How To Plan A Romantic Getaway In The Philippines

Hmm and OhMyGee! That was my initial reaction, when one of you my dear readers, kept pressing me for a "how to". Not that I didn't like to do it nor that I don't have any idea, but more on "can I just tell you by email instead of asking me to post it in my blog, because it will be rather long. Very very, very long"!

But here I am posting it on this blog anyway. That only means 'the requestor' succeeded! Okay fine!

I have 10 questions for you to answer, in order to Plan For A Romantic Getaway In The Philippines.

So, let's do this. Along the way though, as I tell you the "how to" things. I will be citing examples, using how and what happened to our dear 'requestor' who is now back in his own country "happily engaged'!

1. Firstly, What is Romantic?
What does that word 'romantic' mean to you and/or your intended companion/s? That's the first most important 'first consideration', for one memorable getaway (to you, at least) since we humans have so many different interpretations, notions, assumptions or even misconceptions about what's "romantic".

It is such a subjective matter, with no right or wrong answers, thus, you'll need to concentrate on what you and/or your companions want (to feel) before/during/after your dreamed romantic Philippine trip.

Yes, romance or romantic is a "want", not a "need". Well, it becomes a need because of your want!

Let's take the "requestor" I mentioned above as an example. He said romantic to him means 'intimate', 'thoughtful', 'a little bit of surprises here and there', 'a touch of beauty and class'. That is what he said!

I asked about his intended companions. Do they define "romantic" in the same way, or would there be other things (that he does not necessarily understand nor like), that they might consider as romantic?

After we laughed, he said "Hey, why this interview? I am the journalist, remember? Can you just name places, then I'll take it from there"? I said "ah eh... Philippines Philippines Philippines, bye for now". Da!

After we laughed again, he did understand that, the country is composed of thousands of islands that come in various shapes, sizes, serenity, sanity, salinity, scandals, security, statistics, seasons and a lot more of other nouns and adjectives that do not necessarily start with the letter "s"! And so, he talked!

He said "Well, you know my girlfriend, she thinks it is romantic when we are doing things together, like cooking, ah but she hates doing the dishes! Also when helping me assemble my airplane models and other toys.., she likes it, and she is very meticulous. She thinks I am being romantic when I sing to her. But she's weird, sometimes she wants to sit staring at the mountains, no talking, but holding my hand.

Hearing that, I said "okay bye for now, I'll send an itinerary tomorrow via messenger"!

I made sure not to forget those things he said in the above paragraph. Those were crucial to my being able to choose wisely on what places and/or activities to suggest. Don't you wish you had those kinds of information when planning your romantic getaway? Know what's romantic to you and your partner!

Don't immediately fly off to a destination because you heard a friend went there and was delighted or, you just saw on social media, some pictures and videos that so-and-so had a romantic getaway in the Philipines. What is romantic to them may not be so to you or your partner. Define (know) yourself first!

If you don't have me to "interrogate" you for what you are and what you want, don't worry, just ask your very own royal self the same questions, reply honestly, ask your partner, and read the rest of this story.

Hmm, just the first question, and I see that this is getting too long. Well, as I said in that last sentence of the first paragraph above, this will be very very long! So, bear with me, and keep reading 'til the end!

Oh, for easier 'illustration' of the 'concepts' (concept daw o!), let's constantly use the requestor's story. Let's call him under a "stage name" of Peter. And let's call his girlfriend Wendy. Let us "feel" their story!

Let's go to the second question, and that is...

2. Who are you?
Seriously? Yes, very seriously, WHO ARE YOU? And it's not enough to just say your name and age.

If you and I were talking face-to-face, I may not actually ask that same question literally. Ah it can be a friendly little query like "do you sing" or "do you dance" - hey Gina, it's not the "sing and dance" that you know (but come to think of it, why not di ba?). It may be indirect as "what do people do in your country when there's no electricity". Or leading questions like "have you ever tried snorkeling or Scuba diving"?

The objective here is to know if you or your partner are "a fit" to the romantic places or activities in the Philippines that might be interesting to you. Example: Maculot is a romantic peak, but, can you climb?

That's "the essence" of that kind of question!

Of course this 'line of questioning' your selves should (must) already include the physical and tangible facts about your persons. Even if you say your pursuit is a romantic getaway, things to consider aren't all about what your hearts and souls feel or will feel. It also includes the who you are as a citizen, your economic stature, (sometimes your social stature may be a consideration as you will see later below).

