Holiday Travel to Monaco f1 Sporting Main Event

Wazzup Pilipinas! - Sponsored post

I've been watching several main sporting event live. But what excites me is the venue, for instance I like to watch Formula 1 although, I've watched it several times live in different countries. There something why I love to see this live in Monaco. 

I saw the action when Tony Stark used to socialized with Elon Musk and race here. Im talking about Ironman movie meet the SpaceX Tesla ironman in real life. The genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist beyond that Armour. Runned since 1929, I found it as the most classic and grandest among all travel bucket list destinations. 

Even I saw live the season finale in Yas Marina and Action in Marina Bay Sands night race. Now, I understand why they consider this as one of the best race in the world together with Indianapolis500 and 24 hours of Lemans. As the form of triple crown car related motorsport.  Located at the most glamorous and prestigious place.  

I can feel the privacy and best retirement place tax heaven for business people. I've saw several Hollywood and former world champ feel comfortable living in this place. Now you can feel the skill of the driver because the streets here is so tight and elevation varies.

Making one of the most demanding tracks in formula 1. Elevation varies from tight corner to tunnel. So the speed average is really slow and dangerous. Often time safety car intervene because of frequent crash. Graham Hill won 5 out of 14 lifetime world record wins, the Late race King - Ayrton Senna won 6 times, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and David Coulthard won twice.  

Aside from f1 I like also to watch the Monte Carlo Masters - Tennis live here. As one of the most famous tennis tournament of the world. Maybe final battle between Nadal-Federer and Williams-Sharapova here? Richest place on earth where wealth and greatness is equal happiness. 

Big yachts, helicopters, fast cars, great casino, fancy jewelry given a unique opportunity to see the best of Europe and France. Because they don't just have millionaires but also have lots of billionaire kings. Just in relatively living in small apartment and villas here. Because of the property in the area is really expensive. 

Sea front Monaco address prime location price tag will give your eyes watered. So really the best view of Monaco as you see f1 on top of your apartment. Would roughly cost you several million Euros. But if your in a budget and you like to experience the Glamour and Glitz. You may exit Monaco and get to rent houses - around 4000 villas and apartments nearby. Which is just a few hours from Monaco. 

Montboucher-sur-Jabron, France

Because in every success there's always a price for it. Maybe Monaco is just one of it? Would you agree? Criminals are screened, safe peaceful community and streets were cleaned. So whats the use of these fine creation if you cant experience, have a bite or taste it? Ferrari's, Buggati, RR, McLaren and Lambo were anywhere in every streets of Monaco.  

So you can always see the best watch, best boat, best car, fine people, best fashion in the area. Well, I am really Jason Statham James Bond! Kings, Pretty Girls and Queens were just around the corner - any corner when you roam around. Party like a rock-star and live life to the fullest. The biggest mansion, biggest plane, biggest yacht, cool cars what else can you ask for? Two thousand millionaires and 50's billionaire in a population of 35000 is really insane.

But if you're in a tight budget and like to see Monaco. You may rent cheap villa nearby. I suggest you visit Monaco on daylight then travel couple of hours to sleep at night outside Monaco. See the cool budget itinerary here and travel bloggers testimonials of saving money. So who said Monaco is just for Rich? Because when there's a will there's always a way. So lets celebrate holiday here.

Dusit Thani Bangkok to Remain Open Throughout the Year so Developer Can Add Even Greater Value to the New Hotel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Originally slated to close for redevelopment this April, Dusit International’s iconic flagship hotel will now operate as usual until 5 January 2019.

International, one of Thailand’s foremost hotel and property development companies, has announced that its iconic flagship hotel, Dusit Thani Bangkok, will now remain fully operational until 5 January 2019 (with final check-out at 2pm on that date), instead of 16 April of this year, as was previously announced.

