A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
If there’s one place you must visit from Da Nang in Vietnam, it’s Hoi An. This charming and well-preserved UNESCO Heritage Town on Vietnam’s central coast is known as the “city of lanterns,” with small streets cutting through scenic canals. Multi-colored lanterns hang in front of every shop and lantern-lit boats look magical as they sail at night.
To tip or not to tip? That is the question.
This is a common dilemma when dining out in restaurants, riding taxis, getting a massage, and availing of tours in other countries. During a recent trip to Vietnam, we were unsure of how much to give when splitting the bill. The number of zeros added to the confusion, and we were splitting the bill five ways, so it was a bit difficult to calculate every time we’d go somewhere. We kept converting back and forth to our local currency to make sure we weren’t giving too little or too much.
To help fellow travelers out, I’ve compiled some tipping customs in different countries often visited by Filipino travelers including those I’ve personally traveled to or plan to visit for easy reference.
Continue reading “Travel Tips: How much should you tip in different countries?”To welcome the Year of The Dragon and celebrate Art’s birthday this year, we took a week-long trip to Vietnam, traveling from Manila to Hanoi and departing from Da Nang back to Manila. In case you didn’t know, Cebu Pacific flies nonstop to Da Nang from Manila, making this destination more accessible for Filipino travelers. The airline launched direct flights here starting December 2023.
Seoul is a travel destination where the old and new coexist. Traveling here brings you up close to century-old palaces, traditional cafes, and beautifully preserved natural landscapes. But at the same time, you get also high-tech modern attractions, bustling shopping districts, and all the creature comforts of a cosmopolitan city, which you can easily navigate with the efficient train network.
Nestled amidst the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Island beckons with an aura of refined luxury and timeless charm. A symphony of opulence and natural beauty, this exclusive haven is a true testament to the art of indulgence.
From lavish beach resorts that cradle you in comfort to golf courses that embrace the coastline’s serenity, Saadiyat Island promises an experience that transcends the ordinary. As you step onto its shores, you’ll discover a realm where luxury is the essence, and every moment becomes a cherished memory.
Japan is one of the top destinations in the world for Filipino travelers. Osaka, along with Tokyo and Nagoya, is considered one of the three major cities. This large port city and commercial center located in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan is known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and street food.
Kyoto, one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, is located just 30 minutes away by rapid train from Osaka. Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is a must-visit for first-timers traveling to Osaka. Kyoto is home to temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens, some of which have been designated collectively as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
After three years of feeling trapped in separate households during the pandemic, my family and I finally got a chance to travel to Seoul, South Korea. Blame it on the popularity of K-dramas we binged on during the lockdown, and our frequent dining out in samgyupsal restaurants in the metro, but everyone was eager to experience Seoul for themselves and spend quality time together.
France has been on my travel radar for a while now. With travel restrictions around the world easing, I hope to apply for a Shengen Visa and visit France and other European countries soon. The article below is a guest post to help travelers plan their trips.
There’s no denying that everything is so darn expensive these days. In case you hadn’t noticed, the basic costs of goods and services is on the rise. For travelers, this means higher prices for different aspects of a trip, including airfare, accommodations, transportation, and meals.
Just look at the surge prices of Grab just going to and from the airport, the increase in ticket prices to sites, and the cost of public transportation. This October, JR Passes got a fare hike of 77%, which is a huge blow to travelers who want to cover as much ground during trips to Japan.
Continue reading “15 budget tips for the revenge travel era”
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