Traveling to Europe is one of the dreams of most Asians. Before, going there required millions of pesos. Nowadays, there are air routes and travel tips and strategies that you can try to make your trip as cheap as possible.

Avoid summer

It’s tempting to go there during summer season. At Travel Philippines, I don’t recommend visiting Europe in the summer. That’s if you can avoid it.

Why? This is because the prices are at their peak. Almost every hotel is booked up and the cities are crowded.

If you want to have a cheaper travel to Europe, heed to this tip: travel off-season. For instance, you can go there during winter season. You can get discounts up to 40% in a hotel accommodation. Hence, getting great deals is easy at this time of the year.

Use low-cost airlines

For budget-conscious travelers, they opt to fly with airlines that offer low-cost travel to Europe. This is one of the travel tips to Europe that you shouldn’t ignore to help you make your travel to this continent a lot cheaper.

Another more affordable way to Europe is through high-speed rail network.

Try passes

These passes will help you save a lot of money while visiting museums. You may use a welcome card to help you get free public transportation in going to sights, museums, tours, and more.

Use a local transport

In the Philippines, we have jeepneys and tricycles. In Europe, you can use its own public transportations to help you save money. They’re a lot cheaper than choosing axis.

This is one of the travel tips to Europe that you must try. You may choose to buy a 24-hour or a 3-day public pass to make tickets a lot cheaper than purchasing single tickets.

Opt for a rent car

But make sure that you rent it by the hour. This is a type of program that’s popular in Italy, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other countries.

And if you do rent a car, you must opt for a diesel-fueled car. This will surely ease the pain of paying for high fuel prices. Europe, Spain and Great Britain offer best prices for rental cars.

Stay in an affordable hotel

This is one of the travel tips to Europe that budget-conscious travelers should follow. This is especially true if you’re looking for great value of your money.

But, just because you’re staying in an affordable hotel doesn’t mean you must sacrifice style. Bear in mind that there are plenty of stylish hotels in Europe that offer cheaper rates. Although their rooms are small, they can provide you with king-size bed, flat screen TV, and other features.

Go with a friend

Traveling with a friend is also a nice idea to make your trip to Europe a more affordable journey. You can share travel, food and hotel expenses. Because you’re sharing expenses with a friend, you can afford to stay in a luxury hotel.

Well, there you go. Here are Travel Philippines’ travel tips to Europe that can make your trip here a more enjoyable and affordable one.

Security Bank Philippines is one of the banks in the Philippines that offers loans. However, because of the recent economic issues, the bank has become stricter in approving the applicant’s loan. If you’re planning to apply for a loan in this bank for your travel expenses, you need to present the bank managers with complete package of your finances to get approval.

Listed below are some tips that you can follow to help your personal loan be approved without problems.

1. Know what you want

It is important to understand your preferences before you apply for a personal loan in a bank. There are different types of loans offered by the Security Bank Philippines. But each of them has its own terms.

What you need to look for is a loan that suits your needs for your travel expenses and meets your budget. Applying for a personal loan in this bank can be easier than applying for an auto or mortgage loan.

However, you must make sure that you can pay off the money you want to borrow. And you must do it as fast as possible.

2. Contact the bank

As soon as you’ve found the type of loan package that you’re interested in, you should contact Security Bank Philippines. Its customer support will give you the requirements to become eligible for a loan. Although it’s okay to discuss this matter on the phone, it’s highly recommended that you make an appointment in person.

Keep in mind that this bank has different requirements than other banks. You must know them all upfront so you can be prepared.

3. Know your credit score

Applying for a personal loan for your travel expenses may require you to present your credit history. Or you may need to open an account from the Security Bank Philippines.

The bank will review your financial background. It’s highly likely that you’ll get approval if you have good credit rating with the bank.

Regardless of your credit history, you still need to consider your limitations. Security Bank Philippines will approve your loan if you they think that you are financially capable of making repayments. Thus, you must only apply for personal loans if you can afford to pay them back.

4. Avoid having high expectations

Financial experts said that it’s not a good idea to apply for a loan if you’re such in a hurry to travel. Keep in mind that the officers of Security Bank Philippines follow certain protocol before approving a loan. It may take a few days to weeks before you can get the money, i.e. if your application is approved.

Your main goal here is to apply for a loan that you can afford to repay. The officer might ask you how to use the cash you’re borrowing. Sometimes, using it for your travel expenses might not be a good reason. However, if you’d say that you’ll be using it for home improvement, the officer might approve it.

