But first of all, let me tell you something about
Philippines, and some of the countless reasons why you’re going to miss half of
your life if you haven’t step a foot in this Island.
Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands, Now that’s a
lot of island hopping! You can travel around Philippines through land, water
& air. The Big cities have airports which could accommodate travelers
especially those who gets sea sick easily. But for those who loves to travel
and enjoy the sceneries, they can hop in a transit bus or drive their own
vehicles to cross the Islands. Don’t worry, because they have bridges &
cemented roads already. A few rocky roads left but I know that won’t scare you.
This country speaks a lot of Dialects, and I mean different kinds of dialects. If you don’t know any of these dialects, it’s okay because all Filipinos know how to speak English unlike other Asian countries. And that’s why you won’t get lost in translation. They’re all hospitable especially to foreigners. If you ask them directions, they will not just point it out to you but will also accompany you to go there if they have the time.
Friendly Filipinos and Filipinas are everywhere in
these islands, even for just a week of stay, you could gather a dozen friends
already! Isn’t that great? They are so friendly that if you needed drinking
buddies they’re there, if you had any problems like lost your passport they
will still be there and help you get through. Either you’re foreigner or not,
they’re friends to trust and will help you. You just need to know who to trust.
When you go to the Philippines, you go there to bask in the Sun on a white sand beach, drink and be merry with friendly Filipinos, party until sun down or until sunrise, have fun but just remember to be responsible and respect the conservative culture of what Philippines have.
Traveling to the Philippines can be one of the most self-rewarding vacations you can take this year. Whether it is by yourself or a friend or significant other, the getaway of your dreams may be tucked away in the thousands of islands that make up this pacific gem. While my travels were limited to myself and a significant other, traveling there alone may be just the ticket you’re after. I could bless the Philippines with songs of praise about its tasty foods, rich diversity, and complete affordability as far as a vacation hotspot should go; I must also address and immediately dispel any and all rumors about travelling there either alone or in a group.
The Philippines, like most south Asian countries, has a HUGE and insanely profitable sex tourism industry. An assumption made of most foreigners traveling to the Philippines is that they are there to soak up a piece of that industry. Whatever your intentions, don’t let me belay you. If it is earthly pleasures you’re after you can jump ship at Manila and never step a foot farther. If, however, you’re seeking more than just the fruit of the flesh, take a tip from me and spend exactly one day in the tourist district of Manila. Two days at most but no longer than you need to be. While Manila is a HUGE and wonderful sprawling metropolis of diversion and food, you must (imperative stressed) get out of the city and move to the areas in the countryside which offer more fun with different activities at much cheaper rates.
First let’s start with what to do once you’re in Manila proper. The one day you’re spending there will be setting up roots. If you haven’t done so already, find a money changer. The changers in the downtown area are plenty and easily found. Finding one that can be trusted shouldn’t be too daunting a task. Do not under any circumstances change money with a street changer. Always do business at a location that is set up in a store. While I can’t vouch for reputation I can with experience say to trust the stores that appear to have been there the longest. You will NEVER get the ideal rate and if you are a traveling American, this will count doubly so. Almost always you’ll find that money changers are slicing an even 10-15% off of the actual live mid-market rates. This is okay, since you’ll be out exactly enough money to buy a coca-cola if you do it right. If you can do it economically I recommend trading in Euros. At the time of writing Euros are gaining value and will net the most for your change.
Once your money is changed, take care of any special needs. If you aren’t carrying these things already stop and pick up some as you leave, one bottle of your preferred pain killer, one bottle of high spf (50 or more) sun screen, one set of replacement blades for your shaving razor (or buy a pack of the cheapest there), a full tube of tooth paste, a replacement toothbrush, and a full can of shaving cream. Bring your own shampoo. While you may be using the world’s cheapest shampoo, your scalp may not be ready for you to change your formula.
Changing water conditions as well will wreak havoc on your scalp and may lead to drying and flaking. The least you can do for yourself is use the shampoo you’ve been using for the longest and try to keep the drying to a minimum. 2-in-1 and medicated shampoos are the best for this sort of travel.
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