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If you could close your eyes now and find yourself whisked away to whichever location around the world at the blink of an eye, where would you be once you open your eyes? Would you be sipping on a glass of wine, enjoying a fresh plate of pasta 6,449 miles (10,380 km) away in Italy? How about enjoying a bite of onigiri at a konbini in Japan 1,833 miles (2,950 km) away? Or perhaps you’d prefer somewhere a bit closer to home like sunbathing in Boracay only 274 miles (441 km) away? Here are five easy ways to lock in on where you want to be this year.

Manifest where you’d like to go

Thinking about your dream destination is the first step to making such dreams a reality. Zero in on where you’d like to find yourself in and start putting some research into your desired location. Use local forum sites to discover lesser-known areas that won’t be filled with tourists and learn what the locals enjoy. Often these will also include tips that point you toward cheaper spots that will cost you less. 

Set travel alerts

It always pays to be prepared when you’re planning a trip. For the best deals, you’ll want to keep an eye on most booking sites or airline sites for any promotions providing cheaper airfare. Once you nab a deal, make sure to check weather apps for the latest updates and turn your notifications on to be instantly updated about any flight changes. It won’t hurt to follow local news sites from the area to be in the know about any current happenings that might affect your trip. Always play it safe and be sure to have some travel insurance to prepare for any possible surprises.

Stay connected at all times

When traveling, always make sure you have a means of communication each time. For going abroad, notify those close to you about where you’ll be staying and provide copies of the itinerary. It’s handy to have a local sim card on hand or apply for a mobile data travel plan for easy Internet access while you’re away. Take note of any local emergency numbers for the area or details of the nearest Philippine embassy if you need any assistance during potential emergencies. 

Book ahead and plan accordingly

Keep your itinerary loose and flexible in case you need a change of plans during your travels. List down some backup tourist spots you can visit if one area ends up being too crowded or is inaccessible. Make sure you’ve booked proper accommodations beforehand by looking thoroughly at the reviews and pictures provided. Sometimes if a deal is too good to be true, it can be a scam. Be vigilant in ensuring all details are correct and check if your booking options allow for refunds or cancelations if the need arises.

Strike the best deals with a travel credit card

A credit card is a traveler’s best friend. Having the right credit card can help you have seamless transactions worldwide at a premium rate. One card worth checking out is the recently launched Metrobank Travel Signature Visa.  This new credit card is designed for the modern adventurer and helps turn everyday expenses into a valuable reward that brings you closer to your next trip. During its launch ceremony held at the Metropolitan Museum in BGC, we learned about its unique perks like how holders of the card allows for unlimited access to local partner airport lounges. These include Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS), and soon, the Plaza Premium Lounge. Another wonderful perk is how every ₱30 is equivalent to one mile earned for frequent flyer partners like Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles, Cathay, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and AirAsia which will be joining the roster soon. This means that any destination can be just a swipe away, allowing daily transactions like a grocery run or getting your coffee fix to eventually lead you to your dream destination. 

You can apply for a Metrobank Travel Signature Visa card online or at your nearest Metrobank branch.