Once you are bitten by the travel bug, there is no way you can reverse the strong effects of wanderlust. You will always feel the need to find every opportunity to satisfy a seemingly unquenchable thirst to see the world at large. And when you visit a new place, each time it is one of the best life experiences you’ll ever have.

There are many lessons you’ll be able to pick up on your way to becoming a seasoned traveler. You will learn a lot of things about a country: its culture, food and people. But before you set foot abroad, it’s always prudent to know a few things about the place you’re planning to visit so you can have a pleasant experience without getting into trouble.

Armed with the right knowledge, you won’t have to worry about a thing even when visiting developing countries such as the Philippines. As with any other country, there are dos and don’ts you have to know to safely enjoy all the spots you want to visit. If you are a first-time tourist in this beautiful nation, here are a few tips by category that you will find useful.

Always Prioritize Your Safety

Safety will always be your number one priority whenever you travel, regardless of the country. While some countries are known to be relatively safe, there are those where you will need a bit of caution. But you don’t have to worry much about your safety when in the Philippines as long as you know what to do.

Just like any other country, it’s not wise to spend time in places that are known to have a certain level of danger, especially when alone late at night. You can get around using public transportation, but just be careful around crowded places and make sure you hop on metered taxis. Better yet, book a ride through a ride-hailing app.

See the Sights

The Philippines is a well-known travel destination for its pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. With more than 7,600 islands, you will never run out of places to go to. Popular tourist spots include Boracay in the province of Aklan, El Nido in Palawan and Siargao in Surigao del Norte.

The Philippines is truly a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a taste of adventure. It’s easy to get around since prices are cheap and the predominantly English-speaking people are friendly.

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If you are headquartered in the capital region of Metro Manila, there are a few beaches within a few hours travel. Head over to Batangas to enjoy the resorts along the beaches of Nasugbu. You can also go north to Zambales if you’re the type who wants to commune with nature. For surfers, La Union is the go-to destination for riding the waves

The Philippines is also home to stunning mountain ranges that are perfect destinations for outdoorsy tourists. Baguio, Banawe and Sagada in the island of Luzon are three of the best spots to enjoy the cool mountain air, the stunning rice terraces and mysterious caves. These are only a few of the places you can go to, and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet.

Have a Taste of the Local Cuisine

There are 144 ethnolinguistic groups in the country each with their own distinct cuisine. With the colonial influence playing a huge role, the food culture in the Philippines is one of the most multi-faceted, making it the best representation of ‘East meets West.’

You will never run out of restaurants to go to, so explore! If you are the adventurous foodie type, you can go ahead and sample the delicious street food, but make sure it is clean. Bring your own bottled beverage if you are sensitive to drinking water.

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The Philippines is truly a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a taste of adventure. It’s easy to get around since prices are cheap and the predominantly English-speaking people are friendly. So, plan your next trip to Southeast Asia and spend time in the country dubbed as ‘The Pearl of the Orient Seas.’ You will end up collecting unforgettable memories along the way.