As for our Peter and Wendy.., our gentleman is a TV Reporter, ex-athlete, ex-ramp & commercial model (that's what he said), lives in France but holding an Italian passport, while the dear lady is one tech-girl of a kind (the CIO of a universal bank), also an ex-model (ex-beauty queen), also athletic, lives in Paris but holding a passport of a different country, and (note), member of a royal family (dugong bughaw).

Boyfriend, the journalist likes white sandy beaches, but, if there is a chance, would like to at least pass by 'pain areas' like Zamboanga (Siege 2013), Marawi (Siege 2017), Yolanda (2013), Bohol (Earthquake 2013) - he said he did some reading online! Girlfriend hates noisy party areas, curious with volcanoes, a certified scuba diver, okay with any beach, hopes to see our slum areas, and how crazy is our traffic!

If you noticed the descriptions of who they are and their interests, you would probably ask "were they really looking for a romantic getaway"? That is common. Try listing, chances are, it will happen to you!

Now. If it was just you asking your self and/or your beloved partner. Be brutally frank in your questions and answers. Your answers will be the basis for decisions on which of our 7600++ islands are for you!

That brings us to the next question...

3. Where 'do you think' you want to go (in the Philippines)?
In the case of our example (Peter and Wendy), I played a big part in choosing their destination/s. That was the reason I "interviewed" them a bit lengthily even if we're already friends, as there has to be a fit.

Now, for you who don't have me (because I am expensive, some say), choose that 'prospective perfect location' based on your answers to the 2 questions above - 1) what is romantic to you; 2) who are you!

Your answers to the 2 questions above will already cause you to eliminate some destinations. That is why I said 'prospective perfect location', because at this instance, everything should be still temporary.

When you ask the rest of the questions below, your prospective target destinations could and may still change. Our interests aren't always romantic! In fact you still have a question before we go to item #4!

And that question is: how do you now match your own 'newly discovered' definition of romance, with a new realization of your selves (your likes, dislikes, limitations, etc.) versus our Philippine destinations?

The Philippines offers a very wide range of romantic destinations, from secluded beaches and resorts to idyllic mountain retreats. But how do you find the best "match" so you can plan for it? Easy, ask me!

What if I'm indispose or I don't know or I just don't want to reply? No sweat! Everything's now available in the world wide web! Especially on social media, the Philippines is very much part of the social buzz globally. But don't just read - ask! Yes, ask locals or 'romantics' who came before you, via chat groups!

As you see, there's no absolute shortcut. You need to dig up some info and churn them in your head.

Tip: when asking Filipinos (whether face-to-face or online), be humble and it's absolutely alright to be silly and ignorant but sincere. They/We won't laugh at you, instead Pinoys will come in droves to help.

FYI, humility (a la Cinderella) is a Pinoy trait/culture, to the extent they are belittled in other countries. But show even just a hint of arrogance while in their "home court", you'll be "cancelled". Unfortunately too, Pinoys are very good at doing that, in many ingenuously crafty ways! So, as they say "umayos ka"!

Don't say "tell me what I can do there". Say "please tell me what I can do there" - even to a lowly maid.

Tip: when asking about accommodations, avoid asking people who live at where the hotel or resort is located. Chances are, they haven't stayed there, because they live nearby - so their views will probably be hearsay. Ask instead, visitors/guests (from other places) who really checked-in at the hotel/resort. 

That's why even until now, I am still a voracious reader of 'trip advisor' and similar sites.

Ah okay, as for our dear Peter and Wendy, the initial list they gave me (I am listing them from north to south) had: Vigan, Manila, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, Davao, Zamboanga - "any or all" - in 8 days!

You thought I would be putting out a litany of romantic places in the Philippines? No I won't and No I don't. Besides, this is a "how to plan", not a "where to go" article, correct? The most I can/should give are references like "google" hahaha! Or this my blog hehehe! So you the traveler choose for yourself.

Next step, I asked questions like 'why that place', 'what would you like to see or do there', 'what do you already know about the place', 'how long do you think you want to stay there' etcetera. We had a chat!

That was our "process of elimination", until we agreed on a final set of places.

For you who do not have the luxury of "me" hehehe, you should also do this "process of elimination" by asking your selves the more specific questions such as why, how and what to do there, based on what you already know from your asking around, without forgetting that your penultimate goal is 'romance'!