The hotel’s closing date has been extended to allow Dusit and its partners more time to add even greater value to the new version of the hotel, which will open as part of a THB 36.7 billion (approximately USD 1.1 billion) landmark mixed-use project to be built in partnership with Central Pattana PLC.

Founded by Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui and opened on 27 February 1970, Dusit Thani Bangkok was once the city’s tallest edifice and largest hotel. A new landmark for the capital, the hotel pioneered five-star hospitality inspired by authentic Thai values and ushered in a new era of tourism for the city, revolutionizing dining, entertainment and even the way people organized wedding receptions in the process.

With its new hotel, Dusit International plans to mirror that success by creating a new city landmark that boosts the area’s appeal, enhances existing infrastructure, creates new opportunities for local businesses, celebrates Thai culture, and elevates the brand’s standing internationally.

“Since we officially announced the hotel’s redevelopment earlier last year, we have been inundated with messages from guests, customers and long-time fans of the hotel expressing their opinions about the project,” said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. “While the majority expressed excitement about our next chapter, there were also those who wondered how we could possibly embrace our heritage and continue our legacy in a new building.

“The answer, of course, lies in taking our time to ensure we get it right. We are exploring many ways to add value to the new hotel and mixed-use project in terms of design and innovation. This includes embracing a green concept which reflects our prime location opposite Lumpini Park, creating direct links to both the MRT and BTS mass transit rail systems, and alleviating traffic in the area by providing new infrastructure.

“While our scrupulous attention to detail means we must extend the project timeline by eight months, we are delighted that guests now have more time to experience the hotel as it stands. We plan to enrich that experience by hosting a series of special events throughout the year.”

New on Travelbook.Ph: Easy and Hassle – Free Online Booking of Tour Activities

TravelBook.ph, a leader in providing excellent online hotel booking deals in the Philippines, now becomes a one-stop website for all your travel needs as they are now offering Tours, Activities, and Transfers.

Experience the best with this newest offering from TravelBook.ph!

Book affordable travel packages, exciting tours and activities, and convenient in-land and boat transfers via Travelbook.ph!  Just log on at www.travelbook.ph/tour, choose an activity, transfer service, or travel package to avail, and indicate your preferred travel destination and date.

At TravelBook.ph, you can get the cheapest rates on your tours and activities as they perform daily market monitoring to ensure that they are offering the most affordable prices.

No need to wait any longer for your booking confirmation! Expect to get an immediate confirmation on your reservations alongside the necessary details of the activity that you availed. Prices are also fixed so you don’t have to worry about the additional fees and charges.

At www.travelbook.ph/tour, there are more than 1,300 exciting tours and transfer plans to choose from! You may now plan the activities that you want ahead of your trip and still get the best deals! Now travelling gets extra fun and convenient!

Your best travel experience is just few clicks away! Book your tours, activities and transfers now via www.travelbook.ph/tour

12 Countries to Travel on a Student Budget

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The holidays has come. During all the year students were studying, didn`t have enough food and sleep. At last, they passed their exams and felt tired and exhausted. That is why students need to have a rest. As experts tell, the best way to relax - is to travel to another country and leave all academic queries to birdie paper writer. However, you may be curious how to find the cheap trips for college students.

Thus, we have gathered 12 best places for college students to travel:


1. Indonesia

With extremely inexpensive local food and reasonably priced accommodation, it’s no wonder Indonesia is a popular destination among other places for college students to travel.

Suggested daily budget – 400,000-670,000 / 30-50 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out at the cheap markets and street stalls, keeping your drinking down, not taking expensive tours, and using local transportation. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect your number to be oдва типи перевірки..однаn the higher (or far above it).)

Dive in the Gili Islands – For a true sense of an island paradise, head to the Gili Islands. You won’t find any cars on these islands; bike travel or horse and cart are the ways to see all that Gili has to offer. You’ll find excellent scuba and snorkel facilities, as well as nightlife, on the party island of Gili Trawangan. A single-tank dive will cost around 500,000 IDR. 

