Passport & Visas.
Visas are required for all nationalities except Philippines passport holder and you must obtain an Philippines visa prior to leaving home as it cannot be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel in Philippines. A Philippines visa is valid from the day it is issued, not the date of entry. For example, a 6-month visa issued on January 1 will expire on June 30, regardless of your date of entry. There is a minimum two-month gap period between consecutive tourist visas. Tourist visa valid for 6 months can have a maximum duration of 90 days per visit, depending on citizenship. Please check the maximum duration per visit on your local embassy.
Try to Cover less and enjoy more.
Amongst the top important tips that we can advise for traveling in Philippines is to include fewer destination and stopovers on your itinerary so you can spend more time to explore, appreciate and enjoy each place, rather than be on a dash to cover too many in a short span of time. Philippines is big both geographically and in population. Making your way may not be always easy and can be tiring when walking around busy markets, monuments and important sites on your trip. You must budget your relaxing time in your itinerary to have proper rest, recover from the fatigue and enjoy each destination on the trip to the fullest. Besides when giving more time to explore fewer destination, gives you also the opportunity to connect with the locals and get to know more about their culture, habits and practices which is the true experience of India most visitors look out for.
Itinerary and Sightseeing:
Our aim at TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS is to provide quality service to our client’s highest level of satisfaction. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, festivals and mandatory closures require an alteration in the itinerary or certain sightseeing. We do our best to ensure all the sightseeing’s covered but, in some cases, it may not be possible, and we advise you to discuss these alternate arrangements with your tour guide at least a day prior to the scheduled sightseeing. Weather and other conditions may vary at the actual time/day and THO takes no responsibility in case of cancellations due to bad weather.
In some tours, a visit to a handicraft center and a local small-scale workshop is a part of the itinerary. This is included to showcase the skills of local artisans and the uniqueness of the city’s culture.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our tours. Please note that the default travel insurance provided with credit cards generally does not provide adequate coverage. Speak to your travel agent or us about flexible comprehensive insurance to cover your travel arrangements. This must critically cover medical expenses in case of an emergency, change of schedule, cancellations, or any unforeseen circumstances.
Currency Exchange, Credit Card, and ATMs:
It is recommended that you check for the currency rate before planning your Philippines trip. The exchange can be done either before traveling from your origin city or in the Philippines.
Foreign currency may be exchanged at your hotel, and in most of the large department stores, banks, and authorized money-changing shops. Exchanging money anywhere else is illegal and the laws are strictly enforced.
Most large stores, restaurants, hotels, and resorts accept major credit cards including American Express, Visas, and MasterCard. Traveller’s checks preferably American Express are accepted at hotels and large department stores. Personal checks drawn on foreign banks are generally not accepted.
In Manila, there’s no shortage of ATMs to be found in or near bank branches, shopping centres, and supermarkets. However, once you hit smaller towns and rural areas, you’ll find ATMs few and far between - and you’re far more likely to find that stores, restaurants, and guest houses prefer cash payments. As a holder of a foreign card, you might find that you are subject to stricter daily cash withdrawal limits. It’s worth making sure you have enough cash to keep you going if you’re headed off the beaten track.
Phone & Internet Coverage:
Telephone service is modern, and you can direct dial anywhere in the world. Public phones are plentiful. A WiFi device can be picked up and dropped off at Manila Airport upon arrival at approx. $5.10 AUD per device per day. These devices enable you to connect 5 devices for you to enjoy continuous internet and stay connected with your friends and family with 10-hour battery life.
Safety:
The safest place for your money and passport is either in a money belt around your waist or in a pouch under your shirt. Please do not carry it in your luggage. Also, do not carry any valuables in a shoulder bag, or hip/waist belt as it attracts attention. Never leave your documents, valuables, cash, or cards in your hotel room, most hotels have a provision for a safe, we recommend you use the service to store your valuables.
Visiting Holy Places:
Although there are many religions in the Philippines, it’s a predominantly Catholic country. So naturally, there are lots of religious rituals, practices, and events in the Philippines.
Men and women should wear clothing that covers most or all of the body. Shirts should have sleeves, and pants should cover beyond the knees. Avoid tank tops and short shorts. Although the weather is hot, and sometimes there is barely any wind, people will still expect you to dress like you are visiting a holy area, rather than heading to the beach. Remember that people come to temples to show respect. Hats, sunglasses, and sandals are okay, but keep in mind the need to wear clothing with appropriate designs. Please avoid patterns or messages on your clothing that suggest things such as sex, violence, religion, or drugs – use your common sense here, and you’ll be all right.
Responsible Tourism
Responsible tourism is about making travel better (both for the guest and host): Promoting responsible tourism has always been a priority for TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS. It is our commitment that is supported by the travelers who choose to travel with us. We believe that without involving locals and respecting their culture and customs it is almost impossible to have a memorable holiday. Travel is all about experiencing another culture, cuisine, customs, and sights. We use the services of local people who know the destinations inside out.
TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS wish you a wonderful holiday!!!
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