Category: Travel

Small Laude goes on a larger-than-life adventure made in Singapore

Ever wondered how Small Laude lives large in the Lion City? Step into her world and join the Filipino YouTube sensation’s big adventures made in Singapore as It’s A Small World: Singapore premieres on Metro Channel from 21 January 2024.

The three-episode series was made in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Each leg showcases rich and unique experiences that await Filipino travelers looking to book a trip to Singapore.

Accompanied by her son Timothy, her angel Lotlot, and her bestie Karen Davila, here are some of the ways Small Laude discovered how ordinary moments are made extraordinary in Singapore. Tune into the full series to find more amazing made in Singapore experiences that await you upon your next visit.

Episode 1 – Featuring her son Timothy
21 January 2024

In lieu of a regular guided tour, Small and her son Timothy rode along with Storytellers and zipped around the city in the sidecars of restored vintage Vespa scooters. Small and Timothy booked a night tour with Singapore Side Cars – the world’s first vintage Vespa sidecar tour – and rode through quaint alleyways, met with locals, and enjoyed the glittering Singapore skyline in a whole new way.

Aside from getting a glimpse of Singapore on land, the mother and son duo also got a bird’s eye view of the city by hopping aboard the Sky Helix Sentosa. Designed to be Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, the gondola takes riders up to 79m above sea level and offer mesmerizing 360-degree views of Sentosa, Keppel Bay, and the Southern Islands.

Episode 2 – Featuring her angel Lotlot
28 January 2024

People say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But leave it to Small to start her day off in a pretty unconventional way.

Alongside her angel Lotlot, Small enjoyed Breakfast in The Wild – served within the Ah Meng Restaurant inside the Singapore Zoo, Breakfast in The Wild offers diners scrumptious planet-friendly meals served with a hearty helping of stories about the animal kingdom, habitats, and nature straight from wildlife ambassadors and their keepers.

Beyond breakfast, Small and Lotlot customized their own chocolate bars at Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie in Dempsey Hill. Known for their unexpected flavor offerings, local chocolates made daily, and their use of sustainably sourced cacao from Asia, Mr. Bucket also hosts educational experiences such as appreciation sessions and hands-on chocolate making classes for chocolate lovers to bite into a different side to the tasty treat.

Episode 3 – Featuring bestie Karen Davila
4 February 2024

When you’re in the middle of some serious retail therapy, it’s always good to make time for a break. For Small Laude, that means stopping by one of the world’s 50 best bars for a drink.

Gracing the ground floor of Parkview Square building in Singapore’s historic Bugis neighborhood, Atlas delights patrons with an extensive selection of drinks inspired by the Art Deco movement. For guests looking to skip the booze, Atlas also offers afternoon tea and an elegant range of European dishes made with the finest ingredients.

Since Small and Karen wanted to discover more of Singapore’s cocktail scene, they also stopped at Nutmeg & Clove – a restaurant and bar that pays homage to Singapore’s rich history through modern Singaporean cuisine and progressive cocktail program.

In search of signature shopping experiences, Small and Karen got to design their own pleated bags at GINLEE Studio – a brand known for their take on thoughtful and timeless clothing and accessories. Through the GINLEE Make Experience, Small and Karen learned the art of pleating, and each brought home bags made with sustainability in mind.

Catch It’s A Small World: Singapore on Metro Channel every Sunday beginning 21 January 2024, at 7:30PM. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/VisitSingaporePH

January 20, 2024
Four Points by Sheraton Makes Waves in the Philippines with the Grand Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa

Four Points by Sheraton, a distinguished member of Marriott Bonvoy’s expansive portfolio, unveils its maiden venture in the archipelago with the inauguration of Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. Nestled along the pristine Sabang Beach, about 70 kilometers or 90 mins drive northeast of Puerto Princesa City. This marks the brand’s premier property in the country, inviting ‘bleisure’ travelers, or travelers who combine business and leisure, as well as families to one of the country’s most gorgeous island destinations that retains its untamed wilderness, aptly hailed as ‘the Philippines’ last frontier.’

