In planning your vacations for the beautiful world we live in, don't forget to consider Islands Vacations. Our favorite is to travel the Philippines. Whether you travel in the country or along the many beaches, the serene beauty of these Islands is hard to match anywhere in the world.
Many people don't realize that the Philippines is not a land mass but is made up of over 7,000 Islands; 7,107 to be exact. Many can only be reached by small boats but the main Islands, offering plenty of peace and beauty, can be accessed by plane. Island hopping by ferry is another way to take in the scenery of the coastlines along with travel through the country getting to the ferry ports.
Along with the natural beauty of the Philippines there is much to see and do in the cities. Manila, the largest city and capital of the Philippine Islands, is full of rich history and culture. An added advantage to traveling here, and on most of the other larger Islands in the Philippines, is that English is taught in the schools. Getting directions and exchanging money is very easy here and the people are all friendly and helpful. For those who like to shop, some of the largest indoor malls in the travel world can be found in and around Manila.
The Philippines offers another unique treat that can't be found anywhere else. It's called the Jeepney, a very modified design of the transport vehicles used and left behind by the Americans during WWII. These vehicles shuttle people all over the cities, as just one of the many forms of mass transportation used in the Islands. Your vacation to the Philippines is not complete without riding in at least one of these colorful vehicles.
Manila is on the Island of Luzon, the most populated, and there is much to see there. If you are looking for Islands vacations of more natural beauty and serenity, however, you may want to start your journey from Visayas Island. From there you can get to the popular Islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Iloilo. A 2-hour ferry ride will get you from Cebu City to Ormoc City, on the Island of Leyte. You can get an FX transport around Leyte to the MacArthur Hotel and memorial to catch up on some history there, while enjoying the now serene beach where MacArthur landed to give freedom back to the Philippines.
From this brief explanation, you can see that it would take months to tour the beautiful world of the Philippine Islands. For starters you just have to search for whatever interests you most, don't plan your visit during typhoon season, and prepare to enjoy one of the best vacations you have ever had.
We welcome your input about the places you have enjoyed visiting in the Philippine Islands.
