Flying Through Philippine Air Transpo and Airlines

December 1, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

You can think of a myriad of reasons to pay Philippines a visit. There are many unique and post-card perfect places in the country that will surely take your breath away and make you truly scream, “Wow, Philippines!” in admiration. Why, you have the following heaven-on-earth spots to behold: the perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano, white sand Boracay Beach, majestic Banaue Rice Terraces, among others. So, how can you visit this fascinating country? Simple. Fly here through Philippine local airlines. What’s more, you can choose from these carriers to hop through one place in the country to the other in an express, convenient and tourist-friendly way.

Some of the local Philippine airlines are the following: Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific, Interisland Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and South East Asian Airlines.

Asian Spirit is open for domestic and international travel. With headquarters in the country’s capital, this carrier travels from Manila to Baguio, San Jose, Malay, Virac, Daet, Tablas, Cauayan, Davao, Zamboanga and Masbate etc. Asian Spirit lands in domestic airports; namely, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. Furthermore, it flies to Malaysia, Palau and Micronesia.

Cebu Pacific serves domestic and international flights. It flies from its headquarters, Manila, with hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport to other places within the country; namely, Angeles City, Laoag, Legazpi, Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Malay, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Roxas City, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato City, Davao City, Dipolog City, General Santos and Zamboanga City. Moreover, Cebu Pacific flies to Singapore, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Philippine Airlines is the national flag carrier of the Philippines. It hosts domestic and foreign travels with headquarters in Manila and hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. This carrier offers its flight services to several local airports and more than 28 international destinations. Aside from the domestic trips within the country, Philippine Airlines travels to the following countries; namely, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, United States (Honolulu, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco), Australia, and Guam.

Interisland Airways operates domestically only. With headquarters in Manila and a hub in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, its flight service is limited in three major destinations; namely, Manila, Malay and Tablas. Be that as it may, Interisland Airways offers Cargo Air Charter service also.

Like Interisland Airways, Southeast Asian Airlines operates within the country only. It has a main headquarters in the country’s capital and hubs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Godofredo P. Ramos Airport and with focus cities at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Zamboanga International Airport. Moreover, it has 18 destinations. Although this airline is committed to local flights, it specializes in reaching “far-away” flight and travel destinations in the Philippines, such as Bislig, Bongao, Cotabato, Jolo,

Mambajao and Siargao.

Now, who says getting to Philippines to see some of her world-famous tourist destinations is a big hassle when in fact you have several Philippine air transportation and airlines to choose from? Not only that, these Philippine air carriers can transport you from one place in the country to another one with all the ease and convenience that guests and visitors (like you) deserve. Now, you can move to and around the country and start your one of a kind oriental adventure!

Philippines Have Active Volcanoes

December 1, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

The Philippine Islands are a cluster of more than 7000 islands, lying north of the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia. From north to south, the archipelago extends over nearly 1850 kilometres. Philippines is of volcanic origin, it has more than 20 active volcanoes, and regularly experiences earthquakes.

The total land area of the Philippines is about 300,000 square kilometres, and the largest city is the capital, Manila. The two largest islands are Luzon to the north and Mindanao to the south, with a host of smaller islands in between, including some unnamed and uninhabited patches of land.

A large part of the terrain is mountainous. The volcanic eruptions in the area have given the Philippines, fertile soils and spectacular landscapes and underwater areas. Unfortunately, deforestation and uninhibited harvesting of both flora and marine life have deprived the Philippines of its once rich and diverse resources.

The predominant ethnic groups on the islands are of Malayan origin, with some Chinese influence. There are also the Mestizos who are evidence of the long Spanish and American occupation of the country.

The islands got their name from the Spanish they named the country Filipinas after King Philip II of Spain. Due to extensive proselytization by the Church during the Spanish era, the Philippines are the only Christian nation in Asia, with over 82 percent of its population following the Roman Catholic faith.

The Filipinos are a very outgoing and friendly people, whose ethos is ruled by bayanihan a communal spirit which binds them together, and embraces all visitors to their country as well.

Because of its volatile post independence governance, the Philippine nation has always received bad press dictatorship, corruption, terrorist attacks and economic problems tend to overshadow its image the forces of nature do not help either the Philippines islands are regularly struck by natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, floods, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

However, the Philippines are a relatively safe and cheap place to visit, if one avoids the trouble prone areas in the south with long beaches, interesting mountain treks and hikes, and spectacular underwater experiences.

