With the world opening back up, it might be time for you to start travel planning again (albeit safely). The Philippines is a foodie’s paradise and a cross-cultural wonderland, with rich cultural heritage and history and extremely friendly locals. There are large, global cities and small villages to explore...and SO MUCH to do.

 

 

Whether it’s what to bring, when to go, how to get around (we recommend that you rent a car in the Philippines for easy access), what do to, and more, being prepared is always one of my mottos.

 

 

 

 

Make sure that your passport doesn’t expire while you’re there! For US citizens, no tourist visa is required for stays under 30 days. 

 

 

Keeping up with the ever-changing rules around COVID and travel can be exhausting. The first thing to know as of today is that all visitors must be vaccinated.

 

 

Weather is key here, so do your research. Often, visiting in the winter months (for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere) offers a respite from the cold weather at home. December-February are the coldest months in the Philippines; if you want to swim (raises hand!), think about visiting from March-May. 

 

 

 

Pack lightly is always a good motto; it’s also important here. You will find most things you need in stores in the Philippines, but there are also certain things to bring from home:

 

• Credit/debit cards

• Cash

• Medications

• A cell phone where you can switch out the SIM card

• An international plug adaptor

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Bug sprays that work for you

• Hand sanitizer

• Scent-free toiletries and personal hygiene items (especially tampons), if you need them

• A dry bag (it rains often in the Philippines, and for sure you’ll be by the water a lot!)

• A sense of curiosity and wonder

 

 

This is a tropical climate, so pack the following:

 

• Light clothing (especially true if you are tall or a larger size, as it may be hard to find on location)

• Plenty of layers

• Also bring a more formal outfit, just in case

 

 

 

In the Philippines, you can take: airplanes, ferries, taxis, motorbikes, trains, buses…be aware that weather can impact travel plans and schedules. You can also rent a car or motorbike, to be more self-sufficient. Be sure to study up the rules of the road!

 

In the Philippines, driving takes place on the left hand side of the road. Think in your mind left to left when turning. It’s a phrase I constantly repeat to myself when I’m driving in a country that flows the opposite of what I’m used to.

 

 

 

Whatever form of lodging you prefer, book ahead, especially during busy seasons or festivals. There is a plethora of accommodation options in the Philippines, of course. You might prefer a hotel, glamping, a hostel, unique lodging (tents!), cottages, and home or apartment rentals (this is especially useful if you are renting a car during your stay, as they often come with free parking).

 

 

 

The good news for all of us is that the Philippines is a food powerhouse!! There are so many different types of cuisines represented here—over 100 different Filipino ethnolinguistic groups have their own cuisines represented,  as well as many global ones—and the joy of eating goes on all day. 

 

It is advisable to not drink tap water here, so be prepared to use bottled or filtered water, as we do so often when traveling.

 

 

 

While English is one of two official languages in the Philippines, as with any traveling you do, learning a few phrases in the local language (Filipino/Tagalog is the other official language) will be both respectful and kind. Learn the basics: please, thank you, etc.

 

 

 

The Philippines is an outdoor lover’s paradise!

 

You can sail, scuba dive, surf, explore national parks, sit on a beach, visit waterfalls, swim in a crystal clear lagoon, hike the Chocolate Hills, go caving, kayak, do whitewater rafting, go fishing, check out local wildlife, take a river cruise, go whale/dolphin watching, stargaze, birdwatch…well, the list is probably as long as Philippines’  7,000+ islands!

 

 

 

 

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Philippines, we can highly recommend it. In fact, we published a book on it! 

 

Have you been? What were your favorite things to do in the Philippines?