A cruise vacation is often visualised as one of the most luxurious modes of travel, but backpackers and road trippers have managed ways and means to maximize a sailing experience at a sensible price, especially if you know where to look.

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

Cruise lines, on their part, have adapted to this rising trend by curating affordable itineraries packed with value, eventually making it one of the most cost-effective ways to visit multiple destinations with minimal hassle. From island-hopping in the Caribbean to exploring the historic ports of Europe, savvy travelers can find budget-friendly cruises to match their needs with these saving secrets.

Here is how to get the best rates:

Mindanao has plenty to offer both local and foreign tourists. However, there is still a negative perception about some of the provinces in the region, even if I have visited multiple times since the early 2010s. For this trip, I visited provinces I haven't been to namely Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Sur and Davao Occidental. 

These provinces have tourist spots that you might want to add to your itinerary when you visit Mindanao.

I planned a trip to northern Luzon and decided to visit both Kalinga and Isabela. Both provinces are not really near each other, but there is a reliable way to tick off both provinces in one trip. 

Kalinga and Isabela each have their own charm that make them notable places to visit. 

It took some years but I returned to Caraga as part of a mini-trip. I combined Davao de Oro and Agusan del Sur for this adventure. I set my eyes on a few waterfalls and to tick off a couple of provinces I have yet to visit. 

I visited Bega Falls and Tugonan Falls after seeing Awao Falls in Davao de Oro.

I was looking for a new place to visit during another trip to Prague. I was interested in castles since I don't see a lot of them in Southeast Asia. My research led me to Karlstejn Castle.

I decided to visit the castle as a day trip from Prague.

It's been a while since I've been to the Davao region in Mindanao. For this trip, I planned on visiting a natural wonder in Davao de Oro (formerly known as Compostela Valley.

It was a long road trip, but Awao Falls is something you shouldn't miss while in the region.

After prioritizing international destinations, I decided to explore the Philippines again. One of the places I ticked off my list was Apayao. The latter is a province in the north that was a pleasant surprise. 

Apayao is a laid back destination that offers eco-tourism activities.