Travel

Europe's prettiest hilltop towns and villages

Europe is blessed with numerous picture-perfect hilltop towns and villages. Most are centuries old, having been established during the Middle Ages as strategic hubs during times of conflict and turmoil. As rural centers for horticulture, these destinations were celebrated for their cultivation of olives, wine, and other produce. Today, many of these places serve as popular tourist destinations, blessed as they are with outstanding architecture and a tangible sense of tradition. In fact, if you're planning to explore the continent, make sure to include some of these scenic highlights in your travel itinerary. Already packed? Click through and find out where to go and what to see.

Chongqing Cultural Tourism Delegation Appears at Malaysia Travel Fair to Invite Guests

CHONGQING, China, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from iChongqing. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, and coinciding with the launch of direct flights from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur and the inaugural flight to Penang, the Chongqing Cultural Tourism delegation made its debut at the 2024 Malaysia MITM Travel Fair. They successfully hosted the "Hello, Chongqing!" Kuala Lumpur...

Tropical destinations you can find right in the USA

Americans aren't exactly known for traveling internationally. Many feel as though there is plenty of beauty to see in the United States and that a trip overseas is an unnecessary expense. However, people still long for gorgeous beaches, colonial architecture, and lush wilderness. Don't worry, folks! There are plenty of must-see spots in the US that will make you feel as though you've stepped on foreign lands.

Cebu Pacific Is Set to Fly From Iloilo to Hong Kong Again

To become the only air carrier mounting international flights from Iloilo.

Singapore 101: 5 tourist spots in the Lion City to visit for free

For some Filipino travelers, Singapore is one of the top-of-mind tourist destinations in Asia, as it offers the perfect balance of a vibrant city life and the rich and colorful cultures of the Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. A four-hour flight from the Philippines is all it takes to reach Singapore. Plus, it's visa-free for Philippine passport holders, so you don’t have to worry about the tedious visa process. Traveling to Singapore may...

Countries where you have to pay to be a tourist

If you've traveled, you've likely paid a tourist tax before. However, you may have never noticed it, as it's often worked into airline tickets or the taxes you pay at your accommodation. Originally, tourist tax was introduced by certain governments with the aim of tempering over-tourism and generating income from large numbers of travelers entering the destination. Now, the money from the tax also goes to protecting natural resources and maintaining tourism facilities. Intrigued? Click on to discover the countries that charge a tourist tax.

30 reasons why traveling is good for you

Think about the last trip you took. It was likely fun and exciting or calming and relaxing, depending on your destination and intention. But besides that, traveling can also help you mentally, physically, and emotionally. Whether it’s a local trip or a flight halfway across the globe, travel will positively impact you in multiple ways. From building confidence to enhancing communication and beyond, traveling unlocks a world of health and wellness you probably didn't realize existed. Curious to learn how traveling can impact your life today? Click through to learn more.

Norwegian islands that everyone should visit

The Nordic countries are reputable for their gorgeous landscapes that are paradises for intrepid travelers. Even so, Norway could possibly rank as the best of them, since it boasts more than 320,000 islands along its coast, which is more than any other country in the world! For your pleasure, we’ve put together a list of some Norwegian islands that you should definitely see. Click through the gallery to find out more.

Filinvest City unveils final phase in its comprehensive park system

Written by: Vaughn Alviar Residents, workers and visitors at Filinvest City in Alabang will have one more place to commune with nature as Creekside Park takes shape. “We’re excited for the commencement of the construction of Creekside Park as this park will complete Filinvest City’s Park System that was intentionally part of our masterplan,” said Don-Don Ubaldo, First Vice President for Filinvest Townships, Filinvest Alabang, Inc. Construction...

How to get the most out of your next vacation

Every year, magazines and blogs publish travel guides and post videos of beautiful vistas in far-flung islands in some corner of the world, and direct you to go to those places. But that may not be realistic for a lot of people, and very often we do not get to enjoy the vacations we take for various reasons, from lack of planning to scheduling conflicts and finances. But what if you could plan a trip, solo or with others, and not feel burnt out or overwhelmed? Well, this roundup of tips and tricks will help you enjoy your next vacation on your own terms! Check out this gallery for all the best advice on how to get the most out of your next vacation. Click through.

