When traveling to any other country, may it be the Philippines or Holland or Zimbabwe, you’re sure to come across all kinds of hassles and obstacles that could give you a pressing headache and make you wish that you’re back at home sweet home. But it’s really not necessary to go all through that with the right amount of preparation and research. When traveling to another country, you should always expect the unexpected and make sure you have a contingency plan for each situation you might find yourself in. And in your trip to the Philippines, here are a few suggestions you could take to make your trip to the Philippines hassle free.

Philippine Travel Tip #1 – Weather This, Weather That
When you’re in Dubai, you’re sure to expect extreme heat during the day and extreme cold during the night. In the Philippines, however, there are no extremities in temperature to watch out for. If you’re going to travel to the Philippines between the months of March till May, be sure to bring lots of light clothes because it’s the hot and dry season. During the months of June till October, it’s the rainy season that would greet you on your Philippine travel. Lastly, the months of November till February are possibly the best times of the year to travel in the Philippines because it’s cool but dry. But to be more specific, if you want your trip to the Philippines unmarred by the occasional typhoon, set your travel date between the middle of December till mid-May.

Philippine Travel Tip #2 – Everything’s Within A Call Away?
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is also dubbed as the texting capital of the world because everyone, and I do mean everyone, has got a cellphone – or two! – in their name. That’s why if you’re lost, you need not worry about looking for the nearest public phone because cellphones are able to work in almost all places in the Philippines. Quite a convenient thing for anyone traveling, isn’t it?

Philippine Travel Tip #3 – Party Time!
One of the most unique and enjoyable experiences you could have when you travel to the Philippines is being part of the fiesta season. The whole town or city usually participates in a fiesta and each and every house is open to all, natives and foreigners alike. Filipino delicacies are prepared in each household and colorful banners are hung everywhere so that you’d know when there’s a fiesta going on. You could also try participating in one of the native games that’s usually played like climbing a tree slick with oil or being blindfolded and try hitting the “palayok” or pot filled with candies and coins for children.

ways to save you money you vacation

The second installment in my travel tips series. Hopefully each week you will see a vast improvement in the quality etc. Are you on Twitter? If so…let’s follow each other. My Twitter name is @theCTA

Tourism and travel all over the world results in huge spending for consumers who love to visit all types of destinations. Did you know that in 2006 alone the travel industry received more than $725 Billion from international traveling consumers? That figure equates to about $2 Billion being spent each day.

Indeed, even though the price of fuel for automobiles and jets has risen in recent years, it seems as though the travel industry is not suffering all that much. If you plan on traveling to another country or a popular travel destination resort then you are one of the millions of consumers that will enjoy their vacation and have a relaxing time while doing it. There are many things to remember when traveling overseas, or domestically for that matter, that will keep you safe and also give you the best value for your money.

Travel Light When Flying: Even though you may be traveling abroad for several weeks to a month’s time, it’s always best to travel light if going through multiple airports just to get to your vacation destination. Tight security in United States’ airports and international airports as well makes for some long waiting times and even frustrates many consumers, especially if they are traveling with multiple items.

Furthermore, airline companies claim that they’re not making enough profit, which contributes to the fact why they’re charging even more money these days for single or extra bags that you may need to fly! This travel tip to remember is: watch out for those hidden flying costs, such as for multiple bags you’re traveling with, and travel light when possible!

Look for Package Deals!: Chances are that if you are traveling overseas or going to a vacation resort in a different country then you’ll also be staying in a nice hotel and possibly even need to rent an automobile. In addition, many people spend plenty of extra money by taking special trips to amusement parks, theme-land parks, zoos, aquariums, and plenty of other places that charge ticket fees or prices for admission. If you are set on doing this, though, one tip to remember is to look for the package deals that will save you the most money.

Some travel industry companies, such as AAA, will often educate consumers and offer these types of deals to consumers. Some package deals may include a whole resort and activity package, while other packages may include a specific number of nights at a hotel in exchange for deep savings at area restaurants, amusement parks, and even automobile rentals!

Another important idea that one may want to keep in mind when traveling is that staying farther away from a major metropolitan or activity area may yield terrific savings as well! For example, many people usually want to stay at the closest hotel that’s nearest their destination or amusement park they’re visiting. However, huge savings on hotel costs can result from simply booking a hotel that’s either five or ten miles down the road. This will result in very little increased gasoline expenditures, but will possibly save you one hundred dollars or more in accommodation costs.

All of these travel ideas are definitely great ways to save money on your next vacation. Whether you decide to travel abroad or stay somewhere not far from home, looking for some ways to make your money stretch further will allow you to enjoy more vacation activities in the end or allow you to simply put away the extra savings.

Making a list can make a world of difference when leaving home. TSL’s Erin Sega has the tips you need to know before your next trip.