That brings us to the next (and very important) question for many of us...

4. How Much Will It Cost? (Determine Your Budget)!
Many say, the first step to planning any trip is determining your budget. In fact, most travel advisers or travel agencies would usually tactlessly ask, or forthrightly tell you that! But not for me. Budget is only our Step No. 4 as you see in this list here and now. This can even be a step later as you will see below.

Anyway, yes, at this point, it is better to discuss expenditure matters for your romantic getaway in the Philippines. Discuss in your head if planning alone, or with your labidabs if it is possible. But, consider different price points, from luxury resorts and five-star hotels to budget-friendly accommodations like B&Bs or home-stays - to make sure your wallet agrees with the plan, so far, before proceeding further!

There are 2 ways to approach this - via the 1) pyramid or 2) inverted pyramid budgeting styles.

On the Pyramid Approach (best for those with "dictatorial pockets"), you set a fixed amount, and plan to let everything you want to see/do fit into that budget. With an Inverted Pyramid Approach (for those with deeper pockets), you just choose what you want to do/see, then check how much will be needed.

Hey, let me tell you a secret of some travelers that I don't know (yet) the wisdom of! They separate the needed amounts for things like air-travel and/or accommodations, from those they want to do or see!

Maybe it has something to do with separating 'what they can charge to their employer / sponsor', and those that they cannot. Yeah, they have separate 'non-touchable' caps for say "airfare" and "activities"!

Maybe it's a culture or sophisticated business sense? Ah, if anyone knows the prudence in why is that, please tell me. It could be something interesting to share with our fellow travelers, so I'd love to know!

Tip: While planning, ask immediately if this or that can/will issue receipts if (by any miracle) you need them! Many services such as boatmen or habal-habal rides, even tour guides in the hinterlands do not have those! It may affect your decision whether to go there or not! Do not laugh, I've seen that happen!

Example [not our Peter & Wendy]: a romantic once called me to complain that the violinist (that I told him to hire for his romantic dinner up a hill) did not issue a "sales receipt", that he needed oh so badly!

As you can see from the example above, it pays to really know where you want to go in the Philippines and what you want to do (with the partner, don't forget), to arrive at a realistically safe and stress-free budget! For how can your heart or soul feel romantic on a getaway when your wallet is in panic mode?

This is that practical side of things, the tangibles, that you must seriously attend to, before setting out for that romantic getaway in the Philippines. Well, that is if like ours, your wallet isn't too thick anyway.

Then it should be time to finally say where in the Philippines you are going for that romantic tour! So...

5. What now, is your final destination!
If item #4 above is a limitation - meaning you are not wealthy to say yes to just any romantic getaway destination in the Philippines that you hear, you will need to keep checking/comparing items 3 and 4.

Not only that, you need to keep a constant watch, if they conform to your answers to items 1 and 2.

You want an example? Here...
Many people you ask, including travel/tour agencies worldwide, will offer Boracay (that's an answer to item 3, right?). Upon checking online forum reviews, ratings and prices, you might easily say "let's go" - which is an answer to question 4, right? But if the girlfriend wants uncrowded quiet places (an answer to question 1), and she is a "Baroness" (an answer to question 2), you will certainly think again! Right?

That's what happened to our "Peter&Wendy"! Aside from she doesn't like crowds (where on Boracay is it not crowded) she is so well-known and would have attracted eyes/cameras/crowds/paparazzi, etc.!

Haha! Another example? I have a friend (sori frend) who was unable to join us in a bus tour from Cebu to Dumaguete, passing by Oslob to do the whale shark watching. Why? Eh, she was a high official of a renowned animal rights group. Well.., she took the same bus with us, but went straight to Dumaguete!

Unfortunately for you who maybe researching for a romantic getaway destination in the country, most travel agencies will just be interested in your capacity to pay, then they'll tell you 'this or that' is a "very" romantic getaway or hideaway. That's not necessarily wrong or bogus as others may have found it so!

But are you them?

Finally on this topic about your "where to", let me give you some kind of WARNING! If you really want it to be a romantic getaway, be personally involved in choosing your destination and planning for it to be romantic. Don't relegate it to your trusted travel agent, your personal assistant or your office secretary.

Hello! Look at the word again, "romantic" is intangible.

