Travel Around Philippines Guide

• 1Hand luggage with medication and essential documents
• 2Cash for places with unreliable card acceptance
• 3Weather and operator updates checked before travel
• 4Return schedule confirmed before travelling to remote locations

1. 1

   Plan connections, not only destinations — flights, ferries, buses and tricycles link up in unexpected ways.

2. 2

   Leave buffer time for connecting transport.

3. 3

   Avoid booking a critical international flight immediately after a long island transfer.

4. 4

   Check baggage and terminal rules; confirm the port or airport, not just the city name.

5. 5

   Carry medication and essential documents in hand luggage.

6. 6

   Monitor weather and operator updates.

7. 7

   Keep cash for places with unreliable card acceptance.

8. 8

   Confirm the return schedule before travelling to a remote location.

9. 9

   Choose licensed operators for diving, boats and adventure activities; check insurance exclusions.

Leave buffer for connections — weather, ferry cancellations and traffic can shift schedules. Book the critical flight with at least a day's margin after a long transfer.

Manila's four NAIA terminals are separate buildings — confirm yours. Ferries are essential in the Visayas; buses cover Luzon routes; small islands rely on tricycles and boats. Weather (typhoon season June–November) can cancel ferries and flights.

This section reflects real experiences. Always confirm with your local office before traveling.

• Booking a critical international flight right after a long island transfer.
• Confusing the city name with the actual port or airport.
• Carrying essential medication in checked baggage.
• Assuming card payment works everywhere — carry cash.
• Not confirming the return schedule before a remote trip.