Again, before you apply for a personal loan at Security Bank Philippines, you need to make sure that you’re capable of repaying it.

Honeymoon insurance may seem like a useless insurance package plan. However, for those who have been through honeymoon trips, this type of insurance is essential. This is especially true if you don’t want to complete your trip with unwanted bills.

What are some unexpected things that can wreak havoc on your honeymoon?

Natural calamity

This includes hurricane, flood, and earthquakes. Anything can happen while you’re on honeymoon. When you encounter them, how can you be sure that you can still recover your funds?

Delayed flights

Missing your connection or delayed flights can be troublesome. Do you know how to arrange with your travel agent of an alternative trip? Do you have funds to catch up?

Becoming ill

An adventurous sport can be exciting when it happens during your honeymoon. But what if one of you would get ill? Do you know where to go to get proper medical care? How about funds to pay for the treatment?

Called off

Honeymoons are expensive. When the wedding is called off, can you still get a refund for your honeymoon trips?

What honeymoon insurance coverage should you consider?

Cancellation coverage

It provides you reimbursement for your trips that have been already paid earlier but your trip has been cancelled for some reason.

Missed connection or delayed flight coverage

This type of honeymoon insurance coverage will give you assistance on how to catch up to your flight when it left without you.

Adventure coverage

This is an essential coverage if your honeymoon involves adventure activities. It will provide you medical assistance for a medical treatment that you and/or spouse need while honeymooning in a certain island.

Medical coverage

You may meet an accident while traveling to, say Australia. This type of coverage will provide reimbursement for you or your spouse to have medical treatment anywhere you are.

Who should consider honeymoon insurance coverage?

Young couples who just got married should consider this insurance policy. They just saved for this trip. Thus, it’s only necessary to protect such investment.

This policy isn’t only for newlyweds. Rather, it’s also helpful for mature couples who want to renew their vows. It will make sure that the couples are protected against financial losses during their second honeymoon.

Couples with kids must also consider this type of insurance. This is especially true if they don’t have someone to leave their kids behind while honeymooning. They must consider getting a honeymoon insurance that’ll also cover their kids who’ll be traveling with them.

Seniors who recently got hitched should also obtain this insurance. Good thing is that insurance companies have different plans for seniors.

Where to purchase this type of insurance?

It’s easy to purchase it from a third-party company. Your travel agent may also offer you coverage for your situation.

When choosing the right coverage or company offering it, it’s important that you make your decision not based on the price. Rather, you should also consider you and your spouse’s needs when traveling for a honeymoon. Conduct a thorough research before opting for a perfect honeymoon insurance coverage.

How many islands in the Philippines?

The number of islands in the Philippines will depend on the sea levels. When it’s high tide, the country has 7,100 islands. For low tide, you can find more than 7,107 islands in the Philippines.

How many islands in the Philippines are inhabited?

Out of those islands, only 2,000 of them are inhabited. Thus, there are over 5,000 islands that haven’t been explored.

Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries you shouldn’t miss to visit when you’re looking for islands to explore.

Most of the islands in the Philippines have white sand with turquoise water that’s filled with diverse marine life.

To help you get started in exploring the many islands in the Philippines, here are 4 that can give you a good starting point.

El Nido, Palawan – Philippines Asia

Emily VanKamp of Revenge had been here. Other Hollywood celebrities who visited Philippines in Asia were also amazed by the beauty of El Nido in Palawan. It’s considered as the first step to having wild adventure in the Philippine Asia.

Outside the coast of El Nido, you’ll find majestic empty lagoons, caves and waterfalls, among others. All of them are easy to explore.

If you’re a diver, you should consider exploring the waters of El Nido in Philippine Asia. Its surrounding waters have 50 species of whales, sea cows and endangered turtles.

Oslob, Cebu

Are you fond of watching sharks? Then, you belong to Oslob, Cebu, one of the many islands in the Philippines Asia.

Each morning, whale sharks are seen off the shores of this town. After having a great sight of them, you can have a refreshing dip at Tumalog Waterfalls. Or have a diving exploration in Moalboal.

Do you want to get to know more about Spanish colonial houses? You can do go to Carcar town. The city is also known for its delicious lechon or whole roasted pig. Don’t forget to try its crunchy deep-fried pork skin or, commonly known in Philippine Asia as chicharon.

Boracay Aklan

It’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Philippines. In fact, if you want to see some local celebrities soaking in water, you should go here.

