Summer is fast approaching, and the temperature is starting to get higher and higher. If the sun or quickly-moving months aren’t getting you excited to hit the beach and travel, maybe these 10 trends will:
Eco Tourism has become a buzzword as of late, being touted as traditional tourism, but catered more towards development and sustainability. This kind of tourism focuses on helping both parties: helping the community sustain its way of life, as well as enriching the experience of the tourist through meaningful interactions.
Farm Tourism is similar to Eco Tourism, in that it focuses on development and sustainability. However, Farm Tourism emphasizes the importance of nutrition, highlighting the role of food—from growing to cultivating and to selling—in creating a lively and vibrant community.
Sanctuaries are simply that: a safe, silent place for people looking to escape the noisy and cluttered life of the city and into someplace more suitable for relaxation.
In the Philippines, a lot of people have explored the ocean. And of course, a lot more people have explored the mountains. But the number of people that have since explored the skies? Very few. Be one of the firsts!
More and more businesses have started to notice the power of social media, and have since started creating experiences and accommodations that were more Instagram-friendly, focusing on vibrant interiors, and fun visuals.
For the past few years, hostels have taken the forefront in providing budget-friendly accommodations for many would-be travelers. Sure, you sacrifice a few luxuries and amenities, but the hostel experience makes up for it by providing you a venue to mingle and make friends!
Playgrounds can take on numerous forms, from a traditional swing and slide build on a solid foundation, to a simple floating, floating around aimlessly on the water. The latter seems more fun, so we’ll go with that instead.
The Philippines, being surrounded on all sides by water, is a country you’d expect to have a strong maritime culture. However, that is sadly not the case, and it is only recently that boats and ships have been refurbished to offer a luxurious and Instagrammable experience. But still, better late than never, right?
The advent of globalization plus the paradigm shift towards sustainability have created more and more Filipinos that are willing to pay a premium for goods and services that are all of high-quality, sustainable, and most importantly, locally-sourced. A trip through the many local shops of Instagram will easily attest to this.
The best way to experience a destination? Wear the shoes of a local. Not literally, of course, but if you want to truly experience the culture, cuisine, and life of a certain place, immerse yourself in their culture. Thankfully, many tour operators already offer this.
Start by wiping dirt off canvas slip-ons and sneakers with a clean toothbrush. Then, use that toothbrush to scrub a paste made of equal parts baking soda and water into shoe’s soles. Next, run the gentle cycle of your washing machine with cold water, adding about half the amount of detergent you’d typically use when the machine is about half full. When it’s three-quarters full, toss your shoes in. Let them air dry—using the dryer or a vent could shrink your shoes. Here are more details on how to clean shoes, and other products, in the washing machine.
Running shoes
iStock/flyfloor
Get loose dirt off with a toothbrush, then clean your brush. Dip it into a teaspoon of laundry detergent mixed with a cup of water. Use the solution on the fabric, mesh, and rubber areas, but don’t use it on foam or leather. Use a wet sponge to wipe the suds off. Refresh your laces by pretreating stains with a dab of laundry detergent, then throwing them in a delicates bag while you’re doing laundry. Clean off the area around them before restringing your shoes.
White sneakers
iStock/popovaphoto
Wondering how to clean shoes that are constantly getting dirty? Apply a bit of nail polish remover or vinegar to a cotton ball, then use it to wipe stains away from white sneakers. If you need to resort to bleach, make sure to dilute it first so you don’t end up with discolored shoes. Use a toothbrush to scrub your kicks with a solution of one part bleach to five parts water. Finish by rinsing with warm water.
Working in one direction, use a nailbrush or scrub brush to gently buff stains away. Once you’ve gotten the surface dirt off, add pressure and go back and forth with the brush to work at the deep stains. If necessary, follow up by scrubbing hard with a white eraser. You can also use a nail file. For truly stubborn stains, use a white washcloth to rub white vinegar or rubbing alcohol to attack the spot, or use it all over to brighten the suede. (Don’t worry—they won’t leave water marks.) Don’t miss these genius tricks to make your shoes last longer.
Sheepskin boots
iStock/Anthony Shaw
Using a nailbrush or scrub brush, gently wipe off debris from the outside of your boot. Then grab a white eraser to rub away more stubborn stains. Now, wipe the outside of the shoe with a damp cloth—if it’s too wet, you could ruin the material. Using a solution of equal parts cold water and distilled vinegar, gently work at the areas in need of spot cleaning. Finish by wiping the solution off with a damp cloth, then stuffing your boots with newspaper so they keep their shape while drying.