Discovering Puerto Princesa, aptly nicknamed ‘The City in a Forest,’ is embarking on a journey into breathtaking scenery with plenty of natural, cultural and historical sites to explore, including the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa is located at the heart of the natural reserve and is surrounded by long stretches of palm-lined white sand beaches, dense jungle, ancient mangroves, and limestone mountains. The area offers many opportunities for adventure, from its 8.2 kilometer-long Underground River to explore, the Sabang Mangrove Forest to paddle through, jungle paths to hike, crystal-clear waters to snorkel in and day trips by boat to the nearby isles.

“We are delighted to debut the first Four Points by Sheraton in the Philippines with the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa,” said Duke Nam, Area Vice President, Korea and Philippines, Marriott International. “Palawan is a destination that offers unparalleled cultural and natural adventure, allowing our Four Points brand philosophy of ‘Travel. Reinvented’ to shine. The new hotel welcomes guests with everything they need, including modern guest rooms, genuine service and an authentic sense of the locale in one of the Philippines’ must-visit destinations.”

Taking inspiration from Palawan’s lush surroundings, the hotel sprawls across 5.25 hectares of unspoiled beachfront, seamlessly blending with the 22,000 hectares of protected marine area. The architecture mirrors the natural beauty, inviting guests to indulge in a modern, breezy, open-air ambience. Picture natural brick and wood, high timbered ceilings, and soft furnishings in coastal palettes – a visual symphony echoing the hues of the local landscape.

The hotel offers 168 guest rooms, each featuring the signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, modern marble-floored bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as balconies with scenic views of the mountains and beaches. Suite rooms offer increased flexibility with 47 square meters and a 65-inch flat-screen TV.

Two restaurants and a pool bar let guests explore the delightful cuisine of Puerto Princesa, inviting them to embrace a true farm-to-table dining experience featuring the best of local ingredients. Guests can dine outdoors by the sea at Evolution, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen and live cooking stations. Italian restaurant Il Fiore also features al fresco seating, where guests can enjoy upscale Italian cuisine and creative cocktails with the fresh ocean breezes of Sabang Beach. The best accompaniment for every meal is a local craft beer straight from the tap, courtesy of the Four Points by Sheraton signature Best Brews™ selection, which showcases the area’s culture and authentic flavors through locally brewed beers.

The hotel’s 1,367 square meter swimming pool, with the iconic Pool Bar right in the middle, is the ideal spot to relax and sip cocktails. Guests can work out at any time of the day at the hotel’s 24/7 fitness center and wind down at the sauna or in-house spa. For families traveling with young children, the playground at the Kids Club makes for an exciting hangout.

For events, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa offers outdoor open-air setups, perfect for social gatherings such as weddings, parties, and concerts. Indoor venues for meetings will be available in 2024, offering complimentary fast Wi-Fi and equipped with the latest audio-visual technology.

“Sabang Beach is the perfect destination for solo travelers, groups or families looking for adventure off the beaten path, and to wake up every day in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage site,” said Dietmar Platz, General Manager, Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa. “Our hotel is ideally situated for enjoying all of it together with the outstanding hospitality of Four Points by Sheraton, and we look forward very much to welcoming guests to discover and explore this uniquely beautiful destination.”

The new hotel is approximately 75 kilometers from Puerto Princesa airport and a 90-minute direct flight away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, making this destination easily accessible to local and international travelers.

Be among the first to make Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa your home for the holidays. This season of year-end celebrations, the hotel is offering a special rate for guests staying on December 24-25, 2023 and December 31, 2023-January 1, 2024. These Christmas and New Year’s Eve promotions include a Deluxe Garden view room, breakfast for two, and dinner for two. Rates start at PhP 18,100++ per night. Be among the first to make Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa your home for the holidays. Special rates for stays on December 24-25, 2023, and December 31, 2023-January 1, 2024, include a Deluxe Garden view room, breakfast for two, and dinner for two, starting at PhP 18,100++ per night. Book your holiday escape at FourPointsPalawan.com

December 16, 2023
Cebu Pacific Celebrates Christmas with 8-Day Seat Sale Fares as Low as PHP 88

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading airline, joins the holiday festivities as it rolls out its eight-day Christmas seat sale.

