west bank of the Middle Rhine in the Rhein-Hunsrück-Kreis (district) in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Looking through the windows of the quaint souvenir shops and strolling along the narrow streets of this picturesque town, I felt like I was transported to a different time. From here we took the tourist train to see the Rheinfels ruins.

For more information about Sankt Goar, please click here.

Hans Christian Andersen

I still can't forget the first time I saw Danny Kaye's face light up as he was singing "I'm Hans Christian Andersen" in the musical named after the beloved and revered Danish weaver of children's tales. I am intrigued by the position of this statue. HCA holds a book in one hand and a cane in the other, his head turned to the left and slightly raised, seemingly interrupted by something or someone. Perhaps he was tapped on the shoulder by a friend or an acquaintance who wanted to say hello. Or maybe he was interrupted by an idea for his next story, a story that would capture the hearts and minds of the young and young at heart.  

Quick travel tip: When my friend and I went to Copenhagen, we stayed at Wakeup Copenhagen. It is very close to Tivoli Park (within walking distance) and the city center. It is also near a mall with cinemas.

Norway's Midnight Sun

This picture remains to be one of my favorites. I just  recently finished editing conference proceedings about social justice and the multicultural Asia-Pacific region. While doing so, I encountered this cliche which one of the participants kept saying, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Of course I had heard it said many times before, but then I had never really thought about its true meaning. 

When I looked at this picture just a few minutes ago, the explanation suddenly dawned on me. Looking at it made me realize that I am not particularly fond of the person in this picture (who happens to be my ex-husband of almost seven years now). There is nothing exciting about the low mountains in the background, nor the shrubbery in the foreground. Yet it only took the light of the setting sun suffusing the clouds around it to make this picture greater than the sum of its parts.

In life, there should be no room for nitpicking. Ugly things can be beautiful if hit by the light of the sun in just the right spot. 

Quick Travel Tip: To see the spectacular midnight sun, visit Norway from mid-May till the end of July. 

For more information about the midnight sun, please click here.

Golden Sphere at the Vatican

This sculpture is aptly named Sphere Within a Sphere by Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro. It can be found in the Courtyard of the Pinecone at the Vatican. I took this picture when I traveled to Italy in June 2012 with my best friend Emilie. Thinking about having your own Roman holiday? Well click here to read my tips about traveling to the Eternal City.

An Angel in New Mexico

I took this picture in 2007 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This sculpture of an angel can be found in front of the Saint Francis Cathedral. I hope I will get to visit this serene city once again.

Sights to See: The Loretto Chapel where you can find the "miraculous staircase" "sometimes called St. Joseph’s Staircase. The stairway confounds architects, engineers and master craftsmen. It makes over two complete 360-degree turns, stands 20’ tall and has no center support. It rests solely on its base and against the choir loft. The risers of the 33 steps are all of the same height. Made of an apparently extinct wood species, it was constructed with only square wooden pegs without glue or nails." (Click here for source)

Of course there is the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum which opened to the public in July 1997. It is located at 217 Johnson St, Santa Fe, NM. here visitors can find over 3,000 collections of art, 1,000 of which were by O'Keeffe herself.Subjects range from the artist’s iconic flowers and bleached desert skulls to nudes, landscapes, cityscapes, still lifes, and abstractions, dating from 1901 to 1984.

Sapi Island

This picture was taken on Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It's a beautiful island with crystal clear water surrounding it. We saw millions of fish and that tells you a lot about how the people here care for the environment. I would definitely love to go back to Kota Kinabalu. The people were so friendly, and they were very much willing to show off their proficiency in Tagalog, my native language. The only thing I didn't like was that we waited for the boat that was supposed to pick us up for 45 minutes. But all in all, it was a very pleasant experience. Everything was cheap, so that was a good thing hehe. 

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Don't adjust your screen, you are not experiencing a psychedelic episode - the building's purple. This building is called the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and can be found in front of Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was designed by A.C. Norman and built in 1894-1897 to house several important government departments during the British administration. Today it houses the offices of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture of Malaysia. 