Pagburnayan Pottery Makers of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Hand-crafted Earthenware or clay pots and jars are mostly used for pottery and decorative ornaments featured in many landscaping displays. Depending on the creators, they could be tough and almost unbreakable even if you slam one down on any flat surface.

Well, that's what the potter did while showing us some of his creations. He just slammed one down the table to show us how unbreakable his works are. But that was just a small pot that fits on the palm of your hand, I'm just not so sure about the bigger pots if they too will be left without any signs of damage. As you would know, the bigger they are, the harder they will "break" or am I just convincing myself that there might be a breaking point to everything.

But who would want to break masterpieces? Of course you'll take good care of them. And as most of them ports are laid down on the ground themselves, these Earthenware pots kiss the Earth making it a harmonious existence.

Our trip to a couple of Pagburnayan Pottery makers was most definitely worth the addition to our travel itinerary. We were in luck because we got to interview two of the elders from the Go clan.

The two visits was with my photographer friends while we covered the Miss Tourism Philippines 2017 candidates tour of Ilocos Sur. The first one was by ourselves during our free time on our first day in Vigan, and the second was with the ladies.

Awed at the Spectacle of the Dancing Fountain of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Dancing Fountain located at Vigan Plaza of Vigan, Ilocos Sur as added to the influx of tourists in Vigan which was formerly just a city passed by on the way to other destinations. Now tourists opt to stay overnight so they could see this spectacle during weekends.

The Dancing Fountain is of Korean Technology. The very first setup of its kind in the Philippines. Now, others are following this, like the most recent is the one at Okada Manila. I'm just not sure if it's the same Korean technology because I keep failing to attend the invitation of Okada when they showcase the fountain at events. I guess it's about time I initiate a visit and interview the people.

Regardless of who first made this kind of attraction, it is truly a sight to behold. The mixture of music, lights, and images moving in synchronicity is an amazing display worthy of viewing.

We were there when the project was still ongoing construction, and we're toured personally by the former governor Luis "Chavit" Singson. He took the time to explain about his project to add another attraction to Vigan city.

We Found Beauty at Calle Crisologo of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We explored Calle Crisologo and other historical sights of Vigan for the nth time and they are still too awesome for our selfies and photo ops.

To match the feel of these heritage home we've edited our photos to make them look vintage, or is the right word antiquated, or historical, or whatever you may call it, walking along the streets of Calle Crisologo is like traveling on a time machine - the ride on a Calesa (not just around Calle Crisologo) is more than majestic.

The calesa ride only cost P150 per hour, but you'll definitely need more than an hour if you would really like to immense yourself thoroughly all over Vigan. We've rented a calesa to tour some sites - from the famous bell tower or belfry near the Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church (because it's located at Bantay, Ilocos Sur), to the Hidden Garden. But we're going to tell the story of each place on a per blog  post basis - meaning one attraction per blog post.

Editing the photos of Calle Crisologo to make them look old gives out the vibes of a century when the Spaniards greatly influenced us - from the architecture to the overall culture. Oh, the Filipino is a merging of many traits and influenced by many races. Though our roots may have been somewhat lost due to the many influences, I guess that's how Filipinos are greatly leading the way towards many achievements.

El Masfino Hotel & Resort: Your Exclusive Getaway in San Rafael, Bulacan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Some Bulakenyos are probably still unaware that there's a luxury hotel and resort that exists within their province. In our case, it's the first time we've heard of the place, and we were surprised that it took them a long time before they went full blast on promoting the place. This place is just too good to be kept hidden from people who deserve the best option for their weekend getaway.

Though they've said they've been featured on some television programs, most of us, especially the Millennials, nowadays no longer watch television unless they have a livestreaming component where their shows could also be viewed online. My children are always online since it's easy for them to jump from one story to the next without being burdened by interruptions of lengthy commercials or ads. In my case, I only watch the morning and evening news, thus, it is not surprising that we are still unaware of the existence of El Masfino Hotel and Resort. 

