0 Going to Boracay Guide

Even though Boracay is near and can be accessible in a variety of ways (air, boat and yes, by land), many people from the Philippines haven't been there. For locals out there, I tell you, it is sooo easy.

You do not need a travel agent to arrange your trip for you. In fact, travel agents charge more than doing things yourself. All you need is timing and a little bit of searching.

You would think that going to Boracay by boat or by bringing your vehicle via RoRo (roll on, roll off) will save you a lot of money, you are dead wrong. There are a lot of airlines out there that offers budget rates that can save you a lot of time and money. I recently got my round trip ticket at Tiger Airways (operated by SeaAir) for only Php 699.00 per way all in!

 

Click image to enlarge.

Interested? Check out the websites of the different airlines and search for the best deals:

1. Philippine Airlines
2. Cebu Pacific
3. Air Phil Express
4. Sea Air
5. Zest Air
6. Tiger Airways

What about hotels? We heard about cheap accommodations in Boracay. So, how cheap is cheap. Are you ready to sleep in cockroach infested fan rooms and pay premium or use that same money to get a descent air conditioned room near the beach? Check out the different online hotel booking service and get instant reservations:
1. Booking.Com
2. Agoda
3. Hotels Combined
4. Direct Rooms
5. Philippine Hotels Reservations

What happens when you arrive? How would you get from Kalibo or Caticlan Airports to your hotel? Would you need someone to arrange land (bus or van) and boat transfers? Luckily, there's one reliable company that I know of wherein you can book and pay online. The rate is low that it's as if you have done the arrangement yourself. Check out South West Tours and know your options.

Try to arrange you trip and compare it to your local travel agent. I would be glad to know if I helped you with your plans by sharing you experiences on the comments field below.
See you in Boracay!

0 Escape to Anawangin Cove (Zambales, The Philippines) Part 2

Before going to the camp site (Anawangin Cove), it's better to visit the islands in the morning where the water is not as rough as in the afternoon.

The two islands, Camara and Capones can be seen when you board the boat from Pundaquit beach. Camara Island is the one closest from Pundaquit beach. Just like Capones, Camara is big lump of rock with very little soil and greenery. 

Capones island island is about 20 minutes boat ride away from Camara island and is a perfect place to have a 360 degrees view of the place via the light house.

Click the images below to enlarge...

 

 

NEXT: Camping at Anawangin Cove...

0 Paris: the city of love

Ah Paris, the city de l'amour. What better place to spend the Valentine weekend?

Who knows or cares how Paris's reputation as the City of Love came about; the fact is romance saturates the air. The city's architecture is beguiling, the gentle curve of The Seine, hypnotic. Perhaps it is because Parisians themselves seem so much more open in their gestures, unashamed about making public displays of affection. Well, when in Rome, as they say...

With flights from London airports to Charles De Gaulles starting at just £20.99 or the Eurostar from £69, it is a fantasy easily turned into reality. Plus there are some great deals to be had on hotel accommodation, saving you money for all of the city's many attractions.

If you're not too bothered about finding privacy and queueing during the daytime, then visit Paris's popular landmarks: Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame, the Champs Élysées and Montmartre to name but a few. Naturally, don't miss the irresistible Eiffel Tower from which you and your significant other can marvel at the 360 degree panoramic of Paris below, no doubt falling in love all over again at the sight.

Say the words 'café culture' to anyone and it instantly evokes images of Paris streets, chic women in sunglasses sipping coffee, engulfed by swirls of cigarette smoke, handsome Gallic men reading Le Monde making flirty eye contact, perched with effortless elegance on the stylish cafe furniture. Make a point of stopping for un café, s'ilvous plait and soaking up the atmosphere. Sit at separate tables and catch each other's eye provocatively, as if you're perfect strangers.

When evening comes, enjoy a romantic cruise along The Seine, taking in Paris by night or simply stroll along the streets, hand in hand. Stop for dinner at a little bistro and sample the recommended vins or feed each other spoonfuls of sumptuous dessert. You can do that in Paris without putting fellow diners off their grub.

The city of love may only be a couple of hours, away but it's guaranteed that you will remember your visit to Paris for a life time.