Many westerners harbor the misconception that every young person in Asia wears Harajuku fashions, or that it’s totally acceptable to walk around in a kimono.  In fact, these are extreme fashions that few people wear in public (or private, for that matter).  If you choose to don these types of clothing when you travel in Asia, you’ll likely draw more than a few stares and sniffs of disdain.  In truth, you’re going to have to do a little research if you want to look like you belong when you’re traveling through Asian countries.  And here are just a few fashion tips to keep you from looking like a tourist.

First of all, you need to plan to dress for the climate, and depending on the time of year and the actual location you’ll be traveling to in Asia, the weather could vary drastically.  Remember that this continent covers a wide range of latitudes and settings, from the often cool (or downright freezing) steppes of Mongolia to the positively tropical Philippines (along the Pacific Ring of Fire).  So you’ll actually need to look into the climate of the particular region you’ll be traveling to before you start packing.  Dressing appropriately for the weather patterns is the best way to fit in, so if it’s going to be cold, bring a jacket, boots, and whatever else you might need to stave off frostbite.  Warmer climes will warrant clothing that is breathable such as linen or wick-away fabrics.  And remember that many parts of Asia face seasonal monsoons, so don’t forget your raincoat and umbrella if you happen to travel during these times.

Next, you may want to pack light and then purchase a few items when you arrive.  Although there is a wealth of information available online, the data you find may not be truly indicative of what the average person on the street is wearing.  Take for example “traditional” clothing; you can pretty much bank on the fact that these colorful outfits are not worn daily.  They are likely only used for ceremonial purposes or festivals (sorry, you’ll have to leave the headdress at home).  Once you have taken the time to walk down the street and see what is fashionable, you’ll have a much better gauge for buying items that will help you to look great but still blend in during your time in Asia.

In truth, you’ll likely find that much of your own clothing is suitable for wear and will not make you stick out like a sore thumb.  While you might not want to look like you’re on a runway when you go to the market or hike a volcano, you can certainly opt for the fashions of the west, which are often just as popular in Asia as they are in Europe or America.  Cotton tends to be the fabric of choice, although silk is also fairly prevalent (especially in China).  Although your best bet is to dress for the climate and for comfort, that doesn’t mean you can’t still look fantastic and blend in while you travel.  Just take the time to choose a few key pieces at home and then have some fun shopping once you arrive.

Leah Tamrin writes for tshirtprinting.net where you can design your own custom clothing at affordable prices.

Tropical weather, warm, sunny beaches, exciting locations and lots of fun and adventure await you in the Philippines. Add to those enticements the low cost of lodging and food—oh, the food!–and few people can resist the temptation to return time and again!

Lodging

While some areas in is island country are tourist traps with higher prices than others, even the most luxurious accommodations in the capital of Manila costs roughly half or less what you’d pay in other countries—even in the US! For about $150, you can rest very comfortably in a room that would cost $500 or more in Chicago or New York City, for example!

For just pennies on the dollar in the outlying areas everywhere in this island paradise, you can enjoy more rustic comfort, but don’t mistake inexpensive for “cheap.” You still enjoy a soft bed and sturdy furniture; the lodging just may not offer bellhop services. For the backpacker or casual tourist, that’s usually not a problem at all!

Food

How loudly can we type “Good but cheap” and get away with it? That many? Okay—done! For food that will make your taste buds dance with joy and your eyes weep from overwhelming appreciation, you can spend less than $15 per person. Forget the $100 wine list and the $250 pork loin. For a fraction of the cost, experience authentic Philippine cuisine and even US favorites in many areas, and save your money for souvenirs!

Sights to See

A comprehensive list of all this country has to offer would take a fair portion of the Internet’s total bandwidth, but only a few of the many highlights might include such sights and geographic areas as

1. Corregidor: This tiny island on the outer edge of Manila Bay was the last stronghold to fall to the Japanese in World War II. Today, it’s notorious tunnels that once housed arsenals and hospitals are now home to museums that are well worth the day trip to see. Explore this hideaway that is in plain sight and enjoy the history as well as the breeze and the sunshine.