Juan Muñoz at the Guggenheim

When my sister and I went to Bilbao, Spain, we made our way to the Guggenheim museum not really knowing what to expect. What we found were these fascinating bronze figures right outside the museum, some of which had missing body parts. These are the works of Spanish sculptor Juan Muñoz who was known for sculpting works in a "narrative manner which consisted of creating smaller than life-size figures in an atmosphere of mutual interaction." Muñoz was influenced by the drama of American minimalism and the poetry of Italian Arte Povera (poor art), a modern art movement popular in Italy in from the late '60s to the early '70s. He died at the age of 48 in his summer home in Ibiza on August 28, 2001.

Bencab's Ducks

These ducks are lucky enough to call Baguio their home. Baguio, what Filipinos fondly call the summer capital of the Philippines, is a city located in the mountains of Benguet Province. The mere mention of its name evokes feelings of nostalgia in a lot of Filipinos like me, who, as a kid would make yearly trips to the City of Pines with their families, be it during the Christmas or summer holidays. 

This picture was taken by my husband with my Samsung Galaxy S4. It had been a foggy day, but my husband had insisted on taking pictures. This was one of them.

Must-visit places: Bencab Museum, Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Baguio Country Club (members only), Baguio Botanical Garden. Click here for more information about Baguio.

Must-eats: Ube jam (made of yam) from Good Shepherd Convent (15 Gibraltar Road). Garlic longganisa (local sausage) served at the Baguio Country Club Veranda, hot chocolate served at Cafe Sabel, Bencab Museum (Km. 6 Asin Road, Tadiangan, Tuba).

Beautiful Camiguin

Camiguin is a province located in the Bohol Sea 10 kilometers off the northern coast of Mindanao. The island seen here is not part of the main island of Camiguin but is part of the province. It is a tiny island with no structures apart from a makeshift tarpaulin tent. I have visited this island twice, and I look forward to visiting it for a third time. If you ever find yourself in Camiguin, don't forget to ask about this little island. 

How to get there: Fly directly from Manila to Camiguin via Cebu Pacific. If you're coming from Cagayan, take a taxi to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market to get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island. The ferry ride takes about an hour.

Where to stay: During my visits to the island I stayed at Paras Beach Resort and I must say that I was very much satisfied both times. The resort had a very relaxed ambiance, and the rooms were clean, and of a decent size.

Yosemite National Park

The Half Dome is a granite dome that can be found in Yosemite National Park in California. My family and I visited the park in 2007. It was our first trip there, and I must admit, it was wonderful to be one with nature, amidst the countless tourists that were there. The colossal granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor.

Quick Travel Tip: If you or someone traveling with you needs special assistance or a car to explore the park, you could get a special permit or pass so you can bring your car to some parts of the park which are off limits to unauthorized vehicles. Ask about the pass at the entrance gate.

Airport 101: A step-by-step guide to breezing through the Manila International Airport

Picture taken from http://www.clker.com/clipart-map-symbols-airport-white.html

Exploring places I've never been to is one of my passions in life. Nothing beats the sights, sounds, and smells of a destination never previously explored. The enchanting laughter of the locals, and their heartwarming smiles. These are the things I live for, and for this reason, I am always preparing for the next trip, whether it be domestic or international.

Like other travelers, I look forward to the exploration part of the trip - the riverboat rides, and the shopping expeditions, the walking tours, and the trying out of native specialties. The getting there, however, is not something I look forward to. 

I have what I call airport-induced acid reflux. I get anxious when I travel. Not because I'm afraid to fly, far from it. I just don't care for airports that much. And I realized, some time ago, that I was not alone in this. There are people whose stomachs churn at the sight of immigration officers. They sweat at the thought of being interrogated, and they see the Nothing to Declare sign as the finish line. 

I dedicate this blog post to everyone who experiences some form of "airport anxiety".

Manila Airport 101: Departure

1. Before you enter the airport, make sure you've got your passport and ticket ready. There will be a guard or two by the door to check them. (Remember, only passengers are allowed inside the airport.)

2. As soon as you enter the airport, your bags are scanned, and you walk through a metal detector and are frisked by airport security officers.

3. Proceed to the counter. You can check the monitors to find out the number of your counter. 

4. Queue up and wait for your turn. Give the ticket and your passport to the airline ground staff who will check you in. You leave your check-in luggage here. This is where you will get your boarding pass and the baggage claim stub. The ground staff will tell you your boarding time and gate number. But you can always check the boarding pass for this information.

5. Get an immigration form at the same counter and fill it out while waiting for the ground staff to finish checking you in. Make sure you fill in all the necessary information. Sign the card.