From December 11 to 18, 2023, guests may book flights to domestic and international destinations on sale for as low as PHP 88 (one-way base fare exclusive of fees and surcharges). The travel period is from August 1 to November 30, 2024, perfect for travelers who wish to plan and score value-for-money fares this gift-giving season.

With CEB’s low fares now made more affordable, guests can discover and explore new places listed on their bucket lists. They can experience the picturesque beaches of Davao and Zamboanga, feast on the local delicacies of Cebu and Bacolod, and experience boating at the underground river of Puerto Princesa.

In addition, with CEB’s growing international network, guests can also go on a shopping spree in Hong Kong and Singapore, immerse their creative sprits in the art hubs of Macau and Taipei, enjoy museum-hopping in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and marvel at the majestic sights in Bangkok and Da Nang through CEB’s direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark.

Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of add-ons. CEB also offers multiple payment options, including payment centers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets.

CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

It’s never too late to make your travel wishes come true. Book your flights now at bit.ly/CebuPacificSale.

December 12, 2023
Premium Airport Shuttle Returns: Enjoy Stress-Free NAIA Journeys with UBE Express at Robinsons Galleria

Premium airport point-to-point bus service, UBE Express, is back at Robinsons Galleria. Its Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal routes commenced last November 16 providing travelers a safer, more convenient, and more accessible way to commute to and from the airport every day.

The UBE Express terminal is located along Robinsons Galleria EDSA driveway and strategically situated near office buildings, residential condominiums, and hotels. Robinsons Galleria, being centrally located in the metro, serves as a hub for local and foreign tourists, working professionals, and the general public.

UBE Express also operates its P2P airport services in Robinsons Manila and Robinsons Sta. Rosa Laguna, where it brings customers to all NAIA terminals every day of the week. Robinsons Manila terminal is located along Midtown drive way beside Arya, while Robinsons Sta. Rosa Laguna terminal is located at the bus bay in front of the mall. Each Ube Express bus can accommodate up to thirty-nine passengers well-equipped to carry luggage for short or long travels, and is PWD-friendly. For only P150 regular fare paid through cash or Beep Card, passengers can experience a comfortable and hassle-free journey from Robinsons Galleria to NAIA Terminal 1,2, 3 or 4 starting at 7:00 AM while NAIA Terminal 3 to Robinsons Galleria trips start as early as 5:45 AM. Follow Robinsons Malls Official, Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Manila social media pages for more information and updates on Ube Express services and dispatch schedules.

December 5, 2023
Explora Ahora: A more personal, deeper, and sustainable way to explore the Philippines

The Philippines holds diverse meanings for different individuals — just like the 7,000-plus islands it embraces. For foreigners visiting the country for the first time or locals who want a more unique way of exploring the islands, there can be a deeper, personal, and more sustainable way to uncover the beauty of the Philippines — courtesy of Explora Ahora.

Recently launched, Explora Ahora is a travel company with a mission to introduce to the world genuine Philippine adventures emphasizing community tourism. Ahora (which means “now” in Spanish) invites everyone to experience the country’s mesmerizing landscapes, seascapes, and renowned Filipino hospitality, promising travelers a genuine connection with the Philippines and its people.

Founded by young entrepreneur Angely Dub, who also established the successful Access Travel, Explora Ahora returns to its roots.

“While Access Travel connects our clients globally, Explora Ahora brings them closer to the heart of our home,” said Angely, who was born and raised in the Philippines. “I want them to see our beautiful country with new eyes — we are more than our beaches and sunsets; we are beyond a typical backpackers’ destination.”

Drawing on 12 years of travel expertise from Access Travel, Explora Ahora charts a new path — offering curated local experiences. This includes activities such as diving with a local diver in the pristine islands of Palawan and Bohol or exploring rich heritage sites with a history scholar in provinces such as Ifugao, Bulacan, or Iloilo. For food, the culinary experience is heightened with stories from the chefs and cooks, even letting guests embark on a “soil-to-soul” journey of the produce they consume.