It's a feeling, that will best be defined by only you. Thus, choosing the final destination should be yours but/and even more meaningful if unanimously agreed upon with your companion so both of you know how to build up on things to achieve that romantic feeling. OMG I'm starting to sound like a 'love guru'!

Now now.., these romantic getaways 'a la honeymoon' are usually planned as a surprise by just one of the partners. My take is, don't make Philippines a secret, not even the island, city or town you intend to visit. Why? Well, especially if you're not Filipinos, there could be snags that might instead surprise you!

Focus that surprise (instead) on things that you'll have or do in the country! Samples later below!

That brings us to your real plan of action for your travel to be a real romantic escapade!

6. When? Yes, When Are You Coming?
The time of year you jet into the Philippines could/will/should affect some of your planned activities - meaning your choices on 'what to do where' may have to change but there are countless alternatives.

Many times, due to things visitors didn't like, they ended up with better alternatives! So, check out the:

Weather. Airlines, travel agencies and hotels are not very good sources on this. They don't necessarily lie, but they don't say the non-obvious in order to make a sale! Check reliable weather websites online.

As a rule of thumb, the eastern seaboard (side) is generally 'rainier' than the west, and January to April are generally drier. But, be aware that more rain doesn't usually mean cooler or colder. I love February!

The idea here is for you to think of places or activities that would be just fine in the "probable" weather condition at the time of your visit. Example: instead of beach bumming on a Tuesday, you may want to replace it with (or have as alternative) a visit to the museum or mall. Because your vacation is in June!

Seasons. Not the climatic seasons like spring or summer, but passenger travel seasons 'into', 'within', and 'out of' the Philippine Islands. Flights, buses, ferries aren't just expensive. They're overbooked and usually chaotic that may unduly stress you! So, re-think your plans and alternatives, if you're joining in!

When are these? Ah, Christmas is the most pronounced in terms of passenger headaches hehe! Most Filipinos who live or work abroad (there are millions), come home to celebrate "the holidays" with their families, bringing home tons of luggage and balikbayan boxes. Many of those arrive weeks or months after the passengers have landed - with nothing but an airline's promise that they will somehow arrive!

How do you have the peace of mind to feel romantic, when your one and only single lone piece of bag checked-in, doesn't arrive with you on your flight, but materialize here instead, 2 weeks after you have returned back at home? Mind you, even First Class Passengers do get affected by that "phenomenon"!

If it sounds like I'm discouraging you, yes I am heheh! But c'mon, December is one of the best months to get romantic in the Philippines! Well, shhh secret, there actually are simple and clever ways to avoid getting caught in a LBS (left baggage situation). One is to avoid PAL or any direct/nonstop flight to the Philippines in December (well, LBS starts happening by mid-November). For more tips, PM or DM me!

Events/Holidays. Ah, this should be interesting for you who are non-Filipinos! This is actually still part of the topic covered above (passenger peak seasons), but more on the inter-island (domestic) travels.

Holy Week. This is a long holiday break. Schools are usually closed from Holy Monday and would only open again next Monday - after Easter Sunday. Government, corporate offices (including banks) plus a few colleges/universities usually observe "half day" work (morning 'til noon) on Holy Wednesday, then will totally close on Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday. Malls shut Maundy Thurday to Good Friday.

What is that to you who are planning for a romantic getaway in the country? Well, 'you shall better not' want to visit built structures like museums, municipal halls and other buildings on a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. They'll be closed! Those are not just religious holidays but are Public Holidays - by law.

Restaurants - from the most luxurious, down to the lowly roadside eateries will also be closed, except for a few fastfood chains like Jollibee or McDo. Good if your hotel will serve food. Otherwise, fasting!

For the Christian world, Maundy Thursday and (especially) Good Friday are times of fasting. Many eat just morsels. And meat is to be avoided. The few open stores don't sell/serve meat. So go veggie-fish!

On Good Friday, people believe there should be less physical activity (work or play). Some do not even take baths on that day. Many avoid audible laughing! No celebrations, parties, singing, dancing, music, TV or radio! The few FM and TV stations that may have anything, will be re-running old clips on Jesus.

Note that being a majority-Christian nation, even non-Christians in the Philippines observe those Holy Week practices (the silence, and so on), because those two days are public holidays anyway, and you really can't do much -- with nowhere to go and nothing vital to do but stay home to pray and be silent.

But there are exceptions!

