10 JANUARY, 2018

2018 IN BORACAY: YOUR GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR VACATION

Now that you have a brand new planner, it's time to plan out your vacation for the new year. 2018 is an amazing year to explore the Philippines with cheap travel packages and many long weekends. Discover the beauty of Boracay and its neighboring islands. The beach destination remains one of the best in the world. More than its famed white sand beaches, Boracay boasts a rich culture and diverse flora and fauna. The island is also home to 5-star accommodations, top-rated restos and bars, and popular party spots.

When is the best time to visit Boracay in 2018? Whenever your schedule permits. Most travelers book their trips during the off-peak season. In Boracay, the off-peak season is between mid-July and October when the rain showers are frequent. The peak season covers the rest of the year. But with the changing climate, typhoons in April and sunny August days are becoming more common. The climate may no longer be a reliable guide in planning your out-of-town vacation. Instead, let the officially-declared 2018 holidays help you mark your travel calendar.

Welcome the Chinese New Year on white sands

 
Photo courtesy of Ibrahim Asad via Pexels

After the New Year celebrations, the next holiday is in February. The country will celebrate Chinese New Year on February 16. It's a special non-working holiday. Welcome the Year of the Dog in Alta Vista de Boracay, a Boracay hotel that offers premier accommodation. You can host a party in the well-equipped Function Hall, which can accommodate 60 persons.

The Chinese New Year will fall on a Friday. You can book your Boracay hotel until February 18, Sunday.

Holy Week 2018 in Boracay


Photo courtesy of freestockpro.com via Pexels

The Holy Week is a much-awaited holiday in the Christian world. It's a time for penance, prayers, and celebrations. Christian or not, Filipinos mark this period as one of the longest non-working week in Philippine calendar.

The Holy Week is peak season anywhere in the country. You can expect that flights and accommodations are a bit more expensive during this period. But this doesn't mean that you should shy away from traveling. The technique is in booking your flight and accommodations in advance. Businesses offer amazing discounts for early reservations.

The Holy Week covers March 29, Maundy Thursday, until April 1, Easter Sunday.

Araw ng Kagitingan long weekend

Travel season in the Philippines is during the dry months of November to May. If you don't get your chance to fly to Boracay on Holy Week, you can have your beach escapade in mid-April. Araw ng Kagitingan, celebrated every April 9, is a national observance that commemorates the fall of Bataan during World War II. It's a regular holiday.

In 2018, Araw ng Kagitingan falls on a Monday. You can book an accommodation in Boracay's stunning Puka Beach from April 7, Saturday, to April 9, Monday.

Beach relaxation on Ninoy Aquino Day

There are many reasons why you should consider taking your vacation on off-peak months. Fewer people go out-of-town so flight and accommodation rates are a bit lower. You can also enjoy “rainy day promos” that can save money for your barkada.

If you're worrying about the weather, you should know that the cooler breeze is perfect for relaxation. The blistering sun and humid air may suggest a fun summer vibe but can cause discomfort to some. Savor the more calm ambiance in Boracay in August. The Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 falls on a Tuesday. You can use your vacation leave on August 20, Monday so you can enjoy a four-day vacation.

Surfing and parasailing fun on National Heroes' Day

The National Heroes' Day on August 27 (Monday) marks another long weekend. Book a flight on the evening of August 24, Friday, and spend a weekend bash in Boracay.

August is an off-peak month so you can enjoy amazing promos and discounts. Check airlines, hotels, and restaurants for their special rainy day offers. What to do in Boracay at that time of the year? The waves are perfect for surfing and the wind for parasailing. This is also a good time for outdoor activities without the scorching sun hurting your skin. Still, you are exposed to ultraviolet rays, so don't skip on the sunblock.

The (very) long All Saints' Day holiday


Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

November is fraught with downtime, thanks to the many holidays and long weekends. It's also a period of exodus of people visiting their provinces. If you want to spare yourself from the high pressure environment in ports and terminals, start your vacation a bit earlier. November 1, Thursday, is a regular holiday, and November 2, Friday, a special non-working holiday. This means that you have at least four days of relaxation.

Here's a tip: fly to Boracay as early as October 30 (Tuesday) to avoid the rush. If you can file an earlier vacation leave, the better. Fly back home on
November 3 (Saturday), earlier than everyone else. On Sunday, you can relax and prepare for the the work week ahead.

A nature trip on Bonifacio Day holiday

The last two months of the year are the busiest in transport networks, commercial centers, and tourist destinations. November and December are also considered the most important of the ber months, and people are especially festive. Why should you go to Boracay on Bonifacio Day (November 30, Friday)? The beach isn't a typical place to visit as the yuletide season approaches. Most people frequent malls and bazaars to complete their Christmas gift list. This means that there may not be as huge a crowd in Boracay than in another peak season month.

Reconnect with nature in an eco-tour and/or island hopping fun in Boracay. In the evening, go scuba diving and marvel at the nocturnal marine life. You can leave for Boracay after work on November 29, Thursday, and fly back home in the afternoon of December 2, Sunday.

Christmas 2018 at the beach


Photo courtesy of Tim Mossholder via Pexels

End 2018 with a bang. Host your Christmas reunion in Boracay! You can book your stay in Alta Vista de Boracay on December 22, Saturday, until December 25, Tuesday. Organize a themed party in the Function Hall or have a family get-together in the karaoke room. In the morning, visit the neighboring islands and islets, and take amazing photos of the breathtaking scenery.

Book your rooms as early as possible and take advantage of special promos.
You can also score discounted airline tickets if you purchase months ahead.

2018 is just a few days away. Plan your holiday calendar as early as possible. You can ensure a stress-free out-of-town trip by thinking ahead. Plus, you can snap amazing promos and discounts. Start marking your calendar!