Travel thoughts: What can 2000 Pesos Can Get You?

The cost of living in the Philippines is no longer cheap as the price of the goods and services shoot up as years go by.  The value of the basic commodities such as food, housing, clothing, and transportation are sky-rocketing each day and it’s beginning to take toll in every simple Juan.

            Back in the 1980’s, a hundred peso bill can get you a lot of stuff to buy. It can already provide decent meals to a family of 5 for the whole day.  One can watch a movie with his/her partner and still has spare cash to buy snacks for both.  100 pesos can take you to a lot of places by then.  Having a thousand however means more goods, more places to visit, and memories to cherish either alone, or with your family and loved ones.  On the other hand, having two thousand at-hands is already a fortune back then. Branded clothes and stuff are easily within reach with that budget.  It was more than enough to finance a get-away to a nearby tourist spot or destination.  Budget Travel isn’t somehow a necessity for almost everything back then is affordable and accessible to everyone.  

            Nonetheless, it was 3 decades ago.  A lot has changed by now. Nothing seems to fit the tight budget nowadays.  Your hundred peso bill is just enough to get an ordinary meal for yourself, much less a meal for a family of five! This amount can no longer take you to your favorite spot without throwing in some extra cash for the taxi ride’s cost is really ridiculous! But you can always take a public ride instead; this way you can also enjoy the sceneries.

            For a budget travel with only 2000 pesos on hand, this is just enough to give you a room for an overnight stay in a cheap but decent hotel.  If you are just resourceful and keen to look for hotels offering promos and packaging in your destination, then your 2000 can be stretched for another day or two. It all depends however where you want to go.  Don’t expect that your 2000 pesos can already take you to Palawan, or Cebu, much more Boracay! Instead, find a nearby tourist destination where you can take a relaxing vacation, not in the expense of your savings.  A road trip with couple of friends and visiting neighboring towns or places would be perfect if your budget is only 2000 pesos.      A trip to the beach with your family or friends is also a smart way to spend your 2000 pesos if you want to get away from the hustles and bustles of city life. Bringing home-cooked meals will save you some bucks instead of buying from the resorts.  Food costs in resorts tend to be unreasonable usually.

            If you are just prudent and wise enough on where to spend your 2000 pesos, then you can still have that get-away you really want. 

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.