By now, it’s clear that with Covid-19, there is no going back to the old normal in the near future. Travel will be changed—for years, and possibly for good. International air travel especially might become a huge pain, even more than it was after 9/11. Nobody knows much for sure yet, but to me one thing is clear:
In the near future, road trips in one’s home country will be the safest, most accessible way to have an adventure in the age of social distancing.
Specifically, road trips to places away from crowds and off the beaten path, where social distancing is not just possible, but effortless.
Exploring Zambales by car. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography
Fortunately for us who live literally anywhere in the Philippines, there is no shortage of options. I’ve spent the past year going on long, beautiful road trips north of Manila with photographer Angelo Mendoza. In the process we’ve both realized that we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible right here at home.
After traveling to dozens of countries, even living abroad for months at a time, and then coming home and doing these road trips, I learned one life-changing lesson:
You can have the most epic, life-changing travel experiences without leaving your own country. What matters is not where you travel but having a spirit of discovery and appreciation—to see your home country with the eyes of a visitor.
You don’t need plenty of money, but you need plenty of TIME.
My first time really exploring off the beaten path in my own country for an extended period of time was, I’m embarrassed to say, only in 2019, on a road trip through the Philippine Cordilleras. I realized fully then that I really didn’t need to hop on a plane or go through the hassle of getting a visa to have an unforgettable and unique travel experience, as I had previously been inclined to think, just for lack of trying.
A stunning road in the Central Cordillera in Ilocos Sur.
There are obvious benefits to choosing to travel by road at home instead of flying or going abroad. First, it’s extremely affordable, with an abundance of cheap local food and great options for affordable accommodations all over the Philippines. When you take your own car, you have space for plenty of supplies to last you a long time and virtually unlimited flexibility with your itinerary. Stretching your peso means you can spend more time and do more things with the same amount of money—and likely still have a lot left over compared to traveling abroad that you save or use to splurge. You can even stay in hotels without breaking the bank if you want.
Moreover, you don’t have to deal with a foreign language, although knowing Bisaya, Ilocano, or any major language in the Philippines would be a huge help as you venture further out. And finally, wherever you go, especially in far-flung places, you can have the opportunity for life-changing experiences of Filipino hospitality. And you, in turn, can help support local economies that have been badly hit by the lockdowns.
I can’t wait to get on the road again and explore the Philippines with renewed enthusiasm. Here are just a handful of my post-lockdown travel goals:
Rediscover Greater Manila and its food
A new day dawning over Metro Manila.
While waiting for travel services to be allowed to operate again, I already want to start my adventures close to home. As things start opening up, everything old will feel new again. We’ll appreciate the smallest tastes of normalcy. The freedom to have a beer at a bar or sit at a café will seem like the greatest thing in the world (albeit with social distancing enforced).
Mood.
I’ve learned after working on a local travel food show that sharing food with the people who make them and people who are passionate about food is one of the best ways to explore and learn about a place. This newfound awareness has opened up a delicious new world to discover right in my own backyard.
So I want to hop on my scooter and go around Maginhawa, Poblacion, Chinatown, etc., discovering great food in every place from famed local institutions, to little-known holes-in-the-wall, to revered local legends. I could venture north to Bulacan, south towards Alabang then on to Laguna and Cavite, or head east to Rizal, taking recommendations from friends in each place. The possibilities are virtually inexhaustible without even having to travel far from home.
Strictly Dumpling takes on Binondo!
Are we going to let the food vloggers have all the fun and food? Let’s dive into those hidden gems in and around our home cities. There’s never been a more important time, too, to support the restaurant industry.
Take on the Halsema Highway on a motorcycle
Video by motovlogger SEFTV on Youtube
Driving across the beautiful and perilous Halsema Highway from Baguio to Sagada for the first time in 2018 was my baptism into venturing far beyond Manila by car. As I mentioned above, it was my 2019 road trip here that made me realize just how intense and fulfilling local travel by road can be: sticking to our own time, creating our own itinerary day by day, and exploring as if we were foreigners.
Having recently learned to ride on two wheels and finally purchasing my own scooter, it’s my goal to work my way up to traversing this entire stretch of road from Baguio to Sagada and beyond. While cars are comfortable and great for hauling lots of gear, there’s nothing like riding a motorcycle for forcing you to travel light while also connecting you to the elements, nature, and the locals along the way. It’s sure to be an exhausting challenge for a newbie like me, and I’m sure to be exposed to all sorts of danger and weather. That’s precisely what would make it so much more stimulating, exhilarating, and worth the effort than going by car.
Trying my future bike on for size. Not sure how I can afford one soon but I’m claiming it, hehe.
Explore Bicol by car
Admiring Mt. Mayon from a lesser known road
After the north, it’s time to head south! I’ve been to Bicol several times for work, and the region has always impressed me with its awe-inspiring volcanoes, stunning coastlines, and unbeatable food. Every time I fly over it on the way further south, I see terrain that I’m dying to see up close.
Flying over Bicol on the way to Mindanao
A spectacular view in Camarines Sur
Majestic Mt. Isarog dominating the landscape
For years we’ve wanted to take on this region by car, and now feels like to the perfect time to time rise to the challenge. A longtime goal has been to find the best, little-known views of Mt. Mayon and finally get a shot of the Milky Way behind it.
See the sunrise on the east coast and see it set on the west coast—in a single day!
Sunrise in Aurora
Sunset in Zambales
This is another dream project that Angelo and I realized might be possible, just looking at the map: to wake up on the east coast of Luzon in Aurora to catch the sunrise, then cross over to La Union, Pangasinan, or Zambales to catch the sunset in the same day. While we would need to have weather conditions line up perfectly, this arbitrary goal would make for a truly excellent adventure.
Take the Long Way Down to Davao
Video by TheBoyWhoWandered in Youtube.
This seems like the ultimate road trip in the Philippines, and it would be a badge of honor to complete it. We could begin in Quezon City or further north if we feel ambitious, then drive all the way through Bicol, down to the Visayas, and eventually all the way to Davao City, hopping on RORO ferries in between the islands. This might take around a month, depending on how long we linger at every region, and it could easily turn out to be the adventure of a lifetime. A tiny taste of some of the sights we could see along the way:
The coast of Catanduanes
Sugba Lagoon in Siargao
Such a long and diverse journey would be a blank canvas for all kinds of adventures from mountains to sea, lakes and valleys, beaches and cities. Especially high on my list to explore is Agusan Marsh. Along the way, we could mix car and outdoor camping, staying with locals, and taking a break from roughing it by staying in budget hotels or fancy resorts.
A sweeping view of Mt. Apo between Davao City and Digos City (I think)
Obviously, there are countless road trips that are possible for two and four wheels alike, but I just want to begin sharing some of my top ideas for my own inspiration and yours as well! The options even within the immediate vicinity of Metro Manila are only limited by your imagination, determination, and willingness to see home with new eyes. Let’s get out there, have great experiences, and help local economies recover along the way.
What are your dream local trips to do as we adjust to “the new normal”? Let me know in the comments, so we can all share the ideas, itineraries, inspirations, and other information! Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to travel again soon.
Off road, all smiles. Photo: Angelo Mendoza Photography
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This entry was inspired by the RedDoorz Philippines “Let’s Travel Again Soon” writing contest, and I thank them for giving me a reason to write down my ideas and kindle my excitement and determination to get out there and explore and make beautiful videos of these experiences again.
#RedDoorzPH #LetsTravelAgainSoon
Enjoyed this post? Check out this vlog where we explore the stunning highway of Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem, Pangasinan.