It’s the season once again for all things heart-shaped and red. While Valentine's Day may seem like it is solely intended for couples, not everyone is spoken for and its message really should include single people. Valentine’s should celebrate all forms of love and that should include self-appreciation and enjoyment from being alone. If you find yourself single this season, use it as an opportunity to acknowledge yourself and find joy within. From treating oneself to your favorite meal and activity or embarking on solo exploration to relaxing alone and reflecting, there are a multitude of ways to go about this season.

One such way is solo travel: an opportunity to discover and understand yourself at your own pace and according to your personal interests. The country provides plenty of scenic routes suited for this kind of discovery journey; from its winding mountain roads in Cordillera mountains to coastal highways offering breathtaking sea views, there is plenty to see and discover.

The best thing about traveling solo is independence. There’s more freedom than ever before to make spontaneous decisions, stop at roadside attractions that catch your eye or change plans on an impulse to follow the coastline — making for an engaging and personal journey focused on personal happiness and comfort. Our archipelago offers various drives which could serve as ideal journeys for self-discovery and appreciation.

Before just driving off, make sure that the vehicle meets all necessary checks and maintenance. Planning the route, with rest stops, gas stations and dining options in mind can make for an enjoyable journey and offer peace of mind to the traveler. Sharing travel plans or offering regular updates with family or friends is also a good idea.

This season, we’d like to help solo travelers and car enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to honor themselves by embarking on solo adventures and discovering new destinations. If you’re a motorhead like us, then sit back and check out our suggestions for truly liberating drives this Valentine's season. From Luzon to Mindanao, here are our best bets.

Thanos approved

In Luzon, the drive to the Banaue Rice Terraces offers an unforgettable experience. Starting from Manila, the journey takes you through picturesque northern provinces, and finally to the mountainous terrain of Banaue. 

Off to the west, you can drive towards the new Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. The mountain road was built to connect the province to Zambales, and offers a scenic drive and unbeatable views all the way to the sea. To the south of the metro, a quick trip to Laguna via Rizal will have you enjoying nice mountain roads leading towards Lake Caliraya and the quiet byways of Cavinti.

Mountains and coastlines

Heading down to the Visayas, the island of Cebu provides a unique driving experience with its coastal roads that lead to the southern tip of the island. Starting from Cebu City, one can drive towards Oslob, where the road snakes alongside the coastline, offering stunning ocean views on one side and lush greenery on the other. This trip is perfect for those seeking a mix of adventure, nature, and solitude. For shorter trips, a jaunt up Busay to the west of Cebu City might just be what one needs. For longer mountain road excursions, drive up further north and jump from East to West via Balamban’s forested roads. 

Plateaus of peace

Over in Mindanao, travelers exploring the Davao Bukidnon (BUDA) road from Calinan in Davao City to Lorega Point and Quezon, Bukidnon along the BUDA highway, will experience a truly captivating trip marked by cool climate and misty afternoons typical of its highland route. Along this trail is an array of cozy inns and restaurants all conveniently nestled amid Marilog District's scenic highland vegetables and strawberry vendors. Descending towards Quezon, the landscape opens up to reveal the southern Bukidnon valley, running along a pathway of sugarcane fields and rice farms before emerging at Malaybalay City. This route showcases the beautiful natural charm of Mindanao, encouraging travelers to experience and appreciate its tranquil highland air.

These road trips exemplify the variety of solo travel experiences available across the Philippines, each offering a unique journey through the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether it's the highlands of Luzon, the coastal roads of the Visayas, or the diverse landscapes of Mindanao, there's a road trip that can cater to the desires of any solo traveler looking to celebrate Valentine's Day in a manner that emphasizes self-love, adventure, and the joy of discovery. Stay safe and love yourselves!