Here are a couple of tips to help you plan your perfect 4 days/3 nights getaway.

Book your hotel/house ahead of time. Make sure you have a place to stay before venturing out into the unknown. Read reviews about the hotel you’re planning to stay. Learn the basics on transporting to and from the hotel. Know the details of you reservation. It;s very stressful arriving in your destination and discovering that the hotel you booked is not what you expected it to be. Of course if you did not book for a hotel, it can be stressful to look for a place to stay at the last minute, especially during the peak season. 

Pack light. You don’t really need a lot of clothes or shoes for a 4 day/3 night vacation do you? Just make sure you have the basics, pack appropriately. Things that can be bought on the place you will stay should be left behind. Necessities such as toiletries should be packed in small amount. Please  don’t bring your shower gels in 200-300 ml bottles, just bring enough that will last for the whole trip. If you are musician going on a trip, bringing your musical instrument such as 4 String Electric Bass is must. Just make sure that when you bring your musical instrument, pack it properly or just hand carry it. 

If you have children, make sure their needs will be met and that they will be as comfortable as possible wherever you are going to. Bring enough toys to distract them from long boring trips. Also bring enough food and never forget the first aide kit in case of emergency. 

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Last December 2010, during my son’s field trip, their tour guides uses a small microphone. That’s very useful, for a bus full of kids, he really needs something to amplify his voice.

Isdaan in Gerona Tarlac can be considered as a floating restuarnt as it floats in a man made pond full of Koi fish. As you enter, kids are offered a life guard for protection. Visitors are welcomed with giant fish statues that serves as a fountain too. Isdaan offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am not sure if it is open for 24 hours but I think, one can stay until 10 PM.

The food offered in Isdaan includes menu from different Filipino cuisines. You will also find rare and exotic dish here cooked in a very different way. But of course, usual Pinoy dish such as Pakbet can also be ordered here. It’s all about food here, so please don’t expect to find novelty items here.

It was in 2009 when we last dine in at Isdaan, I hope by now, they have a free wifi on the area, so when I visit them this summer, I can still look for discount medical uniforms while feeding the fish r enjoying the food being served to me.

This February 19, Anvaya Cove opens it door to the public. Be there and feel the Loviin’s Summer.

“Anvaya” means “family” in the ancient Sanskrit language, a return to meaningful family traditions is at the core of everything at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club. Here, we offer families with interactive experiences with nature… in both land and water, all geared towards relaxation, recreation, and reflection.

The Pools of Anvaya will beguile you with its contemporary Asian design, artfully displayed rocks, and strategically positioned lounge chairs. The water fountains, playful jets and sprays in the kiddie pool area will surely bring squeals of delight from the young ones.

Be a food connoisseur and enjoy the sumptuous buffet spread at the Bamboo Café, capped by a drink at the Tower Bar. Treat yourself to an exhilarating seaside massage at the Veda Spa or enjoy a relaxing sunset on a wicker chaise longue in Ilingan Cove’s sunbathing area. With the sea quiet at low tide and the sun descending behind the Zambales mountain range, feel surreal contentment for the beauty that will unfold in front of you.

Here at the Anvaya Cove Beach and Nature Club, families return to reconnect and rediscover each other, creating lasting memories and meaningful traditions. Life cannot get any more meaningful than that. (Anvaya Website)

Boracay Garden Resort is a subsidiary of Henann Resorts, owner and operator of Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Regency Lagoon Resort, Boracay and Henann Resort at Alona Beach Bohol.

The resort rests on a two-hectare property located at the center of Station 2. It has 201 well-appointed deluxe and premiere rooms with charming and elegant interiors. It features premiere rooms with direct access to the pool and family rooms that can fit up to six persons.

The resort has been undergoing major renovations to serve guests better. Aside from the Garden Café, an al fresco restaurant where guests may order local and international gastronomic delights, it recently finished construction of a 450 square meter main pool with poolside bar and deck. The pool area features stone tiles imported from Bali, Indonesia . Lining up the pool are Asian-inspired cabanas for guests to lounge in.

The resort is the only property in the island where guests may take leisurely walks around the breezy tree-lined property. The landscaped gardens give the resort a calm ambience, thus helping relax both mind and body.

For inquiries, call Boracay Garden Resort’s Manila Booking Office at (02) 353-1111 or email manila@boracaygarden.com.ph.