30 things to avoid when you travel abroad

Traveling to a foreign country can be a challenge as it takes some adapting to the customs and rules of said place. You should always be aware of differences in habits, traditions, and even ways of dressing from country to country before you travel. Learning the basics of the language of the country you visit also shows you have respect for the people, and can go a long way in helping you get by day to day. You should also be aware of gestures that may be offensive in certain countries. Click through the gallery to learn more about the things you should avoid when traveling abroad!

The Medals Carlos Yulo Won Has Pieces of the Eiffel Tower in Them

Designed by renowned jeweler Chaumet, each medal has a cut taken from the original iron of the tower.

‘Remove travel tax for economy class passengers’

MANILA, Philippines — Invoking the constitutional right to travel, Sen. Raffy Tulfo is pushing for a bill that will remove the travel tax imposed on passengers flying economy class. Tulfo, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said imposing additional costs on economy class passengers who are traveling on a budget is a violation of their right. “Passengers in first and business class will still pay the so-called luxury tax,” he...

The tourist tax in Venice didn't deter enough travelers. Now, the hot spot is limiting tour groups.

Venice tried to mitigate overtourism with a tax pilot program, but it didn't solve the problem. Now, the city hopes a cap on tourist groups will help.

Unconventional travel destinations for introverts

Introverts love to travel as much as their extrovert counterparts, but their travel needs can often differ substantially. Many introverts seek quiet, solitary destinations with minimal social stimulation and plenty of space to reflect and take in their surroundings. Browse through some unconventional destinations introverts must add to their bucket list in the following gallery.

The best summer destinations in Scandinavia

While Scandinavia is known for being a magical winter wonderland, one has to experience it during the summer months as well. Thanks to the mildness of the region's summers, it's the perfect destination between June and August. From island-hopping adventures to scenic hikes, good food, and seriously cool cities, the countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are of staggering natural and architectural beauty. Curious? To inspire your next trip, click on for the best summer destinations in Scandinavia.

5 Key Signs You’re Lower Class Without Realizing It

The American economic landscape is changing nearly every day and if you are not paying attention, you might miss out on what's happening and where you fall into the hierarchy. You might not think you...

Major airport and ATM cash machine holiday errors that could cost you dearly this summer

To help travellers, the Mirror has put together some of the major dos and don'ts when spending your hard-earned cash when you are abroad this summer

Conquering the Bukidnon-Davao 'high'-way

DRIVING at 1,200 meters under heavy fog was not part of the plan. My friend, a native of Bukidnon, and his family only wanted to get some Christmas tree pines. But we ended up driving farther and farther looking for the ones with the best Christmas tree shape. We originally planned to explore the Blue Water Caves in Quezon, Bukidnon, but the rains of previous days rendered the trail to the caves muddy. "Let's drive to BuDa instead and buy some...

Common money mistakes you’re making when traveling

So you finally have a holiday booked, but you need more than just an itinerary and a suitcase. Travel is expensive, so you need a financial plan to keep yourself from making money mistakes that could blow your holiday budget. From exchanging currency at the airport to not knowing how to tip at your destination, these are just some common money mistakes people make when traveling abroad. Check out the gallery for mistakes you don't want to make.

The UK's worst airlines for customer service have been named - full list

A new survey has found that Wizz Air has been named the worst airline for customer service in the UK, closely followed by other major competitors.

How This Resort Stays Relevant in Cebu After 35 Years

One thing that embodies the Filipino hospitality offered by Bluewater Mribago Beach Resort is the Visayan word "amuma," which means "to care, nurture, and provide."

UAE sends humanitarian aid for Carina victims

The United Arab Emirates has sent humanitarian aid for victims of Typhoon Carina, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said Monday. In a statement, the MIAA said that the flight carrying the humanitarian aid arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on July 30. Present during the arrival were UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Social Welfare...

Cebu Pacific shelves plans to revive Manila-Beijing flights

Cebu Pacific is not too keen on expanding its operations to China as demand has remained tempered, thus postponing the relaunch of the Manila-Beijing route indefinitely. Xander Lao, president and chief commercial officer of the Gokongwei-led airline, told reporters last week that they were not seeing a “quick recovery on China,” whose tourist arrivals have yet to revert to prepandemic levels. The popular Asian destination, prior to the pandemic...

The dark side of the 2024 Paris Olympics

AirAsia to Introduce Manila-Nagoya Route in October

The flights will be available thrice a week.