Since Explora Ahora’s tour experiences are crafted in collaboration with local communities, these not only promote cultural immersion but also emphasize sustainable tourism, benefiting local economies and preserving the environment in the process. With groups kept to a minimum, each journey becomes more intimate, going beyond merely hopping from one place to another.

“Explora Ahora’s goal is to be the foremost choice for travelers seeking the Philippines’ true essence,” said Angely. “Therefore, we made sure that we do not offer the usual touristy itinerary, as we aim to elevate the travelers’ experience to something more personal and experiential.”

Explora Ahora’s young and dynamic team has a deep knowledge of the Philippines, and complemented with partnerships with those from the local communities, they can tailor itineraries that cater to individual traveler interests. The offering includes assured quality in accommodations, transportation, unparalleled customer service, and a seamless cashless booking system. All itineraries are guaranteed to be tested first by the Explora Ahora team, including Angely herself, ensuring clients embark on a journey that’s been well-vetted.

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Discover the extraordinary now with Explora Ahora —whether it’s island hopping, historical explorations, cultural immersions, culinary adventures, and more — as it guarantees seamless and safe travel, where you worry only about your next IG story. More details can be found at www.exploraahora.com.

November 29, 2023
TRAVEL DIARIES: Exploring San Sebastián: On a Splurge vs. On a Budget

Embarking on a journey to San Sebastián is an odyssey of flavors, stunning vistas, and the harmonious clash of tradition and modernity. In this travel tale, we unravel the dual narratives of my visits to this Basque jewel, once drenched in opulence and later approached with budget-conscious mindfulness. Join me as we navigate the labyrinthine streets, savor pintxos in the Old Town, and uncover the nuances of this coastal haven, discovering how a city’s charm can manifest in contrasting styles – from the lavish to the thrifty.

The Splurge: A Luxurious Encounter (2019)

My initial foray into San Sebastián was a lavish affair. It was a quick side trip after attending a wedding in Barcelona, made even shorter because I decided to spend two nights in nearby Hondarribia, which also left a good impression on me. As this was pre-pandemic time and my travel mantra then was to splurge, staying at the opulent Hotel de Londres for 600 Euros a night, I indulged in the stunning vista of La Concha from my room. My journey, a roundtrip via Iberia for 340 Euros, was complemented by the convenience of a hotel car, ensuring I soaked in every bit of the town within my tight 48-hour schedule.

The highlight? I must say the 24/7 view of La Concha from my room was already worth much more than what I paid for. The elegant and very spacious room along with its amenities were just a bonus. The top-notch concierge service was also something else.

A dining experience at the Michelin-starred Mugaritz for 360 Euros with drinks pairing. Although I wasn’t blown away by their food and drinks, the enchanting garden ambiance and meticulous service, including the attention to details like seating me at the center of the room and providing an exclusive kitchen tour made it an overall memorable experience.

My gastronomic adventure continued in the Old Town, where I hopped from one pintxos bar to another, embracing every recommendation from the hotel.

A spontaneous sharing of a txuleta (50 Euros for 1.5 kg) with Mariko, a fellow traveler at Gandarias was the cherry on top of this gourmet journey.

On a Budget: The Conscious Explorer (2023)

Fast forward to 2023, my travel style had evolved. I was back in Barcelona for my first post pandemic Europe trip, I was all about slow travel with a more conscientious approach to spending. I flew Vueling (135 Euros roundtrip fare) from Barcelona. On the plane, I met a lovely local named Maria. Sometimes it pays to put the introvert hat aside and just give that comment about a book that you really like that your plane seat mate happens to be reading because I ended up chatting with her and getting excellent recommendations.

Staying at Legazpi Doce Rooms and Suites (198 Euros for two nights). I chose public transport over private transfers, significantly cutting costs and found out that it only takes two minutes to get to the place from the bus stop. I figured out a way to just take the bus to and from the airport instead of a hotel transfer and that saved me a lot of money because the bus ride only costs around 2 Euros per way.

