DIY Travel Tips

I have read this travel blog where the blogger used to list down all her itineraries and expenses. Well, I assume, most travel bloggers do this,  right? It's their way of helping would-be travelers on how to live on a tight budget while enjoying the luxury of traveling. And by showing the easiest and comfortable way of traveling (air, sea or land) without the fear of, of course, getting lost!

For people who has never (ever!) set their foot on a strange land, they would really find this useful. Not only they'll get the easiest route and the cheapest place to stay or eat, but it will also open their eyes to what they are about to discover on the strange land. What sort of people they're about to meet and greet, what tourist attractions awaits them, what souvenir items are worth-bringing home, what places are not to be visited, what festivities are worth-joining and not to be missed.

Everything's been set for us. It's our DIY travel book (or Idiot's Guide to Traveling -name of place- .. haha!)  We don't need to buy expensive travel books or maps (even compass!) Have your eyes glued on the net, search on travel blogs and voila! There you go.. You can feel your hands are itching to click on every blogs you see, checking all the places these people have been, jotting down all their travel adventures (or simply print a copy - less hassle) What is left for us to do is pack our things and off we go to a new adventure. 

That's what I did when I booked myself a flight to Cebu. With the help of my travel buddy ChinChan of juanderfulpinoy.com, we spent countless days looking for the cheapest yet enjoyable trip to Cebu. My idea of a Cebu trip was focused mainly on the city. I did not know that Cebu offers the best beaches, too! I didn't have the slightest idea that Camotes, Malapascua and Bantayan Islands were neighboring islands of Cebu. I've realized that the other provinces of Cebu, just like the city proper, has much to offer. My eyes feasted on amazement, my tummy's on the delicious foods and my mind's on the over flowing of thoughts as I am witnessing a beauty that no one will dare miss.

I tried to write down, as vividly as I can remember, all the places we've been, the activities we did and the moolahs we've shelled out to finance our travel. Much as I tried to cut down the cost by taking public transportation, I can't help but take cabs (for fear of getting lost..) Cebu jeepney's are making me crazy, with all the letter-number combo that you have to watch for.. I just find it complicated (sigh) We just made bawi na lang sa foods. I didn't fancy the numerous restaurants. Carinderia will do for me.  CnT and Larsian.. the best! Delicious and very affordable! We didn't even miss taking advantage the free breakfast offered by the inns. Sayang!

We could have won the tipid travel challenge if not for these lavish cabs we took going to-from. And another culprit, the hotel/inn where we stayed. I'm not picky when it comes to choosing the room to stay but, oh my, I can't stand a day without a TV. Room must be well-ventilated. No a/c? Fan will do. Clean sheets. Cabinets/drawers for storage and clean restroom. I even tried picturing myself staying on a dormitory-type of lodging.. but I love privacy! I want privacy!  So, hotel/inn on a tipid travel challenge: failed! Pasalubong? I narrowed it by spending just 500 pesos, no more, no less. 

This challenge thought me lots of things. I can't do everything what others can (much as I want to believe in myself that I can do this!) I can only do so much.. :)

But I'll do better when my next travel adventure comes. I will "try" to save more and spend less while enjoying the trip!