With longer days, warmer temperatures, and a livelier energy in the air, summer is the perfect season for people who are constantly chasing new and exciting adventures. Whether you’re seeking a spot that’s close to home or wish to put that passport to good use, we’ve got you covered with our list of summer travel destinations.
From breezy beachside getaways to sleek city sightseeing, this travel guide is packed with inspiration, tips, and highlights to help you experience your most unforgettable holiday yet.
Local Spots to Visit
Here are a couple of local spots that are sure to provide memorable experiences for your summer travels.
Palawan
Known as the Philippines’ Last Frontier, Palawan is a tropical paradise. With its countless beaches, lush rainforests, and impressive limestone formations, it comes as no surprise why it’s been considered as one of the world’s best islands.
What to do and where to go:
- Island hopping. El Nido, Coron, and Honda Bay offer the best island hopping experiences in Palawan. Secluded coves, coral reefs, and green lakes will provide you with stunning views and near-perfect photo opportunities.
- Snorkeling and diving. For divers, Palawan has plenty of coral reefs and shipwrecks you can explore. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the area’s diverse marine life.
- Kayaking and canoeing. Palawan’s beautiful water formations also provide many opportunities for kayaking and canoeing.
- Hiking. The island isn’t just known for its beaches. Palawan also has many hiking trails, including Mount Tapyas, Taraw Cliff Trail, and Mount Magarwak.
- Surfing. Check out San Vicente, the surfing capital of Palawan, where beginners can get lessons and experts can join events like the Paragua San Vic Surf. There’s also Duli Beach in El Nido, with its easygoing waves.
- Clubbing and bar-hopping. The island’s provincial capital, Puerto Princesa, also offers relaxed beach bars, pumping nightclubs, and luxury lounges, making it the best choice for both party enthusiasts and zen-seekers.
Baguio City
Nestled on a mountaintop amid a sea of pine trees, Baguio City stands as one of the most popular summer destinations in the Philippines. Aptly named “The Summer Capital of the Philippines,” the city’s cooler temperatures make it the best choice for people who wish to escape the sweltering heat in Metro Manila.
What to do and where to go:
- Indulge in culture and history. If you’re looking to experience the indigenous culture and art of Baguio, then stop by Tam-awan Village. With a local travel guide, you can step foot in authentic huts from Sagada and Kalinga and meet the local indigenous population.
- Enjoy the nightlife. Baguio City’s Session Road is the place to be if you want to try out the city’s nightlife.
- Night market shopping. From high-quality clothes to delicious food, Baguio City’s night market is the best place to spend your money.
- Strawberry-picking. While not necessarily located within Baguio City, the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm in Benguet is almost always a destination for tourists in Baguio. Get a chance to pick strawberries and try out their famous strawberry taho.
- Pasalubong-hunting. No summer holiday is complete without bringing back treats for yourself or your loved ones at home. Visit the Good Shepherd Convent and check out the local delicacies they offer, like ube and strawberry jam, caramel biscuits, and peanut brittle.
Destinations for a Summer Abroad
If you’re itching to use your passport, then we’ve got the perfect countries for you to visit and explore!
Indonesia
While the beaches of Bali are enough reasons to visit Indonesia, the archipelago has so much more to offer. Enjoy hiking in various mountains and around volcanoes, connect with your spiritual side in the country’s temples, and discover unique fauna in remote locations. With more than 17,000 islands in the country, Indonesia will take more than a hundred lifetimes to fully explore, and you’ll surely never run out of new things to do.
What to do and where to go:
- Hiking. Mount Batur in Bali, Mount Bromo in East Java, and Mount Kelimutu in Flores offer the best spots and sights if you enjoy trekking through nature.
- Temple exploration. You’ll have plenty of options for exploring temples in Indonesia, from Buddhist to Hindu temples. Stop by Borobudur in Java, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, or explore Para Ulun Danu Beratan, a scenic temple by the lake in Bali.
- Traditional crafts and wellness activities. Ubud is a town in Bali, known for its rich traditional crafts and dance activities. You can also join in yoga and wellness retreats in the area.
- Animal sightseeing. Check out the komodo dragons in Komodo Islands or the orangutans in Sumatra.
Thailand
If you’re a rookie traveler, Thailand is a great place to visit. It’s a budget-friendly destination where you can temple-hop, laze around on the beaches, enjoy the nightlife, or check out animal sanctuaries. Its rich ties to its cultural history make Thailand one of the best places to visit, all while staying within your budget.
What to do and where to go:
- Beach-hopping. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Kut, and the Surin Islands Marine National Park are just some of the few beach destinations in Thailand. Whether you prefer diving, surfing, or just kicking back and relaxing under the sun, there are beaches that cater to your preferences.
- Temple exploration. Visit Wat Pho, The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. There are also architectural wonders like the Sanctuary of Truth, an entirely wooden temple made back in 1981.
- Experience the nightlife and night markets. From colorful clubs to relaxed pubs, Bangkok has it all. It has varied night markets where you can try new cuisine and buy keepsakes as well.
- Visit animal sanctuaries. Thailand has plenty of animal sanctuaries, perfect for all animal lovers. Be sure to visit The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Phuket, the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand in Petchaburi, and the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi.
Japan
One of the most popular travel destinations in APAC (Asia-Pacific), Japan offers a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences. Whether you’re flying solo or travelling with others, the country offers everything you’ll ever want to see. From bustling city streets to magnificent countryside views, Japan is a place rich in culture that will surely provide you with the best memories.
What to do and where to go:
- District exploration. Japan consists of colorful districts, each with its own personality. From tall skyscrapers offering panoramic views of the city to night markets packed with delicious food and one-of-a-kind products, it’ll surely be an experience to remember!
- Historical and cultural tour. Castles like the Himeji Castle and Edo Castle are must-sees for any traveller in Japan. If nature is more to your taste, you can also step foot in Nara Park or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- Sightseeing through the beautiful landscapes. No Japanese summer travel guide is complete without suggestions that point you toward the country’s natural beauty. Visit the iconic Mount Fuji in Honshu, the amazing cherry blossom forest in Yoshino, or interact with friendly wild deer in Nara Park.
- Visit the local konbini. Konbini is what they call convenience stores in Japan. Found in almost every street, Japanese konbini provide plenty of food, drinks, and other products for travellers who get the midnight munchies.
Singapore
The business capital of Southeast Asia has more to offer than just business opportunities. Singapore boasts distinctive tourist attractions, unique delicacies, and even man-made wonders.
What to do and where to go:
- Take in the scenery. If you like seeing amazing sights during your trip, the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Gardens by the Bay offer magnificent flora with vibrant blooms and rare plant species. You can also visit the Singapore Flyer or ride the cable car and see the city from another point of view.
- Hawker tour. In Singapore, street food vendors, or hawkers, are another culture in and of themselves. As most locals say, no two hawkers are the same, and you wouldn’t want to miss the delicious blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other cultural cuisines found within hawker stalls.
- Theme park trip. Universal Studios Singapore boasts countless heart-stopping rides, immersive theater shows, and themed areas, all of which are guaranteed to give you the experience of a lifetime.
Make Every Second of Your Summer Travel Worth It
Wherever you are in the Philippines and wherever you plan on going, be sure to go with an open heart and a curious spirit. Whether you’re booking a travel guide or planning to get lost by yourself, kick back, relax, and forget about life’s worries for a moment.
Book that flight, sis. The world is waiting for you!