The climate is mostly hot and humid averaging at about 80 degrees with humidity of 77 percent. The best season to visit is during the months of November to March which is the dry season. The months of May to October are very hot and humid.

The fertile lowlands of the islands provide crops of rice, coconuts, corn, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples and mangoes. Pork, eggs, beef and an abundant supply of fish are also produced. Industries centre on textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, wood products, food processing, and petroleum refining and fishing.

Travel destinations: Camiguin, Philippines – Part 1

November 30, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Camiguin is a small island that attracts countless numbers of tourists every year due to its natural beauty. It is one of the top tourist spots in the Philippines and ranks number 7 as a diving spot in the world. Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island which has a total land area of only 238 square kilometers. Small as it is, it could be a giant as far as beauty is concerned. Camiguin has a very unique setting with its 7 volcanoes, natural cold and hot springs, waterfalls, mountains and the hospitable, fun-loving and friendly people around. It makes a perfect and unforgettable experience for travelers and adventurers.

Camiguin is said to be, “Born of Fire.” One would not wonder why this tiny island has seven volcanoes. Despite being almost covered with volcanoes, it is a safe place to go and enjoy. The weather here is good with seasonal rain showers. From April to June, one is guaranteed a fine weather. The coldest month is from November to January and the rest of the year would be hotter.

Camiguin has a lot to offer guests. There is the Old Ruins of San Roque Church, Convent and Belfry which are remnants of the volcanic eruption in 1897. Along with this is the Sunken Cemetery, a large white cross stands in the water where once a cemetery stood but was eaten by the sea during the eruption of Old Vulcan Daan in 1987. This is a perfect place to view the sunset over the ocean. This island has all the remnants of the Spanish time when Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards. Catholicism has been introduced by the Spaniards in the 1800’s and Filipinos became Catholics. The Via Cruzes proves how faithful Filipinos are to their religion. This is an old volcano slope where life-size statues depicting the passion, death and ressurection of Jesus could be seen. Included here in the mountain are the 14 stations of the cross. There is also a centennial house that still stands to remind people of the Spanish era the 1800’s/

If you tire being sentimental, you can change your mood by watching the Katibawasan Falls. This is a 70 meter high, cascading falls and around it are orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. The waterfalls looks majestic. Tuasan Falls is ideal for a picnic and Binangawan Falls provides for a lovely view with its small and big falls rushing down majestic granite stones and joining as one big falls . The mist forms an arched rainbow when the sun’s rays shoots to the waters making it look like wonderland.

You can experience a hot pool bath which is therapeutic. The Ardent Hot Spring is a hot mineral pool with water that is 400 degrtees Celsius. This pool is very ideal for night bathers. There are picnic huts and tables for rent here and a restaurant is also available. There is no problem at all because everything here is accessible. Aside from the hot springs, Camiguin also has cold springs.

Mount Hibok-Hibok an extinct volcano which is 1250 meters high above sea level is ideal for climbing. Mountain climbers love this place for what it offers them. On top of this mountain is a crater-like lake and steam outlets. And here, you culd also have a panoramic view of the entire Bohol Province while enjoying your trek.

Camiguin is rich in natural resources and offers lots of fun and enertainment including sports. There is the Burias Shoal where one could enjoy a good dive at the same time have a close encounter with schools of different kinds of fish. What makes this Burias Shoal unique is the black coral covered bottom. There are more places to enjoy boating, fishing, snorkeling and diving and with what Camiguin could offer, where else would one choose to go? Camiguin is something to experience in life as it boosts its majestic beauty and rich natural resources.

5 Cheap Methods to Safeguard Travel Gear

November 24, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Its undeniable that backquantityers in bboulevard are somewhat careful creatures. This is completely understandable. From the instant you hit the boulevard your tilt total goes into boring spin, each day plummeting before regarding harsh script from the tilt executive. In essence, the volume of your tilt total will precisely fake the time you have to experience the wonders that life on the boulevard can pass.

For the most part, budgeting begins the instant you march from your front door and into the strange. But why not boon this trend a little before? assurelydly if you can bank a few dollars in the preparation play then there will be a little more in the pot for your forthcoming adventure.