Clark airport operator grows H1 profit by half

MANILA, Philippines — The Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) raised its profit by more than half to P211 million in the first half of the year on the wings of sustained recovery in aviation activities. According to its financial statement, CIAC boosted its profit to P210.56 million as of June, from P136.07 million a year ago, driven by the upward trend in its revenue. Broken down, earnings ballooned by 39 percent to P380.12 million, from...

Incredible locations from 'Game of Thrones' you can actually visit

The following locations should look very familiar to dedicated 'Game of Thrones' fans. Sets from the series are located in a number of different countries, from Scotland to Malta, and you can even take tours to visit the backgrounds of some of the most iconic scenes! Take a look through the gallery and see if you can remember these locations from 'Game of Thrones.'

Places Americans don’t visit—but definitely should

Even though Americans still carry the stereotype of people who don’t travel overseas, this is far from the truth. Yes, US citizens may not travel internationally as frequently as other cultures, particularly Europeans, but Americans are going abroad like never before. Popular destinations among Americans include our neighboring Mexico and Canada, as well as the UK in Europe, according to the Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office. But what about the countries not featured in the list? There are some real gems out there that Americans have left untapped. What are some amazing destinations abroad that Americans should start visiting? Click through the gallery to find out.

Following in the footsteps of Marco Polo

BEIJING, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily Vienna Cammarota hiking up a mountain on her journey. (Photo provided by Associazione Cina-Italia di Shanghai) My name is Vienna Cammarota. I'm a hiker from Italy. I have been a fan of Italian traveler Marco Polo since childhood, which later led me to become a tour guide. Years of hiking have helped me maintain good health. Even at 75, I still have no need for reading glasses....

I've gone on cruises for as little as $60 a day. Here are my 6 secrets to finding last-minute travel deals.

Booking cruises a few days or weeks before they set sail has saved me a lot of money. Here's how I find and take advantage of discounted cruises.

The top 30 places in the US to live in this year

Not sure where you should call home within the United States? Welcome to the club! Folks want to enjoy great quality of life with access to the activities they love, but deciding where best aligns can be challenging. Have no fear, though! Here you'll find the top 30 US cities in terms of where you should live in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report. This list will have something for everyone, from beach havens to small towns and everywhere in between. Curious about which city topped the chart? Click through now.

Interesting facts about Marco Polo that you might not be aware of

Born in the Republic of Venice in 1254, Marco Polo was an explorer, trader, and adventurer who traveled through Asia along the Silk Road between 1271 and 1295. His journeys are recorded in 'The Travels of Marco Polo,' which described to Europeans the then-mysterious cultures of the Far East. His influential book outlined the geography of Asia, described the traditions of its people, and told tales of life at the court of Mongol emperor Kublai Khan. But as amazing as all this may sound, it only scratches the surface of his life. Click on to discover what you might not know about Marco Polo.

Why are these chemicals banned in Europe but not the US?

Cebu Pacific adds three planes to fleet

CEBU Pacific on Monday took delivery of three aircraft, boosting its operational capacity to accommodate an increasing number of air travelers. An A330neo arrived on July 26 and an A320neo and A320ceo were delivered on August 3 and 4, respectively, the airline said. This brought the total number of aircraft that CEB has received so far this year to 10. "Our continuous fleet expansion efforts underscore our commitment to provide safe, affordable,...

30-year-old who quit her job and moved to Budapest now works remotely 25 hours a week: 'It's a beautiful life'

"Living here [in Budapest, Hungary] has given me so many more options for how to spend and save," writes Denae McGaha, as well as "peace of mind."

Discover Scotland's majestic North Coast 500 route

Some destinations are best explored by road. The north coast of Scotland is one of them! Not only do you get access to incredible scenery, but you also have the freedom to make your itinerary. There are numerous wild camping spots along this over 500-mile route of awe-inspiring scenery along the Scottish coast. One thing is for sure: the North Highlands leave a lasting impression on visitors, particularly those with a penchant for the road less traveled. Summer offers ample daylight hours to explore the rugged beauty of the north, but winter trips are becoming popular and offer visitors the potential to see the Aurora Borealis on a clear night. Intrigued? Click on the gallery to discover the majestic North Coast 500 route in Scotland.