You want to party on a Good Friday? Ha! Book veeery early (like 5 to 6 months ahead) and head out to Bantayan town on Bantayan Island! Good Friday is fiesta! The island sizzles - yes, you can eat lechon!

Lately, the 'fiesta' feel has been toned down by influential leaders, but you may and can still eat meat! You can still 'party' albeit 'privately' at your resort - but - you can still eat meat! The island still sizzles!

Oh, do you like driving around? But you hate traffic jams? Do that in Metro Manila on any Good Friday, and you will be literally flying around. Streets in the Philippines are virtually empty on Good Friday. Go!

Now... there's 'the other side of the coin'. Are you commuting in the rural areas on a Maundy Thursday or a Good Friday? Black Saturday or even Easter Sunday may come and you still haven't got your ride!

The mountains will literally be empty, and you will find it hard to hire a guide. Everyone is off to rest or fast and/or abstain on those two "Holy" days, even if they're not Christians. You can do a DYI at places that allow it -since most high & lush mountains are "guided only". But just be extra careful. You already know where rescue teams and volunteers are, also out to 'holiday' for 2 days! Help could be few, to nil.

On the water, it's a different story. Years ago, beaches, lakes and waterfalls would be literally devoid of humanity during Maundy Thursdays and Good Fridays. Nowadays it has changed. You will already see kids at beaches on any Good Friday though still few compared to Easter Sunday. People are changing.

Kids? Ah, that brings us to another worthy consideration...

School breaks. The school calendar (School Year) has recently been changed from a '"June to March" to "August to May". Before that change, virtually every beach, park, amusement center, etc., would be very full with people from a March to May. That was called the "summer break", so families were out.

This time, March to April, the hottest, driest and brightest all over the country isn't anymore as packed with local vacationers (since kids are not yet free). Popular tourist spots now have 'bearable' crowds!

So, plan your getaway even on a 'March and April'. Lesser worries about overcrowding and overpricing anywhere! Plus, photo/video addicts love the sunrises, sunsets, bluest skies, whitest clouds. You will!

The "B" World! This is a fun fact, an amazing phenomenon in this country that, you who wants to plan for a romantic getaway better know and use this to your advantage! These are actually normal events (local or international) that Pinoys collectively unknowingly turn into amazing phenomena to witness.

B for Boxing Fights (especially of Manny Pacquiao). This is a drop-everything event for most Filipinos. whatever time of day it is, the whole country somehow literally stops. You will certainly find it difficult to hail a ride from anywhere to anywhere. Everyone will be in front of a TV set to watch that Pacquiao boxing match live. Police authorities say "even criminals stop their activities to watch the fight". Fact!

B for Beauty Pageants. Especially the big ones like Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, not only the ladies of the house will drop everything to watch and cheer for their Philippine candidate! There's even a joke 'never to have your hair or makeup done after our Filipina Beauty Queen just lost'. The parlor beauticians will be too bad tempered that they could make you ugly instead! That serious!

B for Basketball finals (whether it be NBA or PBA). All wait 'staff' will be inattentive, reluctant to serve and will very obviously conduct themselves poorly, because they're in a hurry to watch that live game!

B for Billiards and B for Bata (Efren Bata Reyes). Same phenomenon as above, when 'The Magician', a fun and jolly Guinness record holder, is in a final international championship match. Also usually live!

There's even another B (for Bowling), but Paeng Nepomuceno rarely fights these days. Retired maybe.

There, when to time a romantic tour isn't anymore an issue. But how are you coming? Let's do that!

7. Flights in and out. How are you jetting into the Philippines?
This is not very much of a concern for many. But a good thing to consider when you are planning for a romantic vacation, if only to ensure that you are always in tip-top mood for romance. Ahahay, sana all!

Of course we'll talk about flights, since this archipelago of thousands of islands isn't connected to any other country by land. And there are no passenger ships that come here other than a number of luxury liners that do short-stops by a number of our beautiful islands - yes, another romantic getaway option.

Alternatives to MNL. If you heard the issues about arriving/departing at Manila, and you believe them, so you want to avoid them, know there are International Airports in the Philippines other than Manila.

I am telling you this because, especially from Europe and the Americas, not (yet) many travel agencies are wittingly aware of that. If agents don't know the latest, how much more us the riding public, right?!

There are now many apps that provide information or even do bookings. But they are all subject to our inputs. As many say, 'garbage in-garbage out'. Those apps will not search for tuna if you just said fish!