2. Bicol: This southern spot in the South Luzon region is oft-overlooked by visitors, which is a boon for those visitors savvy and well-informed enough to venture to it. Take a stroll or a hike through this lush haven known for its volcanic peaks. Pause and look out over some of the bluest water you can imagine. It almost seems a moment away, doesn’t it? Board a boat for a water tour and photograph the white sharks that inhabit the area: You won’t see many of those in zoos “stateside,” eh?

3. Batangas: Clear, warm water surrounds you as you indulge in one of the area’s delights—scuba diving. The brilliantly colored coral reefs are home to such exotic fish and marine life that the imagination just soars when contemplating it. Bring your underwater camera to catch the marvels on film, for those at home may not quite believe you if you simply describe what you experienced!

Wherever you go in the Philippines, whatever you choose to do, make plans and promises to yourself to return soon, and expand your tropical horizons even more next time!

The author of this article is Holly Miller, who writes for CouponCroc.co.uk, the best resource for savings on all of your travel plans when you book online.

When you think of exotic travel destinations, the Pacific Ring of Fire may not be at the top of your list.  Likely you have your eye on the tropical islands of Hawaii and their many resort locations, but you have to admit that the costs are a little out of your price range.  However, you can have a similar experience for a lot less money by visiting one of the more than 7,000 islands that make up the Philippines.  Here are just a few reasons why an adventure vacation to the Philippine Islands is a great (and inexpensive) idea.

One of the many wonderful reasons to visit the Philippines is that it is eminently affordable.  Whereas a room at a beachside resort in Hawaii could run you upwards of $500 per night, you can secure a deluxe room at beachfront property in the Philippines for around 1,500 PSN (Philippine pesos), which comes out to about $35 US.  Of course, resorts in heavy tourist areas may cost you more (they tend to top out around $150 a night in Manila, for example), but you’re still going to pay a lot less than other island resorts.  You might spend $30-$50 per person on a nice meal in Hawaii, and the same meal in the Philippines can be had for less than half that cost.

And this is a nation of foodies.  A lot of people love to sample local cuisine when they go on vacation, and the Philippines can deliver in spades.  Not only are the citizens of the Philippines extremely warm and accommodating to visitors, but they also take a lot of pride in the food they create, for themselves and for others.  So don’t hesitate to partake of the delicious and varied cuisine that awaits you on your visit to the Philippines.

Plus, there are so many beautiful sights to see in the Philippines that you might have a hard time fitting them all in.  There are natural wonders around every corner as well as plenty of fun activities to keep you occupied.  You can frolic in the surf or go horseback riding on a white-sand beach one day, and hike or zip-line through a forest the next.  You can paddle around exotic lagoons, ford a river to get to the waterfall that feeds it, go scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Palawan, or hike up to Mount Pinatubo’s crater lake (and sample nearby spas on your way out).  And there’s much, much more.  If you visited ten islands a day in this widespread nation, you still couldn’t see them all in a year (of course, they’re not all populated).

In any case, the point is that you’ll never run out of amazing things to do and see on your adventure in the Philippines, whether you’re bouncing across the waves in a speedboat or over hilly terrain in an off-road vehicle (although hopefully not hard enough to drop your Grand Cherokee transfer case!).  And you can do it all for a lot less than you’d spend in similar locales.  So if you weren’t thinking about a vacation in the Philippines before, now is definitely the time to start.

Since the beginning of time people have used vacations as a way to get away from it all for even a week. Every year thousands flock to the beaches in hope to soak away their blues with sun and fun. But is there really any truth to de-stressing while on vacation, some would agree, yes there is.

Why Go on Vacation

Vacation is a time to forget work, leave your worry’s at home and see a new destination. Most see this as a time to recharge their batteries and in return lower stress levels. Often a change of scenery gives one a new perspective and a change of pace can do wonders for the soul.

People Skip Vacation Because of Money

Many folks simply don’t take vacations because they fear that they don’t have time or the money. A vacation doesn’t have to be a two week international trip it can be a simple weekend away just to experience something new. People who don’t take time off are at a greater risk of experiencing burn out.