And with that in brainwaters, here are 5 behavior to guarantee you boon that journey with both a improved boulevard sponsor and bigger quiet of brainwaters.

1. quantity waterresilienting. There are many shiny options here of which vacuum sealing, distance making bags, kayaking dry bags, and quantity rainwater obscures are but a few. So what do you opt for? The cheapest thing that does the job, of course. volley obscures are out because they are just that, volley obscures. Not only do many of them look the same, which can head to commotion if your quantity trimmings up as one of a large mountain as sometimes happens when you are on a deeply firmed backquantitying means but if your quantity trimmings up in the slurch as you board/disboard a vessel then you may still be session in wet underpants and updating your sodden journal the same dusk.

To prevent this, line the inedge of your quantity with a large, sturdy, false sack. Its such a cool thought, yet seldom utilised. A well washed out agricultural fertilizer sack is first status, but there are many other like types out there, such as decline or ruins sacks, that may be more correct for your panache of quantity. When round, cylinder the top down a few turns and fold the remainder over, tucking it awkwardly in the distance between the inedge of the quantity and the remote of the waterresilient bag.

Never again will you disquiet about putting your quantity on the roof of a Honduran Chicken Bus in downpour period. Instead, you can opt to each balance cool with your hottest book or just lurch wholeheartedly in the blatant disquiet evoked by shoehorning four adults against a seat primarily intended for two schoolchildren.

2. quantity wellbeing. Sakbags (lockable bags in which to put your quantity), Pacsafes (slash resilient cable meshes that obscure your quantity) and Wrapsafes (cables to wrap around/fastened your quantity) are among the many arrangements on suggest to the wellbeing conscious traveller. Most have their virtues and do the job admirably. Unfortunately they arent cheap, while I am.

some durations of multistrand steel cable (off the cylinder from many hardware supplies) about 3mm diameter or so and around 50 to 100cm long will help the goal.

Fold one end back on itself to form a small sphere and slide a collar cut from a duration of copper convey over the two bits of steel cable that are now edge by edge. take a diameter of copper convey that is homely when over the two bits of steel cable. With the collar in place, austerely tuck it as awkward as workable in a associate hey pbalanceo, one fastened sphere. recap this on the other end and you have a boltable strop. Photos of the perfect piece can be found on the www.ubertramp.com blog.

Make one for your quantity, one as a resteacht to fasten your now fastened quantity to a undying game (such as a stoned hippy on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala), and a pair of saves to see you through.

All these gadgets are by no means impenetrable, but they help as a good deterrent for would be thieves. It may sound a little ruthminus – but if it makes your quantity minus attractive than the one next to it then its helpd its goal. Its a speedy and cool procedure of allowing you a better nights catnap – be it in a 12 man dorm in New York or on the catnaper teachwater between the Thai Islands and Bangkok. In addition, this cheapo procedure is a little more slight than the commercial suggestings. It states that Im not cool plunder but doesnt scream spoils inedge!.

3. spoils. Most people these time will travel with some form of gadgetry be it iPods, Digital cameras and save recall cards, recall firewood, or other such substance. If you want to prolong their life and shield them, then I have one word for you. Tupperware. gain a pair of small, airawkward containers and the world is your oyster. Now theres a account if ever I heard one.

With so many different shapes and volumes untaken you are surely to find one almost tailor made to the travellers wishes. Not only are they such an inexpensive way shield touchy electronic property and allow a sturdy shield for minor breakables, but they are a great place to keep all the chances and trimmings that inevitably accumulate after months on the boulevard. squeeze Tupperware and spent will be the time of hopeminusly foraging for your bolt key among the miss, wreck of wrecked soap and bonbon wrappers that will eventually dominate the floor third of your quantity. To some, this notionpoint of a facade of order may come as accept newscast, to others it may be perceived as an insidious and unnecessary evil. If this is so, then I will apologise to them in guise the next time I ooze by to unlock my quantity.

4. Toiletries. Again, this one is very cool, but very operative. overlook ponderous toiletry bags too greatly distance and too greatly substance. It truly does all add up. Three false bags do a fair job. One to wrap up your toothbrush/toothpaste, one to wrap your soap, and another to put those in along with any other mixture you may have. The beauty of the bags is not only the substance and distance it banks, but also the spoil containment reason should you do have a thump out on one of your bottles/tubes whilst free from A to B. indeed, a false bag will inevitably get a little slick from soap after a while, but they are all replaceable. If, however, you are upset about the environmental collision that this may have, then use an presented bag that superstar besides is free to discard. Cheap and a little green to wader who could ask for more?

