1. Run a marathon.
2. Feed the hungry.
3. Save money.
4. Keep a journal.

Travel around the Philippines continues to increase. Latest data from the Department of Tourism’s 2009 report showed a dramatic 21 percent increase despite the decline in international tourist arrivals in all world regions. The growth was attributed to the Department of Tourism’s successful campaign to maximize opportunities in international markets and encourage greater domestic travel movement. The huge bargains in hotel accommodations as well as increased flights, expanded routes and promotional markdown prices in airfare costs also made for the surge in domestic travels. According to Russle Ri, president of e-Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations (the first and only online adventure travel and tour company in the country), “Local destination travelling are now much more attractive than ever.” Before, their company caters mostly to tourists and ‘balikbayans.’ Now, he says, there are a lot more of the locals wanting to explore our many island destinations. He also added that the Philippines being named as one of the Top Travel Destinations by National Geographic Adventure magazine helped draw attention and awareness to our country’s many remarkable and best kept getway spots.

Here are e-Philippines Adventure Travel and Destinations’ Top 5 Best Seller in Local Destinations:

Bohol Island – Landing first on our list, the home of the sweet yet inedible Chocolate Hills, Bohol. Also the habitat of the endangered and smallest primate on earth, the Tarsiers. Bohol offers a great number of attractions and adventures from pristine beach resorts for enjoyment and relaxation, exciting scuba diving and snorkeling sites to the more extreme “plunge and suislide” of Danao Adventure Park.

Mount Pinatubo Crater Adventure trek – It’s been more than a decade when Mount Pinatubo shook the world from its wild eruption. It exceptionally reduced the earth’s temperature and discharged tons of ashes that deserted the place. The rest is history. Today, Mount Pinatubo is a major attraction not only for its picturesque crater lake, blue-greened by minerals which is surrounded by towering rocks of ashes but also because of its inspiring rise from its tragic past.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan- Home to the longest navigable underground river of the world, Puerto Princesa. It is nominated in the new 7 Wonders of the World which helped spread its amazing work of nature. Puerto Princesa is also the jump off point to the wonderful islands in Honda Bay.

Batanes Island – The islands of the Ivatan people. Located at the northern most part of the Philippines are the Batanes Islands. It is a dream island lost in time. Where everything seems young and untouched. It features unique spots you can never see elsewhere. An Island where you can find yourself smiling and unstressed enjoying the comfort you’ve been long looking for.

CDO and Camiguin Island- The adventures in Cagayan de Oro and the relaxation in Camiguin. A perfect combination of a vacation. Experience the rapid sports of whitewater rafting and ziplining in Cagayan de Oro. After a wild venture, you can take a trip to Camiguin Island where you can find the famous White Island uniquely features a long sand bar with wide shallow swimming areas on its side or take the countryside trip and explore the whole island.

The Philippines trove of treasures and wonderful sceneries are really something would should take the time to explore, experience and enjoy.

GoodNewsPilipinas by Tina Funtanilla

If you're like me, you never seem to go on a vacation. If you're like me, you've been dreaming of a perfect vacation but just havent gotten around to simply doing it.

Suddenly, the summer is gone and you haven't even gotten a plane ticket, much less booked a hotel.

So here are the steps to finally get your butt off the chair.

Just Do It!

The first step, really, is not the research. Research online is becoming a fast habit and looking at those gorgeous dream destinations is just eye candy. The first step is deciding to actually do it. Decide on your destination. Be it abroad like Hongkong, Singapore or as far as the United States. Or perhaps a local vacation within the islands like Boracay, El Nido at Palawan, Puerto Galera of Mindoro or Panglao Island at Bohol. Once you have decided to go and there is a destination in mind, nothing can stop you.

Research. Research. Research. 

There are many travel blogs online. Plan out your itinerary. For weekend getaways,  it will be hard to visit everything on the tourist circuit. Pare down your list and get to enjoy your top destination without rushing about. Its better to get to have the best memories on a few places than a blurred memory of a lot of places that you cant remember after a few days.

Find out the best deals for your destination. There are many deal sites that offers discounts for vacation packages like Buyanihan and CashCashPinoy. But these are once in a blue moon and might not offer the destination you want at the time you want them. For convenience, I highly recommend this hotels combined site.  I use it for local hotel bookings and it supports almost every hotel not only on the Philippines but all over the world. This way, you have the power of comparison in your hands and you never have to visit every hotel site on your vacation destination target. The site also has a powerful review system and you can compare not only price but visitor reviews. The place might be cheap but if the hotel service sucks then you can find other options. Same goes for the opposite. Just because a hotel is priced higher, it doesnt mean that they have better food. These are real reviews from people who have used this reservation system  and highly accurate most of the time.

Make a Budget

Its very important to consider the amount of money you have for your vacation. Consider everything from tip, to restaurant money,  to Jeep fares. Make sure to prepare everything you need to bring so you don't need to buy this on location. Usually, these are more expensive and is guaranteed to pile up as extra cost. Do not use your family savings if this is not alloted for vacation. Instead, hunt around for bargains. Bargains are fun to find and a joy to acquire.

Pack Your Bags

Packing is an art perfected by our Balikbayans. Make a list of what you want and need to bring. Don't forget the absolute essentials like medication, sun protection and Off lotion. Consider your packing space and dont forget to consider that you'll probably come back with lots of pasalubong. I'm sure you'll never go wrong here because Pinoy's are the greatest packers in the whole world. :D

That's it. Enjoy your vacation!