Say you have enough money for a weekend trip within the country. Where would you go: Boracay, Palawan or Basilan?

Boracay
One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there’s a reason why people want to go to Boracay. Those who haven’t been there wants to go at least once, and those who have wants to go back. Apart from the fine white sand and crystal blue waters, Boracay has plenty of activities to keep everybody occupied. It has a distinct party vibe, yet it’s laid back enough for people who just want to relax. Why wouldn’t you want to go to Boracay?

Palawan
Said to be the last frontier, Palawan is nature at its finest. Proclaimed as a national reserve, the whole island is virtually unspoilt nature. It may not be as lively as Boracay, but the magnificence of its limestone rocks, subterranean river, coral reefs and their flora and fauna greatly surpasses that little island off Aklan. Do you go to Coron with its spectacular underwater treasures? To Puerto Princessa with its underground river? Or perhaps to El Nido for some much needed quiet time beside the sea?

Basilan
A tiny island in Mindanao, the mere mention of Basilan brings to mind the group Abu Sayyaf whose infamous acts included the kidnapping and beheading of foreign tourists from Palawan and known for its supposed ties with the Al Quaeda. Their location, local economy and previous warfare in the area made Basilan a destination off the beaten path. However, its proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia gave Basilan a unique cultural blend. Beyond the stilt houses and the underdevelopment you’d glimpse upon a slice of paradise: beaches as white as Boracay and Palawan minus the tourist. But is it worth the trek and the possible threat to your safety (or your parent’s sanity)?

Where would you go? You can log your votes through the poll at my blog’s sidebar. Feel free to state the reason for your choice in the comments area

Popularity: 26% [?]

My sister used to work for a multinational company, and her job entails traveling all over Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. She made sure she’s a member of the frequent flyer programs of all the airlines she flew with and she was able to redeem the miles she earned. She also have credit cards that has a tie-up with airline frequent flyer programs.

I followed her example, and I am now a member of Philippine Airline’s Mabuhay Miles program, Singapore Airline’s Krisflyer and Qantas’ Frequent Flyer. Since my work doesn’t pay for my travels, I earn considerably lesser miles than she ever did. However, I still manage to get a sizable amount of miles thanks to my Manila-Melbourne flights.

I have enough for a round trip ticket via Philippine Airlines to one of the places in my Philippine destination list. The miles won’t be expiring until 2010, so I still have ample time to earn more. However, I’m pretty impatient (not to mention broke and itching to travel) and I am thinking of redeeming the miles this year.

So the question is, do I use it to travel to one of my 2008 destinations or wait until I have enough for an international trip? If I’m going to use it for an international flight (within Asia), I would need to earn twice the amount of miles I have right now. What to do, what to do?

Should I redeem my miles now or wait and earn more?

• Patience is a virtue, young Padawan. Wait and earn more; who knows you may finally get to go to Hong Kong (67%, 6 Votes)
• Yes! This may be your only chance to finally buy a ticket to Puerto Princessa (33%, 3 Votes)

Total Voters: 9

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How does this work anyway? I know I have a form to submit to redeem my miles, but how many weeks prior to my intended departure date do I redeem to ensure that I get to travel on the date I wanted? Answers to any (or all!) of my questions are much appreciated

Popularity: 44% [?]

How did the first hours of 2008 find you? Were you out partying with half the nation, or tucked safely at home with your family? I spent it being silly with two of my closest friends at the Manila Pavilion. This was my second year to spend New Year’s Eve away from the house I grew up in. This was the first time I spent it with friends, who are practically family.

Hmmm, so does this mean we’ll be silly the whole year round?

The start of a new year brings to mind making resolutions. I’ve long since stopped believing in making new year’s resolutions; you can make positive changes in your life any day of the year. Instead, I started listing my goals for the year. Last 2006, I set my goal to travel to two domestic destinations and two international destinations. I accomplished that by traveling to Cebu, Bohol and Bacolod, and jetting off to Singapore, Thailand and Australia.