I know I have heard of hotels with these kind of amenities. We know most hotel offers TV and refrigerator but seldom offer speakers or Ipod docks.

Basilica of Our Lady of Charity in Agoo La Union. The church was built in 70′s but the design and structure is inspired by the old churches that can be found in other parts of the country. Agoo is also the oldest town in La Union. Museo de Iloko is also located here in Agoo

When you arrive at San Fernando City, you can visit San Fernando Plaza and take a look at their museum, Museo de La Union. Other attractions that is worth seeing in San Fernando are:

• Pindangan Ruins
• Cathedral of Saint William the Hermit
• Seven Hills
• Tomb of Unknown Soldier
• City Hall
• Ma-Cho Temple
• Bacsil Ridge Monument
• Moro Watch Tower
• La Union Science Centrum & Museum

San Juan La Union not only boast of waves for surfing but also of rich culture in terms of pottery making. Along National Road, you can see small store selling pots and arts made of clay.

Luna is another place worth visiting in La Union, the pebble beach, the watch tower and of course the Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan.

Banggar is almost at the end part of La Union (2 or 3 more towns and you’re already in Ilocos). This place is very enchanting because of the magic of weaving. Old ladies line up and weave blankets the old way.

Maybe we start with one night, two days travel; maybe we can first try it in nearby provinces like Laguna or Bataan. We can’t far away places like Pangasinan and get a tour of how Acid cigars were made or spend a night or two in our favorite province (La Union).  I saw a deal in Anawangin and I am very tempted to buy a deal.. But knowing my husband, I am pretty sure it will also take months or even year before he can leave the kids behind.

So far I have been to Baguio, Ilocos Norte, La Union and Pangasinan but I have not yet explore the said places. My dream is to explore each of the provinces and see what their towns have to offer. Say for example in Pangasinan, I want to see the hundred islands and the beaches around it. I also want to experience island hopping and swimming in Bolinao as well as climb up the light houses found in the province. In Baguio, I want to explore places that most people don’t visit. Asin hot springs, the weavers, places that I have never been. In La Union, I want to visit old churches, in Ilocos, I want to have a tour in Calle Crisologo, see the windmills and smell the air in Bangui. Of course I want to go back to Pagudpod and reminisce our first time there. I also want to run wild again in the sand dunes

In other parts of the north Philippines, i want to visit Banaue, Sagada ,Isabela and other mountain provinces..

I wish this year we can have more travels and hopefully we will visit more towns in north Philippines and learn a lot morere about our culture and our history.

The favourable warm waters of Hurghada provide a favourable environment for growth of underwater vegetation, which the fish feed on. The coral reefs also provide a thriving environment for the fish to breed. These conditions made the area popular among fishermen. However, with its attractions, the area soon became one of the most popular destinations. Coupled with its scenic beauty and growth as the preferred destination for many, the city continues to expand with a myriad of hotels and tourist establishments dotting the city.

Most of the tourists visiting Hurghada come from European countries to enjoy not only the pristine beauty of Hurghada, but also to have fun and bask in its glorious sun. Although the area mostly attracts those who marvel at aquatic sports and attractions, the city also provides a plethora of attractions such as desert safaris, nightlife entertainment, underwater tours, belly dancers and a chance to witness its rich culture.

While at holiday Hurghada, you should not miss visiting the aquarium and the museum. This is especially the best place to be acquainted with what the Red Sea promises to offer. You may also visit the Roman Mons Porphyries ruins to get a glimpse of the city’s history. Finally, a visit to Hurghada would not be complete without a taste of the sumptuous local delicacies such as sushi, fish or enjoy the Karkaday drink known by the locals to contain health benefits.

While visiting Hurghada you will notice that it is a city still under construction, with a number of luxurious hotels coming up, such as the recently constructed Hurghada Marina, Sonesta among others. With such hotels coming up, Hurghada will be a destination that offers its visitors the best.

With all the fun and educative things to do and enjoy while on holiday in Hurghada, you can be sure to keep asking for more. Hurghada is one of those unique destinations where you can find something to do while enjoying your stay and have fun while at it. In addition, the city has a number of privately owned establishments that make it inexpensive as well as top class resorts depending on the financial situation of the visitor. The town has ample security and nightlight in this Red Sea paradise is one to cherish. Although most visitors come from Europe, the city has an abundance of diverse travellers that adds to the fun and flavour. A travel to Hurghada, surely promises to captivate.