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International Destinations for Your Bucket List This 2019: Pinoy Edition

Guys, it’s 2019! You know what that means…it’s time to realize those travel goals you’ve been procrastinating on since 2018. We’ve rounded up some of the top destinations Filipinos have placed on their bucket lists, with additional rough estimates of the cost per night. So read up, pick your fave, and book that trip!

Philippine Holidays 2019: Cheat Sheet

Before we begin, keep in mind the official list of Philippine national holidays, so you can plan out those VLs wayyy ahead of time and beat out the rest in booking cheap flight prices.

1. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the first choice for many Filipinos traveling internationally for the first time. It’s no surprise, given its flexibility as a family-friendly destination, shopping mecca, or even as a cool hiking jumpoff point. Bringing the kids? Theme parks such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park have given Filipino families a big reason to go. Meanwhile, cha chaan tengs, night markets, and premium outlet stores will keep the foodies and fashionistas coming back for more. 

  • Budget per night: check out KKday’s Hong Kong budget breakdown here

2. Beijing, China

The ‘Great Wall‘ may be local slang for the forbidden romance between a Chinese-Filipino person and their local partner, but the real deal is way more dramatic. Climb it, walk along it, and take a postcard-worthy selfie along restored sections of this UNESCO-listed sight. There are also historic attractions unlike any other in the world: Tiananmen Square and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Don’t forget the Forbidden Palace, where Disney’s Mulan saved the Emperor and defeated the Huns! Think you know all these to know about Chinese dumplings based on your food adventures in Manila? Similar to xiao long bao, but fluffier and without the broth, sample baozi (steamed buns) for a taste of authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.

  • Budget per night: Php3,000

3. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is another famous family-friendly destination a lot of Pinoys would love to visit—with or without blood relatives living there. As UAE’s largest city and business hub, its prominence can be observed just by looking at its towering landmark! Marvel as the sun sets over the middle east at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. Inside, savor a strong brew of Arabic coffee in cafes and view an Atlantis-inspired underwater world at The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

Itching to adventure outdoors? Must-try activities include the Desert Safari on a 4×4. Dare yourself to try sand duning, sandboarding, or even just riding a camel!

  • Budget per night: Php7,000  

4. Paris, France

Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

Ahhh, La Paris! So, it’s definitely not the cheapest option on this list, but we had to place it here. Going to the City of Light is a dream come true for most Pinoys. Included as part of an all-out Eurotrip, this dream vacation typically involves many years of saving up and strategic planning (cheapest airfare, most affordable rooms etc).

Cliche but quintessential, the top things to do include enjoying a romantic cruise along the River Seine, visiting the Louvre (and the OG Mona Lisa), tasting Parisian wine and cheese, and of course, a visit to the world-famous Eiffel Tower!

  • Budget per night: Php5,000

5. Seoul, South Korea

The Hallyu or Korean Wave has taking the world by storm, and the Philippines is no exception to fangirling all over BTS. Whether it be watching Goblin or Descendants of the Sun, practicing Big Bang and Girls Generation moves, or becoming part of the ‘Army’, chances are, you know someone who’s addicted. Or is it you? We won’t judge. *finger hearts*

Every K-fan dreams of the day they can finally visit Seoul and possibly bump into their ‘bias’! Aside from that, shopping in Myeongdong for skincare and makeup, trying out all the trends in Gangnam, and visiting iconic sights like Nami Island are also ideal to tick off your bucket list!

  • Budget per night: we estimated roughly around Php3,000 – Php4,000 (including accommodation, food, and admission)

6. Tokyo, Japan

Not into K-pop as much as you are into Japanese culture? The Land of the Rising Sun and its capital still remain the top destination for tourists in Asia, long before local indie film ‘Kita Kita‘ wormed its way into everyone’s hearts. Aside from the relaxed visa policy, an increase in direct flights, and the oversaturation of Singapore and Hong Kong, it’s simply the food, culture, and people that naturally draw outbound Filipino tourists back to Tokyo year after year.

Relishing authentic kaiseki Japanese cuisine, seeing cherry blossoms and fall foliage, temple hopping, and enjoying Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland are just a few of the main reasons to visit this wonder-filled country.

  • Budget per night: accommodations are likely to be more expensive vs Korea, so at least Php3,000 for accommodations and 2,000 for food/admission. TOTAL = Php5,000

Which are you planning to visit this 2019? Did we miss your dream destination on our list? Be sure to let us know on FB, IG, or Twitter! We hope you achieve all your #travel #goals and have a #blessed 2019!

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