The Last of Summer

Caluwayan Palm Beach Resort

For most of us, summer is about to conclude unless if you're one of the victims of the academic calendar shift. Just last week, my mom and my grandmom flew all the way from Davao to Barugo, Leyte, my grandmom's hometown.

Here are some snapshots of my quick summer escapade in Leyte and Samar. And yep, #SummerSaSamar and #SamarOutThere are the two official hashtags of my last minute summer adventure because mapaso hinduro (it's sooo hot like OMG). Hurray! My Waray language skill is three pedestals higher than last year!

Six budget tips and tricks for traveling like a pro

We are already midway into the summer season but planning for travels abroad remains a favorite pastime for many. The demand for affordable airfares, accommodations and destinations continues to increase as more Filipinos are looking to reward themselves with an out-of-the-country trip with friends or family. Traveling offers a complete sensory experience: from authentic food, the sights and sounds, all the way to shopping and discovering great finds to remind you how wonderful your trip was.

All these experiences, however, entail budget. It takes patience and skill to know how to manage your expenses abroad, especially for the more luxurious destinations in Europe or North America. It might be challenging for some, but knowing how to get the best value for your hard-earned money will make your vacation more enjoyable, with a few more to spare for trinkets and souvenirs you can take home. Here are a few tips and tricks to make your travel budgets go a long way while you’re out of the country.