The impact that millennials have on the world is apparent. They have changed a good part of almost everything. In the travel industry, for example, millennials are changing the way we prepare for a vacation. They use mobile apps to find a place to stay; they read reviews to make sure that reality aligns with their expectations, and they pack less and less to experience more. Patrick Clarke of Travel Pulse was right when he said, “It’s clear that age impacts desires and priorities.” If people from the Generation X travel for business-related reasons, millennials travel just for the sake of it.
Millennials make up 20% of the traveling population, and that trend isn’t dropping anytime soon. In fact, the World Travel Market (WTM) foresees a huge increase in the percentage of millennial travelers in the coming years. David Chapman, director general of WTM, said, “By 2020, 320 million international trips are expected to be made by youth travelers each year, a staggering 47% increase from 217 million in 2013.” It won’t be long until this traveling generation will take over the entire travel market. Millennials are always on the lookout for the next big adventure. When they see that a particular destination is worth the time and the effort, they start packing at once and head directly to where the oceans run deep and the mountains soar high.
So, to all the millennials out there who are looking for a new place to visit, we present to you the Philippines, a country splendid for its natural beauty. You’ll know shortly why this is a place you don’t want to miss. Here are 7 activities you should definitely try when you’re in the Philippines.
1. Enjoy the country’s marine wealth
With progressive companies starting to cater to the desires and preferences of their millennial employees, the possibility of exploring the world is becoming more attainable for millennials. Indeed, traveling is a career opportunity that millennials must not miss. There’s a lot to see, a lot to experience in the world. The Philippines provides some of the most stunning views you’ll never see anywhere else in your lifetime. The country is dubbed as Asia’s Dive Capital, so you can’t expect anything less than spectacular from its rich waters. Diving spots like Puerto Galera, Coron, and Anilao are popular among divers, both amateurs, and professionals. There are many training centers in the country that you can join if you want to explore the Philippines’ marine life.
If you’re a person who stays at the shore rather than dives into the sea, then you’ll love the white sand beaches in the Philippines. Boracay, Camiguin, Nasugbu—these are just some of the places that offer an extraordinary beach holiday. This is where the statement, “you have to see it to believe it” applies.
2. Indulge your taste buds with traditional cuisine
A tip to those traveling to the Philippines: don’t miss the Filipino food! One of the best things about traveling is experiencing the culture through local cuisine. Filipinos undoubtedly have something to boast to foreign visitors who want a taste of the local life. From adobo and sinigang to puto and halo-halo, Filipino cuisine is one that you will not forget. If you’re bolder in trying out strange food, balut and dinuguan should be on your list. Balut is a boiled duck egg with a partially formed duck embryo, and dinuguan is pork blood stew. They sound strange alright, but they’re not so bad once you take a bite.
3. Experience shopping at its best
There are generally two types of shopping centers in the Philippines: malls and tiangge. Malls in the country are enormous compared to those in Western countries. In fact, the third largest mall in the world, Mall of Asia, sits right in Manila. One day is not enough to tour the mall on foot. The biggest shopping malls in the country are located in Makati, Pasig, Taguig, and Quezon City.
The other type of shopping center, tiangge, is the local version of a flea market. Haggling is the definitive way of shopping in this type of retail haven. Try to visit one in your stay in the Philippines, and you’ll definitely have the best bargain of your life—that is, if you’re skillful enough to counteract the strategies of persistent salesmen.
4. Have fun with the different sports adventures
There are so many things to do in the Philippines that will make you want to come back again and again. Climb the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo; go kayaking and canoeing in Palawan; surf in the magnificent island of Siargao; go wakeboarding in Camarines Sur; and snorkel in the rustic province of Sorsogon. There’s so much to do that you’ll wonder if there is such a thing as traveling for a living.
5. Join the colorful regional festivals
It’s true what they say about Filipinos and celebrations. You really can’t stop these people from honoring and memorializing every good thing that happens to them, no matter how small. The Bangus Festival in Pangasinan, for instance, is a way of celebrating the plentiful harvest of milkfish in the province. The biggest festival in the country is the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It’s a feast that shows just how much Filipinos hold on to their faith. Ati-Atihan is a week-long street party celebrated to honor the Sto. Niño. Another festival that you shouldn’t miss is the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City. Panagbenga translates to “season of blooming,” so you should expect to see the city abloom with beautiful and fragrant flowers in the month of February. Indeed, there are many more festivals all over the country that you should see to experience the Filipino culture.
6. Relax and unwind with local spa treatments
One of the most essential things that millennial travelers need is rest. Perhaps that is one of the top reasons why they travel: to take a break from the demands of life. And the Philippines can provide the sort of relaxation millennials want. The country’s attractions can make anyone forget about life’s worries even just for one bit. Still, some millennials choose to take relaxation to the next level by going for spa treatments. Some of the places that have the best spa centers are Tagaytay, Boracay, Cebu, and Batangas.
7. Venture into the Philipino nightlife
One of the classic millennial traits that the young generation is known for is sociability. As Sisy Vicente, general manager at Chase Card Services, said, “This is a generation that values social connections, convenience, and opportunities to indulge in luxuries.” Millennials build their social profiles to have a better taste and a more vivid experience of life. It’s always about getting the best deal. Lucky for them, the Philippines can provide the best deals anytime. We’ve established that fact in terms of tourist attractions, local cuisine, and annual festivals. Now, you’ll see why the Filipino nightlife is not any different. Some restaurants, cafes, and clubs close late to entertain visitors who want to party throughout the night. If you want to make the most of every moment, the Philippines is the way to go.
There’s so much more to do in the Philippines. As a millennial traveler, you should take advantage of all these little adventures because you won’t always be in your prime to enjoy them. Have fun traveling, and don’t forget to include the Philippines in your bucket list!