The Philippine Flag displayed in my home.

This past holiday season, my family and I traveled to our home country of the Philippines. The trip was super one and truly one to remember. However, if you’re not used to international travel, you might need some help figuring out how to be comfortable overseas. Here is a list of tips and tricks for when you travel to the Philippines: 

Traveling to another country does require some acclimation, but here is some advice to help make your stay a great experience.

• Be patient with traffic: When my family and I traveled approximately 10 miles to go to the airport on the way home, it took us around an hour and a half to arrive. To be fair, it was a busy Friday night, but travel always requires patience in the Philippines. You will be sharing the road with quite a few vehicles, including motorcycles, jeepneys (a popular mode of public transportation), and buses to name a few. 
• Plan accordingly to arrive at your destination: This piece of advice adds to what I mentioned earlier. Be sure to anticipate traffic and get ready in time before heading off to a desired place. 
• Take note of the weather: The warm and humid climate in the Philippines can cause people’s bodies to have an adjustment period. To help prevent illnesses, drink fluids to decrease chances of dehydration and intake vitamins. Additionally, wear comfortable and airy clothes to accommodate the sunny weather.
• Always have cash on hand: Transactions are usually cash-based, so be sure to have a variety of bills and coins with you.

Here are some beautiful islands to visit in the Philippines:

• Boracay – I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful island when my family and I visited the Philippines in 2016. The white sand, sparkling seawater, and intricate sand castles made the trip a memorable one. 
• Palawan – This island is one of the crown jewels of the Philippines and a definite tourist attraction. Some well-known municipalities include Coron and El Nido. This island has white sand beaches, island hopping opportunities, and exotic scenery.
• Marinduque – My family and I visited this island on our most recent trip and paid a visit to our extended family living there. The climate was a bit cooler than Manila as Manila is a jam-packed place with sweltering heat. It was great to visit the historic churches and grab some Marinduque-themed merchandise, including a Moriones magnet (a vibrant and detailed mask that is a symbol for the Moriones festival) Additionally, they are well-known for their Bellarocca/Elephant island: an exclusive island that showcases Marinduque’s mountainous landscape and offers luxurious and fun activities.

One integral part of Filipino culture is the food. Here are some of my favorite food items and treats:

• Lumpiang Shanghai – A Filipino version of an egg roll. The filling is a mix of a variety of different ingredients with the star of the roll being ground pork. 
• Cheesy Ensaymada: A delectable pastry topped with butter and cheese. My family and I enjoy having these as a snack and usually pack some for our trip home.
• Lengua de Gato – A cookie with an impeccable balance of sweetness and thin texture that can melt in your mouth.
• Pastillas – A candy that includes the perfect mix of milk and sugar when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat!

I hope these pieces of advice help you on your trip and that you enjoy your travels to the Philippines!