Travel Tips for Revenge Travel (Updated)

As people are out and about for revenge travel, here are tips to help you prepare.

Things to prepare before traveling

1. Valid passport
2. Check the destination's arrival travel requirements.
3. Visa, if needed.
4. Book the airline tickets.
5. Book your accommodation directly at the property's website. If something goes wrong with your trip or stay, you'll get better customer service if you book directly through the hotel. In addition, hotels prioritize reservations made directly with them since they don't have to pay a commission fee.
   
   As travel is back to normal now, some properties may or may not match rates with third-party booking sites. Still, best to check with them if they will. If they won’t and the third-party booking site is cheaper, then book where the rate is better. Always compare rates.*
6. Travel insurance with COVID coverage for every family member is a must. With travel insurance, you are covering yourself against travel risks. Risks like lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover (should you not be able to travel due to unexpected medical reasons), and, most importantly, unexpected medical costs abroad. We always get this https://insureshop.ph/travel/safetrip.
   
   
   
7. Travel itinerary.
8. The phone applications to download for a hassle-free arrival.
9. Research the weather and prepare appropriate clothes.

A day before the flight put everything inside one envelope for easy access once needed at the airport.

1. Fill up https://etravel.gov.ph, departure (Leaving the Philippines). Screenshot the QR Code and save it.*
2. Pay travel tax online https://traveltax.tieza.gov.ph*
3. Print out VaxCert for every family member. Get your VaXCert here.
   (VaxCert is no longer asked for but we still bring the certificate anyway, in case someone asks for it*).
   
   
   
4. Print out Travel Insurance
5. Print out airline tickets.
6. Print out the travel itinerary.
7. Comply with the travel destination's app requirements before arrival. This step requires you to upload images of your VaxCert, Passport, and other details needed.
8. Have more than enough US dollars or local currency for the trip.

All of the above are essential requirements for wherever you go internationally.

In addition, some countries may require RT-PCR from accredited testing centers before arrival. (Best to check your country’s destination for their arrival requirements. Though most destinations do not require RT-PCR anymore.*)

Upon arrival at the country of destination

1. Exchange your US$ with the local currency inside the ForEx counter at the airport.
2. Buy a local data sim card.
3. Buy a train card and load it.

A day before you arrive in the Philippines

• Fill up the e-arrival card at OneHealthPass.
  
  One Health Pass is changed to eTravel. Fill up https://etravel.gov.ph, a day or on the day of your flight and before you arrive the Philippines. Screenshot the QR Code and save it.*
  
  
  

Traveling with family is more challenging than traveling alone or as a couple. Traveling with a family requires a lot of research, especially when it comes to considering the needs of every family member.

First to consider is the accommodation.
How many rooms are needed to fit the whole family? For us, a family of 6, we need at most two rooms—one room for four and 1 room for 2. Unfortunately, accommodations usually have family rooms that can only fit four pax. No need for a fancy room as you will only be there to sleep. Most of the time, you and your family will be out to enjoy the sights. Our first option is always to look for a YMCA hotel and book directly. YMCAs usually have good locations (near the train interchange and a convenience store).


Next to consider is the location.
It should be near the train station and a convenience store. Being near the train station makes moving from one place to another more accessible and cheaper. Being near a convenience store (7-11, Family Mart, etc.) provides you with cheap eats for breakfast or easy access to bottled water and other needs like toiletries. Familiarize yourself with the train map.


Third, plot out your daily itinerary.
We use Visit a City to help plot out the most time-saving and convenient routes for our daily trips. Download Google Maps for easy access to directions.

Fourth, take lots of photos to help you remember the trip.


Fifth, most importantly, enjoy the bonding moments with family.


Follow our family's travel adventures on IG #YuvsFamilyAdventure

*Updated Aug 6, 2023
**Originally published November 29, 2002