6. If you're a Filipino citizen, you might need to pay travel tax if you haven't already paid for it together with your ticket. If you still need to pay, the ground staff will tell you to do so, and then claim your boarding pass after you've paid the travel tax which costs Php 1600+.

7. Prepare Php550 to pay the terminal fee. This is for everyone.

8. Proceed to immigration. This shouldn't take that long. If you're a foreigner or a balikbayan, you might get asked when you entered the country. Your passport will be stamped.

9. Security checkpoint. Your bags will be scanned again.

9. After this you can relax, especially if you have time to kill. Go have coffee, or a sandwich. Check in on Foursquare or Facebook. Enjoy the free WiFi. 

10. Go to your gate. You have to be at the gate at least 45 minutes before  your flight just to make sure you're at the right gate. Remember, the gate number could change at any time. So always listen to those PA announcements. 

11. If you're traveling to the US, your bags will be scanned again before entering the gate. 

Arrival:

1. Fill out the customs and immigration forms on the plane. Your flight attendant will give these to you.

2. Upon arrival, your flight attendant will announce the number of the carousel where you can claim your baggage. 

3. Proceed to immigration. If you're a tourist, the immigration officer might ask more information regarding your trip.

4. Go to the baggage claim area.

5. Get your bag.

6. Proceed to Customs and give the customs officer the customs declaration form. If you have nothing to declare, go to the Nothing to Declare line.

7. After the Customs, a guard might ask to see the baggage claim stub before you exit the building. 

8. There will be people right outside to help you get a cab if no one's picking you up. 

I hope this post helps first-time travelers when at the Manila Airport. Remember, if you don't know where to go, you can always ask. :-)

Posted via Blogaway

How To Travel Cheap

Everyone wants to travel. Everyone wants to see the world. To ride an elephant in Thailand, or be one with nature in South Africa, or scour the countless shops and outlets in America. Some travel to eat, some travel to shop, some travel to relax, while others travel just to bombard their Facebook friends’ news feeds with pictures taken in exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

While the concept of travel is very appealing, we oftentimes find it at the bottom of our to-do list. Sure, we daydream about seeing the Eiffel Tower at least once in our lifetime, or sipping wine at a vineyard in Napa Valley, or participating in the annual Running of the Bulls fiesta (Los Sanfermines) in beautiful Pamplona. But before we could do any of these, there are many, many other things that warrant our attention so much more than travel. We have an assortment of bills to pay, children to feed, clothe, and send to school. We have extended family to support and a coffee addiction to satisfy. We also have to consider the depth of our savings. If I went on this trip, would I come back broke? Well not if you plan ahead, and plan carefully.

Just a few minutes ago, as I was checking my Facebook news feed, I saw a post from Skyscanner Philippines announcing the cheapest roundtrip airfare from Manila to Paris for the month of February. It’s Php 31,245 or USD 689.46. I immediately went to their website and checked the rates, and found out it’s even cheaper if you fly via Saudia Airlines in July. You just have to check the calendar to see the lowest rates.

A couple of days ago, I booked a flight for my husband and me on cebupacific.com. I already mentioned this in a previous blog, but I think it’s worth mentioning it again here. I saw (again on my Facebook news feed) a post from Cebu Pacific announcing their Chinese New Year sale – All domestic destinations for Php8 (plus taxes and surcharges), and Php88 (plus taxes and surcharges) for international destinations.

I have always wanted to go to Japan but have steered clear of one of the most expensive countries in the world, thinking “Okay, if I actually get there, then what? Starve to death?”. Everyone who hasn’t been to Japan (like me) has this idea that Japan is not within reach of ordinary people; that you would have to pay Php500 for corn on the cob, and maybe more for diet soda. But when the opportunity to actually go there presented itself, I grabbed it, thinking I could just save some more later so I would have spending money, without touching my savings.

While on the website, it didn’t take me long to find the promo fare. I chose the dates May 19 to 23, and voila! The promo fare is still available on those dates. I immediately booked two tickets with one eye closed, already wondering what my husband would say once he woke up. I had been super “makulit” about going to Japan – (makulit means a lot of things but I guess in this case it means annoyingly persistent). Thank God my husband is a very patient man.

The total fare for the two of us (and this includes all the taxes and surcharges) is Php14,480.26. That’s only USD320. But securing the tickets was only the first step. I still had to find a cheap hotel for our four-day stay. So, I went onto booking.com, a very trusted website, and looked for a room in a decent hotel, near a metro stop, a supermarket, and restaurants. Shopping is not really a priority.

