Five Useful Ideas When Backpacking In The Philippines
Vacations and travels are great means of escaping the strains and anxieties of everyday life
, through long periods of rests and relaxations. A testimony to this is Earl Wilsons wise words that say that A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.
Known for being part of the hippie culture in the 60s and 70s, backpacking is an economical way to enjoy your holiday that traditionally distinguishes itself from the other forms of traveling. Its all about the limited usage of public transport, choosing low-cost hostels over high-priced lodging, length of the trip versus the typical vacation, eagerness in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights, and of course, the use of backpacks.
Backpacking dates back in the 60s when people, specifically the hippies, were searching for new and economical means of integrating with other cultures. It is a brave and bold substitute to going cross-country and requires a huge amount of time, effort and patience. To backpack is to travel by means of walking, avoiding as much as possible the use of public transport. The definition of the activity is not one that is as restrictive compared to other forms of travelling. The key rule is to travel as much by walking, stay in low-cost lodging facilities, interact as much as you can with the locals and their communities, and of course carry around a backpack.
The Philippines is one of the best destinations for a backpacking trip because there are a lot of surprises in its archipelago. Composed of more than 7100 islands, the country a perfect getaway in the Asia Pacific where you do not have to shell out a huge amount of money to enjoy.
If you are enticed by what a backpacking trip offers, you should first remember these basic points in order to maximize the experience that you are about to experience:
Recommended ATTIRE: Its essential to pack the right attire for the right weather. In a tropical country like the Philippines, the regular temperature runs from 24 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. Its advisable to wear light clothing to prevent getting too sweaty. It will be handy to carry along insect repellants especially in tropical countries where there are plenty of different types of mosquitoes ready to bite you.
Communication is the key - Filipinos are famous for being impeccably hospitable people. And while the same is true for most Asian countries, youll find that its a lot easier to talk to Filipinos and approach them since a majority of them can speak, understand and write English. Also, Filipinos are very helpful and down to earth, so never hesitate to ask them for help if youre needing. Youll find that theyre always more than happy to be of any help to anyone, especially foreigners.
GET THOSE Tongues WORKING: When visiting a foreign country, remember to always try their original cuisines and delicacies. In Asian countries, authentic street foods are available anywhere for an affordable price. Some of the Philippine street foods that you must try are the following: Isaw (barbecued chicken intestine), fishballs (white deep-friend ball-shaped food), banana fritter or Turon (banana wrapped inside a wanton wrapper coated with sticky sugar in the outside), and banana-cue (deep fried banana on a stick coated with dried sticky sugar in the outside).
Tip is a common tip - It is a typical courtesy in the Philippines to leave some cash behind after paying the bill, since most of the restaurants and bars in the country do not include tips for the servers in the final charges. This also goes to giving an extra payment to the cab drivers, like leaving them the small amount of change from the money you paid based on the meter.
VISIT THE WONDERS OF THE LAND: If you plan to visit some islands in the Philippines, its better to ask assistance from local boat folks than investing your money over expensive travel packages from hotels. For a beautiful and rich country like the Philippines, ecotourism is widely supported by the local and maintains the lifestyle of indigenous groups in the said areas. Respecting elders is highly supported by many in this country so I suggest you follow locals common courtesy. Dont act like a total stranger and mix in with the crowd, in this manner you can enjoy your stay and gain friends.
Backpacking in the Philippines is a low-cost, entertaining and an intellectually engaging way to lose all those physical and emotional baggage youve been carrying the entire year. I assure you that after youve made this trip, youll never be the same again. The Filipinos can teach us a lot of things in terms of living our daily lives, learning humility and appreciating the things that we have.
The best part about this trip is that you get to learn the culture, lifestyle, and beauty of the well-preserved nature in Asia. Keep in mind that the essence of vacation not only comes from the sights you saw but the steps you took around the destination.
As Henry David Thoreau, an American writer and nature lover, said: We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven.
by: Mary Ann Ga
Local Philippines: Zestful Zamboanga Local Philippines: Blissful Bataan Skechers Philippines Local Philippines: Breeze Into Bukidnon Send Load To The Philippines Puerto Princesa, Palawan- the Last Frontier of the Philippines CMG recognized that with the Philippines' aggressive strengths Call Center Industry, Philippines Top Rising Industry Growing Call Center Industry Of The Philippines Call Center Industry Of The Philippines, From Growth To Fall The Growth Of Call Center Industry In The Philippines How To Become A Call Center Agent In The Philippines The Changes In Call Center Industry Of The Philippines