With more than 7000 islands to choose from and untold beauty to be had, the Philippines is a great destination for any traveller. Think of the Philippines, and your mind conjures vivid sunsets against picturesque beaches, eye-popping colour and otherworldly moments where time itself just seems to stop. Coral reefs, emerald rice fields, jungles, and luxury, whatever you want from a trip, the Philippines can provide.
For those who have not yet travelled over towards southeast Asia, making your first trip is going to seem daunting, but with this guide, you will have everything that you need ready to go.
Know the Best Times of the Year to Visit
The best time of the year to visit is definitely during the dry, summer months, between November to April, when the weather is at its most prime. Considering the UK is typically grey and rainy, it is the perfect escape to a tropical paradise.
The low season, otherwise known as the wet season, is between June to October. There are periods in-between that can be a great alternative if you are looking for a less busy period with good weather, then visiting between these two periods is a good option, but do be warned the rainy season might start early or extend longer than usual.
How to Plan Your Trip’s Itinerary
Do It Yourself
If you are someone who takes travel planning by the horns, then, by all means, do it yourself. You will want to know which islands you want to visit, the best sights, where you will want to stay, if there are any events or festivals you absolutely want to go to, and so on.
Opt for a Fully Organised Package
If you have never been one to spend hours researching for a trip, then the best alternative is to turn to experts who can organise holidays in the Philippines for you. Their top-notch travel agents can research and build incredible trips that you can simply join. This option is by far the best choice if you love adventure but never had the skill to plan your own.
Vaccinations You Should Have Before Travelling
Being up-to-date on your vaccinations is a must, but there are several that you will need to organise with your doctor, as they are not a standard option in the NHS. Japanese Encephalitis, for example, is not something that we typically get growing up in the UK, but it should be seen as essential when travelling through Southeast Asia. The virus, spread through mosquitoes, causes swelling in the brain that can cause mental disability and even death. You will need to check in with your GP at least six months before your trip to receive this vaccination, during which time you can ask your GP about the others in this list and whether you need a booster shot:
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Yellow fever
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Rabies
- Polio
- Tetanus
Check Your Passport’s Expiration
This one can be tricky because your passport can be well within the expiration range when you book the trip, but then be too close to expiry by the time you are finally ready to travel. Always check that before you are due to fly that you have at least six months left before your passport expires and at least two pages empty for stamps.
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