Plan the best Manila staycation with these tips

Travel Philippines

Nov 26, 2020

As health and travel restrictions continue to limit destinations we can visit, many domestic tourists are now looking into staycations as a great alternative to their cancelled or postponed travel plans. And with some hotels, tourist spots, and other establishments opening up around Metro Manila to accept staycationers, there’s no better time to try out a staycation than now!

Want to get a head start? Here are a few ideas to help you plan the perfect staycation.

Stay in a hotel that fits your budget. Just because you live in Metro Manila doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. Several hotels around the metro have reopened their doors to give you the full staycation experience. Whether it’s a luxury hotel that gives you a perfect view of the Manila Bay sunset or a more budget-friendly accommodation that’s a home away from home, booking a night (or several!) in a nearby hotel can help you get in the best staycation mood!

Want to find the perfect hotel for your staycation? Here’s our list of hotels accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT)!

Rediscover Manila with fresh eyes. Is there a tourist attraction or location in Metro Manila that you always see on TV but never got the chance to visit? Have you always wondered what it would be like to see the metropolis on foot or while riding a bike? A staycation is the perfect opportunity to view Manila in a different light and get a newfound appreciation for what it offers!

Metro Manila’s various attractions, from historical locations to shopping centers, gives you many options to build an itinerary suited to your tastes! Just like how you have several days’ worth of plans when you go abroad, taking a few days off to explore Manila’s tourist spots could be just what you need. Whether it’s walking through the various sections of Rizal Park or spending your day going around Bonifacio Global City, you won’t run out of things to do!

Experience the world on your plate. What’s a vacation without its unforgettable meals? For foodies and casual diners alike, discovering different cuisines is one of the biggest highlights of a trip. There’s no better feeling than finding a new favorite restaurant in unexpected places!

Fortunately, that’s one of the easier things to replicate in a staycation. Whether it’s the Chinese cuisine of Binondo, the Spanish specialties of Intramuros, or everything else in between, Manila is home to dozens of restaurants and food establishments that can prepare any meal from around the world. Try out a new restaurant while you’re on a staycation to make it extra special!

(Can’t wait to go on a food trip? Check out our database of DOT-accredited dining establishments to satisfy your cravings!)

Spice up your staycation with a theme! If you’re looking for ideas on how to make your staycation more memorable, why not build around a theme? Whether it’s centered around a favorite destination or something as simple as “nature” or “the outdoors,” building around a theme can lead you to new possibilities for your staycation!

Planned a trip to South Korea that got abruptly postponed? Make your staycation South Korea-themed so that you get the next best thing! Visit one of the metro’s many Korean restaurants, transform your Seoul itinerary into a visit to Makati, and spend your hotel night catching up on a k-drama you’ve had on your to-watch list!

While it isn’t the same as packing your bags and going on a trip abroad, a staycation can offer you a much-needed escape from your day-to-day life while still keeping you as safe as possible. With the holiday season coming up, why not give a staycation a try?

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