I immediately found hotels that fit our needs and budget. It was a bit tricky, though, since Japanese hotels have all sorts of rooms for two adults. There’s the small double, Western and Japanese styles, and the regular double, also Western and Japanese styles. I wanted to get a twin room (meaning with two beds, as opposed to the double room which has one big bed for two), with a private bathroom. (Always check if the hotel room has a private bathroom. I know for some people shared bathrooms are okay, and I am fine with that. But if you prefer your own private bathroom, then be sure to check the room description on the booking website.)

I clicked on a Hotel named Hotel Claiton Shin-Osaka and read the reviews. It is near a metro station, a train station, a supermarket, a convenience store, and restaurants. (I will definitely write a review of the hotel once I get back.) I checked the availability and thanked my heavenly stars that a few twin rooms had not been booked. The price definitely was within our budget. The total amount for our four-night stay is Y24,000 or Php10,627.82 or USD234.55. That would be hard to beat.

PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2014

Yesterday, my mom, her friend, and I went to the PTAA Travel Tour Expo at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex. There was a long queue of  people waiting to get in when we got there. Good thing someone told us that there was a special entrance for senior citizens, so we didn't have to wait in line.

The energy was high inside the halls, as people went from booth to booth, looking for the cheapest airfares and package tours.

We didn't book anything because we're not really into package tours. My mom and I prefer to do everything ourselves. Nothing beats searching the net for promo fares and cheap hotel rooms.

It was with a heavy heart, though, that I didn't walk away with a couple of Philippine Arline tickets to London. They were only just over USD500 per pax. I've always wanted to go to England, first, to visit my husband's family, and second, just to see the country. But we're going to Guam on Monday and to Osaka in May. England will just have to wait. Maybe next year.

I will leave you with some pictures from day 1 of the travel expo.

A cute luggage mascot

People who can't wait for the next long weekend or the summer break

Cosplayers posing and handing out flyers

More cosplayers

Tapsilog - what I had for lunch. Yummy!

You want cheap airfare?

To all travel aficionados, if you happen to be in Manila from February 14 to16, check out the PTAA Travel Tour Expo 2014. It will be held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines. Doors open at 10 am.

I can't wait to check it out.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/TravelTour-Expo/292342770208

How To Travel Cheap

Everyone wants to travel. Everyone wants to see the world. To ride an elephant in Thailand, or be one with nature in South Africa, or scour the countless shops and outlets in America. Some travel to eat, some travel to shop, some travel to relax, while others travel just to bombard their Facebook friends' news feeds with pictures taken in exotic and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

While the concept of travel is very appealing, we oftentimes find it at the bottom of our to-do list. Sure, we daydream about seeing the Eiffel Tower at least once in our lifetime, or sipping wine at a vineyard in Napa Valley, or participating in the annual Running of the Bulls fiesta (Los Sanfermines) in beautiful Pamplona. But before we could do any of these, there are many, many other things that warrant our attention so much more than travel. We have an assortment of bills to pay, children to feed, clothe, and send to school. We have extended family to support and a coffee addiction to satisfy. We also have to consider the depth of our savings. If I went on this trip, would I come back broke? Well not if you plan ahead, and plan carefully.

Just a few minutes ago, as I was checking my Facebook news feed, I saw a post from Skyscanner Philippines announcing the cheapest roundtrip airfare from Manila to Paris for the month of February. It's Php 31,245 or USD 689.46. I immediately went to their website and checked the rates, and found out it's even cheaper if you fly via Saudia Airlines in July. You just have to check the calendar to see the lowest rates.

A couple of days ago, I booked a flight for my husband and me on cebupacific.com. I already mentioned this in a previous blog, but I think it's worth mentioning it again here. I saw (again on my Facebook news feed) a post from Cebu Pacific announcing their Chinese New Year sale - All domestic destinations for Php8 (plus taxes and surcharges), and Php88 (plus taxes and surcharges) for international destinations.

I have always wanted to go to Japan but have steered clear of one of the most expensive countries in the world, thinking "Okay, if I actually get there, then what? Starve to death?". Everyone who hasn't been to Japan (like me) has this idea that Japan is not within reach of ordinary people; that you would have to pay Php500 for corn on the cob, and maybe more for diet soda. But when the opportunity to actually go there presented itself, I grabbed it, thinking I could just save some more later so I would have spending money, without touching my savings.