LVNA: Art as public history

Second of three parts IN my Ayala Museum lecture entitled "Art as Public History: Discourses on Select Juan Luna Paintings" on March 9, 2024, I showed how Luna, as one of our foremost master painters and patriots, has been influencing public discourse about society. That is why, for many years before the film "Heneral Luna," it was only Juan who was the Luna known to most people as he had basically overshadowed his equally important brother...

How to prepare your bank account for holidays

Going on vacation doesn’t have to put you in debt! If you plan ahead, you won’t immediately undo all the relaxation of your trip as soon as you touch back down. It’s also really important to invest in your holidays, because you’re simultaneously investing in your own health and happiness. And it's easier than it seems! Click through for 25 simple ways to meet your dream vacation goals.

Want to vacation like a billionaire? Here's how much it costs to charter a superyacht

Chartering a superyacht is a more cost-effective way to experience luxury on the high seas than buying a boat. But it's still far from cheap.

Islands of India you probably haven't heard of

When we think of India, we envision a vast country of spectacular beauty that occupies the greater part of South Asia. But did you know that this incredibly diverse nation has 1,382 islands dotted across its territory? A fair number of these are uninhabited, but there are many more that are home to indigenous peoples, and dozens geared towards tourism. And all enjoy jaw-dropping locations in some of the most unspoiled regions in the world. Intrigued? Click on and travel through this gallery to discover the islands of India you need to visit.

5 Places in America To Retire That Are Just as Cheap as Mexico, Portugal and Costa Rica

You may know friends or family who've moved to places like Mexico, Portugal or Costa Rica to live more frugally after they retire. If you're looking to stay in the United States for your retirement,...

In danger: World Heritage Sites at risk of disappearing

There are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of which 830 are cultural. These landmarks or areas hold such strong cultural, historical, or scientific significance, international treaties have been signed in order to protect them. However, more than 50 of these sites are currently endangered and could face irreparable damage if no measures are taken, according to UNESCO's website. Click on the gallery to explore 15 of the world's most at-risk cultural sites.

I've been to 35 all-inclusive resorts. I always watch out for these 7 red flags.

I've stayed at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Maldives, the Caribbean, and more. I always look out for these red flags on my trips.

Agoda Unveils Top Dive Destinations in Asia for International Scuba Day

SINGAPORE, Aug. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda revealed that Bali in Indonesia is Asia's most popular dive destination. Bali came out on top of Agoda's ranking of the most popular dive destinations in Asia, which was released ahead of International Scuba Day on August 6th. The ranking highlights the most popular diving destinations based on Agoda's booking insights and offers scuba enthusiasts a glimpse into the underwater...

What not to miss in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is one of Scandinavia's coolest and most dynamic cities. The epitome of Nordic hip, the destination is famed for its historic castles and palaces, but is also celebrated for its laid-back boho vibe, al fresco dining scene, and a beautiful movie set waterfront. Oh, and it's home to probably the best beer in the world. So, are you contemplating Copenhagen? Click through for a quick guide to Copenhagen.

The best beach foods from around the world

Digging your toes into the sand and basking in the sun are essential parts of any beach vacation, but how about food? No matter what beach you find yourself on, when the hunger hits, chances are you'll find something to eat. Beaches around the world offer amazingly delicious foods. Whether they're prepared by a roadside food truck, a restaurant kitchen, or sold directly on the beach, they taste even better with an ocean view. Bring your bathing suits and your appetite, and check out this gallery to discover a wide variety beach foods from around the world.

SWS: Most Pinoys see little benefit from Marcos foreign trips

MANILA, Philippines — For a majority of Filipinos, the international trips made by President Marcos has little to almost no benefit at all for the country, a recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed. The survey, conducted from June 23 to July 1, found that 51 percent of the respondents see almost no benefit from Marcos’ foreign visits. This is composed of 34 percent who said the international trips had “little benefit” and 17...

Norms in the US that are peculiar elsewhere

The US is a diverse country, filled with unique quirks and traditions that vary from region to region. But certain customs are common nationwide. And while they might seem normal stateside, in other parts of the world they're thought of as completely strange. For example, the average American may be used to takeaway coffee, but to many foreigners that's far from the norm! Curious to find out what's considered normal in the US, but not in the rest of the world? Then check out this gallery.

A Guide to Bird Paradise in Singapore

Time to book another SG trip.