Example: Why let a passenger arrive in Manila if she was bound for Cebu? Why let her connect in that chaotic MNL airport, when she can easily do that connection at SIN or HKG airports? Things like that!

Thus, if you are anyway coming from a city with no direct flight to your intended destination (say, from Brussels to Boracay), hop your way alright (say, to Singapore), then, instead of flying from Singapore to Manila, connecting to another flight to Kalibo, why not fly direct from Singapore to Kalibo? Faster!

Not many travel agencies know (yet), about direct flights from Singapore to Kalibo. And it's cheaper!

One more thing on flights, since you're on your way to a romantic getaway. There's a debate on what's best for your body and mind on long flights. A direct/nonstop, or a series of short connecting flights?

Some doctors say, you get bored on long direct/nonstop flights, and long periods of immobility sitting on a cramped plane, leads to DVT (deep vein thrombosis). They say it is better on shorter connecting flights, where you move during transfers, and your mind is exercised by the things you need to see/do.

Now I wonder which "school of thought" is correct since they're all doctors!

Anyway, as for you Ms/Mr Romantic choose what's best for you and plan well. Your bottomline is: you don't want to invite negative thoughts, so you're always primed to "feel the love" with your companion!

Arrival Times. You may be saying "Oh this is our romantic vacation, who needs to track the time"? My answer is "You do, to some extent"! It's wise to know what time your flight arrives in the Philippines so you can organize what to do. First-day activities are crucial to enjoying your whole romantic getaway!

Example: Your flight arrives 10AM. You would probably already reach your resort by 11AM. But check-in time is still 3PM. What do you do then? With all your luggage? And you are tired, hungry and sleepy?

Sometimes the reverse can even be harrowing. Example: you fly in via a budget airline, it arrives 2AM, your hotel has no pickup service, you're now crowded by a platoon of touts offering "taxi". What to do?

Even those minute details are important to know, for your safety, security, comfort and convenience!

Hmm, we seem to have covered all your 'necessary research'! So, that brings us to...

8. Do you know how/where to book everything?
When you have considered those things above, book your flights and accommodations. And there are so many ways to do that - depending on your preference/s, and how extensively you have researched.

Some go to travel/tour/airline companies, others prefer the DIY way. Let us discuss them, but first, let me start with two definitions that you'll find useful - the Travel Agency (agent) and the Tour Company.

A travel agency is that business that sells packages and tickets "that they did not necessarily make or do not necessarily own". These businesses are 'resellers' of various travel-related products - similar to grocery stores, supermarkets or public market stalls selling consumables from lots of manufacturers.

A tour operator is the one that concocts those products containing a string of related services, sold to you under one price - as a package. They're the ones that arrange directly with airlines, hotels, resorts, rail, ship, guides, etc., for all of them to commit their services to be made available to you, at 'package terms & conditions' sold to you. Note: a travel agency or tour operator can be a company or a person.

So what's that to you? Nothing much really. None until you get to trying even the slightest of changes! Example: you bought your whole package from your reliable travel agent. But before departure or even during travel, you change your mind, like passing via Taipei instead of Singapore, or going to Resort A instead of Resort B, and other such changes.., ah these packages are hard to tweak. They're inflexible!

Hard to change because... they entail a lot of coordination, like your agent has to call the tour operator who will then have to coordinate with the airlines and hotels, and so on. Such that by the time any new arrangement (if at all) returns back to you, it would have been all too late! That's why they're inflexible.

If you got your package from the tour operator itself, it might be a bit easier (though still excruciating). That's the basic difference or similarity between the travel agency and tour operator. FYI, some agents or agencies can be the operators themselves (arranging those related services instead of just selling) and/or some big operators have their own travel agencies. The 2 are by-and-by almost becoming one.

Now, if you're not the fickle type who does not change his/her mind at the slightest FB comment.., and one who has done his/her research about 'where to go' and 'what to do', buy your package from where you are! It's a 'home court advantage'. They are near, probably share your thoughts, plus, easier to sue!

The disadvantage of the above arrangement (if I may call it that), is you keep 'hoping and praying' they really know Philippines well and that they have arranged the best and most romantic getaway for you!

Trivia from a gossip mill: travel industry experts in Europe purportedly tell, that most folks who rely on their services to create such complete packages, are the 'real rich' or 'unquestionably wealthy' people!