The 4-kilometer stretch of Boracay offers several adventures for beach bums and water enthusiasts.

During nighttime, the island is still alive and you’ll find sand castles that have been lit with colorful candles. You can also visit some of its cozy restaurants and bars that remain open until dawn.

If you want the calmer side of Boracay, you can go to secluded coves, cliffs, and caves, which are still part of the island.

During March or summer season, Boracay conducts competition for kite-boarders and windsurfers known as International Funboard Cup.

With the island’s forceful waves and powerful winds, this island of the Philippine Asia becomes an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Panglao, Bohol

It was once known as a sleepy island. Today, it’s being roused by local and foreign travelers. If you’re looking for diverse aquatic attractions, you’ll surely appreciate Panglao in Bohol.

Dolphin watching whale spotting, sea snakes and jackfish are just few of the things you can enjoy seeing while in this island of the Philippine Asia.

Apart from its beaches, Bohol is also known for its Chocolate Hills. The hills are shaped like a dome. They’re called chocolate because of their brown color. Their color is visible during dry season.

Want to see the world’s smallest primate? Visit Bohol now and see the endangered Philippine tarsier.

Pico de Loro is a popular destination for people who are fond of mountain climbing and hiking.

Apart from its beauty, this tourist destination is another go-to place if you need a low-cost destination while exploring the Philippines.

It’s also an ideal place if you want a tourist spot that’s near Metro Manila.

What you can see?

While hiking this mountain, you’ll experience its beautiful forests that resemble that of the forests in fairytales.

It also offers views of Cavite and Batangas, including the West Philippine Sea.

In addition to those overwhelming views, you’ll also get to see bending bamboos, huge and old trees.

Plus, you’ll hear hissing of snakes and hymns of birds. Interesting, isn’t it?

How long the drive is to this tourist destination?

Pico de Loro is situated just 2 ½ hours away from Metro Manila. It’s also part of the DENR’s Protected Area in Ternate, Cavite.

Just like in Mt. Apo, this place requires hikers and climbers to register at the Campsite 1, which is located within the area. Per hiker will need to pay around PHP50 ($1+).

But unlike Mt. Apo, Pico de Loro doesn’t need a tour guide to help you out. Its mountain trail has signage so you won’t get lost while exploring the place.

Reward yourself after the hike

After conquering Mt. Pico de Loro, you should reward yourself for the job well done by going to the beach, like the Hamilo Coast.

The Pico Sands Hotel is the 7-storey hotel within the beach and country club of Pico de Loro. The hotel has 154 rooms and each room is spacious with modern amenities and, of course, captivating views of the lagoon and mountains.

Its country club has bowling lanes, music lounge, and cafe, in addition to its swimming pool.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus

It’s a small chapel that allows you to see the West Philippine Sea of the cove.

Did you know that this chapel was built for Henry Sy’s grandson’s wedding? Yes. It’s an all-glass chapel that can be an ideal place for weddings and special occasions.

When your stomach is already rumbling, you can drop by Sun Coral Café. It’s a seaside grill that offers Pako Salad, crispy pork slap, and pancit habhab, among others. Unfortunately, this café is only for members and their guests.

Pico de Loro offers tons of beautiful spots that you can’t explore within one day. Thus, you’ll need to stay here for at least 2 days to travel around must-see areas.

Best Diving Sites in Tubbataha Reef National Park

Swimming with sharks and watching different species of fish are just two of the things you can do when you’re diving in Tubbataha Reef National Park. Get to know the best, highly recommended diving sites in this place.

Are you into scuba diving like me? How about let’s take an adventure to Tubbataha Reefs National Park? The park is home to several diving sites. In 2008, it has been nominated as one of the world’s Wonders of Nature. And since 1993, it’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thus, you can just imagine how astonishing its beauty is. You might also be wondering about its diverse wildlife thriving there.

My friends who went there were in awe of it. They can’t describe its astonishing beauty in a few words. A sanctuary for marine biodiversity, Tubbataha Reef is home to more than 360 coral species, 13 whale species, 600 types of fish and 11 shark species.

It’s no wonder why wildlife enthusiasts from all around the world flock to this place just to experience its beauty and enjoy its awesome creatures. If you’re like me who want to scuba dive in this place, here are some suggested dive sites my friends have been to.

1. Southwest Rock

It’s found on the North Atoll that features awe-inspiring wall. The wall is covered with a wide array of corals. While you scuba dive, you’ll see groupers, mackerels and Napoleon wrasses drifting in this dive site.