While on the website, it didn't take me long to find the promo fare. I chose the dates May 19 to 23, and voila! The promo fare is still available on those dates. I immediately booked two tickets with one eye closed, already wondering what my husband would say once he woke up. I had been super "makulit" about going to Japan - (makulit means a lot of things but I guess in this case it means annoyingly persistent). Thank God my husband is a very patient man.

The total fare for the two of us (and this includes all the taxes and surcharges) is Php14,480.26. That's only USD320. But securing the tickets was only the first step. I still had to find a cheap hotel for our four-day stay. So, I went onto booking.com, a very trusted website, and looked for a room in a decent hotel, near a metro stop, a supermarket, and restaurants. Shopping is not really a priority.

I immediately found hotels that fit our needs and budget. It was a bit tricky, though, since Japanese hotels have all sorts of rooms for two adults. There's the small double, Western and Japanese styles, and the regular double, also Western and Japanese styles. I wanted to get a twin room (meaning with two beds, as opposed to the double room which has one big bed for two), with a private bathroom. (Always check if the hotel room has a private bathroom. I know for some people shared bathrooms are okay, and I am fine with that. But if you prefer your own private bathroom, then be sure to check the room description on the booking website.)

I clicked on a Hotel named Hotel Claiton Shin-Osaka and read the reviews. It is near a metro station, a train station, a supermarket, a convenience store, and restaurants. (I will definitely write a review of the hotel once I get back.) I checked the availability and thanked my heavenly stars that a few twin rooms had not been booked. The price definitely was within our budget. The total amount for our four-night stay is Y24,000 or Php10,627.82 or USD234.55. That would be hard to beat.

Of course, I'm going to have to stop checking budget airline websites for a while after this trip. My husband and I will need time to recuperate, especially since the family is planning to spend Christmas in Las Vegas. But my advice to people who really want to travel but can't seem to afford it is this:

1. Check out budget airline websites. Subscribe to them. There's a better chance of you getting wind of the promo fares if you receive regular emails from them, because how often do you go to individual websites, as opposed to how often you check your email?

2. Subscribe to skyscanner.com.ph or similar websites. It is easier to compare prices with websites like Skyscanner because it lists all the airfares from the cheapest to the priciest. You can also download their app so you can check airfares even when you're on the go.

3. Subscribe to booking.com or similar websites, but I prefer booking.com because it is free, there are no hidden charges, and they are very flexible when it comes to changing or cancelling your booking.

4. I prefer to use my ATM and withdraw local currency than to bring, let's say, US dollars and exchange it for the local currency. I just feel like it is cheaper to pay the fixed bank charges when you use your ATM, than to pay these money changers. A friend of mine lost thousands of pesos when she changed her money in Venice. She hadn't realized that the money changer would get a percentage of the money. Of course using the credit card, some say, is still the best and cheapest way to pay, if you take into account the currency conversion and ATM bank charges. But if you don't want to be surprised with exorbitant credit card bills, then maybe cash is the way to go. BUT bring a couple of hundred US dollars (or Euro or Pound) just in case you don't find an ATM right away.

5. If you still don't have a credit card, get one. I know some people abhor the sight of these dangerous, rectangular plastic tempters, but to be able to avail of these budget air fares and cheap hotel rates, you would need a credit card. You can still pay in cash once you get to the hotel, like what my husband and I did when we stayed at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Thailand in 2011 for our first wedding anniversary. But having a credit card is a must. When I was traveling in the US, I found that some motels would not accommodate you if you didn't have a credit card. Even if you pay in cash, they still need a credit card for their own security. Just in case you trash the hotel room or something.

6. No trip is complete without doing some shopping. Whether you buy small souvenir items or a piece of jewelry, or a variety of local delicacies and products, make sure you make every purchase count. Don't buy things you know you'll find anywhere else. When my friend and I went to Korea two weeks ago, we bought some souvenirs at Insadong, some local chocolates and tea that we knew we wouldn't find in the Philippines and Singapore. Of course, it is YOUR money, and you may do with it as you please. Always set some aside to treat yourself, be it with food, an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience (sky diving, river rafting), or a luxurious spa treatment. Personally, I'd rather see sights, eat at a decent restaurant (nothing fancy), and take hundreds of pictures.