Since I arrived early in the morning at around 7:30am, I knew the room wouldn’t be ready yet, but the staff at the front desk kindly let me use the washroom so I can change into my running clothes. I love running when I travel because it is a great way to discover the lay of the land and to beat jet lag. This time around I set out to discover more of the town and so on my first day I ran the opposite way towards Urgull and then crossed the bridge toward Zurriola beach and then back to Old Town. I even revisited my beloved cheesecake spot, La Viña, for 15 Euros per order.

After freshening up and enjoying my cheesecake in the comfort of my room, I changed into my hiking outfit because I vowed to myself that I will do the Urgull Hike. Thirty thousand steps later, I was rewarded with amazing scenic views from the top of the mountain.

I was also impressed that there was a museum (free entrance) located in one of the old forts scattered around the route leading to the top.

Of course, as soon as I got back down, I wasted no time in hitting the places on my list. First stop was La Cuchara de Santelmo and then Bar Sport, where, unsurprisingly since the town is so small, I bumped into Marie. We hugged like long-lost friends.

A Tale of Two Visits

Contrasting my two visits, San Sebastián revealed different facets of its charm. Whether it was the luxurious comfort of Hotel de Londres or the homely vibe of Legazpi Doce, each stay carved a unique narrative.

From Michelin-star dining to the best burger at Bar Desy, every meal was a celebration of the town’s culinary prowess . I love simple food and this Burger Desy (11 Euros with beer) is as simple as it gets – perfect bun, excellent meat and some mayo.

I woke up extra early on my last day and with a mission to run the entire length of the Urumea River to earn the right to eat the Burger Desy again. At this point, I have to confess that I am that kind of foodie. The kind who repeats and on my last day that was what I did. I went back to Bar Desy where the sweet old man who runs the place recognized me. To commemorate my astonishing feat of eating the Burger Desy for breakfast after having eaten it yesterday for early dinner, we took a selfie on both of our phones. I also popped by La Viña for another serving of cheesecake and bought four orders to go. After walking around some parts of the river bank that I missed that morning, I went to Ganbara to get a beer for the road along with some pintxos before taking the bus to the airport.

San Sebastián, with its irresistible blend of gastronomy, beauty, and culture, is one of my favorite places in the world. In fact, on some days, I feel like next to my hometown, it is my most favorite place in the world. Whether indulging in its luxuries or exploring its streets on a budget, I am looking forward to going back again soon and maybe spend even less but experience more.

November 28, 2023
Cebu Pacific’s First Narita-Manila SAF-Powered Flight Takes Off

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) operated Flight 5J 5055 from Narita to Manila powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), making it the first Philippine carrier to use SAF in a commercial flight from Japan.

The leading Philippine carrier’s SAF flight was operated with an Airbus 321neo, using 40% blended SAF produced by Neste Corporation and supplied by Itochu Corporation. This combination resulted in a 44 percent reduction in carbon emissions per passenger, setting a new record for CEB’s SAF-powered flights.

“As we await sufficient SAF supply to meet the demand of the entire aviation industry, this inaugural Narita to Manila SAF flight represents Cebu Pacific’s ongoing efforts toward making air travel more sustainable. Other decarbonization programs that we have put in place include investing in fuel-efficient NEOs, optimization of flight plans, and adoption of fuel efficiency best practices to minimize fuel consumption. All these are concrete sustainability initiatives that bolster our commitment and support for the aviation industry’s goal of flying net-zero by 2050,” said Alexander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.

Itochu, which acts as the branded distributor of SAF in Japan, lauded the collaboration.

“We look forward to partnering with Cebu Pacific as we strive towards sustainable aviation. Our collaboration underscores the growing demand for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region and we are ready to meet that need,” said Atsushi Onishi, Senior Officer of Itochu’s Energy Division.

Passengers on the inaugural flight were part of the celebration, receiving commemorative tokens and engaging in in-flight activities. The initiative was also warmly welcomed by Narita International Airport.