Now that they've considered tapping bloggers or online influencers, I'm sure that there will be more and more people coming in to check out the resort. Online gave way for such terms as "viral" and "trending" so it is without any doubt that people will soon flock the resort as more people will now consider making El Masfino Hotel and Resort part of their travel itinerary.

More than a dozen of us were invited to experience El Masfino Hotel and Resort on a Friday and Saturday (June 23 and 24), yet an overnight at the place was still not enough for us as there are just too many ways to spend your entire day, and night, that will surely make you scream out that "time really flies so fast when you're having fun!."

Baliktanaw 2017: Isang Bangka Tayo Pasig River Tour and Cultural Heritage Experience at Intramuros

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Here's a preview of the Baliktanaw 2017: Isang Bangka Tayo Pasig River Tour and Cultural Heritage Experience at Intramuros with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) NCR Asst. Regional Director Emver P. Cortez.

The longer version, with talkies and interviews, will be coming out soon, in both bite-size vlog and lengthy YouTube videos.

The event is in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), Intramuros Administration, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), etc.,

Plus other representatives from many government agencies like Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Presidential Management Staff (PMS), and a lot more.

Students from different colleges and universities like PUP, CEU, etc., also joined us. Media and bloggers covered the event.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar: Reconstructing the Heritage of the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

While covering the grand coronation night of the Lakambini ng Las Casas beauty pageant or search for the ambassadress of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, and the following Santaruzan the next day, we got plenty of opportunities to takes photos, videos and vlogs about this magnificent collection of heritage homes and structures in Bagac, Bataan.

We also got a glimpse of Maria Theresa Ochoa Acuzar, wife of Jose Rizalino "Jerry" Larion Acuzar - owners of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, when she participated in the Santacruzan ceremonies before the three queens and the other 13 candidates walked off to start the parade around some parts of the 400 hectare property.

We rented a calesa tour but that just went around some of the places without visiting the insides of the houses, thus we also tried the walking tour which will allow us to visit around 4 to 5 houses for a closer inspection of the interiors plus well-informed stories about the history of the heritage homes from the tour guide.

Other alternatives is to rent a golf cart, either by yourselves or with a tour guide, but that would cost us more at around 1K more or less. You could check out some of the videos we would upload as one contains an interview with one of the tour guides who explained the rates.

The next alternative is via tramvia, a one coach train setup that also goes around like the path of the calesa but also restricted by its rails. But don't worry, that ride is fore free. If you like, you could also wait for their jeepneys, but the route would depend on the passengers destination. Again, that ride is for free.

Community Outreach Cum Travel Adventure at Bontoc, Mountain Province

Wazzup Pilipinas!

She asked me why I joined? I told her it's because I realized that it would be awesome to travel while giving back something in return. I may be excited for the sights and experience of going to new places, but I was doubly excited in engaging with the community via an outreach. 

I know I am idealistic. I wanted to live in a world where no one gets left behind, in either their living conditions or opportunities. It may be foolish of me to think I could save the world within my lifetime, but I'm doing every little thing possible within my own network, so that I could influence others to do the same. At least someone would be inspired to follow my footsteps so that saving the world would be a continuous process.

I may not have super-powers like the heroes in comics, cartoons and movies, but though it would be spectacular to fly or have super strength, I could still find something to do that's worth emulating by others.

Others may say that those little things would not make much of a difference in the long run, but I know that when you get to touch the lives of others in your own little way, somehow there would be a spark of hope fro them to get up and move on with their own lives, to fin their rightful place in this world, and make their own mark for the benefit of all.

We joined Meaningful Travels PH at one of their community outreach cum travel events from May 25 to May 28, 2017. The destination was at Bontoc, Mountain Province, specifically barangay Maligcong and Mainit. Though it was already announced that it would be a 10 to 12 hour ride from Cubao, I did not feel any regrets since we are about to do good, while satisfying our own pleasures at the same time.