Traveling does not have to break the bank. With a little bit of planning, strategy, and luck, we can all see the world for a much lower cost. Hope this blog entry inspires you to travel!

Why I Will NEVER EVER Use Agoda Again

My mother is set to attend a convention in Tagbilaran, Bohol in April so she asked me to book rooms for her and her friends right away as Bohol is a popular destination for domestic and foreign travelers around this time.

So I went to booking.com right away as it is my go-to booking website since it's proven itself reliable for years- no fees, and no fine print B.S. The only problem with it is that it doesn't feature as many hotels as, say, agoda.com.

So I went onto Agoda since my mom wanted me to book a room at Metrocentre Hotel, a hotel I didn't find on booking.com, because of the location. I booked 3 double rooms for her and her friends. It clearly stated that i could "book now and pay nothing until April 15, 2014". So I did, and lo and behold, a few minutes after booking, my mom received a text message from Standard Chartered saying the amount of P19,874.69 ($429) was billed to her account.




Naturally, this infuriated me and my mom, not because she never intended to pay, but because of Agoda's blatant dishonesty. Also, my mom was not even sure if her friends could actually go with her. We booked the rooms, thinking we wouldn't be charged if we were to cancel the booking.

She immediately called Standard Chartered to cancel the transaction. It turns out it's not that easy to do it over the phone. My mom ended up cancelling her credit card altogether. I also cancelled the hotel booking, after making sure that my mom would not be charged a dime.

From now on I will just stick with booking.com. i have never had a problem with them, and I always manage to find great deals on their website.

Question- What does "book now and pay nothing until April 15, 2014" mean to you, Agoda people?

Beach Fun and So Much More on Balesin Island

Balesin is an exclusive island in Lamon Bay, Quezon Province. My husband and I were fortunate enough to be invited by our friends Jojo and Carina  to go with them when their family vacationed there in October 2013. It was a couple of days after my written comprehensive exam so I was really excited at the thought of relaxing in our villa by the beach. I thought I'd share some of the photos here with you.

View from our villa (Balesin). It felt like we had the island all to ourselves.

Inside the villa where my husband and I stayed with Renee and Keanna, my friend Joy's lovely daughters. I'm missing the CBTL single serve coffee maker!

Shameless selfie inside this luxurious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers.

Massage, anyone?

So serene

Wood carving: horses. Taken while on a tour of the island.

Back in the saddle again ;-)

What's your poison? Taken at Taverna Thanassis, Mykonos, Balesin. Loving the blue and white.

My hubby and cute KC, my goddaughter

Tasty lunch at Sakura Japanese Restaurant

Afternoon swimming near our villa

Chika time with my good friends Joy, Carina and Jojo

Beautiful Balesin Sunset

Who needs an iPad when you have this?

No one else but us :-)

Yummy chicken gyros

The name of this dish escapes me now, but it might be the mincemeat baklava. Not sure, though.

One of the highlights of my stay on Balesin was exploring the island on a bicycle.

Dinner at L'Escale, St. Tropez, Balesin

Bye bye, Balesin.

How we got there: We rode a small plane from the Alphaland hangar in Pasay to Balesin. (Round trip ticket costs Php7,000 (USD156) per person.

Villa rate: The luxurious villa we stayed in is in the area called Balesin and at the time cost Php10,000 (USD224). But I heard the rates increased soon after that. The island is divided into different areas, Mykonos, Bali, Phuket, St. Tropez, Costa del Sol, and Toscana. So if you feel like eating Greek food, then just go to Mykonos, where you can find Thanassis Taverna. They serve superb Greek food there.

Food prices: Food prices were reasonable enough. But do bring snacks because they tend to charge too much for a bar of chocolate or a bag of chips. ;-)

My favorite restaurants: L'Escale and Thanassis Taverna

Must-try: Pizza with onion and anchovies at L'Escale and mincemeat baklava at Thananis Taverna

Favorite activity: Exploring the island on a bicycle

Activities: There are a lot of free activities like basketball, tennis, gym, table tennis, rock climbing, swimming, badminton, biking etc. There are also paid activities like archery, horseback riding, Segway.

Total cost of this trip for me and my husband: Php42,000 or USD 942.56. This includes everything from the airfare to our share of the villa (which was half) to sports activities, food, drinks, etc.