5. papers. We all have to relay some form of documentation passports, photocopies of traveller cheque figures, birth certificates and the like. They are all costly papers that permit us to travel, and can even get us out of the poo from time to time, so its well merit charge them in good order.

And while we now all have a quantity so waterresilient that we could sit on it and propel from Borneo to the Philippines, it doesnt stopover ourselves, and then our precious paperwork, from receiving drenched through. This is why a neat cylinder of A5 volume ziplock (or like read cheaper) bags are incostly. A passport, a few dollars, and some well folded photocopied papers steal into an A5 sealable bag entirely. They suggest admirable shieldion against penetrating sweat, swift downpours, and my piteous inadequacy in a kayak. Only price pennies for a big bundle, you can take more than you think will suffice hence enabling replacement when they erosion out. I dont know where I would be lacking them possibly in an Indonesian Prison, but thats a tale for another day.

Some may maintain that some or all of these substance are unnecessary. I concur that you could travel lacking them and bank manually the expense of a few pennies, but in notion of the improved shieldion and wellbeing that these small measurelys allow, I wouldnt disappear home lacking them – and for me to pick functionality over parsimony, theyve got to be good

A Little Place Called Bacolod Philippines

November 24, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Experience a happy blending of cosmopolitan and rustic lifestyle in Negros Occidental, the sugar capital of the country. Celebrate nature’s blessings: waterfalls, caves, mountains, rivers, springs and valleys. Go hiking and camping, fishing and angling, scuba diving and snorkeling, mountain biking and sky diving with guidance from reliable locals. Travel centuries back in time visiting stately mansions in Silay City, one of the top 25 destinations of the Philippines. Or go on Iron Dinosaurs (steam locomotives) or other special interest tours.

There are varied accommodation and dining facilities from luxurious to simply modest. Rates are reasonable. Whatever you go for, Negros Occidental has it.

BRIEF HISTORY

Originally known as “Buglas” by its natives. This fourth largest island in the Philippine archipelago was given the name “Negros” by the Spanish navigators when Esteban de Rodriguez discovered the island in April, 1565 and found its earliest occupants to be dark-skinned natives belonging to the Negrito ethnic group. The natives then, occupied initially most of the southern portion of the province, being Binalbagan and Ilog. Two of the earliest native settlements which officially became towns in 1572 and 1584, respectively. Other settlements were Hinigaran, Bago, Marayo (now Pontevedra), Mamalan (now HImamaylan) and Candaguit.

In 1734, the island became a military district and Ilog became its first capital. Bacolod was made provincial capital in 1849. Then in 1856, Negros Occidental was raised to the category of a politico-military province. During this time, several more towns were established like San Carlos and Calatrava. Other towns were created, particularly Saravia, Escalante and Valladolid (1860) as a result of the growth of Population and the influx of immigrants coming from neighboring provinces such as Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, and Cebu. These growth in population and immigrants brought to the province in turn rapid material growth and development during the later part of the 18th century.

The major boon to the province at this time were two: the cultivation of sugar which brought economic boost as it later led Negros to pioneer other provinces in sugar production with its initial of 4,000 piculs of sugar in 1856 increasing to 2,000,000 piculs in 1897. With this, new machineries such as those operated by steam were used in the towns of Bacolod, Minuluan and Bago. Another boon was the opening of the ports like Iloilo and Cebu to foreign commerce.

During the last decade of the 19th century, several important events may be summarized: one, the making of Negros Occidental as a separate province in 1890. Two, the joining of the Negrense revolutionary leaders in the nationwide Katipunan Movement which overcame the Spanish garrison in the province on November 6, 1898 during one of the Filipinos?revolt against the Spanish rule. Three, the arrival of the Americans in the province in May, 1899 leading to the establishment of a Civil Government in Negros Occidental on April 20, 1901. Fouth, the ousting and surrender of the Japanese Forces in Negros (1945) after both civilian and military leaders in Negros Occidental pursued and organized a free government in the province.

