One of the last few provinces I have yet to visit in Luzon was Abra. It took quite a while to finally tick it off my list. One of the most notable places I visited in the province was the spectacular Kaparkan Falls.

It takes some effort and time to visit Kaparkan Falls, but it's worth it.

I went on a day trip to Bulacan. It's not really a province that I frequently visit because of its proximity to Metro Manila. I always thought of it as an extension of the National Capital Region and a place people just live in. However, the province has plenty of historic landmarks that were an integral part of Philippine history. One of which is Barasoain Church. 

Visit Bulacan to immerse yourself in Philippine history. 

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. 

I was in Milan for a few days. It wasn't the main destination but it was a convenient city to visit for my trip to Iceland. Milan had regular (cheap!) flights to Reykjavik. 

I had a few days to spare, which I spent doing a bit of sightseeing.

It took some time to visit more provinces in the Philippines because I was preoccupied with visiting other countries. After a trip to Zamboanga City and Basilan, my desire to visit more provinces in my home country returned. Next up on my list was Nueva Vizcaya.

I joined a group tour to get more out of my trip to Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija (a province I've been to before but was eager to revisit). 

Czechia is one of my favorite countries to visit. I've been to this country a handful of times already. Prague is a city I don't mind returning to over and over again. However, I was looking for other places to visit whenever I return to Czechia. One such place I added to my list is Hluboka Castle.

Check out my post on how to get to Hluboka Castle.

After exploring Paris, I was looking for another place to visit while in France. Colmar caught my eye when I was looking for small towns to check out.

Read about my experience while experiencing the quaint charm of Colmar.

When it comes to island paradises, no destination comes close to the Philippines. Anyone who wants to have an island retreat can head over to this glorious country, and they will have endless options. More than 7000 beaches of this incredible country are home to endless surprises, from picture-perfect beaches and rich culture to vibrant cities and warm hospitality. You just have to know about the top Philippines destinations for first-timers to ensure that you have the most unforgettable time in the country. 

There is no denying that the Philippines is truly a gem of Southeast Asia and attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe. Whether you are chasing golden beaches and turquoise waters or you want to explore historic landmarks and vibrant cities, you can do it all in this country. Many UK travellers like you plan their holidays to the Philippines every year. It's time you stop overthinking and start planning your trip. We are here with a comprehensive first-timers guide to the Philippines that will make your planning and preparation a lot easier. 

I had the opportunity to visit Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental in one of the media trips I was invited to. It was a nice experience to explore a new place in Mindanao again. 

Our group spent a few days in the region visiting different places.

I was looking to add another province to my list of provinces visited in the Philippines. I figured it was time to visit Bacolod City in Negros Occidental. I kept postponing a trip to this city, but after finally having time, I decided to go.

Bacolod is a chill city which you can visit as a short weekend getaway from Metro Manila.

I added Recife to my itinerary when I traveled around Brazil. I wanted to see other cities in the country other than the famous ones such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. I had a good time during my short stay in Pernambuco.  

You can spend a few days exploring Recife.

Zamboanga City and other places near it are noteworthy additions to your itinerary whenever you plan a trip to Mindanao. I was fortunate enough to visit it when I returned to the region after a long time.

There's plenty to see, do and experience while exploring Zamboanga City.

Despite the push and rise of tourism in Basilan, many travelers still skip the province because of its negative perception. However, Basilan is a beautiful destination you should consider adding to your itinerary while in the Zamboanga del Sur region.

Basilan still has that undiscovered beauty to it.

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town that's a few hours away from Prague. It's a popular day or multi-day destination for those looking for another place to visit in Czechia. It' a charming destination that provides you with a glimpse into the country's past.

Follow my trip to Cesky Krumlov.