Staying cooped up for more than a year has its cons. For one, we all can’t wait to travel once again. Whether we want to tick items off our bucket list or revisit our favorite destinations, we can’t wait to get out of the house, period.
Global credit card brand American Express attests to what we’ve known all along during this pandemic. In a recent Global Travel Trends Report, they shared that consumers of all generations are willing to give up a month of social media to vacation. Yes, we’re that hungry for a summer getaway.
As we continue to stay home and wait for the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19, we can start planning our summer getaways should things get better. With summer now in full swing, we’re sharing with you our short guide to the summer getaways we all wish we could take this year.
Boracay beckons
In the years before a six-month shutdown, Boracay was dotted with multitudes of restaurants, bars, and resorts that proved to be unsustainable. Fortunately, this long reset has given the island a much-deserved break. Today, you can experience the Boracay that the locals, longtime residents, and pioneering entrepreneurs first fell in love with more than 30 years ago.
- How to get there: Enjoy a shared roundtrip transfer from Caticlan Airport to your Boracay hotel.
- Where to stay: Astoria Current Boracay offers a 3D2N staycation package with a tour of Carabao Island and watersports. Get this deal through KKday today.
- What to do: Sail away on a traditional paraw or sailboat and enjoy a spectacular sunset out at sea.
- What else to do: Soothe your tensions with an exceptional spa treatment at the luxurious Mandala Spa & Resort Villas.
Cebu is calling
In addition to its historic sites, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, Cebu is an urban destination that also offers eco-adventures. In the forests of interior Cebu, waterfalls and rare birds await those who are adventurous enough to seek them. Coral reefs surround the island’s entire perimeter, making it conducive to strolling on the white sand beach or snorkeling on shallow waters.
- Where to stay: Pack your bags for a five-star staycation in the heart of Cebu City at Radisson Blu.
- Where to eat: Restaurants and food stalls featuring Filipino, Asian, and international cuisines abound. But why not get your hands messy and go traditional with a boodle feast experience? Or how about trying your hand at roasting a lechon or suckling pig?
- What to do: Swim with majestic whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Oslob, Cebu.
- What else to do: Customize your full-day itinerary around the city with a private tour experience. We recommend visiting landmarks and museums such as Museo Sugbo, Basilica del Santo Niño, Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pedro, and Casa Gorordo.
Palawan pit stop
With unbelievably clear waters, pristine beaches, and tall rock formations, Palawan is undoubtedly the Philippines’ final frontier. What makes Palawan unique is that there are three vastly different destinations to choose from: Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa. Each of these places does not disappoint.
Coron
Coron is part of a group of islands situated separately from Palawan. The area is, in fact, closer to Mindoro. Seasoned travelers say that Coron is El Nido’s quieter and more laidback sibling. But this paradise also boasts a safari, World War II shipwrecks, and secret lakes and lagoons well worth the trek.
- What to do: Discover the natural wonders that make Coron a haven on a daylong island tour of Kayangan Lake, Coron Youth Club Beach, and Hidden Lagoon.
- What else to do: Encounter zebras and giraffes at Calauit Safari Park.
El Nido
El Nido has often been associated with expensive island resorts. But this northern part of mainland Palawan now plays host to hotels where paradisical views, modern comforts, and great value all come together. As you hop from one isle to another, try to spot the swiftlets building their gravity-defying nests on rocky crags.
- What to do: Sail to picturesque virgin islands and enjoy a seafood lunch as you drift across the seas of El Nido on a luxury wooden yacht.
- What else to do: Live like a local and try bottom fishing.
Puerto Princesa
Visit the capital of Palawan and the home of the famed Underground River. In addition to the thrills of adventure and island hopping, wander around the city of Puerto Princesa to see a blend of natural and cultural wonders.
- What to do: Experience the adventure of a lifetime by exploring the Underground River National Park, a World Heritage Site. Then, ride an all-terrain vehicle on a jungle track.
- What to do with the kids: Have a blast with the little ones at the Astoria Palawan Waterpark.
- What else to do: Journey to Honda Bay on a private island-hopping tour. Or explore the heart of Palawan with a private four-hour tour of Puerto Princesa.
Bohol beautiful
Beaming, beautiful, and beguiling. Bewitching, blissful, and breathtaking. There are as many words to describe Bohol as there are sights to explore. From tiny tarsiers and white sand beaches to heritage churches and the landmark Chocolate Hills, Bohol has so much to offer travelers.
- Where to stay: Take a much-needed break at North Zen Villas in Panglao and discover the true meaning of tranquility and luxury.
- What to do: Visitors to Bohol make the long drive to the Chocolate Hills view deck, but why not take your trip up a notch with a hot-air balloon ride offering sweeping views?
- What else to do: Dive deep into the waters of Alona Beach with a scuba diving experience. Or spot adorable tarsiers at a local nature sanctuary.
Siargao stories
Siargao is another popular summer getaway, known for its impressive limestone hills, white sand coasts, caves with crystal formations, and clear waters that attract surfers and nature travelers from all over the world. Apart from surfing, visitors go island hopping, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, and swimming.
- How to get there: Travel comfortably on an Evaristo ferry to and from Surigao and Siargao.
- How to get around: Wander Siargao on a rented motorbike and go off the beaten path like the locals.
- What to do: Don’t leave the surfing capital of the Philippines without riding the magnificent waves. If you’re an absolute beginner, you’ll need some surfing lessons.
- What else to do: Get your adrenaline pumping as you go wakeboarding at Siargao Waterpark.
*Featured image via Roxanne De La Peña on Unsplash