Meaningful Travels PH at Bontoc, Mountain Provice Vlog Series (Part 1)

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We joined Meaningful Travels PH at one of their community outreach cum travel events last May 25 to May 28. The journey starts with Day 0 - a 10-hour bus trip from Codalines Cubao to Banaue, then to barangay Maligcong of Bontoc, Mountain Province for Day 1 and half of Day 2, then from barangay Maligcong to barangay Mainit for half of Day 2 and more than half of Day 3. We left Bontoc on the afternoon of Day 3 but got left by the bus so we chased it via jeepney, and stranded for hours due to landslide accident caused by non-stop rains at Benguet. Got back home in Manila by around 9:00 am.

There's an article we posted showcasing what the Bontoc, Mountain experience so be sure to check out the link to the story here. It was scheduled to upload on the day we started our adventure there.

What you will read and see on the photos and videos here are just glimpses of the entire journey. A vlog series is posted separately by chronological order on our Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas while some of them will also be uploaded on on our YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

Since there are so many interesting stories to share, we decided to tell our stories in bite-size digestible parts on our social media pages, but is also offering a compiled version here on our blog site. It may be a bit tedious and redundant, but we won't be tired or bored to reshare our experiences all throughout our forms of media.

We even shared part of our story on our radio show (Wazzup Pilipinas Radio), along with other experiences from other events, last Sunday, on June 4, 2017 which was broadcasted live at DZRJ 810 AM and at all 8Trimedia Network sites and social media pages via livestreaming. You could always look for it online together with our topic for the day as we guested the very colorful and interesting members of the Manila Wrestling Federation that early morning of Sunday. A separate blog post about their guesting will be posted.

Strikingly Beautiful Photos of the Underground River of Palawan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Underground River of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, also known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, is best appreciated when personally seen because most photos do not give enough justice to how strikingly beautiful it really is.

However, I am pretty impressed with the photos seen here done by Professional photographer Collin Sarthou Yap, one of our partner photographers at Wazzup Pilipinas. He did a marvelous job of capturing the beauty of the underground river.

The underground river has placed Palawan in the forefront of tourism after it was hailed as one of the new seven wonders of nature. 

"This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia." - UNESCO

It may be just a short ride, but the experience seeing these wonders of nature is a sight to behold giving it a rightful place on all bucket lists. You should not miss seeing the beauty of the underground river.

How to Travel to Nigeria on a Student's Budget

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Nigeria is a beautiful country from the point of view of tropical nature and African culture. This is a safe decision to combine adventures with a relaxing lay-on-a-tropical beach way of travel. Most students are looking for an adrenaline buzz. Nigeria is a perfect country to get a dose. This is a country of contrasts where you can find architectural beauties like Third Mainland Bridge, fancy hotels and natural beauties like Yankari National Park with its crystal clean wild spa and constant +31C water Wikki warm springs.


Is it a place for students?

Nigeria is a place of interest for every traveler. If you have doubts, you may explore Naij.com and find all the necessary information there. Be it a student, a freelancer or a travel addicted person, Nigeria is a perfect solution for gaining exotic emotions and exclusive traveling experience. The country is not the cheapest place in Africa though. It is a combination of fancy hotels and Couchsurfing solutions like everywhere else in the world. How to save money without being cheated, tour sightseeing places of interest without getting in trouble? This is exactly what makes your heart beat faster during your trip to Africa.


Main expenses

It is nice to have a plan of a trip, especially when you have already bought return tickets. For planning budget, it is important to include:

• Flight tickets
• Insurance
• Airport transport (sometimes it is unexpectedly expensive)
• Local transport (bus, taxi, car/bike rental)
• Food
• Host
• Entertainment
• Souvenirs

Visiting Caleruega Church of Nasugbu, Batangas

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Over at Barangay Caylaway (Kaylaway) of Batulao at Nasugbu, Batangas lies the Caleruega church and all its glory. Some people spell its name as Calaruega and is often mistaken as located in Tagaytay, Cavite. Just as how we mistaken the Taal Volcano as part of Tagaytay, but in reality it is part of Batangas.