Taking a Time Out

Health also plays a big roll with being stressed out. Those who are unable to de-stress have greater risk of
heart disease and stroke, as the body reflects poorly to stress. When we are stressed it affects our body’s functioning ability. Stress can cause muscle aches, dizziness, headaches, mood problems.

Why Everyone Needs a Vacation

The body can only absorb so much stress before it begins to react negatively. Here are some tips of how you benefit from traveling to de-stress:

• Vacations allow us to indulge, let our hair down and do things we normally wouldn’t have the time or
energy to do after working.

• Sleep in; most people don’t get enough sleep. An average person requires at least eight hours of
uninterrupted sleep. American’s fall short with around 5-6 being average. Take this time when duty
doesn’t call and rest.

• Did you know that you are 20% likely to die earlier if you don’t take a vacation than if you do?

• Take at least a week if possible, this gives the body time to rejuvenate and fully relax.

Where Do I Go

While personal preference plays a big part, some of the greatest destinations are tried and true.

• The Beach-water seems to calm just about everyone.

• The Mountains-the fresh air and peaceful scenery is just what the Dr. ordered.

• Visit a relative-Nothing is better than family, spending time laughing and catching up on old times can
be the perfect way to de-stress.

No matter how you choose to de-stress it is important to find a way to do it. A simple drive in the country on a Sunday afternoon is how some old timers got away from it all. Today’s society we live in is much different and the hectic work schedules leave us with little time for family, friends and fun. Making traveling a priority, while hard, is something that needs to be done. Family is important, keeping stress levels down is important and taking care of your mental health as well as you physical health is just as important. Perhaps the French had it right all along, they take month long “holidays” and put more of an emphasis on making sure to have adequate rejuvenation time.

Vacation clubs were designed to help out individuals to enjoy a luxurious vacation for less. It is considered as one of your travel best bets, especially for frequent travelers. Signing up for a membership into a vacation club will reduce stress in the planning process for your vacation. In addition, you can also leverage the bulk buying power of these clubs to get access to accommodations and vacations that you would normally have no access to when you buy them on your own.

The first step to taking advantage of vacation club memberships as your travel best bets is to decide which club to join. There are plenty of choices available but you need to pick ones that are able to accommodate your vacation needs and preferences.

Some of the popular vacation clubs that had been around for a while include Disney Vacation Club, El Cid Vacation Club, and Global Exchange Vacation Club. Each of these vacation clubs offers something unique to consumers; hence, it pays to do a bit of research on each of these clubs to decide what is right for you.

Are you still in search for your travel best bets? Look at some of the vacation clubs established near your area. Or research on the top vacation clubs in the industry to help you enjoy a worthwhile and cost-efficient trip.

When it comes time to decide which of the 7,000 plus islands of the Philippines you’re going to visit, you may be more than a little overwhelmed with the variety of options.  And many places have things to recommend them.  Manila is great if you’re interested in gambling.  If you head to Luzon, you can see the famous volcano in Lake Taal.  And visitors to Donsol can swim with giant whale sharks.  But if you’re looking for a little bit of everything in one place, then you may want to choose Cebu as your vacation destination in the Philippines.  Here are the top five reasons to put this province on your list of places to visit.

1.  Cebu City.  You can find a ton of entertainment options when you head to the heart of Cebu.  This city is not only the cultural center of the province (and the second largest city in the nation); it is also the oldest city in the Philippines (although it has grown quite a bit) and if offers a beautiful blending of old and new.  You can check out the mix of architecture (dating back hundreds of years up to modern day), hit up some clubs, enjoy fine dining, or rock out at one of the cities many music festivals.

2.   Diving.  Although there are many amazing sites to dive throughout the island chain, Cebu is said to harbor the most beautiful underwater landscapes.  You can not only swim with schools of fish at some locations; you can also see unique marine life here that you won’t find at other dive sites around the islands.  Warm, clear waters complete the package and make this a diver’s paradise.