How to clean shoes mostly depends on their material. For leather shoes, clean off debris by wiping a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar over the stains. Once your shoes are dry, rub them with a soft cloth. Buff scuffs away with a wet cloth dipped into baking soda. Wipe your shoes off, then buff them once more after they’ve dried.
Patent leather shoes
iStock/AndreaAstes
If your patent leather flats or heels have unsightly marks, rub some petroleum jelly into the scuff using a cotton swab. If all they need is a little shining, spritz on some glass cleaner for a like-new sheen.
There are many reasons why shoes are the best, but there are also plenty of reasons why they’re kind of the worst. Shoes may bring your outfit to the next level, but they can also easily get destroyed because there’s so much wear and tear happening. From scuff marks to holes to just wearing out the heels, there’s so much that can happen that can ruin your favorite pair.
Besides that, there’s also the issue of comfort. Some of the prettiest, most impressive shoes are also some of the most uncomfortable – and I know from experience that walking around feeling like your feet are about to fall off is usually not even worth it. Want to know how to make your shoes more comfortable and keep them intact? Here are 25 shoe hacks, tips, and tricks every girl must know right now:
Vigan is an exceptionally well-preserved 16th-century town. You’ll easily feel like you’re travelling back in time, back to when it was a European trading town in East and Southeast Asia. There is no wonder it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
What you can’t miss:
• Being a 16th-century town, there are lots of heritage museums to visit. The most recommended ones are Syquia Mansion, Crisologo museum and Padre Burgos Museum.
• You have to try Ilocano food! Be sure to order Vigan Longganisa, Empanada, Bagnet and Chichacorn
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Hop on a 45-minute flight to Laoag, Ilocos Norte from Manila.
🗺️ Land: You can go by bus, jeep or mini-van from Manila or nearby provinces. It’ll take you at least 10 hours to get there and it costs approximately 600 PHP (£9).
Find cheap flights to Manila to start your trip here!
It’s the best place to view the Ifugao rice terraces, a UNESCO world heritage site but getting there isn’t easy!
What you can’t miss:
• Hike towards Patpat Sitio to be amazed by the beautiful sights. You’ll cross a hanging bridge, hike up the rice terraces, visit a small forest with little waterfalls and springs and you’ll get to see the best view of the rice terraces.
• Go for a swim in Tappiya waterfalls, a beautiful 70m fall that’s just 30 minutes away from Batad.
How to get there:
🗺️ Land: Take a 9-hr overnight bus to Banaue from 500 PHP (£8). Be sure to book at least a week in advance! Once in Banaue, take a tricycle ride to the end of the paved road and you’ll have to hike to Batad.
3. Sagada, Mountain Province
Photo by Rowlrowlrowl via Instagram
Unleash your adventurous side in Sagada! Go hiking, trekking, visit bat caves, and explore hot springs.
What you can’t miss:
• Visit the hanging coffins in Echo Valley. The locals believe that the dead should be placed in steep crevices so they can begin their journey into the afterlife and be closer to the gods.
• Go caving/spelunking in Sumaguing Cave and be stunned by its rock formations and chest-high waters.
• Swim at Bomod-ok falls or as locals call it “Big Falls”.
How to get there:
It’s really hard to get here because there are very little buses that go directly to Sagada; you’ll either need to go through Banaue or Baguio.
🗺️ Land: Book a 13-hour bus trip from Manila from 720 PHP (£11). If you’re already in Banaue, you can take a 2-hour van ride to Bontoc and a 45-minute jeep ride to Sagada from 200 PHP (£3).
4. Batanes Islands, Cagayan Valley
Photo by thewanderlustic via Instagram
This is the northernmost province in the Philippines; it’s closer to Taiwan than Luzon! Although it’s the smallest and least populated province, it’s surrounded by spectacular sights. It’ll make you feel like you’re in New Zealand!
Be sure you check the weather before visiting because they have the biggest storms here.
What you can’t miss:
• Check out the stone houses in Savidug and Chavayan.
• Hike up the dormant Mt.Iraya
• Bike around Batan Island and the Marlboro Country. Not recommended for those afraid of heights though!