I didn’t make any specific goals for 2007; I started the year overseas and my bills were piling up in Manila. I already knew then that I will be coming back to Australia, so that stopped me from making too many plans. Besides, I was broke!

For 2008, my goal is to focus on seeing more of the Philippines. Hearing other travelers talk about traveling to places in my home country which I haven’t been to has been quite an eye-opener. I need to explore the Philippines.

I have no idea how many places I can go to this year. Seeing as I follow the American holidays, my long weekends are very limited. This need some careful planning and budgeting.

Nina’s travel destinations for 2008:

1. Donsol, Legaspi. I actually already have something more or less set for this; I just need to buy my plane tickets. I will be going with a group and will be in Legaspi to watch for whale sharks, and discover what Legaspi has to offer while we’re there. This trip is scheduled on February 23 - 25 (People Power anniversary holiday). If you’re interested to join, drop me a line in the comment box or email me and I’ll fill you in on the details.

2. Tagaytay. Just because I haven’t been there yet.

3. Bauan, Batangas. Owen made a snorkelling day trip at Dive n Trek and spent less than Php 2,000. How can I not try that?

4. Corregidor, Bataan. I’ve been to Corregidor before, but I couldn’t really remember much of it anymore, except that I got a terrible sunburn. I’m torn between being cheap and going on a daytrip and splurging for a tour with Carlos Celdran.

5. Camarines sur. The watersport complex, to be specific.

6. Palawan, Dumaguete or Davao. Because I haven’t been to those places yet.

I’m aiming to get at least 4 out of 6. How about you? Where do you plan to go this 2008?

This is post is submitted to the January Rice Bowl Journal collaboration project

Popularity: 34% [?]

Travel-junkie Boris raises an interesting question in his latest entry:

Is it alright as a traveler to pay for damage you did not cause, but were involved in, so that a local family in a third world country does not have an additional burden on their wallet?

Basically, what happened is that he got into an accident in Indonesia with a local who hit his bike from behind. The owner of the bike he rented gave him a quote for the cost of repairing his bike. Boris was told to shoulder the cost, since he could afford it, while the local’s family might not be able to (even if they were the one who hit him).

I honestly don’t know how to answer this one. It’s really annoying how people think that just because you travel, you are swimming in money. We work hard and save up to fund our trips. But on the other hand, it’s hard to turn your back on somebody who needs your help.

What would you advice Boris to do? What would YOU do?

Popularity: 28% [?]

I want to go to Italy. I want to go not because of the culture, the history, not even because of the fashion. Well, they are part of the reason, but what really inspired me to want to visit Italy are books that doesn’t even have any pictures of Italy in it.

The first one was a book I bought when I finished the book I was reading in Ko Pha Ngan: Meg Cabot’s Every Boy has One. Okay, so it’s one of your run-of-the-mill chick lit. Girl meets boy, girl hates boy, boy hates girl, they end up falling in love, blah blah blah. In between the sappy exchanges, the author gives you a slice of Italian life and what made her characters (and possibly the author as well) fall in love with the place.

Meg Cabot showed me places in Italy I would never thought to go to. As soon as I got home, I started reading on Le Marche, researching when’s the best time to go, even picking out a tour guide. However, I put my dreams on hold and focused on more realistic goals.

The desire to visit Italy was rekindled when I chanced upon Vroom with a view by Peter Moore. He traveled through Italy, riding on a ‘61 Vespa. I’ve never riden a bike, but his story made me want to learn how to, even to brave the crazy Italian traffic.

It’s been 7 months since I last read Vroom with a view and more than a year since I read Every Boy has one. I once again put Italy aside to focus on more realistic goals (read: closer to home and much cheaper). But time never made me forget about Italy. I want to experience that magic spell it casts on people. I want to walk the streets countless tourists has trodded on. I want la dolce vita.

This entry is part of Rice Bowl Journal’s July Collaboration Project.

Popularity: 42% [?]