How to Cut Travel Costs - A Travel Guide

Traveling is always an exciting idea to think about. For many people, it’s even more exciting to plan their itinerary out. But the one thing that almost always dampens the enjoyment of it all is the cost. So, without further adieu, here are some ways on how to cut travel costs.

 Travel during off-season. Prices are almost always slashed to almost half the price they are on peak-seasons, so you might want to aim for traveling during off-seasons. This way you can also avoid big crowds. Another way on how to cut travel costs is to plan ahead. Book your flights a year ahead. Sure, your relatives or friends might think your nuts, but that’s one way you can get early-bird discounts.  

Buying a vacation package is another way on how to cut travel costs. You can save up to 30% doing this rather than buying each part of your trip separately.Subscribing to free e-mail newsletters. That way you can save time and money on airfare, hotel rooms, vacation packages and more. Now, as for ground travel, consider taking the subway or the shuttles most major airports provide. These will cost you less than taking a taxi. You may also want to consider buying a multi-day subway pass if you plan on making several stops while you visit. You’ll save a lot by doing this rather than just buying a pass that’s only valid for a day.

Shopping is something you will definitely do once you reach your destination. But instead of going to flashy shopping venues, visit small neighborhood markets. The artistic tapestries and other things will cost you less. Plus, you’ll be supporting the local business and have more of an authentic shopping experience. If you need to convert money, do it at a local bank for best rates. Sure, ATM’s allied with major international banks are great, but be cautious of foreign ATMs. You may not be charged a conversion rate, but you might be charged heavily by your bank. Learn your bank’s polices before you leave. When shopping, you should pay with a credit card if you can. You’ll get the lowest possible exchange rate, and you’ll be protected from unauthorized charges. If you are in a major city and your food budget is kind of tight, be economical with dinner. You can get a big burger at a deli or assemble an inexpensive meal from groceries. If you want to try the local specialties, splurge on desserts. Your overall bill will be less than the cost of dinner without dessert at a expensive restaurant.

 Now that you’re armed with the knowledge on how to save up when planning how to travel, maybe the load won’t be so heavy when you plan your next outing.

Travel Packages - Boracay

Boracay is known around the globe for its powder-soft white sand and clear waters. It is the premiere tourist spot located at the tip of Panay, Western Visayas, Philippines frequented by more than half a million people every year. The tropical weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities during the day and bar-hopping after sun down.

A variety of outdoor sports and relaxing sessions await visitors in Boracay. Parasailing (2,300 php per person minimum of 2), jet skiing (2,500 php for 1 hour), kite boarding (50 eur per person for 2 hours) are amongst the challenges for the thrill-seekers. Scuba-diving (3,000 php per person), helicopter touring (3,500 php per person minimum of 2) and kayak island hopping cater to the nature adventurers. And for those who seek alone time there are masseuses available in just about any beach front on the island. It doesn’t stop there, a mountain of endeavors are waiting to be tackled. Luxury sailing (3,500 php per person minimum of 4), mountain bike cruising (2,300 php for 1 person), horse-back riding (800 php per person), motor bike touring (1,200 php for 1 hour), go kart racing (1,070 php per person) and so much more are in store.  One can contact any resort for travel packages and book what is most suitable.

As the sun sets and stars arrive, Boracay’s beach front transforms into a row of candle light and torches. Almost every restaurant will have a band playing as the night goes on. Starry Starry Night is a favorite among the acoustic performers. Cocomangas, Hey Jude, and Sand Bar are among the notable destinations for the nocturnal visitors looking for a good time. The beach becomes the dance floor and every individual unleashes their inner Michael Jackson with drinks at hand. A perfect snack to end the night can be found being cooked on make-shift grills, the night’s chori burger. It is simply grilled chorizo in a hot bun with a choice of spicy or sweet sauce usually cooked at night time.

Booking a place is relatively easy during off-peak season (June to August). Inns make the perfect stay for backpackers and students. It is best to get travel packages a few months early for a comfortable stay during the peak season (December to April). With a beach front spot, the Boracay Regency is surely a luxury stay. Airport transfers and rooms’ with the beach view can be arranged. The hotel swimming pool is at one’s convenience. The Sea Breeze Café, Christina’s and Mesa are a few of its savory arsenal. Finally the fitness center is available for hotel guests who want to burn extra energy during their stay. Exercise, eat and sleep is a common cycle while enjoying one of nature’s best beach.

Boracay is the perfect getaway for the whole family. From extreme sports to a relaxing cruise, there is about every activity for the old, young, and young at heart. The night life is bustling with locals and tourists alike. It is never a quiet night for drinks and fun. Rooms for rent and hotels are easy to book depending on the season and early preparations.