“We are honored that Cebu Pacific has chosen Narita International Airport for this initiative. Being one of the select airlines to mount SAF flights in Japan, Cebu Pacific’s commitment to sustainability is commendable,” said Toshio Tashiro, Executive Officer of Narita International Airport.

Prior to the commercial flight, CEB signed a strategic partnership with Neste to work towards establishing a long-term supply of SAF across the Asia-Pacific. This initiative aligns with the airline’s sustainability goal to gradually integrate SAF into its operations, thereby reducing its carbon emissions footprint and promoting environmental consciousness.

CEB operated its first passenger flight powered by SAF in September 2022 from Singapore to Manila, making it the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia to incorporate SAF in its commercial operation. The airline aims to integrate blended SAF for its entire commercial network by 2030.

For more information about CEB’s sustainability initiatives, visit: www.cebupacificair.com.

October 25, 2023
Puerto Azul Gateway to Rise in Ternate

Puerto Azul Land Inc. recently announced the construction of Puerto Azul Gateway, conceptualized as a modern commercial center and envisioned by its developers to help drive domestic tourism in the coastal municipality of Ternate, Cavite.

Once dubbed as “Asia’s Paradise Resort” and the “World’s Golfing Capital,” Puerto Azul is a vast and sprawling land bank located in the coastal area of Cavite that offers the option of mountain and beach attractions.

Just 90 minutes by car from Metro Manila, the project aims to compliment the plans to re-develop Puerto Azul which was popular as a golfing and exclusive tourist destination.

In the past, the Puerto Azul Golf & Country Club hosted some of the most high-profile golf tournaments from the Philippine Open to the celebrity-studded Goma Cup of actor Richard Gomez.

Last April, it was announced that Bloomberry Resorts Corp. entered into a purchase agreement with Boulevard Holdings Inc., Puerto Azul Land Inc., Ternate Development Corp., and Monte Sol Development Corp. for some 279 hectares which will be developed into an integrated resort complex featuring a world-class casino, a luxury hotel, an all-new golf course and other mixed-use development.

All New “Stopover” Experience

Following the groundbreaking ceremony held last September and attended by top officials of the company, Puerto Azul Land Inc. unveils an all-new “stopover” experience called the Puerto Azul Gateway.

The project will house some 1,200 square meters of leasable space that will cater to every visitor from dining to other commercial needs.

“We’re very excited to launch the Gateway project. This heralds a new age for Puerto Azul Land Inc.,” says Samantha Panlilio, Chief Operations Officer of Puerto Azul Land Inc.

“Rest assured our team is mindful of the environmental and social impact of the said construction project. That said, we shall adhere towards the highest standards of sustainability practices by collaborating with the local government officials and environmental consultants to ensure conservation and pro-green efforts are met. It is our commitment to deliver a most positive impact to the community.”

Puerto Azul Gateway is expected to be completed by 2025.

October 21, 2023
Here are the top 10 holiday destinations Filipinos want to visit this year
2023 will soon be over and everyone’s already looking forward to the holidays. Many have been raring to fly off somewhere to celebrate the end of the year, but there may be some who still need a little help planning and choosing where to go.

What better way to figure out your year-end vacation destination than with the help of Google Flights? Whether you want to go where the people are or you want to know which spots to steer clear of in favor of the less-beaten path, Google Flights has the important data you need–namely, the top 10 places Filipinos have been searching for and booking trips to.

Here’s the list:

Top 10 year-end destinations on Google Flights
1. Tokyo, Japan
2. Singapore
3. Hong Kong
4. Caticlan
5. Osaka, Japan
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Seoul, South Korea
8. Kalibo
9. Taipei, Taiwan
10. Cebu
Once again, Japan tops the list of most-searched destinations, with travelers from the Philippines looking at choosing the country as their top choice. Within Japan, Tokyo leads the way, while Osaka takes the 5th spot. Looking at the list, it would suggest that on top of trips within the Philippines, most are thinking of traveling within Asian countries.

Better, savvier traveling with Google

Flights don’t come cheap, but if you want to save money this year-end season, or any time of the year, a little bit of planning can go a long way. Most of the time, it’s better to book early but flight prices can fluctuate, and often there are bargains to be found.

