budget family holidays Archives

September 2 2019

Manila – The ugly duckling!

My sister lives in Philippines – so our first destination was Manila.

Manila has been a victim of bad repute. I am sure many of you travel enthusiasts would have read on many of the travel blogs about Philippines one single word – Avoid!

A city as any other capital city – full of traffic, pollution, expensive (in relative terms).

We did spend a few days in Manila and yes if we would have been not staying with my sister, we would have spent at least £38 a night approximately on a stay at decent hotel which is a 4 star.

But I would really want to write a few words about Manila and why despite its negatives I did like the city.

We landed at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 9PM and it took hardly 10 minutes to complete the immigration formalities and further 10 minutes to get our bags. We were impressed! (This never happen when we land in UK where we are residents for last few years)

There is always something to cheer in Manila 🙂

As we stepped out of the airport and started our journey to the place we were staying, we experienced the heavy traffic of Manila.

The streets in Manila are always full of vehicles – from 4X4s to innovative modes of cheap public transport, be it a Limousine look alike mini-bus carrying around 25 people called “Jeepney” or a motorbike converted to tri-cycle which can carry from 5-6 passengers.

Even in that heavy traffic, there was no chaos, no honking.

It was close to Christmas time and the city was all decked up with beautiful lights ready to welcome Santa Claus. We could already feel the festive cheer around us.

With a lot of multinational companies setting up their base in Manila, the city has got everything to keep you busy – Sprawling malls, Shopping centres with bargain deals, Posh hotels, Casinos, musical fountains, Seafront restaurants and a vibrant night life. So, we do recommend, if you are willing to splurge a little and you are in Manila during December – Do visit and experience the Christmas lights in Manila and see this ugly duckling turn into a beautiful swan. As per the rambling couple recommendation this is a definite must experience.

August 17 2019

Philippines

Are you a person who loves having big family trips? The kind of family trip which includes senior citizens to super energetic 6-year olds. Planning a trip which each member of age group can enjoy and something which does not turn out to be very heavy on your pockets. Where can one find such a dream destination?

Tri cycle – innovative mode of transport

Last December we found one such destination, perfect white-sand beaches, sunsets which turn the sky into a huge nature’s colour palette, tropical charm, and very friendly locals who speak English fluently. Not to forget the enthralling sea a treasure trove for divers and snorkelers.

It’s more fun in the Philippines – tagline of the Philippines tourism. We were eagerly looking forward to our big family trip in December to explore one of the Southeast Asian gems in 10 days.

We were a family of 7 – Nik and me, my uncle and aunt (who joined us from India), my sister, her husband and her son who is 6 years old.

As it was just a 10 day trip it was a jam-packed trip for Nik and me. Philippines trip had a fair share of many firsts for us… our first ultralight plane flying experience, first snorkeling, first up-close with a large sea turtle in its natural habitat, first family trek. There are hidden gems on every island and city in The Philippines, so much to explore.