After the upheaval and destruction brought by the first and second world wars, the next years following it, were dedicated to the rehabilitation and reconstructions of various sectors as Industry and Commerce, principally the sugar industry. Following this recuperation period, socio-economic growth in the province ensued.

LANGUAGE/DIALECT

Negrenses, as practically all Filipinos, are poly-lingual. Of the 87 dialects in the country, two Visayan dialects are predominantly used in the province: Ilonggo, which is spoken by 80% to 90% of the populace, and Cebuano which is used by the rest. English, however, is widely spoken; thus the English-speaking visitor will have little or no communication problem at all.

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Negros Occidental is primarily an agricultural province. Of the total land area of 792,607 hectares, 588,145 hectares are arable land of which appoximately 419,305.084 hectares or 53% are devoted to agriculture.

With diversification as a major provincial development program, new land uses such as more inland fishing, livestock & poultry, grains and new crops like coffee, cacao, black pepper, orchards, ramie and others are increasing.

The province of Negros Occidental is reported by the Bureau of Mines to be rich in both metallic and non-metallic mineral resources, notably copper, gold, silver and molybdenum. Among the non-metallic minerals are stones, gravel, and sand and other construction materials, also salt and guano.

The socio-economic life of Negros Occidental from the 1950?s up to the 1980?s depended mainly on sugar, producing annually about 60% of the country?s sugar output. The four corners of the archipelago have focused their wide open eyes and melting mouth to the glory of the Negrenses. Negros is where high living and high eyebrows were. (Source:The Philippine Department of Tourism)

Philippines: Worldclass Travel And Vacation Region

November 21, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

There are many islands located in the Philippines, and one of them is the Boracay, which covers three kilometers of white beach.

Visitors can either decide to join a guided tour or hire a tourist guide for their group alone. Rain forests offer a huge variety of tropical fruits, such as bananas, papayas, pineapples, durians, mangoes, and many others. The natural landscapes, the climatic conditions, the tropical animals, fruits, and vegetables found here make the Philippines a beautiful place to visit.

Tourist Destinations:

-Bohol is also blessed with a numerous white sand beaches, and Panglao Island is one of the famous destinations, having powdery sand.
-White Beach, Boracay Boracay Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
-The province of Palawan is an island in the South China Sea.

Luxury resorts will often also be in based in exceptionally desirable and strategic worldwide locations, from beautiful tropical islands, to snow caked mountains, to scenic lakes and rivers, to exhilarating cities. Boholanos, as what the natives are called, are very proud of the natural wonders that are bestowed in the island. Everyone head for the nearest beach so if you don’t want to feel crowded when you’re sunbathing, set your travel date for another time of the year.

Foods:

The Filipinos also eat uncooked seafood that is stuffed with onions and wrapped in a banana leaf. People, who have sensitive taste buds and are ready to experiment with different cuisines, can try the dishes cooked by the Philippines. To the Filipinos, simple cooking basically means fish and its varieties, fetched directly from the sea.

The American culture has brought with it major fast food giants, such as KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Burger King.

The Philippines’ recipes reflect the tastes of India, China, and Japan, as well as Spain, Portugal, and even the US.

Events:

-The World Pyro Olympics is held in the Philippines every year starting from December 2005.

-The Santacruzan during May and which each and every town parades its most beautiful residents in a walk around town.

-The flower season of Baguio-described as the summer capital of the Philippines because of its perennially cool weather-is something to look forward to.

Shopping:

Prices of the goods for Philippine bargains are comparable to the ones in Thailand and in China. Bargains in the Philippines are cheaper compared to the bargains in Singapore and Hong Kong. For personal gifts or gifts for the home, you will find an enormous selection for Philippine online shopping at Internet malls.

Travel Asia

November 20, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Traveling Asia is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. When you travel to Asia, there are so many things to see and do; make sure that you plan your trip in advance. However, remember to leave some free time in you itinerary, because when you travel Asia, you want to make sure that you have the flexibility for an occasional adventure.

As the largest continent on earth, Asia offers travelers a huge variety of places to visit, things to do and, cultures to see. For first time visitors who travel Asia, we recommend the following:

Island Nations-
Indonesia:
One of the most diverse destinations for travelers to Asia, the Indonesian archipelago can provide enough exciting destinations for a complete trip. Whether you are seeking relaxation, natural beauty, cultural diversity or all of the above, Indonesia will show you an exciting and wonderful Asian travel destination.

