What type of traveler are you?

Some people choose traveling to destinations based on “It” places of the year. For the adventurous, they simply go for the place where their finger lands on the map. While the money-savvy simply follow where Piso fares go.

No matter what type of traveler you are, the new year brings in a fresh opportunity to travel differently. If you want different places to travel every month this 2020, here’s a suggestion: look to your Chinese zodiac for your next destination.

What’s a Travel Zodiac?

It may sound weird to let fate and horoscope determine the next place to hit in your bucket list. But think about it: the Chinese zodiac tells a great deal about your strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, making them helpful in choosing the getaway spot that matches with the kind of personality you have. Surely it can help with travel, right?

The Chinese zodiac has 12 animal signs. According to ancient Chinese myths, twelve species participated in a race going to the Jade Emperor’s party. As a way of honoring animals who showed up, the gods named a year after each of them. Meanwhile, the order of their arrival became the zodiac order in the calendar.

According to ancient beliefs, the animals represented in the years influence the character of people born in that period. By extension, it affects your travel dreams and goals. With that, here’s a travel guide that can help you find the perfect destination based on your zodiac sign.

Here are the best places to visit in 2020 based on your Chinese zodiac sign:

Year of Rat - Panglao Bohol
Year of the Ox - Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Year of the Tiger - Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental
Year of the Rabbit - Lake Apo, Bukidnon
Year of the Dragon - Camiguin Island
Year of the Snake - Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Year of the Horse, Boracay Island,
Year of the Sheep - Baguio, Cordillera
Year of the Monkey - Siquijor Island
Year of the Rooster - Baler, Aurora
Year of the Dog - Basco, Batanes
Year of the Pig - Mati, Davao Oriental

Read up to know why you should add these to your travel list this 2020!

Year of the Rat - Panglao, Bohol

1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Photo courtesy of Eduardo C.G. via Unsplash

People born in the Year of the Rat are smart, witty, and curious. They’re very adaptable to different kinds of situations and people. That’s why a destination that has a little bit of everything is the place to be. Case in point: Panglao.

This little hidden paradise will tickle the Rat’s curiosity. It’s teeming with beaches, namely Alona Beach, Bagobo Beach, Bolod Beach, Danao Beach, Doljo Beach, and Momo Beach. On these sites alone, you can go swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, even dolphin and whale watching.

You can feast on seafood and get a massage right on the white sand. You may also explore the inland cave called Hinagdanan that has a natural lagoon. But if you want to take a break from the nature trips, you can go on a historical-religious tour at San Agustin Church and the five-story watchtower.

Year of the Ox - Vigan, Ilocos Sur

1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009

Photo courtesy of Nathaniel Sison via Unsplash

The Ox is well-known for its diligence, dependability, and determination. In terms of travel, they’re the perfect buddies because they will help you stick to the itinerary, even creating it themselves. So for an excellent vacation getaway, you need a place that would put your organization skills to use. There couldn’t be a far better choice than the historic city of Vigan.

The city offers an array of sites to see and things to discover. Arrange a tour around the heritage places in the locale. Some of the locations you shouldn’t miss are Syquia Mansion, Calle Crisologo, Padre Burgos Museum, and Bantay Bell Tower.

You can also try your hand at organizing a food crawl as this city has the best delicacies, from longganisa and empanada to bagnet down to chichacorn. As you immerse yourself in the city, don’t forget to be a responsible millennial traveler—take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints.,

Year of the Tiger - Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental

1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Photo courtesy of Rune Haugseng via Unsplash

Known as brave, confident, and competitive, Tigers are daredevils at heart. Because of their bold personality, they’re often very charming in the eyes of people. They’re assertive when making decisions. What you need is a place where you can release this strong energy inside you. The perfect destination? None other than the Adventure Capital of the Philippines: Cagayan de Oro.