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Hop on a 2-hour flight to Basco, Batanes from Manila.
5. Alaminos, Pangasinan
Photo by Wandering.siopau via Instagram
If you can’t decide on what island to visit first, you can just go ahead and visit 100 islands here!
What you can’t miss:
• Go island hopping to Shell Beach (it has a secret lagoon) and Governor’s Island.
• Jump off a 70-foot cliff and swim to the underwater cave in Governor’s Island.
• Kayak and discover Quirino cave, Nalso cave, Cathedral cave and St. Paul’s Subterranean cave.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Hop on a 5-hour flight to Alaminos Airport from Clark or Manila.
6. Corregidor Island, Manila bay
Photo by rainydaysaregreatdays via Instagram
It’s only 6.5×2 km but it was the largest island used to defend Manila bay during the World War II. Japanese, American and Filipino troops fought in this island. It’s now a historical monument but it also has a forest and a beach!
What you can’t miss:
• Take a tour to learn all about the history of the island. If you’re brave enough, you can even go on a night tour in Malinta’s tunnels.
• Visit the Corregidor Lighthouse that was first built and 1853 and is still used to this day.
How to get there:
🌊 Sea: Take a 1-hour ferry ride from Manila to Corregidor.
7. Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
It’s known as the surfing capital of the Philippines but you don’t have to be a surfer to visit.
What you can’t miss:
• Get on a Bangka (local bamboo boat) and go island hopping to Naked island, Daku island and Guyam island.
• Visit the Sohoton caves; you can go by kayak and explore the marine reserve and the natural cave tunnel.
• You’ll find a natural pool surrounded by rock formations in Magpupungko pool. It’s separated from the ocean by a large reef.
• The best spots to go surfing are Cloud 9, Quicksilver, Stimpy’s, Rock Island, Daku Reef, Cemetery and G1.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Book a flight to Sayak Airport from Cebu or Manila.
8. Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
Photo by Vaneologyi via Instagram
Lagoon rivers, swimming, diving and surfing… these are just some of the things you’ll be able to do in Surigao del Sur!
What you can’t miss:
• You have to visit the Enchanted river, a deep blue pristine river. Be sure to go early morning to avoid all the other tourists.
• Go island hopping to to Britania islands… 24 paradise islands just for you!
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Book a flight to Butuan, Surigao or Davao and take a bus to Mangagoy (Bislig).
9. Camiguin Island
Photo by Laquestatravel via Instagram
It’s the second smallest inhabited island in the Philippines with just 23 x 14km in size. There are beautiful beaches, waterfalls and seven volcanoes. Seven!
What you can’t miss:
• Go swimming, snorkelling or diving in Mantigue Island or go swimming in Katibawasan falls or Tuawasan falls.
• Trekk one of their volcanoes and if you’re up for a challenge, go up Mt. Timpoong which is about 1,600 meters high!
• Visit the historic town with churches from the Spanish era, ruins of old towns and homes from the Spanish and American periods.
How to get there:
✈️🌊 Air or Sea: Fly or take a ferry to Cagayan de Oro from Manila, Ilo-ilo or Cebu. On arrival, take a bus to Balingoan and a ferry to Camiguin island.
10. Siquijor
Photo by hecelove via Instagram
Due to the high number of fireflies, the Spanish colonizers called this island “Isla del fuego” which translates to “Island of fire”. There are turquoise water beaches, caves and nature parks to visit.
What you can’t miss:
• The best beaches here are Kagusan and Salagdoong.
• If you believe in supernatural forces, meet a healer or buy amulets and potions.
How to get there:
🌊 Sea: Catch a 5-hour boat ride from Cebu or a 45-minute boat ride from Dumaguete.
11. Chocolate hills, Bohol
Photo by wolfy.prg via Instagram
1,260 hills that look like chocolates! But there’s a lot more to do in Bohol besides the Chocolate Hills. Prepare to be amazed…
What you can’t miss:
• You obviously have to go see the Chocolate hills. You can catch a motorcycle taxi and go on a thrilling tour along winding roads.
• If you want to see Tarsiers, one of the cutest and smallest monkeys in the world, head to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella.
• Camping, bike zipping, going on tree top rope challenges, burma looping, vine walking and getting in a giant beach ball.. these are just some of the things you can do in Bohol!
