Philippines Travel Tips

by VALIANT ~ May 24th, 2008

You would want to travel to the Philippines? If you have it is top to take these traveling tips with you to make your knowledge have fewer irritate. Remembering these tips will actually get better your chances of enjoying the Philippines.

General information

Filipinos are somewhat open. They would be thankful for it if you were polite and soft during your discussion. Also stay away from criticizing them in public because just like in any culture, self-esteem is valued. Filipinos love talking about their families.

Clothing

The Philippine’s climate is quite hot and moist. Be prepared tow age clothes that are geared for the summer. You would seem pretty unintelligent and charred to dress too hot for a very hot day; if not of course you really want to perspire to lose weight.

Transportation ways

(1). Taxis – you would have to pay the basic P25 flag down rate and P2 for every 200 meters. Taxis can be found almost anywhere and you can even ask the hotel to get you a cab. Be sure that the meter is turned on when you ride a cab. There are lots of taxi drivers out to fool foreigners so be aware. Try to give a 10% tip for the drivers.

(2).Buses – if you want to have a ride that is like in the movie “Speed 1”, try riding the Philippine Buses. The drivers are a bit risky. The regular and air-conditioned buses travel in all major routes in Metro Manila, except Roxas Boulevard. The fare for air-conditioned buses is P10.00 and will have an additional P2 for every kilometer. A regular bus rate on the other hand is P9 and has additional P1 for very kilometer. Tell the conductor where you will be going and the conductor will tell you how much to pay. Keep the receipt because it is your proof that you have paid.

(3). Jeep neys –the Jeepneys are the transportation to use for secondary roads and some travel the major roads as well. A tourist should try to ride this because it’s considered to be the Philippines National vehicle. The fee is P4.00 for a minimum of 4 kilometers. You would then need to pay 50 cents for the succeeding 500 meters. When you are ready to go down just shout “Pa-ra” and lift off.

(4). LRT – it is a fast and cheap way of transportation. Aside from the LRT there is also an MRT station that has the same concept. They are a pretty good ride; they only have lots of people especially on rush hours.

International Travel Tips

by VALIANT ~ April 23rd, 2008

How to Sleep on Public Transport While Traveling

by chintan ~ November 1st, 2007

Some people are naturally calm to sleep by the hums of a motor and hit of a road, while others consider these the bane of budget travel! There are a little things you can do to help maximize your chances for rest on public transport.

(1)Keep away from drinking caffeinated beverages and eating sugar. Also avoid alcohol, which may at first make you sleepy, but will ultimately disrupt your sleep pattern, cause you to use the restroom frequently, and dehydrate you.

(2)Carry a hot-air balloon travel pillow or an additional layer of clothing to use as a pillow. Inflatable neck pillows are good for use when sleeping on an aisle or between other passengers.

(3) Opt for a portable tape or disc player with a headset to minimize exterior sounds or provide white noise to enable you to sleep.

(4)Observe when and how fellow travelers appear to be sleeping. They probably know some tricks of the trade particular to the mode of transportation you are using and the culture you are traveling in.

(5)Carry sufficient layers of clothing that you can dress in for added warmth when traveling in cool climates or on air-conditioned buses. Your body temperature will drop as you sleep, and there is nothing like a cool draft or chilled feet to keep stirring you out of your sleep.

(6)Use rest stops when they are available, even if you don’t think you need to use a bathroom or purchase a snack. A full bladder or empty stomach down the road is bound to keep you uncomfortable and awake.

(7) Carry plenty of things to entertain you if you can’t sleep: books, music, playing cards, travel board games, your journal. Activity may eventually lull you into sleepy land better than closing your eyes and worrying about insomnia.

Tips & Warnings

(1) Strap your luggage together and lock it to a luggage rack using a bicycle lock if traveling on transport where theft is a risk. Use a lock on your luggage, handbag or daypack to deter thieves.

(2) Carry your passport and money in a security pouch underneath your clothing. Never sleep with these in your luggage or under your bolster.

(3) Believe taking turns sleeping if you are traveling with a group or partner and feel unsafe in your environment. significant that your partner will be awake to watch your belongings and monitor the comings and goings of others will help you rest more soundly.

(4) Avoid taking sleeping pills unless you are traveling with a associate who will be alert, and you feel completely safe in your environment.