Baguio Hotel List

The Philippines is a tropical country with only two seasons, the wet and dry. Filipinos love to get away from the heat during the summer and one of the best destinations is Baguio City. It is located in the province of Benguet and is the center of business and commerce in the whole Northern Luzon. Known for its cool weather and recreational outdoor spots, Baguio has become a premiere tourist destination for locals and foreigners. It is pretty easy to get around and look for a place to stay Baguio city, but a travel guide to hotels would make it more efficient.

The Pines View Hotel combines the charm of a wood cabin and a seaside pebbled hut. This first class hotel sits atop the Legarda road. It boasts of having the best view of the city in all directions. The 58 rooms in the hotel come complete with hot/cold water baths, cable television, and 24 hour room service. For those longing for the breathtaking view, some rooms have their own balconies and verandas. Room rates start at 1,600 php for 2 people. They also cater to business meetings, family gatherings and other social occasions.  Pines View Hotel is also a few minutes away from clubs and bars.

For those  who want to stay at the heart of the city and close to the markets, parks and pretty much everything, then Baguio Burnham Suites is the choice. It is located adjacent to Burnham park and is at the center of the city. The 40-room hotel comes with laundry service, room service, coffee shop, bar and restaurant. All rooms are inclusive of daily newspaper, cable television, DVD player, and wireless internet access. With its ideal locations, visiting Wright Park, Burnham Park, Mines View, Camp John Hay,Lourdes Grotto and SM Baguio will be a walk in the park. A standard studio room for single occupancy starts at around 4,000 php. The convenience lies in its location.

For groups looking for a decent hotel with a decent price, Microtel Baguio will keep everyone happy. It offers a meeting room that accommodates up to 60 people, wireless internet connection at the lobby, free flowing coffee in the lobby, a vending machine, ample parking for guests, photocopy, mailing and fax services. All rooms come with complimentary breakfast, cable television, full size bathrooms with hot and cold water and baby cribs upon request. A room for two people start at around 3,000 php. Group deals are offered and and be further inquired by calling Microtel Baguio.

A travel guide to Baguio simplifies planning and inquiry. Be sure to read up and make some calls to further find your needs.

Bus Line List and Destination - Crazy useful

Manila has no central bus system and relies on set routes run by buses from different bus companies. These buses usually operate through main roads and highways like North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Ayala Avenue, Taft Avenue, Alabang-Zapote Road, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Many of these buses operate within Manila and travel as far as Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao provinces.

One of the main bus lines well-known in Manila is Baliwag Transit. This bus line services most of Manila as well as Central and Northern Luzon. Baliwag Transit has passenger terminals located in Cubao, Divisoria, and Caloocan. Travel destinations on this bus line include Cubao; Caloocan; Baliwag, Hagonoy and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan; Guagua, Pampanga; Cabanatuan City and San Jose City in Nueva Ecija; Jones and Santiago City in Isabela; Solano, Nueva Vizcaya; Tarlac; and, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. 

Victory Liner is another major bus company which also offers charter services aside from the usual commute. This bus line has passenger terminals located within Metro Manila as well as provincial locations. Metro Manila terminals are located in Pasay, Cubao, Caloocan, Kamias, and Manila. Some of the twelve provincial locations include Baguio, Dagupan, Tuguegarao, Olongapo, and Iba, Zambales. Victory Liner’s charter bus service is available for reservation. Group travel packages to Victory Liner’s destinations are also one of this bus company’s services.

Philtranco bus line operates throughout the Philippines and also specializes in cargo delivery to local destinations aside from their charter services and travel packages. They have non-airconditioned, airconditioned, and executive buses available for reservation. Bus destinations include Manila, Daet, Naga, Davao, Cagayan, Iloilo, and Sorsogon.
   
Some bus companies operate in specific provinces like Ilocos. RCJ Bus Lines has a passenger terminal in Sampaloc, Manila and travels to all Ilocos Norte provinces. Viron Transit buses used to service only Ilocos Sur but has now expanded their bus lines. Destinations of Viron Transit buses include Cubao and Sampaloc in Metro Manila; Bangued, Abra; Lingayen, Manaoag, San Nicolas, Tayug, Asingan, San Carlos City, Umingan, and Pozzorubio in Pangasinan; Narvacan and Vigan City in Ilocos Sur; San Fernando City, La Union; and, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

Known among its Bicolano patrons, Peñafrancia Tours & Travel Transport operates throughout most of Luzon. Most of their trips include travel to and from Manila and Bicol. Destinations on this bus line include Legaspi City, Daraga, Ligao City, Polangui, Nabua, Lagonoy, Goa, Pili, Naga City, Tigaon, Calabanga, Libmanan, and the Camsur Watersports Complex. 

Even without a central bus system, getting around by bus in the Philippines is viable since most major bus companies have integrated transport systems.