On Google Flights, you can already see whether current prices for your destination are low, typical, or high compared to past averages for the same routes. It also takes it to the next level, having added a feature where it lets you know when it’s the cheapest time to book based on your chosen dates and destination.

Aside from Google Flights, there are other ways to get help with your travel planning. Here are a few more features you can use:

●        Bard: Google’s Bard AI is like talking to a virtual travel agent that’s personally helping you. You can ask it to help create an itinerary that’s uniquely yours, pulling data and info from all over the web. Just don’t forget to double-check things personally before you start booking.

●        Immersive Landmarks in Maps: If you’re going somewhere like Japan, you can learn more about the spots you’ll be visiting before you go. Search for a landmark like ‘Tokyo Tower’ in Google Maps, tap “immersive view” then get a sense of the surroundings, and use the handy slider to see when it will be raining or how crowded it is at different times of the day.

●        Google Lens: See something the locals are eating and want to find out more? You can snap a photo and use Lens in the Google app to search for it. Want to have a try? Multisearch can help – add ‘near me’ to your search and find nearby restaurants serving that dish.

●        My Ad Center: Here’s one you might not think of but buyers’ remorse is real. With airlines, hotels and credit card companies running promotions, avoid missing a deal by tuning your ad preferences. Choose to see more or fewer trending ad topics to surface relevant ads or for something specific, you can adjust your brand preferences.

Now that you’ve got some inspiration, it’s not too late to make your travel plans. From Bard, to Flights and Maps, Google tools can help you on every step of the trip.
October 17, 2023
Earn EXTRAAAA Cash When You Travel this 10.10

Revenge travel is real! I am sure all of us have traveled at least once in the past year. There are many destinations, we all want to go – but let’s admit it – we always need to have a budget in mind.

The best travel deals

This is why I am happy that I can get cashback on my favorite travel apps and websites via ShopBack! Did you know that you can get cashback from your hotel bookings, airlines, and even activities? Here are some of the deals that they have this 10.10! You can get cashback from Agoda, Booking.com, Klook, and more!

For a P10,000 hotel booking for example – you can get P750 cashback! You can also get cashback from airlines! Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Emirates, and AirAsia are just some of ShopBack’s airlines partners. Moreover, you can also get cashback for your OOTDs and travel essentials! For example, if you need a jacket for an upcoming trip – you can get 9% cashback from Uniqlo.

Get EXTRAAA cashback

When you book with ShopBack, you can get EXTRAAA cashback so that you can do more! For example – your hotel cashback is enough for an attraction or some meals!

You can enjoy even more cashback when you join challenges. Challenges would give you a bonus if you complete some activities in the app. For 10.10 for example, you can get P100 if you book any travel merchants! This is on top of the usual cashback!

Bogart the Explorer as your travel guide

ShopBack is also partnering with Bogart the Explorer this 10.10 for some fun content. He would be guiding all “explorers” to navigate the best travel deals on ShopBack. He would even run a contest to edit him in different travel destinations.

Tune in to ShopBack’s social pages!

Exclusive Offer: You can get P100 bonus cashback when you sign up with my link below https://app.shopback.com/phl/partner/SBPH1010PR

About ShopBack

The ShopBack Group is Asia-Pacific’s leading shopping, rewards, and payments platform, serving over 38 million shoppers across ten markets.

ShopBack was founded in 2014 and today, ShopBackers across the region continue to win over shoppers by constantly upping their game – be it rewards or meaningful experiences – such that shoppers can achieve a personal victory every time they use ShopBack.

The Group powers over US$3.7 billion in annual sales for over 15,000 online and in-store merchant partners. In 2022, ShopBack launched ShopBack Pay and PayLater, extending the platform’s offerings into financial services, and providing shoppers responsible and convenient payment options at checkout.

Download the ShopBack app on Google Play, AppStore or App Gallery. For more exciting ShopBack offers, visit the official website at https://www.shopback.ph/ and follow the official social media channels on Facebookand Instagram.

October 9, 2023