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We know you're in the mood for some revenge travel this year—here's how to make the best of it

It's the year for revenge travel, and everyone's looking forward to booking their next vacation. A well-deserved trip outside the country—or even to one of our many beautiful Philippine islands—is a treat we're all excited for this year. And why not? For many of us, this will be among our first few memories of travel after three years of living amidst a pandemic. The only question now remains: how do we make the best of our time, experience, and money? 

Read more: Exclusive: Lee Jae-wook's tips on visiting South Korea

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your vacation days, whether you're looking to relax on a beach, explore a new city, or simply enjoy a staycation in a foreign land.

Try to plan ahead

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We get it! Sometimes the best way to enjoy or book a vacation is to do it spontaneously. But if you have time, always try to plan ahead. This gives you the option to book great deals or get first dibs on the best hotels. Start the year off right and plan where you want to go—and when you want to do it! It'll give you something to look forward to as well. 

Pre-book your tickets to popular attractions

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Most tourist destinations have their own website nowadays! From the Louvre museum in Paris to Disneyland in Hong Kong, most anything can be pre-booked—and we recommend you do so! It will save you plenty of time to enjoy the attraction, rather than waiting in line to get inside. You can also use online booking sites such as Klook, KKDay, or even Airbnb to look for deals or interesting new things you may want to do. 

Figure out the transportation situation

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Unsplash)

Different cities have different modes of transportation. Are you heading out to somewhere like Tokyo, where the complicated train stations could get you lost? Or are you flying out to Bangkok, where (due to traffic) the most convenient and time-saving option would be to hire a motorcycle taxi? If you're planning on making your own itinerary to travel, always figure out the transportation beforehand. Find out the most reliable way to get around, and maybe even figure out routes to where you want to go as you plan. It will save you a lot of time, and protect you from scams. 

Read more: A food lover's guide to Bangkok

Book tours if necessary

Tatler Asia
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Exploring a city or a locale on your own is fantastic. It gives you ample time to do what you want, or simply linger in a fascinating part of the neighbourhood. However, if you're planning on visiting somewhere a bit further out from your home base, consider booking a one or two-day tour through Viator and other similar websites that give you access to a well-versed guide and reliable transportation. The last thing you want to do is waste your day or end up in an unfamiliar part of a country you've never been to! 

Get a credit card

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Above (Photo: BDO)

There are a variety of credit cards out there that anyone can take advantage of. There are ones that make great choices for foodies and fashionistas, and ones—like the recently launched American Express Explorer—that allow travellers to make the best out of their upcoming trips.

Just recently, BDO and American Express teamed up to launch a new credit card that entitles card members to a variety of perks. For every PHP40 spent, users earn one American Express Membership Reward, which can be redeemed for one air mile at six frequent flyer partners. They can also be converted into hotel loyalty points from Marriot Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, which host thousands of properties around the world and within the country. Did we mention these points never expire? Make the best out of your next trip with this awesome advantage right in your very own wallet!

To know more, visit americanexpress.com.ph

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