We’ve rounded up 8 international destinations that should be included in every Pinoy’s bucket list! The places listed here will offer you a great kind of experience worthy of sharing across all your social media properties.
It’s time to see the rest of the world. So let’s go!
1) BANGKOK, THAILAND
Why visit: Because you want to bust your wallet on shopping.
First and foremost, Bangkok is a shopping haven. That alone is already worth your trip to this bustling city. There are a lot shopping locations you can go to, where you can get a really, really good dress for less than what you normally get in our tiangges. You can go on a Bangkok dinner cruise and get to see Bangkok during night time while you’re enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared lovingly by the locals. I tell you, this city literally dazzles at night. The temples and skyscrapers are lighted at night, resulting in a (literally!) shimmering view of the city. Don’t forget to visit their temples and try to spot Japanese anime character Doraemon, which has reportedly been included in mural paintings by the monks themselves. This city has a very rich culture and will be evident in all the places you go to.
2) VIETNAM
Why visit: Because you want to perfect your home-cooked Pho.
Most people don’t know about this, but you can actually go to Vietnam to enroll in culinary lessons. Yes, you can go to Vietnam to study how to prepare their native dishes. It may not be the most popular thing to do here, but it’s really worth your time, especially if you’re really into Vietnamese food. While in Vietnam, don’t pass up on the opportunity to visit other destinations as well. Recommended spots are District 1 and the War Remnant Museum. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Binh Thanh market as well. Try boat-rowing in Mekong Delta and be amazed at the feeling of rowing a boat in this river, which most of us have only read in history books. If your schedule permits, go to Tay Ninh and learn more about Caodaism, which is a religion in Vietnam centered on the goal of union with God. This monotheistic religion accepts the idea of yin and yang or âm and dương, which create the harmonious balance of the universe.
3) SOUTH KOREA
Why visit: Because you want to learn more about Korean culture beyond K-Pop and Gangnam Style.
You go to South Korea for three things: the cold weather, the wonderful scenery, and the fantastic food. It is strategic to plan your travel to South Korea during their late autumn to winter season so you get a feel of their cold weather. Go to South Chungcheong for a rundown of their historical structures and temples. Visit Changgyeonggung Palace and be blown away by the lush foliage that turns orange and red during autumn season. On the other hand, if you want to be immersed in real Korean culture, it is recommended that you visit Baekje History & Culture Museum. South Korea will have a lot of scenic nature sights and cityscapes that make for a very interesting vacation destination, making South Korea a part of everyone’s Asian Travel list! Also, as South Korea is known for spicy food, so, make sure to have antacid with you in case of heartburns.
4) TOYAMA, JAPAN
Why visit: Because you want to marvel at the beauty of Sakura while chomping on fresh Sushi.
Toyama prefecture is located at the center of Japan and is surrounded by mountains and deep sea, giving it an abundance of resources that make it a fantastic place to dine and relax! This is a recommended side trip if you’re already in Tokyo as it is accessible via a one-hour plane ride. Toyama is a stark contrast to the lively cosmopolitan life of Tokyo. In Tokyo you have people in business suits walking their way to and from their work in hurried paces, whereas in Toyama you have people dressed in shades of brown, walking leisurely and enjoying animated conversations with other people. Historically, Toyama is known as the province of medicine as it was the pharmaceutical production capital during the early periods of Japan. They currently offer tours in Kokando Museum wherein you can learn more about the history of their medicine production. A must-see in Toyama are the Toyama Castle, get a glimpse of the 360 degree view of Toyama City, and Morike Kitamae Old Shipping District and the well preserved buildings from the Meiji Period. Dine in and eat fresh sushi and other delectable Japanese delicacies at Minamoto Co. Trout Sushi Museum; they’ll even teach you how to wrap, unwrap, and properly eat sushi!
5) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Why visit: Because you feel koala-fied enough to go up and about in the land down under!
This wonderful city in Australia has so many unexpected things to offer! You can get around the city by train, or you can just walk around so you can enjoy the many sights and sounds to behold. Get to see street performers at the Darling Harbour—if you’re feeling generous you can give them about 2 Australian dollars for their awesome performance. Don’t miss out on visiting Australia’s Bondi Beach and Manly Beach, as well as Harbour Bridge and Westfield Tower. Go to Taronga Zoo and experience nature from a new perspective. That, and of course, it’s imperative to have a first hand encounter with the majestic kangaroo and the super adorable koala. More importantly, get a view of the Sydney Opera House; you’ll understand why it’s a top tourist spot here. And last but definitely not the least, get a taste of the famous Aussie steak, too!
6) SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Why visit: Because you want a taste of the American Dream.
This city in the state of California is surprisingly so packed with sights to see and things to do that even a two-week vacation just isn’t enough. One should definitely not miss out on seeing the famous Golden Gate Bridge—you can get there either by car rental or via the city’s very efficient public transportation system. The city has a quaint feel to it and people are more laid back than in other states, so there’s really no need to rush. San Francisco, or SanFo to some, is a very tourist-friendly city. You can walk downtown, go to a coffee shop or visit a bookstore alone without feeling intimidated because people here are really nice and friendly. Probably the best experience you will have here is walking up and down the hills of San Francisco and feeling the cold weather on your skin, knowing you really are in a different place. Don’t forget to pass by Fishermen’s Wharf to get a taste of their famous clam chowder, and try to get a view of the Alcatraz.
7) PARIS, FRANCE + CANNES
Why visit: Because you want a fantastic European Awakening.
Paris may be a pretty expensive place to visit, but if you’re wise about your travel, you can get around the city and even nearby cities to experience the French lifestyle on a shoestring budget. It is recommended that first time Filipino tourists exercise practicality by bringing canned goods and uncooked rice with them to help extend their money in Paris as most hotels and inns have kitchens where they can cook. But don’t scrimp. Let yourself experience an authentic cafe treat even just once during your trip. The money you save on food can be allocated to pay for other things, like visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or even the Notre Dame Cathedral, or paying for a train ride to reach Cannes, where you can visit their nude beach and the Auberge Provençale, which is the oldest restaurant in the place. Eat seafood, authentic French Paella, escargot, pate, cheese, wine, gelato–dishes that France is known for.
8) FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Why visit: Because you want to appreciate good architecture and great beer.
Frankfurt is one of the main cultural centers in Germany and is home to some of the 21st century architectural masterpieces you’ll ever see in your life. Yes, this city is bursting with arts and culture! When in Frankfurt, do as the locals do: go to Haus Wertheim (Wertheim House) and see a timbered house that survived heavy bombings of World War II without any damage at all, see Saint Paul’s Church and see a religious infrastructure with political symbolism in Germany, or try to visit Eiserner Steg (Iron Bridge) which connects the Römerberg and Sachsenhausen and be one of the 10,000 people who cross this pedestrian bridge every day. If you can, have a pint or two in some of the city’s surrounding bars and pubs and feel the vibe of the German nightlife. Weather may sometimes go from sunny to rainy in just hours so be sure to always have a jacket with you.
Now you can enjoy these great travel destinations (and more!) as well! Enjoy big discounts on airfares, accommodation, cruise options and tours for international and domestic destinations at The Great BDO Travel Sale. Book and buy your holiday getaways and travel plans until May 2016. The event is exclusive to all BDO Rewards, Debit and Credit Cardholders.
Good news: The Great BDO Travel sale is EXTENDED until June 19, 2015! Click here for more info.