• Go on a river cruise in Loboc river to enjoy the views and eat on a floating all-you-can-eat restaurant.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Hop on a hour and 15-minute flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol from Manila. You can also fly to Cebu city and then take a 90-minute ferry to Tagbilaran.
12. Camotes Island, Cebu
Photo by Only1tensai via Instagram
Made up of Pacjian, Ponson, Poro and Tulang islands, they’re perfect to sunbathe and swim in turquoise waters undisturbed.
What you can’t miss:
• If you’re travelling with your partner or someone you’d love to “get to know”, go on a romantic picnic and boat ride to “Lover’s Lake“.
• Visit the unspoiled beautiful beaches of Santiago bay and Mangodlong.
• For the more adventurous, check out Bukilat cave and Timubo cave.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Fly to Cebu from Manila and take a ferry to Camotes islands.
13. Apo Island, Negros Oriental
Photo by the_philippines via Instagram
One more diving and snorkelling spot to add to your list! Apo Island has approximately 650 documented species of fish and over 400 species of corals. You’ll also be able to swim with turtles!
What you can’t miss:
• You have to go snorkelling or diving! The waters are so clear that you don’t really have to go to deep to see the corals and turtles.
• Hike to the lighthouse; there’s nothing special about the lighthouse per se but it’s the island’s highest point and it’s perfect to see the sunset and Mt. Talinis. It’s a 15 to 20-minute hike.
• Visit Boluarte, a beautiful rock formation and if you walk a bit more, you’ll find a mangrove area.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Fly to Dumaguete from Manila, take a jeep to Malatapay market and a boat to the island.
14. Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Photo by gadireg via Instagram
There’s a lot of reasons why the Underground river in Puerto Princesa is one of the Seven wonders of the world… you’ll have to visit to find them out!
What you can’t miss:
• Go on a 1-hour paddleboat tour through the 1.5km of the cave to discover the Underground river.
• Island hopping from Honda bay is also a must! Visit Starfish island, Luli island, Cowrie island and Nagtabon, Napsan, Panaguran and Marufinas beaches.
• Visit a Crocodile farm and get up close and personal with some of the crocs.
How to get there:
✈️ Air: Hop on a 1-hour flight to Puerto Princesa from Manila.
🌊 Sea: Take a 18 to 22-hour ferry ride to Puerto princesa from Manila.
15. Tubbataha Reef, Cagayancillo
The Tubbataha reefs aren’t located on Cagayancillo island or even closeby but they fall under the island jurisdiction. It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site and protected by the Tubbataha reefs natural park. It’s really one of the best places to dive in the world!
What you can’t miss:
• The best time to go diving here is from mid-March to mid-June because it’s when the skies are clearest, seas are calm and there’s visibility between 30-45m.
Chosen by: Juliana A. Saad is a Brazilian writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle and luxury. Her company, MMJX Comunicação, produces develops special editorial content and projects for numerous publications and companies.
Why: Bhutan is ideal for everything, with a peace and calm that you don’t experience anywhere else. It transports you to another culture with different values than what we are used to. You can also challenge yourself to trek to places like the Tiger Nest, a cliffside Buddhist temple. There are great hotels, like the Taj Tashi in Thimphu, which is modeled after a Bhutanese temple and has wonderful amenities, like a signature spa that uses oils from the Himalayas. Amankora in Paro is spectacularly beautiful with a trail between the different lodges in Bhutan.
A view of a volcanic lake on San Miguel Island in the Azores. PHOTO: GETTY
Where: The Azores
Chosen By: Michele Wise is a travel advisor with KK Travels Worldwide. Michele travels constantly, seeking out new, unique destinations for her clients, which include families, couples, multi-gen groups and girlfriends, as well as wellness and incentive travelers.Follow her travels on Instagram @michele.wise
Why: Portugal is on everyone’s radar right now, however, new to the scene is the Azores, a set of beautiful islands that are situated in the middle of the Atlantic. With new, seasonal nonstop flights on Delta Air Lines from New York’s JFK, the Azores are now very easy to reach. The Azores are known for outdoor adventure along with historical and cultural charm. These islands have something for everyone: vineyards, volcanic crater lakes, world-class whale watching, hot springs, UNESCO protected landscapes, natural swimming pools, thermal springs, diving, surfing, waterfalls — this destination is one big playground that’s rich in natural beauty. Rest your head at the lovely Furnas Boutique Hotel, which has a thermal swimming pool that is nice to come home to after a day of sightseeing. You can visit its sister property, Azor Hotel in Ponta Delgada and relax at the rooftop pool, which has amazing views of the city and the port. Looking for something off the beaten path? Santa Barbara Eco Hotel sits on cliff overlooking the Atlantic and is popular with surfers, while White Exclusive Suites & Villas is an intimate spot on the south side of the island with breathtaking ocean views from the infinity pool.