You can go whitewater rafting in the famous river. It has rapids up to class 3, so you can experience a high-intensity adventure sport. You can also try canyoneering. The province is blessed with towering mountains and lush forests that you’ll always find a site perfect for hiking, rappelling, and cliff jumping. Of course, you shouldn’t miss ziplining as well — you’ll be able to see a breathtaking view of the natural wonder of the province from that top view.

Year of the Rabbit - Lake Apo, Bukidnon

1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011

Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels

Rabbits are quiet, kind, and responsible. They are often a homebody, and they love being hospitable to others. Being gentle and compassionate, they tend to avoid confrontations. Because of this, some see them as weak or soft. But Rabbits know that their strength will shine when situations demand it. The destination most suitable for you then is one that would allow you to enjoy some peace while also give you some push out of your “shell.” The tranquil Lake Apo can do just that.

Located in Bukidnon in the city of Valencia, this paradise is a crater lake surrounded by hilly, beautiful terrain. It offers the perfect zen atmosphere. Take a dip into its waters, and you’ll find a cool, refreshing treat.

You can rent a floating hut for two hours and enjoy being one with nature and the placid lake. Now, for the challenging part: before you see all this beauty, get ready for a bumpy ride from the city center to the lake. You’ll have to take a habal-habal from Dologon Junction in Maramag before reaching paradise.

Year of the Dragon - Camiguin Island

1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012

Photo courtesy of Ron Atory via Unsplash

In a nutshell, Dragons are confident. When it comes to working, they’re as smart as they can be. When it comes to people, they’re energetic and excited. Yet, they can also come off as arrogant and impatient. This is why the best destination for you is one that would tap into your creative energies, while also “humbling” you in the process. The destination to be? The majestic Camiguin Island.

This paradise has every natural wonder you can think of: beaches, waterfalls, springs, and volcanoes—and take note, seven volcanoes. That’s more than enough to baffle your mind, get you in high spirits, and make you feel small but in the right way. Places you can’t miss are Ardent Hot Springs, Tuasan Falls, Katibawasan Falls, Kaliba Beach, and of course, one of the famous volcanoes. For sure, you’ll be humbled at the challenge and scenery of hiking the 1,600-meter high Mt. Timpoong.

Year of the Snake - Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao

1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013

Photo courtesy of Albert Renn via Unsplash

Because of religious narratives, this animal has taken on the image of a cunning, conniving character. Yet, in the Chinese calendar, people born in the Year of the Snake are actually wise and witty. Given this, the best place to visit is one that would help you channel that intellectual spirit. The majestic Banaue Rice Terraces is an ideal destination.

There’s so much culture, heritage, and creativity to learn in this “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Visit and discover for yourself how the Ifugaos turned out to be the most innovative engineers in the world.

Appreciate the beauty of nature and human genius as you get the story of how the rural community carved the terraces by hand and created an intricate irrigation system ahead of its time. Be especially respectful of this indigenous treasure. Don’t be insensitive to the local community there. Take note of these other bad habits to avoid when going to places and destinations for the first time.

Year of the Horse - Boracay Island

1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014

Photo courtesy of Charles via Unsplash

Well-liked by people, Horses are animated and energetic. They also love to be independent, but they’re also a crowd favorite given their humor. Considering this zodiac personality, the ideal destination for this is a place where you can release all that excitement inside you. Where to? Where all the good things happen: Boracay.

If you want to enjoy the island at a reasonable price, book your accommodation at Alta Vista de Boracay. We have promos running all-year-round for you to enjoy the island. You can use all that horsepower in the adrenaline-rush activities on this island. Go cliff-diving at Ariel’s Point. Kite-surf at Bulabog Beach. Ride the zorb or hop from one islet to another. To cap the day off, lie down on the sand and take in the sunset view before you. Or, do a stargazing session at Boracay, as you quiet your tired, but happy spirit.