3.  Beach resorts.  Once you finish your dive, you’ll no doubt want to dry off in the warm sun, and on this score Cebu can also deliver.  Their gorgeous, pristine, white-sand beaches will have you melting into relaxation in no time, as will the resort accommodations that accompany these long stretches of sand.  So head to the beach for a little R&R, or spice things up with some snorkeling, scuba diving, or other water sports (and stay the night at a private beach house).

4.  Shopping.  Perhaps you’re on the prowl for some traditional island clothing.  Or maybe you’d like to order some furniture to send home (an ornate, antique cabinet to commemorate your trip).  You might just be looking for some gifts to bring your loved ones.  Whatever your shopping needs, Cebu can meet them.  It is not only a wealthy urban area; it is also cited as the largest trading center in the Philippines, meaning you can find just about anything you’re looking for.

5.  Food.  Life in the Philippines is often geared towards eating, and these are people who enjoy their food!  Luckily, that means you’re bound to enjoy it, as well.  Seafood is prevalent (no surprise there) and you can take advantage of the many delicious native dishes that include the fruits of the sea (fish, that is).  Also easy to find are Thai, Japanese, and European cuisines, so there’s a little something to suit every palate.

Emma Martin writes for Charming Tuscany where you can find the best in Tuscany hotels and plan your next luxurious vacation.

I know what you’re thinking: how can you explore an island nation in an automobile?  Isn’t it easier to take a boat or a plane?  Although the Philippine nation is made up of thousands of islands, some of them are actually quite large.  And unless you’re going to stay on the beach where your boat lands you’ll probably need to hitch a ride at some point.  So why not get to know the islands you visit a little more intimately by renting a car, getting a map, and choosing your own adventure?  There are actually quite a few reasons why this is a much better plan than exploring by another mode of transportation, and here are a few to get you on the right track.

For starters, a boat will only take you around the perimeter of an island, while a plane will most likely drop you at the nearest urban center.  This is going to severely limit the scope of your trip.  You’ll basically only get to see cities and beaches.  Although there are some gorgeous, white-sand beaches that you’ll no doubt want to lounge on during your vacay, and you certainly should visit some of the major urban outposts in order to sample cuisine, hit the clubs, and squeeze in a little shopping, there’s a lot more to the Philippine islands than crowded cities and tourist-laden beaches.  If you stick to planes and boats, you’re going to be stuck seeing only the areas they can take you to, which excludes a fair chunk of the islands.

For example, there are many natural features that you will almost certainly have to travel by automobile to reach.  There are abundant wildlife preserves, rainforests, volcanoes, and other natural wonders to see (like the inexplicable Chocolate Hills of Bohol).  In some cases, you may have to stop the vehicle and hop in a boat to reach an area (such as a waterfall), but you can get just about anywhere by car.  The truth is, there’s a lot to see in the interior regions of many of the islands, and without a car, you might never get to them (unless you happen to find a bus that’s going there, but you’ll probably be happier with your own travel accommodations).  If you want to see the real Philippines, not just what gets shellacked for the benefit of tourists, then you really need to travel by automobile.

In addition, it is probably less expensive to rent a car than to plan other travel arrangements.  Although you’ll certainly have to maneuver you way along some rough roads, and possibly risk getting lost, that’s half the fun to taking a journey in the first place.  The people are known to be friendly and hospitable, so they will probably be happy to help you get where you’re going.  And they’ll likely have some excellent insider tips on finding the best restaurants, lodgings, or roadways.  You can certainly take the traditional approach to island travel and opt for planes or boats to get you there, but you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip if you choose to do it by car.

Breana Orland writes for Trucker to Trucker where you can find used box truck for sale, buy and sell trucks, and browse through classifieds to find a dealer near you.

There are many reason tourists might want to plan a trip to the Philippines.  The people are extremely hospitable, the food is amazing, and the price is right.  On top of that there are all kinds of natural wonders to explore, from dormant and active volcanoes, to beautiful white-sand beaches, to tropical forest preserves full of exotic animals.  In short, this island nation has just about everything the seasoned traveler could want, including stunning vistas, excellent cuisine, and plenty of options for lodgings and entertainment.  But while a few days at a beachside resort on a fairly remote island could give you the solitude and relaxation you’re looking for, eventually you’re going to get antsy for a little activity to spice things up.  In this regard, the Philippines can also deliver, although you may have to go to one of their cities, depending on what you’re looking for.  However, when it comes to night life, there are a lot of options for the traveler seeking some fun.