Many reputable tour operators are trusted by the big names and big companies, because they can do many things for you (but at a 'prime' cost)! Remember: Thomas Cook "was" the biggest tour operator!

Oh, these companies or persons offering travel services from their countries to Philippines are called "Outbound Travel Experts". I need that definition for my next paragraph, another travel package option.

A Hybrid Package (as far as you, the traveler, is concerned). You still buy tickets at where you are, but arrange your escapade with an "Inbound Travel Operator/Expert" in the Philippines. That's a company or person in the Philippines specializing in arranging packages for travelers from outside the country.

Thanks to technology, it is now easier to search for, and correspond with, many entities from wherever on earth. It's the same thing as above, except that the one you are arranging things with, is not a travel expert next to your office, but in the Philippines! Advantage? They (hopefully) know your places better!

This hybrid way of/to arranging bookings has really gained much from the internet!

I observed btw, that, many travelers who take this option, are those who know Pinoys who live/work in their own countries, or those who have friends, friend-of-friends and lovers residing in the Philippines.

That's because you have to make sure whoever you are dealing with in the Philippines is legit. Lately it has even been easier to check if an operator/agency can be trusted -- by asking at social media chats.

Yet, there is a third option.

DIY as in Do-It-Yourself to book everything! This has been growing in popularity, especially among the younger set of travelers who are much at ease with online booking systems and communications. It's even assumed by experts that online systems, already negatively impacted the travel agency industry.

On this last option, you the traveler go online to book everything one-by-one - e.g, you go to an airline's website for your flights, you directly book with the hotels/resorts. the tour service providers, transport services etc., - which, if you ask me, is actually fun, usually cheaper, and has ample room for flexibility.

DIY means you bypass one of the transaction layers (agencies) that make prices higher.

The only downside that I have experienced so far is that, we travelers get a bit busier watching out for when those fares will dive, when the hotel rates would dive, and we have to remember so many apps!

But it looks like the travel agency industry (they're like a consolidator business, an intermediary), seem to be keeping up with the times. We now see many booking websites such as skyscanner, airbnb, etc.! So it is that consolidating/intermediary business once again -- just online, without the personal touch!

Tip and Trivia:
It's still better to book direct, even if at times more expensive than those booking sites (ah, it's another topic)! But did you know, that airlines are also Tour Operators, in the context we just discussed above?

Yes they are, and yes they have! Examples? Philippine Airlines has a PALakbayan; Briitish Airways has BA Holidays; Emirates has Emirates Holidays; Cathay Pacific has Cathay Pacific Holidays.., and so on!

The advantage? Aside from you're peppered with trivial extras (like fancy passport holders, brochures, tags, pins and many little things that make you feel 'special'), you're sure the other services they link to (hotels, tour, cars) are reputable. And the airline is answerable to you since they sold you the package!

I can assure you, these airline-sponsored holiday packages are better thought-out than most of those offered by travel and tour operators or agencies - especially when it comes to real romantic getaways.

Alright then.., reflect on things since you have your options. But let's arrive at your destination...

9. Have you considered Transport and Communications while in the Philippines?
Many vacationers, including their travel planners or travel agents, take this topic for granted. I do not! These seemingly insignificant "necessities in life", could actually "make or break" a romantic getaway.

On local transport, it wouldn't be much of a concern for you, if your romantic destination is one of the island-resorts, where everything is provided by them. Y'know... the golf carts, umbrellas, bottled water and more. Some even have wet wipes in their own company brands! Yes, the more expensive resorts.

Mind you, the most romantic getaways identified by many, are/were at these ultra-expensive resorts!

But if you're booking with mid-range or budget places (which are at times even "better than the best"), chances are you may be commuting (or even strolling) to some of the attractions, right? These are the times you'd wish you knew how. Example: how do you ride on a habal-habal, a padyak or UV Express?

Hahaha! Do you even know what those are?! How about motorela, skylab, singgol, multicab, pedalcab, center car, side car, trolley car, pajero, trisikad, kuliglig, esride, LRT, MRT, PNR, P2P, kalesa, angkas, FX, grab, VHire, shuttle, baby bus, balsa, banka, baroto, subiran, roro, pambot, sampan? And that's not all!

Don't worry, I'm just teasing you! But those are real names of transport modes (land and water) that I can recall I have taken in this country (as of now). Oh not even many Filipinos know about all of them!