Regardless of where this church is located, it probably ranks lower than the many splendid architectural masterpieces because of its simplicity. But I believe there is greatness in being simple since too much complexity may become too "noisy" or complicated to the eye.

Many have said that the church is "a peaceful sanctuary to meditate and pray. You don't only commune with God but also with nature Albeit going there is an uphill climb with rough and rugged roads, but once you get there, it's all worth it!"

The church is small, but you will feel the solemnity and serenity of the area. However, it becomes crowded when mass is going on since not too many people can fit inside.

There's a Php 20 environment fee collected on our way to the church and an entrance fee Php 30 at the gate. Parking is small and majority of which are along the road prior to the entrance. You can rent a trike from the highway to go there. The fare is around Php 50 going in, and would become Php 60 when going out.

Marveling the Craftsmanship of Sisiman Bay Boat Makers of Mariveles, Bataan

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sisiman Bay, located in Mariveles, Bataan, offers a closer view of the San Miguel Peak and the famous Sisiman Light house.

But aside from those captivating tourist eye-candies, you will also notice the many colorful boats floating on the waters itself. You'll be amazed of these creations that creates a picturesque post-card image for us to admire. Wait until sunset, and the diminishing light from the skies will further display wonderful hues of different colors. Nothing beats the sight of nature and man-made masterpieces harmoniously blending together in perfect unison.

Mariveles is about 165 kilometers from Manila (roughly 4 hours of travel time) and is located in a cove at the southern most tip of the Bataan peninsula, and obviously composed of fisher folks as seen from the many boats. These boats are mostly hand-made tediously by carpenters who could also be the fishermen themselves. At this particular part of the country, it is best that one is a a jack-of-all trades and knows how to multi-task using their multiple skills.

These boat makers are impressive since they spend several days building boats that would lasts years enough for the fishermen to get back the money they used to buy materials for the boats. I can imagine all that hard work and lengthy times toiled under the sun as they build boats that can handle the waters of Sisiman Bay - through rough or calm waters, and durable enough to carry a heavy load of men and catch for the day.

More photos of boats as they are built can be found below:

Tips to London Splurges You Can Afford

Wazzup Pilipinas!

There’s a saying that goes something like ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. The UK city just has it all – you can’t get bored in London, but you can get poor if you aren’t careful. To put it mildly, the city isn’t the cheapest of places to hang out in, but luckily, there are ways to enjoy London splurges without destroying the wallet. Here are the tips to keep in mind.


Use an Oyster Card

You need to travel around if you want to enjoy the great city to the full. But travelling in London is not cheap nor that fun (tube strikes, yack!). Luckily, the magnificent Oyster card scheme can cut down your travel cost and a monthly or an annual pass is a must-have for anyone looking to travel around the city.

Oyster cards are even useful for those visiting the city. Instead of spending money on the Travelcards, just get the Visitor Oyster Card. It’s 50% cheaper than using single tickets or the one-day Travelcard.


Enjoy the free attractions

While London has plenty of attractions that can cost a fortune, others are completely free. You can treat yourself to most London museums and galleries without spending a pound. Check out, for example, Tate Modern, the British Museum and the National Gallery. If you want to have a sophisticated walk around the city, the parks offer plenty to see. You can snap perfect Instagram photos at Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath.

Not to mention, you can splurge on all things royal without spending any money. Changing the Guard is a free event and you could wave to the Queen during the opening of the Parliament, for example.


Last-minute tickets

London is famous for its West End shows and you definitely want to splurge some money on a good show. However, you can be smart about your spending and shop for last-minute tickets at the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square. It’s the official booth so you won’t get ripped off and the tickets for the day’s shows are a lot cheaper than if you bought them beforehand. If you are sure of the show you want to see and you don’t mind queuing, you could just show up before the show and see if there are stand-by tickets and returns available.