1.  Dining.  You might not think of this as an activity so much as a necessity, but since you’re entering a nation of proclaimed food-lovers, eating can turn into quite an experience.  If you ask people to tell you which dishes are the best, you may get an impassioned earful about their favorite foods.  And everything you eat is bound to be some kind of culinary masterpiece (especially if you ask the concierge for recommendations).  So sit back, relax, and savor your meals in the Philippines; you’re in for a real treat when you eat here.

2.  Casinos.  These islands can’t offer the same size operation as one might find in Las Vegas, Monte Carlo, or Macau but that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty of casinos scattered around for the tourist looking to lose some fun money at the tables (or hoping to take a little home).  Manila is really the place to be if you’re looking for this form of entertainment, but you can also find major resort casinos in Ilocos and Tagaytay.  Plus, larger resorts and hotels on many of the islands offer limited slots and table games.

3.  Ballroom dancing.  You may be surprised to discover that this antiquated activity is hugely popular in the Philippines.  If you went ahead and learned some fancy footwork for your wedding, you’ll have the opportunity to show your moves on the dance floor since many hotels have weekend ballroom dancing (they actually use the ballroom for its intended purpose).  Most also provide instructors for those who need lessons before hitting the floor.

4.  Clubs.  If you think ballroom dancing is for your grandparents, then perhaps you’d be more comfortable on the club scene.  Surprisingly, most are found in (or connected to) the major hotels in any given locale.  Although you may have to head to major urban centers to discover kitschy clubs, you can no doubt dance the night away to some club-thumping house beats or the latest from Lady Gaga right in your own hotel.

5.  Lounges.  Dancing isn’t for everyone, but maybe music and martinis are more up your alley.  In that case, you should skip the clubs and opt for a lounge.  Again, you can often find the best ones in area hotels, and most offer nightly live entertainment for guests and other visitors.  If you ask when you check in, you might even get some free drink coupons to get you started on your R&R.

Leah Gallin writes for The Guestlist Club where you can find info on the hottest club in London, China White.



When you plan your vacation, there are a million places you could choose to visit, from Hong Kong to Helsinki to Honolulu.  But most of the locales that populate your list probably have one very prominent drawback: the expense.  Modern travel has become ridiculously expensive, what with the price of fuel going up and up.  And then there’s the fact that most of the places you’d prefer to visit will charge you beaucoup bucks for lodging, transportation, food, and entertainment (since they thrive on the tourist dollars of “wealthy” foreigners).  But there are a few places left in the world that are not only inexpensive, but offer all the value and luxury you’ve come to expect from your travel destinations.  So if you’re looking for the comfort, class, and concessions without all the attendant costs, then perhaps it’s time you planned a trip to the Philippines.  Here are just a few reasons to head to the Ring of Fire for your next vacay.

1.  Gorgeous beaches and warm waters.  With over 7,000 islands in this chain, you’ll be hard pressed to come away from your trip with any negative commentary.  If you’re looking for a resort on an exotic, white-sand beach, you’ll find it here.  Or if what you really want is seclusion; that too can be arranged.  Snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports are also on the menu.  No matter what you’re looking for in the way of fun in the sun, you can definitely find it in the Philippines.

2.  Exotic culture and entertainment.  You might be surprised by how hospitable the people of this island nation are.  On the whole, visitors would characterize the citizenry as warm, welcoming, and jovial.  They also like to celebrate and they will join you in honoring your special occasion, or invite you to take part in one of their many celebratory festivals, which include music, dancing, and most of all, food.

3.  Cuisine.  If ever there was a culture entirely composed of foodies, it is the Filipinos.  These people love good food and they will not hesitate to share with you their favorite, must-try dishes.  Their traditional fare is similar to both Chinese and Japanese, but they definitely have their own spin (especially when it comes to seasoning).  Squeamish westerners may not want to look too closely at what they’re eating, but the less you ask, the more you’re bound to enjoy their many delicious dishes.