But it pays to know what you "might" encounter. Perhaps even make them part of your adventure!

Okay, on communication, you probably already know that Filipinos are cellphone maniacs, right? Ah!! Young and old, rich and poor, educated or not.., virtually everyone owns, or has access to a cellphone!

And literally all of them (oops, "us") carry or cling to those phones conspicuously, ever ready to whip it up at the very first note of a beep or ring! But most of them (us) are not really into calls - jzt txt k? c ya!

What is that to you who is just visiting the country? Well, you may want to join in the bandwagon, then be one of them (us) humans always with a phone in one hand or pockets bulging with phones or both!

Seriously, because this country's lives revolve around phones, they become important even for you the visitor, especially when you're plotting 'little sweet surprises' for your memorable romantic travel antic!

Of course, on the practical side, cellphones are handy in viewing maps, contacting your hotel/resort in times of trouble, or even just calculating the conversion of your money to pesos and vice versa hahah!

There are local sim cards sold at airports. You can grab them upon arrival, if you think you need them. There are only two telco providers in the country (Smart and Globe). Well there's a third one but is still new and many have not yet tested. If you're like Filipinos who always have dual sim phones, go ahead!

Hey, there is a bad side to those phones when plotting your sweetie-sweet surprises!

Example: my friend ordered a big tall cake (3 layers) similar to those used at weddings. It was for one grand surprise birthday dinner he and his friends prepared. Unfortunately, when he was in the shower, his wife asked "papa what's this cake delivery? You have text message saying it's already downstairs"!

Note too, some of the luxurious facilities in the country are at remote areas with no cellular signal yet! Then again, you use your cellular phone for pictures and videos, right? So, never ever forget that thing.

10. What are your planned 'romantic surprises'?
To make your trip even more romantic, consider planning surprises for your partner. It doesn't have to be out of this world and expensive. You should already know by now, what the partner will appreciate and consider "oh how sweet of you". Awoo! Objective? Something not expected from you at this time.

Note: these surprises should be an 'intimate thing' between you two -not what other people may think. If he/she likes those "couple shirts" go ahead and grab a pair! And, muster the 'courage' to wear them! Doing that, you already do two surprises - purchasing the shirts, and being silly actually wearing them!

There are so many things in the Philippine Islands that you can do or have towards this 'mission'. It is even okay (actually) telling each other you have 'surprises' (to each other), as there are many choices.

Couples massage are passé, candlelit dinners are expected. you'll have to be more creative than that!

Oh, remember our example, Peter and Wendy? Since they are both my friends, I asked them to plan for 7 surprises to give (or do) to each other: 1 each day, in 7 of 8 days during their escapade. They liked it!

Of course I got 'secretly' involved in each of their tediously hilarious 'tactical plans' or 'schemes', since both are my friends. But if you don't have me, don't fret! You can 'enlist' 'conspiracy' of anyone around! Pinoys are fun-loving. They're always willing accomplices in such antics - I've proven that many times!

I will leave the "crafting" of those surprises to you. You can do it! Let those creative juices flow now!

Well, to get you going, let's go back to our "Peter and Wendy", and let me tell you one of the surprises:

On their last day (departure at 1:30AM of the 'following' day), they attended the 6PM daily mass (both are Catholics) at a quiet chapel in a verdant garden (not even known to many locals). When the priest said "let us give each other the sign of peace", Peter whipped out the ring, knelt, and asked Wendy the big question! It was a yes! Dinner at the roof deck of a nearby hotel, and off to the airport at midnight!

Happiness!

Okay okay, let us summarize and make a recap before you start daydreaming!

To plan a romantic getaway in the Philippines, consider the following:
01. Know what romantic means to you and your partner. [the basis of your activities]
02. Know your personal/physical circumstances. [your limitations, what you can/cannot do]
03. Do some research on which place is good for you. [based on 1 and 2 above]
04. Check if you can afford it. Otherwise re-think your choices. [based on your research]
05. Finalize your choice destination. [after reviewing all of the above]
06. Choose your best dates. [after reviewing all of the above]
07. Consider the best ways for you to get into the Philippines.
08. Consider the best available provider/s to book everything.
09. Learn at least a little about getting around at your destination.
10. Even before you leave, already plan for sweet little surprises.

If I may add a No. 11, execute the "loving" forever and ever... and ever!

So, good luck! Have a happy romantic getaway in the Philippines!

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