Philippines:
Comprised of over 7000 islands, the Philippines has become on of Asia’s forgotten travel destinations. Due to a recent history that includes martial law and economic corruption, the Philippines has lost much of its previous tourist activity to its more stable neighbors. Those who do visit will enjoy beautiful spots like the Boracay beaches and Lake Sebu.

Japan:
For decades, the island nation of Japan has been a favorite destination for travelers to Asia. From amazing Zen temples to kitschy reproductions of western monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Japan has something for every traveler who visits. The hardest thing is fitting it all in.

Southeast Asia
Thailand:
The Kingdom of Thailand is the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia drawing more visitors than its neighbors. With both mountainous regions and a beautiful coastline dotted with amazing islands Thailand is one a must see for those who travel to Asia. The city of Bangkok, the largest in Thailand is one of the most popular in all of Asia, as well.

Vietnam:
A quickly emerging destination among travelers to Asia, Vietnam is reshaping its image among world travel destinations. From the beaches along the coast, to its soaring inland mountains, Vietnam offers travelers to Asia with a sublime experience.

Mainland Asia-
China:
Too vast for words alone, China is rapidly emerging as the top destination for travelers to Asia. As China continues to modernize both economically and socially, it is becoming easier for those who travel to Asia to visit one of the largest and most populous countries in the world. If you travel to China, follow a loose itinerary and try to see as much as you can.

Korea:
South Korea is one of the most westernized of all Asian nations. Travelers to Korea can enjoy the modernity of the capital city, Seoul; or they can try visiting beautiful natural wonders like Songnisan National Park.

India:
Another of Asia’s largest and most heavily populated countries, India is a complex and diverse nation unlike any other you will experience when you travel throughout Asia. Visitors to India will be enchanted by its unpredictability and surprising cultural dramas that exist among its inhabitants.

How to make your travels memorable

November 19, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Traveling is everybody’s dream. To travel around the world is someone’s ultimate dream yet there is a big hindrance in all of this, MONEY. Money is the biggest reason why we can’t go to places we want to go especially now that prices are going sky high faster than the blink of an eye. Nowadays, we all want to make our travels a very memorable one considering all the expenses that we will spend in a trip. Me and my husband have been traveling a lot in the past three years that we have been together and have been married. I was born and raise from the Philippines and he petitioned me to come here just a little over three years and we already been to forty nine (49) states and the one left undiscovered by us is Alaska. The most important thing in your travels if you have a good time, did you have the time of your life, it’s not just the place it all about you and if you can even remember that place or that moment. Before you go on a trip, you have to plan every details such as places or attractions to go, hotels to stay and even bring maps or GPS or anything that will provide you good directions because it can ruin a day if you and family get lost based on my experiences. Planning is the most important this when you travel. Packing is next to planning, when you are packing for your travel, be sure to make a list (the “to do LIST” and the “what to bring LIST”). What to bring List like toiletries, clothes (especially underwear), dvd’s / cd’s (for entertainment while on the road) and just anything that you feel you and your family need while traveling. What to do List is as simple, just list all the places around even though you think you are not going you might end up going if you have time left. I do it every time to avoid problems on the road, Call and make sure all your reservations are okay and don’t have problems when you get to your destination. If you the two lists to do and to bring beforehand I am 90 percent that you won’t forget behind. It is very important that you will not forget anything when you go to some place. Another thing is that you have to leave your problems and your moody attitude at home, don’t let your problems stresses all of you and ruin a day or even the whole trip. Be positive and try to enjoy every moment in that particular place because you might not be able to go back to that place again.

Finding Creative Ways to Save Money While Traveling

November 13, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

If you don’t think you can save any more money while traveling, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise. You may know some of the most common means of saving money, such as traveling off season, but there are so many more discounts that can be found if you know what to look for.

Airlines, hotels, and car rental agents don’t simply offer discounts for no reason, so by knowing what to ask, you can save a lot of money and use it for other fun vacation activities.

Checking it out Yourself

By taking the initiative and looking for your own travel discounts you will not only have a great time, but enjoy doing so by spending the least amount of money possible without sacrificing enjoyment.