How about sharks? Yes. It’s highly likely that you’ll encounter grey reef sharks and those beautiful white-tip reef sharks.

Lobsters and crabs can be easily seen while you enjoy night diving.

2. Black Rock

If you choose this dive site, then don’t expect to see lots of corals. Instead, you’ll enjoy watching and swimming with white-tip reef sharks and manta rays.

3. Bird Island

It’s another favorite diving site in Tubbataha Reef. But it’s not for a novice scuba diver as it’s known for its strong currents. You must only scuba dive along with a licensed open water diver.

Nonetheless, you’ll enjoy seeing different colorful corals, eels, rays and sharks. A giant ray may also come out, if you’re that lucky.

4. Malayan Wall

Catch hammerhead sharks while scuba diving in Malayan Wall within the Tubbataha Reef. But this site is intended only for advanced divers. This is because it needs you to drift into the deep blue sea to appreciate the water.

5. Malayan Wreck

This is also ideal for open water diver as currents are strong. When you’re an advanced diver, you’ll enjoy swimming with seahorses, nudibrances and, yes, white tip reef shark.

Scuba Diving with an advanced diver

As previously mentioned, if you’re a beginner in diving, it’s best that you scuba dive with an advanced diver or get into a drift diver training. In this way, accidents can be avoided and you’ll enjoy the beauty of the place.

If you are into seeing and swimming with sharks and different species of fish, then you should visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Shark lovers must go and see Dalsan Wreck, which is also great for a full day diving. You’ll appreciate late afternoon dive in Staghorn Point.

The cost

Expect to spend more than PHP5,000 just diving into the Tubbataha Reefs.

Here are the things you shouldn’t miss today:

1. Mega Millions Bit-Jackpot Game Is Back

Yup, yup, yup… all those who want to become an instant millionaire can join in the mega millions big-jackpot game. For Friday’s drawing, the draw can reach up to $240 million. The amount is the biggest in 20 months. The cash will be given can be up to $125 million.

Tuesday’s drawing will be different but it’ll still produce $5 million for the winner. Although no one matched every number that has been drawn last Tuesday night, there were five tickets that won the first five numbers.

There was one ticket that won $5 million and it came from Texas. The state of New York had two winners and each will receive $1 million. Florida had one winner, as well as Illinois. Last Friday night, a ticket from North Carolina won $3 million.

Compared before, the Mega Millions jackpot could easily grow because the odds of winning the prize are tougher, i.e. 1 chance in every 259 million. The Powerball’s jackpot, on the other hand, has $60 million. Currently, the Mega Millions has a bigger edge than the Powerball.

2. Frozen Musical Comes Up Cold

Frozen is an adaptation of Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. Unfortunately, the classic animated musicals didn’t come up well. It could be caused by the unexpected plot twists and lackluster humor.

On the brighter note, Frozen has modernized the Disney princess. Thus, you’d expect to find all the stereotypes in this musical. It didn’t only focus on the only person who can save the princess, i.e. the prince. It also tackles the type of love powered by a bond between sisters.

Although the story didn’t capture the hearts of every viewer, the animation was perfect and beautifully made. You’d find gorgeous ice palace and the castle of the queen. They’d all remind you of the early days of Disney. The crystalline snowflake had a 3D pop and all of its characters were beautifully drawn. It was the weak screenplay that made it lifeless and wooden, as described by some of its viewers.

Overall, Frozen will still appeal to young girls.

3. Would You Name Your Kid Happy Thanksgiving?

I’d like to meet you Dr. Happy Thanksgiving Reynolds. Yup, that’s her name. She was born during said holiday. Her parents are described as hippies so they gave their daughter a very unorthodox name.

Her unique name wasn’t a hindrance in her practice. In fact, according to her, it has helped her work in family medicine dealing with plenty of kids. For her, the name makes people at ease with her and her patients become super comfortable when she’s around.

4. Want to know how to brine your turkey?

For most of the Americans who are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, brining their turkey can be a bit daunting and challenging. Having crisp skin that’s honey browned with tender and juicy meat. That’s what everybody wants to serve.

There are several techniques and methods being suggested by experts. You can go with roasted turkey or grilled one. But the most recommended method by some experts is roasting and brining. These methods allow the juices to say intact and let it flow when you’ll slice it. It works all the time.

