You don’t need to have a lot of money just so you can travel to the Philippines. You can visit popular tourist spots even if you are on a budget.
The best way to save money when you are planning to go to the Philippines is to book your airplane ticket in advance. At least five to eight months will do, but the earlier you book it, the better. Philippine airline fares are cheaper this way.
So far, the cheapest airline is Cebu Pacific Airlines, but they only travel within Asian countries. Cebu Pacific Airlines even has a cheaper flight if you happen to have booked within a promo period and you can watch out for their promo if you visit their website and book for yourself. If you are planning to go to different regions in the Philippines, then this airline is the cheapest you can choose, that way you can travel to different tourist destinations in the country.
There are other inexpensive and budget-wise airlines too, aside from Cebu Pacific, like Air Asia, Zest Airlines, Pal Express and SEAir/Tiger Airways. However, these airlines also only travel within Asia. If you live outside of Asia and you want to visit, the best airline to choose is Philippine Airlines. This airline travels internationally and they have the most affordable fares compared to other international airlines. They also have great accommodations and their planes are comfortable and the best in the Philippines.
If you are from outside the Philippines, you will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You are already in the capital of the Philippines, which is Manila. It would be best if you research and book online the place you will be staying at, because in Manila, hotels are usually fully booked. The cheapest you can find would range from 500-900 Pesos a night or approximately $22 or less.
Whenever you go from one place to another, the cheapest transportation is to ride a jeepney. Jeepneys in the Philippines are public transportation rides wherein you get to ride with other people and it has a certain route. The minimum jeepney fare is eight pesos. You will just have to tell the driver if he needs to stop. For farther places, you should ride a bus or the train, but trains are only present in the Luzon area. You can always bring along a map and ask for directions where you want to go, so that you do not get lost. Researching ahead on the places you want to go will save you time.
In the Philippines, food is really affordable. You can dine in fast-food restaurants and spend only $1 for a meal. You can also find good and famous restaurants, wherein you get to spend at least $2 for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Everywhere you go, you can always find affordable fast-food or you can go to malls and eat at food courts.
Filipinos are known for being hospitable and friendly, which are reasons why foreigners like to stay in the Philippines. Most of all, there are always inexpensive places and affordable things to shop for in the country. As long as you know the right places to go and where you can buy cheap goods and food, then you can definitely save a lot of money, and these kinds of places are not even hard to find.