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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider Thrifty ways to plan your next getaway

Thrifty ways to plan your next getaway

How to visit summer destinations on a budget

Published May 6, 2025 10:55 pm

At A Glance

  • You don't have to be rich to travel well. — Eugene Fodor

Going out for an unforgettable summer vacation doesn’t have to drain your bank account. If you plan things accordingly, there will always be cheaper options to give you the same experience. Here are a few methods to keep your travel plans light on the pocket but still enjoyable.

Start with a set budget

As tempting as it is to splurge for a temporary escape, you’ll enjoy your trip more if you keep your spending in check. Set aside funds for your trip and organize what things you’ll be spending on. Food and lodging should always be the top priority. Opting for a hostel stay over a five-star hotel is always lighter on the wallet. Another expense to factor is transportation. How do you intend to get to your desired tourist spots once you arrive? Getting around using local commuting methods will always be better than hiring a driver to get you to where you wish to be. There are also several budgeting apps and transaction limit options you can enforce to make sure you avoid overspending during your trip.

Travel during the off-season

Sometimes the best time to visit a destination is in the off-season. Think of tropical destinations as it nears cooler seasons. You can ask locals what they normally do when there aren’t as many tourists around. Plus, it helps in avoiding overtourism and overwhelming the local businesses when travelers balance out their visits.

Be on the lookout for travel fairs

Travel fairs are always an ideal venue for finding low-fare deals. If you’re hankering to find plane tickets being offered at low prices, consider visiting Sunlight Air’s upcoming Grand Travel Fest in Clark, Pampanga. From May 9 to 11, visitors can expect exclusive deals for Sunlight Air’s partners and one-way base fares to Coron, Siargao, Boracay, and more for as low as ₱6 only.  “We at Sunlight Air are committed to providing customers with more opportunities to explore the Philippines,” shares Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO of Sunlight Air. “After our Grand Travel Fest in Cebu, we’ve found that more and more Filipinos are looking to travel domestically, and the market has been progressively growing. Thanks to our partners and loyal customers who made this event happen, we are happy to share more exciting deals at this year’s Grand Travel Fest in Clark to help our passengers fulfill their travel goals with Sunlight Air.”

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