Year of the Sheep - Baguio, Cordillera

1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015

Photo courtesy of Zuzana Kacerová via Unsplash

Like the meek animal, people born in these years are polite, loyal, and kind-hearted. In daily life, they tend to be thrifty, leading a simple life. They’re also very fond of art and beauty. Given these, the Sheep’s travel goals are often about learning other people’s cultures and saving money while doing it. That said, the vacation spot ideal for you is Baguio.

A city included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, this place has dynamic art and heritage atmosphere. From Cordillera weaves to silver craft down to wood carved materials, there’s a lot of things that would pique your creative interests.

When in Baguio, don’t miss the opportunity to go to the Bencab Museum and see masterpieces highlighting Filipino culture. Snap a picture of the Bell Church’s elaborate architecture. Meet and greet local book writers at Mt. Cloud Bookshop, too. Maybe, as a final art adventure to cap off your travel, visit the beautifully painted houses in The Valley of Colors.

Year of the Monkey - Siquijor Island

1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016

Photo courtesy of Jingxuan Chi via Unsplash

Monkeys are known to be bright and curious, especially when it comes to career and business. They’re also versatile, able to adapt to different kinds of situations. What’s more, they’re very popular among crowds because Monkeys easily charm everyone with humor. That said, when traveling, the destination you should visit is a place that could further enrich your wit, as well as encourage your fun personality. What could be a better place than the mystical Siquijor?

This quiet island is popular for myths about witches, sorcerers, and supernatural creatures. It’s the perfect place for someone teeming with curiosity. At the same time, this province is filled with so many things your fun-seeking self will enjoy. You can spend a day at Paliton Beach, see the famous 400-year old Balete tree, or make a splash at Cambugahay and Lagaan Falls. And for the most exciting activity, ask for a love potion from a healer.

Year of the Rooster - Baler, Aurora

1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017

Photo courtesy of Gabriel Villena via Unsplash

Authentic, smart, and goal-driven, that’s what Roosters are. They’re very independent, rarely relying on other people for what they want to happen. Roosters make the best candidates for solo travelers. If you want to start 2020 with a solo trip, one of the destinations perfect for you is Baler.

First of all, Baler is safe for solo travelers. People are very respectful. More importantly, this small town brims with nature’s best sceneries and historical locations, perfect for solitary musings. Some of the wonders you can’t miss are the Sabang Beach, Dicasalarin Cove, and Ditumabo Falls. If you want to do something brave on this solo journey, you can try crossing the Baler Hanging Bridge. Bring some lucky Chinese charms with you for an extra boost of confidence.

Year of the Dog - Basco, Batanes

1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

Photo courtesy of Rene Padillo via Unsplash

People born in the Year of the Dog are sincere, loving, and loyal. They will do almost anything for the people they love. What’s more, they’re strong-willed that they don’t fear the difficulties of life. What you need is a quiet place where you can share unhurried conversations and bonding experiences with loved ones and close friends. Where to? Up north: Basco, Batanes.

Bask in the surreal beauty of Vayang Rolling Hills. Watch a majestic sunset from the 66-ft. Basco Lighthouse. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, go to Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel built during World War II.

Year of the Pig - Mati, Davao Oriental

1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Photo courtesy of Lester Casio via Unsplash

People born in the Year of the Pig are compassionate and generous when it comes to dealing with people. But in terms of work, they mean business. They’re diligent. When they set a goal, they will follow through it. The ideal destination for Pigs is a place where they can plan a bunch of activities for people they love. Try the famous Mati in Davao Oriental.

You’ll never run out of things to do in this city. You can go ultralight flying. Then, surf at the secluded Dahican Beach. Catch your breath and head over to Subangan Museum to learn about the region’s history and culture. To cap the day off, climb up the Carmelite Monastery, reflect, and say a prayer.

The year 2020 is the year of exploring the Philippines. Be open to the idea of leaving your travel destination to the fates of your Chinese zodiac. Ready for an adventure? Happy traveling!

Where to Travel This 2020? Let Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Decide