4.   Nature.  Volcanoes, waterfalls, and caves are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the many natural wonders you’ll behold in the Philippine islands.  And there is plenty of flora, fauna, and animal life to interest you, both in nature preserves and out in the wild.  So if natural beauty is what motivates you to travel, you’ll find it in spades when you visit the Philippines.

5.   Exchange rate.  Not only will you get great value on the currency exchange ($1 US = 43 PHP, or Philippine Peso) but everything is cheaper by western standards (to put it in perspective, you can generally get an entire meal with meat, vegetables, and a drink for roughly 45 PHP, or $1 – about 1/10^th or less what you’d pay on home soil).  And this principle applies to everything from lodgings to activities.  If nothing else has caught your interest, you can’t deny that the prices are definitely appealing.

Leah Ryan writes for Adiamor Engagement Ring where you can find loose diamonds, engagement ring settings, diamond pendants, and other fine diamond jewelry.

Those who inhabit the Philippine islands are known for both their hospitality and their love of fine food.  In fact, many Filipinos consider cooking and eating to be a hobby, something that they have a great passion for.  So when you visit the Philippines, you may be overwhelmed not only by the vigor with which people offer you food, but the wide variety of delectable cuisines that are available.  If you’re not sure where to start with your culinary tour of this vast chain of islands, here are just a few of the local favorites that you may want to sample.

1.  Pancit Molo.  This tasty starter is somewhat similar to its Chinese cousin, wonton soup.  And while it does contain ground pork in wonton wrappers, it also consists of shredded chicken, shrimp, and a variety of other ingredients such as green onions, garlic, and even lemon juice.  It is the inclusion of these many other additives that differentiates this soup from the more common Chinese dish.  In any case, the hearty stock will remind you of a home-cooked meal along the lines of other comfort foods, and the many flavors and meats included will keep you full and satisfied.  Just a note: there are no noodles in this dish, despite the fact that “pancit” (noodle) is right in the name.

2.  Inihaw na Liempo.  The name of this dish is pretty self-explanatory as it translates to grilled pork belly.  It is a simple but well-loved dish amongst islanders.  The marinade generally combines just a few ingredients (soy sauce, garlic, lemon, and a little salt and pepper).  Then it’s just grilled until crisp and crackly, like bacon.  If you enjoy pork at all, this is one piece of island cuisine that you simply can’t afford to miss out on.  Dip in spiced vinegar to really bring out the flavor of the meat.

3.  Lechon.  Pork is a pretty popular meat amongst Filipinos, as is evident by the many ways in which they prepare it.  Lechon, in particular, is the national dish of the Philippines.  Don’t confuse it with the Hawaiian style of roasted pig, which is cooked in a pit.  Instead, the pig must be roasted whole on a rotating spit over a charcoal fire (to give it the crispy, flaky skin it is known for).  The cavity is generally stuffed with garlic, onions, potatoes, and spices (some also like to add banana leaves) to create a seasoned meat dish that is big on flavor.

4. Lumpiang Sariwa.  This is a type of vegetable spring roll that is fairly common in the Philippines and provides for a nice counterpoint to the many meat dishes they serve.  A variety of vegetables may be included, but shredded cabbage, julienne carrots, chopped onions, and sweet potato cubes seem to be the most common.  In some cases, tofu, chicken, pork, or shrimp may also be added.  The insides are sautéed (with a bit of oil, fish sauce, and garlic), then spooned into the soft wrapper (not crispy) and rolled.  They are then topped with a sweet sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts for a delicious side dish.

5.  Maja Blanca.  This tasty dessert, also known as coconut pudding, consists mainly of coconut milk, cornstarch, and sugar (although sweet cream corn is often included to make the dish thicker and creamier).  Topped with shredded, toasted coconut for a crispy, flaky top layer, this dish is a sweet, creamy, crunchy delight that is often served for special occasions such as holidays.

Leon Harris writes for AdvanceMe, the nation’s leading business cash advance provider.