Recipes for brining turkey utilize different seasonings and liquids, instead of focusing on basic salt water solution or just plain salt. For wet brines, you’ll need fruit juices, wine, beer and ciders. You can season it using white or brown sugars along with herbs, spices and some aromas. If you opt for dry brines, however, you may include other seasonings and herbs but don’t forget to add salt. Use orange juice to make it tastier, juicier and more mouthwatering.

Here’s a list of top three things that you must be aware of today.

1. Pwnie Express Is Opening Its Headquarters In Boston

One of the most popular security software that first launched in Vermont has recently announced about its headquarters in Boston within the Innovation District. The company has a newly appointed CEO – Paul Paget. The said headquarter is now headed by the new CEO, along with its two new employees. The company also announced that they’ll need additional 12 employees in 2014.

With the new headquarter in Boston, Express will now have the chance to cater to its growing customer demand. Although it has already a headquarter in Boston, the company’s manufacturing operating and its research and development will stay in Vermont.

Currently, there are over 1,000 businesses that utilize Pwnie Express. These businesses are related to finance, manufacturing and health.

2. Ian Watkins Is Guilty

Is Ian Watkins a pedophile? Unfortunately, he did plead guilty to several sex offences. He did admit of attempting to rape a baby. Although he pleaded guilty to attempted sexual assault and rape about a child, he didn’t admit of raping the child.

Furthermore, he admitted that he got involved with possessing of indecent images of children. He also admitted of possessing a pornographic image of a child performing sex on an animal.

His laptop was password protected. But the obscene images of sexual activity with children were uncovered by the GCHQ.

What’s more disturbing is the fact that he did film a few episodes of abuse that took place in several hotels in UK. These films were also recovered by the police.

The sentencing will be carried on December 18, 2013.

Ian Watkins is the lead vocalist of Lostprophets, a Welsh rock band.

3. Lara Logan Is Suspended

When it comes to journalism, you must know the facts and report the truth. Unfortunately, Lara Logan didn’t heed to this advice. CBS has suspended her, along with her producer, because of the erroneous information she made on her 60 minutes report regarding the attack on a US diplomatic post in Libya. Logan took the source from a security contractor, who was discredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Later, she called it a mistake for trusting her source.

CBS found that Lara’s team didn’t do a thorough investigation about what has been provided to them by a security contractor.

4. Brandon Browner May Face A 1-Year Suspension

It looks like Seattle’s Seahawk’s cornerback won’t be playing for one year as he’ll face suspension on the grounds of violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. But the CB has filed an appeal and hoping the charges will be dropped.

Last season, he was also suspended for using a performance-enhancing substance. This year, he’s now facing another suspension of his violation against the league’s PED policy.

Brandon denied the reports on Twitter.

As regards to players facing a suspension, Brandon Browner isn’t the only player of Seahawk to face this issue. Walter Thurmond will be suspended and won’t be able to play four games because he violated the abuse substance policy of the NFL. He’s now planning to drop an appeal so he can play for the postseason.

Uh oh, looks like Georgians won’t be able to see their senior quarterback in action this season. According to reports, Aaron Murray will be undergoing surgery this week. This is in connection with a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This type of surgery needs repairing and reconstructing of the ACL. The sad report has been provided by his school.

His mother, Lauran Murray, also took it to Facebook about her son’s injury and upcoming surgery on Tuesday.

WHEN IT HAPPENED

He injured his knee last Saturday after winning against Kentucky. According to the representative of his school, Aaron Murray has been evaluated by the school’s physicians on Sunday.

The surgery will be performed immediately because the swelling in his knee was just minimal. Most of the time, this type of surgery requires at least 10 days before the operation is conducted. But because his case was just minimal, his doctors want him to undergo such operation immediately.

SEASON END

Although his case isn’t that serious, his collegiate career will have to end. Despite that, he’s still considered as the leading passer having 121 touchdowns. He began by playing 52 consecutive games for Georgia. He nearly led his team to the SEC title. His team almost had the chance to obtain the national title last year but they fell 5 yards short during their game against Alabama.

When he returned, he almost had a shot at the NFL draft. However, it didn’t work out the way he planned to. Although Murray is a good player and he performs well all the time, his team has to suffer several injuries. As a result, they lost the SEC race because of their consecutive losses against Missouri and Vanderbilt in October.

CONFIRMATION OF HIS INJURY

His mother might have told Aaron Murray’s fans through Facebook about his condition. However, Aaron, himself, didn’t confirm the report. But he did say that his medical condition was mildly serious.

He thanked his fans through Twitter for their prayers.

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