5 Suggestions When Backpacking the Philippines

Vacations and travels are great means of escaping the strains and anxieties of everyday life, through long periods of rests and relaxations. A testimony to this is Earl Wilson's wise words that say that "A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking."

In the 60s and 70s, backpacking, a cheap way to spend a perfect vacation, became popular during the hippie era. Travelers get to enjoy more views and save more money by backpacking.

Backpacking dates back in the 60's when people, specifically the hippies, were searching for new and economical means of integrating with other cultures. It is a brave and bold substitute to going cross-country and requires a huge amount of time, effort and patience. To backpack is to travel by means of walking, avoiding as much as possible the use of public transport. The definition of the activity is not one that is as restrictive compared to other forms of travelling. The key rule is to travel as much by walking, stay in low-cost lodging facilities, interact as much as you can with the locals and their communities, and of course carry around a backpack.

Backpacking is truly an enjoyable adventure filled with fun and learning as well as many unanticipated twists, turns and trials especially when you're headed for the Philippines. And this is why you should try to keep in mind these couple of pointers before you pack your bags and head over to the highway.

Grab proper garbs - Dressing down is a basic requirement, most especially in the country's climate. The average temperature in the Philippines varies from 24 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. Light clothes are advisable, such as cotton shirts and shorts, to avoid from sweating too much during your trip. Also, make a room for insect repellants inside your bags for sake of safety, not just for vanity, since mosquitoes are abundant in tropical countries.

Verbalize your S.O.S. - The Philippines is known for the unparalleled hospitality so never hesitate to ask for help. Unlike most other Asian countries, the majority of the population can speak English. Locals are always willing to assist you in case you are lost, but make sure that you always interact with precautions since you cannot easily identify if you are already talking to a petty criminal.

GET THOSE tastebuds WORKING: When visiting a foreign country, remember to always try their original cuisines and delicacies. In Asian countries, authentic street foods are available anywhere for an affordable price. Some of the Philippine street foods that you must try are the following: Isaw (barbecued chicken intestine), fishballs (white deep-friend ball-shaped food), banana fritter or Turon (banana wrapped inside a wanton wrapper coated with sticky sugar in the outside), and banana-cue (deep fried banana on a stick coated with dried sticky sugar in the outside).

Tip is a common tip - It is a common courtesy in the Philippines to leave some cash behind after paying the bill, since most of the restaurants and bars in the country do not include tips for the servers in the final charges. This also goes to giving an extra payment to the cab drivers, like leaving them the small amount of change from the money you paid based on the meter.

Prop up ecotourism and the nation's culture - Just in case you are on an island hopping adventure, ask for a local boatman instead of grabbing packages from hotel accommodations. Aside from the fact that ecotourism helps to save natural resources, it also aids the economy sustainable in indigenous communities. You can also support their culture by merely respecting them, since the Philippines gives a high regard on respect, most especially to elders. Try your best to fit in and you'll be pleased how locals will show their respect to you in return.

Backpacking in the Philippines is a cheap, entertaining and an intellectually engaging way to lose all those physical and emotional baggage you've been carrying the entire year. I assure you that after you've made this trip, you'll never be the same again. The Filipinos can teach us a lot of things in terms of living our daily lives, learning humility and appreciating the things that we have.

This kind of trip will never fail to give you a sense of authenticity because it's more than a vacation - it's actually an education wherein you get to learn the environment first hand. Bear in mind that sheer gratification doesn't just come from the magnificence of the place but also from the journey you take.

"We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven." - Henry David Thoreau

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