I was never a fan of long-haul travels, which is quite ironic for someone who loves to explore, right? So just imagine my hesitation when I got invited by a friend to visit Bataan again (check the 1st trip and 2nd trip here) - a Philippine destination that usually takes 3-4 hours to reach by bus. Fortunately, we discovered a better and more convenient way to reach the progressive province, all without the butt-numbing experience - 1Bataan Integrated Transport System (ITS) – a ferry service that brings Manila closer to Bataan.
It's no secret that I like setting aside a specific budget for my trips. But if I have limited funds (and still itching to travel), I make sure that I 'book and plan ahead'. Here's how I do it:
1) I choose a destination.
2) I book my plane or bus ticket a few months early (look for seat sales!).
3) I check online sources for reviews and recommendations and then narrow down the best affordable rates for accommodations and tours, especially if I'm going DIY.
4) I book my accommodation (eg. Airbnb, Agoda, Booking).
5) I make a projection of my expenses by creating an itinerary based on figures that I've gathered online (list how many meals per day, how many nights in a lodging, how much for commute fees, etc.). Remember, it's okay to work around estimates, as it makes for a good buffer too.
6) I start saving up for the trip by allocating a certain amount from my earnings every month.
Allocating my funds for a trip helps me track how much is still needed to achieve my monetary goal.
Dubai is a fascinating city. I've only been here for less than a year, and I've already enjoyed exploring this bustling emirate. With its magnificent and towering structures (it's not the City of Superlatives for nothing), this dynamic town doesn't fail to highlight its own culture and heritage, especially its ingenuity - all of the qualities that I absolutely admire about Dubai.
Below is a roundup of some of my personal and budget-friendly explorations in Dubai, along with some very interesting contributions from fellow travel bloggers.
First of all, a Happy New Year to you, Biyaheras & Biyaheros! How did you ring in the Year of the Dog? As for us, we spent the first day of 2018 by doing a photo walk along the Al Seef Marina in Dubai. It was a bit far from where we lived. But it was definitely worth traveling to, as it displayed the city's deeply-rooted culture and maritime heritage smoothly merging into urbanism.
My 2017 has been charged with a lot of positive emotions, major transitions, and self-reflection. A period filled with bonds tested, friendships rekindled, memories collected, dreams realized and plans fulfilled. It's been a good season. No, scratch that. It's been a damn good year!
It's been over a year since my husband and I shared our first holiday as a married couple. Despite our circumstances then (he went back to work abroad, while I recuperated from a major surgery), we finally made it to our honeymoon a few months later.
There's plenty to see in and out of Baguio that spending a few days in the Summer Capital of the Philippines wouldn’t be enough! Making the City of Pines your destination of choice will let you experience one of your best adventures yet. The cold weather in the mountains, the warm welcome from the locals, the sumptuous food choices, and the rich culture and heritage up north makes Baguio one of the top places worth seeing in the Philippines.
Budget Biyahera is about finding fun and distinct food and destinations, accommodations, products/gears and activities that people can enjoy on a ‘regular’ person’s budget and schedule.