One way to coordinate your own discounts is through the airlines. Instead of taking a flight non-stop, consider one that makes a stop somewhere along the way. If the flight transfers planes, you save even more money. Better yet, you can transfer twice and really save.

It may even be better to change airlines when you switch flights. If you live in a small city and have only one way out, then you can make one plane reservation to a major city and change planes to take another flight to your final destination.

By booking different airlines, you nail down the least expensive flight possible without the trip taking any longer than changing flights on the very same airline.

Staying Open to Other Alternatives

Another way to enjoy a discount vacation is to travel to locations that are beautiful but have a lower cost of living. For example, the Philippines may not be tops on many preferred vacation lists, but they have some of the best sightseeing in the world.

Since the cost of living is lower, you will spend less on your vacation and easily make up for the higher plane ticket. So, do not overlook a destination simply because the airline ticket is higher, because chances are you won’t even spend half of what you normally would if you travel to a high tourist area.

Creative Hotel Considerations

When it comes to hotels, you may want to ask if they have extended stay discounts for renting longer than a week. By inquiring, you may even get a free day or two and be able to extend your vacation. Also, hotel food is expensive and eating out is even worse.

It is more cost efficient to locate a hotel with an in-room refrigerator and microwave so you can buy food to keep in the room with you to avoid the need to eat out for every meal. As an extra bonus, selecting your own food will likely be healthier.

Finally, a travel agent may also be able to find ways to get discounts as well. So if all else fails, speak with a travel agent who may turn out to have even better packages than what you can find on your own. If not, it has only cost you a phone call.

Scuba Diving In Boracay Islands

November 12, 2009 by LostinManila  
Filed under Tourist Attractions

Boracay is a beautiful tropical island located at 200 miles (315km) south of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This island resort is one of Philippines’ most popular tourist destinations because it is consistently voted by popular scuba diving and travel magazines as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

There are many dive centers and operators in Boracay offering diving trips to top rated but hard to reach dive sites such as those in the Sibuyan Sea, Tablas, Romblon and Semirara. Close to Boracay are also excellent dive sites catering to divers of varying diving skills. Non diver will find snorkeling in Boracay an enriching experience because of its rich and diverse marine life near the beaches.

Friday’s Rock is a nearby rocky outcrop in Boracay’s western shore. Expect to see a variety of brilliant colored soft and hard corals, flittering butterfly fish, curious wrasses, darting damsels, playful blue tangs, ominous stingrays and snappers when diving around Friday’s rock. Hidden under the rocks, crevices and corals are big scorpion fishes and lion fishes.

There are two great dive sites near the main island of Boracay, known as Punta1 and Punta2. Punta 1 is a shallower dive of the two spots and is a drop off of about 24m (80ft) and Punta 2 starts at 30m (100ft) and goes way down to about 50m (170ft). These two dive spots are home to various species of garoupas, trigger fish, angel fish, sweet-lips, tuna, barracuda and the occasional reef shark.

At the southeast coast of Boracay is Crocodile Island (the island is named as such because of its shape). The island a very popular dive location and is a wall dive to about 25m (80ft) in depth. This dive site is also very rich in marine life so much so that many species of fish and corals make this location their permanent home.

Crocodile Island is also home to some poisonous banded sea snakes some of which are long as two meters (6.5ft) in length. Scuba divers need to be very careful of sea snakes because all sea snakes are poisonous and their bites lead to fatality.

Another great dive location near the main island is the Laurel Island. This dive site is for the more experienced and advanced divers because the undercurrent here can be very strong and because of this, drift diving is the main scuba diving activity here. Furthermore, the strong undercurrent encourages corals to open up their brightly colored yellow and orange polyps to feed on passing planktons. Divers can also find big colorful sponges and huge waving gorgonian sea fans here.

At northern tip of Boracay is a dive site known asYapak. This is a deep wall diving location starting at about 30m(95ft) and descending into the depth of 60m (190 ft). Once again, the undercurrent here can get pretty strong. Scuba divers will encounter larger pelagic fishes here, such as barracudas and various species of sharks.

Hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays are the main attractions when diving in Yapak. Other excellent dive sites around Boracay are Carabao (buffalo), Cathedral Cave, Buruanga, Black Rock and Dog Drift. Is it any wonder why Boracay is consistently rated as one of the best scuba diving site in the world?

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