“Come and see the wonders of…”
Have you ever been attracted to going somewhere because of the different advertisements that sound much like the statement above? Most likely, tourist spots around the world have a similar advertising line to get prospective clients.
Simple, yet effective
The off part about advertisements is that the public is only shown the nice, picturesque features of a place, but never the bad. Who airs their dirty laundry in public, right? More often than not, many people decide on their travel destinations through these advertisements, an uninformed choice. The Lasallian way is to make rational, informed decisions, so this month the Menagerie gives you the real buzz on some of the hottest tourist spots on radar.
From white sandy shores to green pastures
A wise man once said that before you venture off into other countries, it is best to explore the beauty of your own country. The most common tourist destinations in the Philippines range from the white sand beaches of Boracay to the coral reefs of Palawan.
An up and coming tourist destination, Bohol, is a small island province in Central Visayas. It is widely known for, the Chocolate Hills. Find yourself in a Hallmark moment and get a photo opportunity on the hills. Bohol is known to have one of the best diving spots in the world and is popular among tourists for its beaches and resorts. Dive into the fresh waters of this paradise and see what all the fuss is all about.
Nowadays, people flock to Bohol for its wildlife and forests, ranging from the butterfly sanctuaries to guided hiking explorations. Bohol has also gone green as some areas are powered by solar or wind energy.
There are plenty of other green activities one could do in Bohol. The natural geography of Bohol offers breathtaking landscapes for photographers that will make anyone trigger happy. Visit the animal sanctuaries and spend time with creatures you thought you could only see on Animal Planet. Relax in the peaceful tranquility that only Bohol can offer.
Go out with a Bang-kok
Pun aside, another travelling go to is Bangkok, Thailand. The airfare to get there is relatively cheaper than flights to other countries makes it a popular choice among Filipinos. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, with 11 million residents, making it the most populous place in the country.
The capital is practically buzzing with busy people and an interesting, underrated Asian culture. Bangkok is a city that is a mix of both modern civilizations and traditional Thai culture. When will you ever get the chance to take a River taxi to take you to your next location again? Dine on exotic food and indulge yourself with cultural performances to nurture your soul.
The streets are also bustling with businesses and stores—a paradise for the savvy shopper. The finds are at affordable prices, so your fear of an empty wallet after the trip is but a thing of the past. Bangkok is teeming with sights to be seen, shops to be shopped in and a lifestyle you have never experienced before.
Go on an adventure along the busy, labyrinthine streets. Every twist and turn will lead you to new places to see and to explore, so much that you will find yourself mingling with locals just for directions. The streets are filled with new adventures—going around Bangkok is an exploration all by itself.
Meanwhile, in Europe…
Ah, Europe. Many students from DLSU dream of touring or living in European lands. Europe is known for its sophisticated culture and the embodiment of Westernization. A cross country tour around some of the most beautiful places in the world after a stressful year seems just about right.
Europe is one of the hottest tourist spots for a good reason. There is always something to do at every corner of the street. Still caught up with the Harry Potter craze? Visit the 9 ¾ station down at King’s Cross and get a Hallmark moment with the trolley through the brick wall. Try climbing the Eiffel Tower at lovely Paris. If you can survive the stairs at Andrew then consider it training for the Eiffel.
Hungry? Eat at an original pizzeria at Italy and taste pizza the way it is supposed to taste like. And while you are at Italy, go shoe shopping. There are also the parties thrown in Ireland and Scotland, and these are ones to remember; make sure to remember the day by morning, though. At each and every adventure you experience in this beautiful continent, make sure to have a camera with you to capture every moment as you go along.
Helpful hints when travelling alone
Everything in life has its cons; most of them are unavoidable. Just because travel can be a bit risky at times, is no reason for us to hide under rocks. Here are a few travel savvy tips to help you next time you decide to embark on an adventure.
It is dangerous to carry foreign currencies in large amounts, so on the way to your destination, be sure to keep your money in several strategic locations. Keep a considerable amount in your wallet, a little in the pocket of your handbag, laptop bag, some in your hand carry and some in your actual luggage. In case emergencies, you will always be prepared, and never without currency.
When travelling alone you should always remember to keep all valuables (cameras, laptops, cellphones, gadgets, passports) in your hand carry luggage. There is always a possibility that the airline, train service, or cruise might lose your baggage; it is wise to keep all valuables as close to you as possible.
Travelling alone can also seem a tad intimidating. When travelling alone, be sure to inform the staff at the check-in counter and at the entrance desk (before entering the plane) that you are travelling alone. They will be sure to check up on you from time to time to make sure you are travelling comfortably.
Bon Voyage!
There always has been (and probably always will be) something magical about visiting a strange and unfamiliar place. To see, taste, smell and experience things that are out of the norm always seem to spark something that leaves us wanting more.
This however, is only half the joy of wandering off. The other half lies in the element of adventure that is intertwined with taking risks. The things that do not go according to plan are what make great memories, and turn travels into adventures.
