Apr 20 2011

ROAD TRIP TO BICOL!

Posted in Bicol, Tips by Manila Freak |

The ongoing financial crises is not excuse enough to stay home this summer. Bicol is definitely a great place to travel on a budget. Discover and explore Bicol’s hidden treasures; from Camarines Norte’s surfing paradise, Camarines Sur’s wakeboard park and virgin islands to Sorsogon’s majestic whale sharks. And of course, Bicol’s most awe-inspiring Mayon Volcano!

HOW TO GET THERE

If you’ve got time, you may want to take a six hour drive from Manila to Daet, Camarines Norte’s capital. The stopover for Lucena’s famous chami and Candelaria’s  crispy pata will make this a road trip for foodies. But if driving doesn’t appeal to you, the improved road conditions and the extra comfy “Lazy boy” seats should make the eight hour bus trip to Naga, Camarines Sur a good choice. Bicol-bound buses take off from the Cubao bus terminal and costs a reasonable P700. But, a 45-minute plane ride to Pili, Camarines Sur (via Air Philippines or Cebu Pacific) or to Legazpi city, Albay (via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines) can get you there in a jiffy.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Start your road trip from Bicol’s northernmost province of Camarines Norte, known to locals for the surfing hotspot Bagasbas. Then minutes from Daet, bagasbas has beginner-friendly waves, a pool and helpful surfing instructors. An hour surf session and board rental will cost you P400. For a quiet retreat, take a trip to the untouched Calaguas Islands where powdery while sand and crystal clear waters await you. To get there take a 45-minute jeep or van ride to the town of Mercedes and then a two hour ride by pump boat to Calaguas Islands.

For an adrenalin fix, jump off to Pili in Camarines Sur where you will find the world-class cable wakeboard park, CWC. Get that rush as you go on the kickers or even as you watch thrill seeking riders do their raleys and 360s. Surely your muscles will be sore after, so go chill and relax at the Caramoan Islands, Camarines Sur’s hidden paradise. From the Naga City terminal, take a 45-minute van or jeepney ride to Sagnay port where you jump off to Caramoan Island via a two-hour pump boat ride. Explore these white sand islands surrounded by limestone cliffs and endless sea.

Cap off your trip with a truly breathtaking experience as you swim with the whalesharks in Donsol, Sorsogon (best between February and May). Swimming an arm’s length away from these friendly giants is probably as close as it gets to being on the Discovery Channel!

DINING SPECIALTIES

What better way to satisfy those cravings than a food trip to Albay, home of the breathtaking Mayon Volcano and the best of Bicolano cooking. First stop is Let’s in Camalig, home of Bicol’s famous pinangat (or laing). To get a taste of the real Bicol Express and set your mouth (and your appetite) on fire, drop by Gemma’s in Legazpi City. And for modern Bicolano cooking and unforgettable thin crust pizza, check our Small Talk Café’ near Rizal Street in Legazpi City.

WHERE TO STAY

Reasonably priced accommodations dot the region, like Bagasbas’ seaside surfer accommodations where aircon rooms for two cost only P600. Similarly, a comfortable single room stay in Naga Land Hotel in Naga city will fit a P750 budget, while a cabana for two in CWC costs P1250. In Caramoan, Rex Hotel should suit backpackers’s budget with a room for six (P1200); while those seeking resort comforts can head to Gota Beach. In Legazpi, luxury seekers can head to Pepperland Hotel while those happy with the basics can stay in Neuhaus Hotel near the airport. In Donsol, the Woodland Resort should be a good stopover.

So what are you waiting for? Stop wishing for that perfect vacation and go on a trip guaranteed to be legendary!

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Apr 19 2011

Tips of Cost-Efficient Travel

Posted in Tips by Manila Freak |

You don’t need to spend more than you should during holiday!

WHEN TO TRAVEL.

The price of airfare and hotels is dictated by seasons, so it’s wise to travel off-season whenever possible. If you have a job that confines your free time only to the usual weekends and notional holidays, considering cutting a deal with your boss so you work on holidays and weekends but take your leaves on regular days. This way, you can travel at off-peak prices. Flight tickets are usually cheapest for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures. Plan ahead and make your dates flexible! Last-minute rushing limits your options and can lead to surcharges when processing travel documents.

THE LOW DOWN ON AIRFARE

Airfare is usually the biggest expense in a traveler’s budget. While rock-bottom promo fares have become available, be cautious that these can end up becoming more expensive if you suddenly need to change you schedule or route. “Discounted or promo fares are based on a ‘book and buy’ policy. If you miss your flight,[say] goodbye [to your] cash.Smart travelers often obtain tickets with a validity of three months, six months, or one year. They can re-book, re-route, or upgrade to a higher class, or have tickets refunded for a minimal fee.” Go for non-refundable and non-reroutable promo fares only when you schedule is absolutely fixed.

CHEAPERS AND SLEEPS

Staying in a hotel room that has a kitchenette (or shared kitchen facilities) can bring major savings even if prices are higher than rooms with no kitchen. If the price difference between the two rooms is less than what you would be spending daily eating out, the more expensive room with the kitchen may prove to be the better deal. While traveling, prepare regular meals on your own so you splurge on lunches and dinners only at truly memorable restaurants. If you can’t find affordable accommodations near the top tourist destinations, choose a hotel that’s further out but cheaper and has good access to public transportation. Tour packages that combine airfare and hotels usually bring good savings, but if you want to book a hotel that’s not part of any  package, the cheapest rates will most likely be found in that hotel’s own website.

SMART SIGHTSEEING

Route planning is the key to cost-effective sightseeing. Do your research way before your trip., so you can list down all the places you want to see and group them into zones. Take note of transportation options and arm yourself with a good map so you don’ t waste time and money getting lost. Study the opening and closing schedules of establishments you want to visit, and see if tickets or entrance fees are cheaper on some days compared to others.

PACK RIGHT AND LIGHT

“Smart travelers ask about the weather in their destination, to avoid paying for excess luggage [from packing to much because of uncertainty], or spending on coats, jackets, or other clothes [that they forgot to bring]. Go through your itinerary and plan what to wear for each day of your trip, based on the places you’ll be visiting and activities you’ll be doing. Figure out how to look good and be comfortable each day with the least amount of clothing items possible.

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