Wazzup Pilipinas!
As the summer finally sets in, many people are planning trips to some of the many destinations that the Philippines has to offer. Whether it is the white sands of Boracay or touring the Underground River of Palawan, there are plenty of island adventures to explore. However, for those of us looking for a quick trip out of town, taking a flight out of Manila might be difficult for an overnight getaway.
Luckily, there are plenty of destinations that are located hours from Manila. If you and your family are planning a getaway this summer, check out these scenic provinces for your next road trip within Luzon.
Take the Beach Trails of Zambales
If you prefer to dip your toes in the salty sea without spending half of your monthly wage, then look no further than Zambales. The province is a three-hour drive from Metro Manila and is home to some of the best waves and coves to explore. While Anawangin Cove may be the popular choice in the area, there are hidden gems like Silanguin and Talisayin Cove that you should consider on your next road trip.
Get Inspired in Sagada
Since the movie That Thing Called Tadhana was released in 2014, Filipinos of all ages have grown an interest in exploring the mountains of Sagada and with good reason. The movie showed the true beauty of the Philippines that is not often shown on the big screen. Not to mention, this underrated province is known for some of the best food trips and sceneries outside of Manila.
Check Out the Lakes of Batangas
Go back in time and visit the town that’s often overlooked by visitors. The 4.6-kilometer Taal Lake Road in Agoncillo offers a faster route to Tagaytay City and better views of the Taal volcano. Not only will you cut travel time in half, the road itself will promote eco-tourism and aid the local communities in Batangas. Just don’t forget to stop by the Philippines’ “most beautiful” Starbucks branch that overlooks the Taal Lake.
What Do You Need To Remember When On A Road Trip?
While driving from Manila to nearby provinces can be a bit energy consuming, you still have to prepare the necessary items and documents to make the most out of your journey. After all, it is not just about the destination but how you get there. Here’s what you need to remember when on a road trip:
- Get A Maintenance Check – Before any trip, always have your car checked up for maintenance to ensure that the vehicle is properly working. The Philippine roads can be dangerous for various reasons, such as poor weather conditions, unexpected road construction, or dangerous drivers. Just be sure to stay focused while driving on the road and prepare for the worst.
- Bring Your Documents – You might encounter some literal bumps along the way. Therefore, it is important to keep a copy of your vehicle’s documents as well as travel documents, if necessary. While it is important to avoid any distractions while driving, there are accidents that can't always be prevented. Having the necessary papers on hand will help speed up the process and continue on the long road ahead.
- Stay on Track – While driving from Manila to nearby provinces will only take a few hours, you still have to prepare a map and itinerary when your travel apps suddenly stop working outside of the city. Make sure to plan scheduled stops for food trips and photos to make the trip even more memorable. Be sure to make a few stopovers throughout the trip to help everyone stay safe, comfortable, and well fed.
Whatever route you decide on, it is always more fun in the Philippines to take a road trip and explore the local spots of Luzon. Whether you are going solo, with a group of friends, or the entire family, just be sure to do your research, check the maps, and prepare an emergency pack to keep you safe on the road.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
