If you’ve decided to take the plunge and make a trip to the Philippines for the first time, there are a few tips that might make your trip more enjoyable. Traveling to any unfamiliar country can seem to be a daunting challenge, but with a little preparation, you can have a memorable trip. If you’re planning to meet a special lady there, you’ll be more relaxed if you feel comfortable and you know what to expect.
Travel Tip 1 – The Weather
In the Philippines, it’s hot, and often very hot. There are really two seasons. I call them hot and wet but slightly less hot, but technically they are the rainy and the dry season. There is a period of time they call summer, but that is a holdover from American influence and is used mostly to mark the time when students aren’t in school. The rainy season is from June to November, and the dry season is from December to May. December to February is the coolest period, but there’s only a difference of a few degrees from the rest of the year, so anytime you travel, it’s going to feel about the same. You’ll probably be out and about during your trip, so wear the right clothes. Wearing shorts is common, but if you’re going to any government offices, be aware that many require you to wear trousers. Try to wear clothes made of synthetic fibers. Many locals wear polyester, which can be itchy, but I find nylon is a good choice. These fabrics will keep you cool and dry quickly when you sweat. Hot weather clothes for various occasions can be found at many sports, camping, or golfing stores.
Travel Tip 2 – Dining In
In almost every major city, you can find food delivery services. If you’re in a hotel that doesn’t have room service, or if it just doesn’t look appealing, you may have to look elsewhere for dinner. That may not be a good idea if you’re not in a nice neighborhood and it’s after dark. But it’s not hard to get food delivered to you. Most cities will have a McDonald’s or KFC, or at the very least a Jollibee that delivers. Unfortunately, many local branded fast food places don’t deliver except in Manila, but your hotel might be able to give you the number of a local restaurant that delivers if you’re not in the mood for fast food.
Travel Tip 3 – Fiesta!
Even if you’re going to the Philippines to meet your special lady, there’s no reason to miss one of the Philippines best-loved diversion. As a devoutly Catholic country, every town has its own patron said, and every year the town will celebrate the saint’s feast day with a festival. Add to this the town’s founders’ day and other civic festivals, and you’ve got plenty of opportunities to see the Philippines at its colorful best. In many cities, the locals open their homes and serve their favorite delicacies. And there are always lots of other fun activities in town. At the heart of the celebration will be a big parade through town. Bring your best camera and take as many pictures as you can of the dancers and performers as they make their way down the street. Even if the romance part of your trip doesn’t go well, you’ll have enough great memories of your trip that you’ll be itching to go back.
