What Not to Forget When Traveling to the Philippines

A reliable traveling bag is essential
when traveling to the Philippines 

After you have made that great decision to travel to the Philippines, here are just some of the things that you should not forget and make sure that you have with you before leaving your own country.

For starters, I think "traveling light" is a key idea when visiting the Philippines. Traveling around the country poses some problems in terms of convenience often experienced during peak seasons if you are carrying heavy and bulky bags. Greater difficulty in booking rides is often experienced due to the deluge of visitors in known tourist spots. If you can have all the things you consider essential in just one carry on bag, then it would be much comfortable.

In jeepneys - considered as the most common form of transportation in the country- a bag big enough to be placed in your lap or under the seat can help you in traveling safely and comfortably in the Philippines. If you can carry your bag, chances are it is safe from being stolen.

If you pack lightly and learned how to bring only those items that are necessary, it would be easier for you to hop from ride to the other. Almost immediately when your plane arrives at the terminal you are immediately on the go. You do not need to wait in long lines in the baggage counter if you already have your bag with you.

If you forgot something, you need not worry. Most of the things you need are available in the Philippines except for those that are specialized for your use such as your prescribed medicines. Clothing can be bought in the malls or in other places where bargains abound. 

While enjoying the beautiful sights around the country, here are some of the things you should not forget -

Travel Documents- how can you forget your travel documents? Of course, if you are a traveler it is impossible for you to leave your travel documents right? But, somehow while you are traveling, there can be an instance that you may forget your travel documents like your passport and your identification cards. If you have opted to travel around the Philippines from one island to the other, never forget your travel papers.  It is the best idea to leave your travel documents in the safety deposit box of your hotel rather than bringing them with you during your short trips.

Before leaving the hotel or any place where you are staying, check if you got all your travel documents and other important papers with you. Take good care of your wallet. As it is said, "hurrying does not always save time." Before leaving that hotel or vehicle, take time in checking your travel documents and your other important belongings.

Camera - if you travel around the Philippines, never forget to bring a camera.  Well, the great advances in technology have made the cellphone a very capable camera in itself. However, having a camera aside from your cellphone is a matter that you should seriously consider when visiting the Philippines.   Traveling around the country with its beautiful sights means you got to take a lot of photos. Without a camera to capture all those beautiful sights and memories may make you feel wanting and incomplete.

Medicine and your prescription  - the Philippines has several large drugstores that may carry your brand or kind of medicine. However, there can be cases that your medicine, generic or otherwise, may not be available even in major drugstores. To stay healthy while traveling in the Philippines do not forget to bring your medicine and its corresponding prescription from your doctor.

Appropriate clothing - the Philippines is a tropical country and has a hot humid weather. It only has two seasons, the wet (from the months of June to September) and dry (October to May). It is indeed hot during summer and flooding usually occurs during the rainy season. If you intend to visit the country during any of the given months, make sure that you bring the type of clothes suited and comfortable in such weather conditions.  As a form of warning however, it has been observed that the weather in the Philippines has become unpredictable, perhaps due to climate change. This means that a heavy downpour during a sunny day has become a common occurrence.

When traveling to the Philippines, light colored clothes with breathable fabrics can make your stay comfortable despite its unpredictable weather. These kinds of clothes are available in gigantic malls in major cities in the country just to give you an idea of "packing light" and avoid bringing unnecessary clothes.

The Philippines is known for its world-class beaches and I think it is safe to assume that one reason why you are visiting is to experience Boracay or Palawan. If this is indeed part of your itinerary, then don't forget to bring your swimwear and shorts. Of course, you can buy these items locally, but do bring it if you prefer to wear your favorite pair.

In packing your clothes, always try to think of bringing what you consider to be essential or that might be useful when you travel around the Philippines. "Traveling light" should always be considered when packing your clothes. Avoid bringing so many clothes that would only add unwanted bulk to your bags. The Philippines is home to gigantic malls where you can buy clothes in case you forget to pack what you consider is your favorite.

A reliable traveling bag or backpack - this is one item that you should not forget when traveling to the Philippines.  "Reliable" to my mind means something that is durable and fits you since you are going to carry it around.  A strong and waterproof traveling bag or backpack that is comfortable enough while you move around the country is one great idea. It has to be secure enough to ensure traveling safely around the Philippines.

Since you will be moving around the country, always consider to travel light. In the Philippines, where getting a ride means hopping from crowded trains and jeeps, a bag that is handy enough to be placed under the seats or practically in every part of the vehicle is very helpful for you to enjoy your stay in the country.