Glamping at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge.PHOTO COURTESY OF BELMOND
Where: Botswana
Chosen By: Fernanda Costa Gama Logemann is the founder of the Brazil-based travel platform, Spice up the Road, which is focused on sharing the most exclusive travel experiences around the world and the best tips for food, hotels and attractions. Spice up the Road is also a column in the lifestyle magazine Revista Donna.
Why: I am always looking for unforgettable adventures and authentic experiences, so glamping (upscale camping) is a trend that I am really excited about. It’s the perfect way to disconnect from your routine and connect with wildlife and nature, but still have the opportunity to enjoy the kind of comfort and luxury that makes a difference in a stay. Want a great way to experience the glamorous and unique world of glamping? The Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge has just reopened and is located in the heart of Chobe National Park in Botswana, offering beautiful lodges and amazing wildlife viewing in the savannah.
Overlooking glacial Black Lake in Montenegro. PHOTO: GETTY
Where: Montenegro
Chosen By: Joanna Kuflik is director of services at Marchay, a membership-based community that plans luxury travel experiences for a select elite worldwide.
Why: With breathtaking scenery, undiscovered beaches, UNESCO World Heritage towns, a burgeoning wine culture and incredible Southern European cuisine, this country should be on everyone’s radar for 2019. While it used to be considered a stopover that travelers combined with its popular neighboring country, Croatia, this Adriatic paradise has experienced a development boom this past year, making it a perfect country to explore on its own. The legendary Aman Sveti Stefan, a fortified island that dates to the 15th century, is the go-to spot for rest and relaxation with its pink-sand beach and killer spa. In nearby Tivat, the glitzy Regent Porto Montenegro is a prime place for shopping, socializing, beach clubs and boating; a St. Tropez scene, though at a more reasonable price. Meanwhile, the recently opened Chedi Lustica Bay, part of the new Lustica Bay Marina Village, is one of seven hotels to be built in this area, complete with an 18-hole golf course, along with the One & Only Portonovi, due to be finished by the end of next year. With luxury accommodations now able to match its stunning surroundings, Montenegro is a place to put on your horizon in the new year.
An aerial view of Itz’ana in Placencia, Belize.PHOTO COURTESY OF ITZ’ANA
Where: Placencia, Belize
Chosen By: Jeri Clausing is the contributing editor for luxury at Travel Weekly.
Why: When you think of Belize, you think of the cays or the inland eco resorts. But further sound on the mainland is Placencia, a cute waterfront fishing village with bright houses and buildings that is slowly being discovered. It’s also home to Itz’ana, the first luxury resort in the area. The owner collects Mayan artifacts, and this is his second independent hotel in Belize (the first was Ka’ana in San Ignacio). At Itz’ana, the lobby is designed to feel like you’re in a guest house, not a hotel. In addition to the stunning rooms in the main property, there are also villas with private plunge pools.
A tented room at Fairmont Mara Safari Club.PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
Where: Kenya
Chosen By: Natalie Beauregard is the travel guides editor at AFAR, where she covers emerging travel destinations and best hotels.
Why: Kenya Airways just started offering direct flights from New York’s JFK to Nairobi, which is going to open the idea of a safari to so many people, since it used to take multiple connections to get to Kenya. This spring, Delta will also start flying direct from Atlanta to Nairobi. In Kenya, I love the Fairmont, which has three properties across the country. Nairobi’s Fairmont The Norfolk is focused not just on being a hotel, but being a cultural center by showcasing the city’s vibrant culture with exhibitions by Kenyan artists and local fashion designers. At the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Resort, the property is running conservancy efforts to protect the animals as well as the culture of the people who live there. The Fairmont Mara Safari Club provides the quintessential safari experience: Nowhere else in Africa can you get so close to the animals.
Shaina Ann 