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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Travel devider How to ensure a hassle-free vacation

How to ensure a hassle-free vacation

Three tips travelers need to know before heading out

Published Dec 4, 2025 08:42 pm

At A Glance

  • The last thing you'll want to go through while vacationing away from home is to find yourself lost and not knowing who or where to run to for help.
PLAN YOUR TRIP For the best experience, map out where you'll be going and what you'll be doing.
PLAN YOUR TRIP For the best experience, map out where you'll be going and what you'll be doing.
Often, for a seamless trip, we need to plan the itinerary beforehand.
Venturing out to unknown places may seem like an exciting experience, but it’s best to jump in prepared at all times. The last thing you’ll want to go through while vacationing away from home is to find yourself lost and not knowing who or where to run to for help. Here are three ways to make sure you have a hassle-free journey.
Budget wisely
Set aside a certain amount that you’ll be spending throughout your trip. If you’ll be dealing with foreign currency, stay up-to-date with the exchange rates. Take note of any hidden fees by reading the fine print for any accommodations you’ll be staying at. Prepare some emergency funds for any worst-case scenarios, like missed flights or misbooked activities.
BUDGET ALL THE WAY Setting aside funds ensures you don't overspend during your stay.
BUDGET ALL THE WAY Setting aside funds ensures you don't overspend during your stay.
Familiarize yourself with the destination
Learn everything you can about where you’ll be going. Research online about the place and try to learn a bit about it. You can also ask locals about the place on forum sites, so they can give you a heads up on what to expect. Take note of the addresses for the nearest hospital, police station, tourist assistance offices, and your local embassy. Download a translator app to help communicate with locals if they don’t understand English.
TEAM UP OF THE YEAR Klook and GCash team up to unveil their new travel card.
TEAM UP OF THE YEAR Klook and GCash team up to unveil their new travel card.
Use a booking app to plan your journey
These days, mapping out your journey is made easier with the widespread availability of booking apps like Klook. Using the apps, you can schedule transportation from the airport, map out where you’ll be staying, and book tickets to tourist attractions. Klook has also recently teamed up with GCash to ensure you have a seamless trip using their new travel card. Perks of the card include low foreign exchange rates, real-time transaction monitoring through the GCash app, and exclusive deals and vouchers for Klook users.
“Klook’s belief has always been that the world is more meaningful and engaging when people connect through shared experiences,” shares Klook Philippines general manager Michelle Ho. “We enable that by making travel simple, accessible, and rewarding for travelers. With GCash, we’re taking that commitment a step further. By combining Klook’s expertise in curating top travel experiences with GCash’s trusted financial ecosystem, we’re bringing greater value and ease to every journey, making extraordinary adventures even more possible for more Filipinos.”
The first 10,000 customers will be able to avail of the card at its one-time introductory promo price of ₱250. You can sign up for the waitlist via the Klook app.

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