Local theatre and shows

Now, London is a big city with thriving local communities. While the central London tends to have all the attention, there are plenty of stunning things happening on the other boroughs. If you want to enjoy theatre, comedy and cabaret, then just move further away from central London and find local shows in small theatres and pubs. These are not less worthy of your attention and they will help you save quite a bit of money.


Pass it out

Looking to explore the most famous London attractions? If you want to splurge on places like Madame Tussaud’s and the Buckingham Palace, you shouldn’t forget to buy the London Pass. After the initial payment of around £100, you get to visit all these popular destinations for free! Not to mention the pass gives you the power to skip the queues (in most instances), so it can definitely worth it if you have limited time available to hang out in the capital city. The pass occasionally runs extra savings campaigns so check out the offers from the website.


Wine and dine with discounts

Eating out in London offers tons of splurges and most are affordable with the help of discount schemes. Tastecard.co.uk offers the option to eat out at some of the city’s hottest restaurants without paying the full price! Indeed, you can often find offers that help you enjoy 2 for 1-deals or get starters and drinks for free.

Furthermore, wining and dining is super cheap if you are willing to skip the restaurant table. Street food is huge in London – some of the best eateries in the city are humble street food trucks in changing locations.


Booking online

Finally, the best way to finding splurges you can afford is going online. If you book your tickets online, you can cut the cost of your ticket and you don’t need to stand in a queue on the big day. For example, tickets to London Eye are almost 10% cheaper online than if you just showed up to buy the ticket in person. So, when you know what you want to do, check if the price is cheaper online.

So, think which attractions, restaurant and hotels you want to visit and book your spots online. Just make sure to leave room for getting from place A to B – London traffic can really be a pain.

Hopefully, with the above tips in mind, you are able to have a good time in London and splurge without breaking the budget.

Up In the Air Again at the 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Wazzup PIlipinas!

We flew on a hot air balloon again at the 21st Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF)!

Thanks to our sponsors like Power Mac Center and Adam elements, who also made a product launch to coincide with the event, we got to return once again to Clark to witness for the nth time the PIHABF and all its glory.

The venue may have changed, but the wonder of seeing numerous colorful hot air balloons, some of different shapes and sizes, that are slowly being inflated until they are fully on their grandest form, is still a sight to behold. This becomes a lot more spectacular so soon as they slowly fly off into the Pampanga sky, and each one joining them until all are out of sight.

Yup! The event is not something to be missed even only as a spectator from afar. The photos up close are exhilarating but it becomes even more amazing if we get to capture the hot air balloons as a group from a distance.

Some would do videos to immortalize the moment - an opportunity to rerun the scenes all over again every time we want to reminisce the majestic flights. We may be witnessing the very last production of the Clark hot air balloon event since there were rumors that it may be the last run. But some are telling us that the contract can be renewed if both parties agree to continue the longest-running weekend of everything that flies.

Top 10 Travel Insurance Claims That Travellers Make

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Getting a travel insurance will be no good if you don’t know how to get travel insurance claims when needed. However, not all people who travel have the right tips for making a travel insurance claim. So what kind of claims are the most common for travellers? If you frequently travel—be it for business, pleasure or both—then knowing these top 10 reasons for travel claims would be a must-read for you.


1. Cancelled flights

Cancelled flights take the top spot for the most common reason why people ask for a travel claim. Why do flights get cancelled anyway? A really bad weather bordering on dangerous is a good reason. A security threat is another. Also, mechanical problems can happen that might force the airline to cancel the flight.

2. Medical emergencies

One of the most important reasons why travellers are encouraged to get a travel insurance is due to medical emergencies. You may not plan to get sick or hurt yourself but accidents happen. Some food may not go well with your stomach and the water can make you sick, too. Next to cancelled flights, travel insurance claims that are medical-related are the most common among travellers.

