AsiaGuidePhilippines

PH 2020 Long Weekends: Where To Go For The Year Ahead

Another year, another clean slate for traveling. With the public holidays of 2020 all laid out and official, it’s time to start making travel plans for 2020!

Long weekends are the perfect time for a getaway without wasting a leave from work or missing class, so make sure you take advantage and hit the road. Check out our cheat sheet of all the official 2020 holidays that fall on long weekends so far, as well as good destinations you can check off your bucket list for the year ahead.

 

 

December 28 to January 1 (Saturday to Wednesday)

via Shutterstock

What a way to kick off the new year! With Rizal Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day landing right after the weekend, travelers get the longest weekend of the year and get to start 2020 on a high note.

Recommended Destinations: If you can still book a flight, a trip to Palawan is an amazing vacation to wind down 2019 and kick off 2020 with. From diving in Coron to finding secret beaches in El Nido to cruising the Underground River in Puerto Princesa, there are endless adventures to discover in Palawan shores.  

 

 

April 9 to 12 (Thursday to Sunday)

via Shutterstock

Every year, the Holy Week presents a travel opportunity. In 2020, April 9 is both Maundy Thursday and Araw ng Kagitingan with the next few days being Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday. Travelers get four days—think you can fly somewhere interesting? 

Recommended Destinations: To wind down Lent 2020, go somewhere peaceful like Tagaytay where you can visit the Pink Sisters Convent for Visita Iglesia. If you can get a few more days off from work, catch a flight to tranquil Bali to explore the beautiful island and even embark on a Bali Spiritual Escape Half Day Tour.

 

 

May 1 to 3 (Friday to Sunday)

via Fotolia

Labor Day is an annual holiday on May 1. Fortunately, the holiday is on a Friday in 2020, so laborers can actually jet off for a proper vacation!

Recommended Destinations: Boracay is famous for its LABORacay celebrations with Manila youth flocking to the island to party all through the night. Besides, it’s always a good idea to go to Boracay. A good alternative is La Union, which is much closer to Manila and sets up its own version of wild Labor Day celebrations by the beach.

 

 

June 12 to 14 (Friday to Sunday)

via Shutterstock

Independence Day on June 12, 2020 is on a Friday, presenting the opportunity for a quick beach getaway before the rainy season brings cloudy skies over the archipelago once more. 

Recommended Destinations: Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills turns brown during the summer or dry season, which usually lasts until June. Three days may seem short, but if you fly in early and fly out late, you’ll get to see the top attractions in Bohol, including Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River, and more!

 

 

August 21 to 23 (Friday to Sunday)

via Fotolia

The Philippines celebrate Ninoy Aquino Day every year, commemorating the day of the assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino. In 2020, that day is on a Friday. 

Recommended Destinations: Rain is always a possibility during August, September, and October in the Philippines, so staycations are an appealing way to spend a long weekend. Book a cozy Manila hotel for a night or two, then sign up for a romantic sunset dinner cruise on Manila Bay to make the experience extra special.

 

 

August 29 to 31 (Saturday to Monday)

via Pixabay

Less than a week after the last long weekend comes another: National Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 31.

Recommended Destinations: If the weather forecast is good, why not try a road trip this time? Drive to Tagaytay to check in a luxury hotel spa. Prefer an adventure? Trek Taal Volcano, the smallest active volcano in the world.

 

 

October 31 to November 2 (Saturday to Monday)

via Pixabay

At this point, it’s been about two months since the last long weekend, so better make this one count. All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day come in at the start of November, giving merrymakers a chance to celebrate Halloween somewhere new.

Recommended Destinations: Pack your favorite costume and fly off to Hong Kong to enjoy Halloween parties at the thriving nightlife spots in the island state. If you can take a few more days off work or school, hit some of the top attractions in Hong Kong, such as Disneyland, Ocean Park, and more.

 

 

November 28 to 30 (Saturday to Monday)

via Pixabay

Get the chance to chill out before the hectic holiday season begins with one of the last long weekends of the year: Bonifacio Day on November 30, which is on a Monday.

Recommended Destinations: Relax on the white-sand shores of Subic Bay, one of the best beaches near Metro Manila. Shopaholics frequent the Freeport Zone for tax-free and duty-free shopping, an ideal destination to hoard Christmas presents for the upcoming holidays.

 

 

December 24 to 27 (Thursday to Sunday)

via Pixabay

Take advantage of the Christmas long weekend to whisk away your family somewhere nice.

Recommended Destinations: Find somewhere cozy to bond with the family at the end of the year. With year-long bed weather and all the comforts of city living, Baguio is a popular destination for the holidays in the Philippines. Adventure lovers can head further north to Banaue for breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banaue Rice Terraces.

 

 

December 30 to January 3 (Wednesday to Sunday)

Sharon Ang via Pixabay

Count down to the end of the year with an extra-long weekend with Rizal Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

Recommended Destinations: Ring in the New Year somewhere you’ve never been before, like Japan. Enjoy fireworks, parties, and movie magic in Universal Studios or hit the slopes at Niseko’s famous ski resorts. Those who prefer a more laidback vacation can enjoy a soak at Hokkaido’s soothing hot springs instead. 

 

 

*Featured image via Shutterstock

Tags: