Summer’s Far from Over: Here’s a Quick Guide for Broke-Ass Millennials

You can still have a lot of fun without spending too much of your hard-earned moolah.
by Therese Aseoche | May 09, 2017

At this point in the summer, you’re most likely on the lookout for cheaper vacation getaways to make the most out of the remaining weeks of tropical sun. Here are a few of our suggestions!

Early morning hikes

There are several hikes you can take near Metro Manila that will cost no more than PHP 500 for the entire trip, and some have lush forest trails that provide hikers enough protection from the scorching summer sun.

Pico de Loro is perfect for beginners who are brave enough to climb all the way to the steep and rocky summit.

Mount Daraitan is just as good an option because you’ll come across the Tinipak River during your climb, where you can cool off before or after reaching the summit.

Mount Romelo in Laguna is also a cheap and easy climb with a lot of side trips to refreshing waterfalls.

For hikers seeking a challenge, Mount Pulag is your best bet; it’s better scaled during the summer season when you can escape the heat to one-degree temperatures at the top. And compared to the cooler months, you’ll be able to tolerate the cold more during this time!

Nearby beach bumming

Nagsasa and Anawangin Cove in Zambales has become an easy favorite among tourists seeking a quick and cheap weekend trip to the beach. Camping is a favored activity, and you can buy bonfire wood to experience making s’mores or tell stories around the campfire. Trekking is another must-do especially when you want to bathe in the refreshing Nagsasa Falls.

Another good camping site is Quezon’s Pagbilao Beaches which are as beautiful as Boracay and Palawan combined, only without the crowd and clamor. Choose among its three beaches — Borawan, Dampalitan, and Puting Buhangin — where to unwind at. (Read more about them here.)

Of course, you can’t leave out Batangas! Break away from Laiya and Nasugbu and opt for Calatagan instead. Burot Beach in particular is your best bet to have total “Me Time” because of its remoteness and tranquility.

Last-minute flights to nearby countries

Here are just a few of our recommendations:

Cambodia: You’ll love how absolutely everything is easy on the wallet in Cambodia — the food, the accommodations, and the attractions. Even in its capital city, you won’t have a hard time discovering free and cheap things to do like visiting temples and museums, and experiencing the buzzing night life.

Vietnam: Vietnam is one of a seasoned backpacker’s favorite destinations because of all the rich experiences you can get which don’t come with a high price tag. Hanoi and Hoi An, in particular, are perfect for the budget-conscious and those who’d like to see what Vietnam once was.

Indonesia: June is the best time to fly to Indonesia when the dry season has begun and wildlife is at its peak. You can save on money by going the road less traveled, like floating along Tamblingan Lake, trekking the scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk, and relaxing at the Lotus Lagoon.

Taiwan: Starting this June 2017, Taiwan will be lifting the visa requirement for all Filipinos for a trial period of one year. It’s likewise a backpacker’s paradise with the amount of fun and enriching activities you can do for cheap. It’s also an underrated foodie destination; you can find a lot of delicious eats along the streets!

Where else do you recommend us to go for a cheap summer vacation? Tell us all about them below!