3. Lost or stolen credit card

Another case for claiming on travel insurance is when you lose your credit card. Just like with IDs and money, a lost credit card should be reported to the authorities. The issuing bank should also be notified to freeze the account.

4. Lost or stolen money

Losing your precious money while travelling is a total nightmare—but it happens especially in places where theft is a common hazard. Most people get travel insurance claims on stolen money. However, take note that insurance companies can only cover a certain amount of money lost.

5. Lost or stolen personal items

Money is not just the only thing that is prone to being stolen when travelling. Personal and valuable items such as jewellery, cameras, and even smartphones can become lost or stolen, even inside a hotel room. Some insurance companies provide a cover benefit for lost items while others do not. The travel insurance claim process for lost items usually requires a police report or some more proof that when an item is really stolen. 

6. Lost luggage

Another common reason for travel insurance claims is the lost of items or luggage. Most of the time, some people get the wrong luggage upon checkout. Others misplace their bags especially if they carry more than one bag when travelling.

7. Lost passport or ID

One of the worst horrors of travelling is losing your IDs or passport. Most of the time, lost or stolen documents should be reported to the police. As for the insurance company, the insured have to file a travel claim for the loss passport or ID. The travel insurance claim process for this would require the report complete with a date and details of the lost documents. Having a photocopy or a softcopy of your IDs or passport whenever you travel will also help to expedite the replacement process in case you lost yours.

8. Missed flight

If cancelled flights are under the jurisdiction of the airline, missed flights happen when you can’t get around the traffic and came in late before boarding time. Usually, travel insurance companies offer a cover for this for the fare adjustment and the rescheduling of the next available flight. Of course, the travel insurance claims may vary from provider to provider.

9. Property damage
There are also cases when travel insurance claims are made for items that are damaged while travelling. For example, checked in baggage with fragile contents that turned out damaged on the checked out can be filed for a travel claim. Also, some insurance company provide a cover benefit for property damage in case of an accident.

10. Rental car breakdown

Some people who need the convenience of a car when travelling usually go for a rental. But just in case the rental car breaks down, you can make a travel claim on it. But while this belongs to the top travel insurance claims, tire blowouts are not as frequent as other incidents on this list.

Some more tips for making a travel insurance claim: make sure that you carry your travel insurance document with you at all times. Beware of policies and exemptions that apply to your travel insurance. Also, make sure to report any incident of theft or damage to support your claim and expedite your travel insurance claim process.

Get more tips on travel insurance claims with GoBear Philippines and use the service to find and compare travel insurance that best suits your needs.

The following article is a contribution of GoBear — Asia’s first and only unbiased metasearch engine or comparison website for travel insurance, personal loans, credit cards and car insurance. Compare with GoBear and apply online today.

3 Countries to Visit in Europe

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Switzerland

Obviously, the Alps are on nearly everyone’s bucket list and the impeccable times to visit them are late in to summer and early springtime. Switzerland is home to many festivals, also. One of the most famous is Lucerne Festival of Classical Music. In the Italian speaking part of the country, the Ticino, the Locarno International Film Festival is one not to miss in early August where you can watch an evening screening below the stars. Switzerland is simply all round beautiful.

Also, please remember when travelling inside of the EU for citizens in the European Economic Area it is a good idea to get you a European health card. It covers you for whichever medical care you may need, whether you become ill or endure any harm during an accident.

Italy

Italy is the home of some of the most admired and celebrated cities in the world, counting; Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Venice. Rome itself has been classified as one of the 10 most-visited towns in the world. The Italian cuisine is extremely popular across the globe and the country itself has an unbelievable historical worth. Most towns are quaint and full of character.



Spain
Every year millions choose Spain as their holiday destination. Culture, sun and scenery are the three most significant features of Spain. Not to forget the glorious nightlife, pleasant community and landscapes. Spain also offers great accommodation, a huge selection and endless attractions.