Does anyone have any tips for a firt time traveller going to the Philippines?

Question

I've never been on a plane so I'd appreciate any tips anyone can give me about flying. Also can anyone give me tips on the best type of clothing to take, things that are hard to find in the Philippines that I should take with me, or any other things I should know?

Answer 1

First of all, where are you coming from? There are probable some things we don't have like medicines that are particular country. But by all standards the Philippines almost has everything. The weather is hot so light wear is recommended.

About flying, it isn't bad at all, after the take off and landing which are the most dangerous parts of flying ^_^

Answer 2

For the plane:
don't try to take any liquids or gels onto the plane as these will be confiscated.
take chewing gum or candy this helps to "pop" your ears. Another way is to pinch your nostrils and gently try to blow through your nose. May be take some anti-motion sickness tablets. Avoid too much alcohol but drink plenty of other liquids. During the flight take your shoes off.

Clothing:
light cotton fabrics are the best. If you have a reasonable amount of money and are of average size buy your clothes there. A new wardrobe will not send you broke.

Water:
avoid drinking all forms of water unless it comes to you in a sealed bottle. Some even go to the extent of using bottled water for brushing teeth.

Medication:
if you require prescription drugs take a sufficient supply. Most medication is available and in most cases costs less.

Food:
only eat in restaurants as the food cooked outside on the street can often be suspect.

Have a safe and pleasant trip.

Answer 3

The first answer is so-so. The idea is to avoid the intake of tap water. Salads while having a healthy aura are usually washed with tap water. Eat only those fruits where you do not eat the rinds e.g. oranges, bananas, pineapple, etc.

Hot street foods are fine as long as you see the items coming off of the heat. Ice cream and other such dairy are tricky and I would avoid. Also avoid juices and such from the street.

Last time I was in the Philippines I drank bottled water and had no major problems but often times I would go for Gatorade or other such sport drink.

Clothing, lite clothing for hot & muggy weather. In fact, I would pack lightly as you can purchase T-shirts to wear there and then you have some souvenirs too.

Things hard to find in the Philppines. Hmmm, depends where you are going. If you are going to the remote provinces that list is huge, if you are in one of the major cities then the list is small.

Answer 4

Tips on flying - Rehydrate, drink lots of water. For long haul flights, you can take off your shoes during the flight and walk in your socks up and down the aisle to stretch. You can see people who do that. To avoid jet lag, sleep on the plane if your arrival is in the morning. And stay awake if in the evening so by the time you get here you can sleep thru the night.

On clothing, it's humid and in the mid 30's (Degree Celsius) here so wear light. Tshirt, shorts, flipflops are alright including the malls (except for bars I guess).

You may want to bring your prescribed medicines , if any, in case it's not available. For other OTCs, if you can't find the brand you're used to, just remember their generic names so you can buy it here. Vaccinations/Immunizations may not be really needed if you just stay in the tourist areas (well, there's a small place in Palawan that you might need malaria shots). And yes it's good to put on OFF lotion duing evenings. Drink bottled water and canned drinks (not from the vendo). And the no ice suggestion above is good since you don't know how strong your stomach is.

Most important is be cautious. Be aware of your surroundings without becoming paranoid. Things you may take for granted in your country might not be easy or for free here. E.g. toilet paper in restrooms, tissues and condiments in fastfood restos. If you're caucasian or is visibly a tourist, you might fall prey to bad elements. Be a traveler not a tourist.

Enjoy your vacation.

Answer 5

Im not sure where you are coming FROM, but I'll be flying there from the usa in june and my biggest worry is the long flight. I plan to bring books, music, and movies, and do as much sleeping as possible to help the time pass.
I talked to my doctor and he said drink only bottled water and drinks with no ice.
From the usa, Its recommended that we have immunizations from Hepatitis A and B, and he is putting me on something for Malaria that I have to begin taking a week before my departure. So you might want to check with your family physician.
If you are interested in going to a resort area, he recommended insect repellent that was biodegradable (environmentally friendly) since he said it can be very expensive at the resorts.
If you have a light complexion, go to a tanning salon prior to your visit so you dont get fried like I did in Maui !
Clothing, I'm told, depends on what kind of places you'll be going, so Im just planning on taking what I really need, and getting some things while shopping in Manila.
Again, if your coming from the usa, I hope you have allowed LOTS of time for your passport. Mine took 10 - 11 weeks !!
I hope you have a great trip. I'm really looking forward to meeting and learning about people from a distant culture.

Answer 6

Travel light with summer clothes as it's hot here. Drink lots of bottled water durring the day. Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3 durring May to July (the hottest time of the year). Always have a pack of kleenex or other type tissues in your pocket as most places with restrooms don't have TP. Notify your bank your comming here so they don't freeze your account after your first ATM withdrawl. Travelers checks are useless in all but the major hotels in big cities like Manila or Cebu. Don't bring a laptop, there are tons of internet cafes around.

Answer 7

Shirley has some very good suggestions for you. I have now lived in Luzon for 7 years, and it's safe (some communist trouble every now and then but they're only after "taxes"). Haven't been in other places, but would avoid Mindanao (with exception of a couple of places like Davao) like the plague. Malaysia is one of the few places in Asia which I haven't visited, and seems interesting. More info: The first time I was here in '98 with a Taiwanese tour. When in Manila, the tour guide told us it is a safe city, but after dark to walk around in pairs. Be warned.

Answer 8

wear simple clothes so as not to attract scrupulous people(just like the way you do when you are in other countries). minimize showing off your gadgets especially in the crowded streets of manila. they can take away as small as a stud earing from your body to as big as a laptop if you're not careful.

carry with you emergecy health kit if you plan on going eating some street foods or eating other delicacies like oysters and crabs (your stomach might have to get used to it).

it would also be of great help if you know how to understand the local language.

not much to worry, the people are hospitable especially if you go to the provinces like Palawan, Ilocos, Pampanga, Baguio,Quezon and Batanes.

And never miss to have a taste of the local grown fruits here. Tastes sweet.

Answer 9

It's quiet hot here right now, so, I think you better wear cotton shirts, jeans and shorts. one we used to wear here. Also, travel lightly, just bring thin kind of clothes with not so much stuff because you will bring so much back home as there are so many cheap items to buy here. Many foreigners buy souvenirs which are what we call native products like weaved items, cloaks and a lot more. Also, native bracelets made of sea shells and silvers.


Filipinos are hospitable and compassionate too. I really hope that you will enjoy your stay here.

Answer 10

Well most of those things u can choose but it will cool a little at night. The main thing is in the eating . For a few weeks don't eat anything that is not cooked. If u follow this u might not get sick. It is good to drink hot tea or coffee , if u drink liquor no ice pls. This could make your stay much better.