If you are planning to visit Cebu – the Queen City of the South, you don’t need to prepare a huge amount to support your weekend vacation. This is intended only for “trippers” who are not really into the amenities of your accommodation, but rather after for the adventure and fun that the city could offer.
I would strongly suggest that you book your flights at the earliest possible time. It will give you almost more than 50% in savings and divert that amount to other expenses like “pasalubong” and souvenirs. Go for flights that you think with fewer passengers because they are most likely cheaper. Remember the law in demand J If you are eyeing a low-cost-no-frills jet service, expect re-booking fees. So if I were you, changing your flight schedule should be the last thing on your mind.
If you are on a weekend vacation, be sure to get enough rest before the big day. You wouldn’t want to spend your short holiday sleeping in your room. You will miss a lot of things. Never get out of focus. You are here to enjoy another adventure in your life at a minimal budget but with maximum possibilities.Before confirmation of your tickets, please take note of the date, time of arrival, and departure before you click the confirm button. The most common errors that online customers commit are not following simple instructions flashed on the screen. Correct spelling is a must, especially if you are crossing to another country. You will end up exasperated if you get your name spelled incorrectly. If there is a way to rectify it, airlines would ask for proof that you are referring to the same person and for legal documentation. Be sure to be keen on details because this is a trip you wouldn’t want to have a single glitch along the way.
Now that you have your ticket and flight schedule, keep a copy of your ticket in an easy access bag or wallet. Don’t worry it is not a crime if you fold your e-ticket to the tiniest piece of it, as long as you have your name on it and the flight details, there is no need to panic. Relax. After all, that is one of the main reasons why you are having this short vacation.
Another thing that is usually one of the issues in traveling, some people forget the importance of having a valid identification. Guys, this is for your security and of the ticket itself not being used by a stranger. There are many ways to get an ID. We have the postal ID system, “barangay”, government-issued IDs, employers, and other IDs provided by government agencies. Be sure that it is valid otherwise, you cannot pass through security checks.
Upon arrival here in Cebu, don’t get too excited and hire a taxi right away. There are metered taxi cabs in the pre-departure area and never settle for “pakyawan”. Consider it as one of the unnecessary expenses for this trip. If you have no reserved accommodation, you may ask the driver to drop you in Fuente Circle. There are lots of nearby hotels or pensione houses that you can afford. If you would want to have it reserved in advance, the internet will help you with that. Prices range from 550php to 1288php for a standard room good for two. Perhaps you can see some adverts that may be helpful that you can click.
Once you have your accommodation already, your next thing to worry is the place to eat and the place to explore. Around Fuente Circle, you can find the “Larsians” for your chicken and pork barbeque needs. You can find lots of fast-food chains and convenience stores within the rotunda. If you are into fancy dinner you may want to try Casa Verde, Kuya J’s, STK, AA’s, Golden Cowrie, and a lot more. The food is delicious and the price is right! This is one thing I enjoy about Cebu you get to have the best food on a small amount of money.
If you want to move and take snapshots on historical sites, you can go to Basilica del Sto. Niño. It is one of the oldest churches run by the Augustinians. Then right behind the church, you will see Magellan’s Cross, and right across that piece of history is the Cebu City Hall. If you want to experience the city, I suggest that after your spiritual tour, walk around the city and ask for directions on which way to go to Colon. It is the oldest street in the country and is thriving with lots of business establishments you can check out for souvenir items. Be careful when crossing the streets, Jay Walking is strictly imposed.
After walking around Colon, you can find a jeep that goes to Pier 3. There is a barge that will help you cross the Mactan Channel by barge - Lapu-Lapu City. This will dock near the miraculous “Birhen sa Recla” (read: Our Lady of the Rule) parish church. You can take the same route for your return or take a jeep that will cross the old Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. Expect a long ride though and if you want you may hop out at SM City Cebu. You get the usual mall ambiance and lots of local stores where you can buy “pasalubong” and shop for souvenir items.
Going around the city is very accessible with public transportation available and Cebuano’s are helpful when it comes to things like asking for direction. You don’t have to feel hesitant approaching someone to get directions moving around using public transport. There is nothing like getting lost in Cebu because you will find yourself a helpful Cebuano to the rescue.
Now if you would like to experience the white sands of Lapu-Lapu. There are many options you can choose in getting there. You can take a cab or the PUJ. Moving around the city is not a big problem as long as you are the adventurous type. There are many beach resorts you can stay in for the day. One, for example, is Portofino Beach Resort, you can bring your food and the entrance fee is cheap while the shoreline is very good. They have a website if you like to check or other beach resorts within Lapu-Lapu Island.
Cebu is not an expensive destination, with zero crime rate city and friendly people. There are places also that you can party. Mango Square, MO2, Penthouse, and other cool places you can chill with your friends.
Traveling is an art. Your skills are developed and it helps you boost your confidence. There are many lessons not taught in the four corners of a classroom that can be learned in traveling. Never be afraid to explore, to ask, to wander, and to care for the environment. Challenge yourself at least once a year. Go to someplace like Cebu. See you!
Comments