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5 Things Influencers Always Do To Get Complimentary Travel & Upgrades

Social media influencers seem to be living the life. From jet setting to various parts of the globe to living luxuriously in hotels, it appears that influencers have everything figured out. Most even get complimentary travel and upgrades that make their trips worthwhile.

If you dream of getting upgrades and even a free trip, thinking – and even acting – like an influencer might be your best course of action. Apart from working with a brand you love and look up to, it also gives you a chance to see the world with your finances intact. Whether your trip is coming soon or months away, now is the time to take influencer-based actions.

Want to score free travel and upgrades? Take a cue from your favorite social media savvy personalities. Check out some of their tricks below.

How Influencers Get Complimentary Travel & Upgrades

They Partner With Brands They Love

If you take a quick look at their feed, influencers tend to work with brands they align with and that they already love. This means that they have used the brand’s products and or services in the past and wish to continue doing so.

These collaborations serve as a means for brands to reach a wider audience. By being associated or linked with an individual with a huge following, brands expand their horizons and cater to a certain group. By partnering with brands and companies they trust and look up to, influencers make meaningful connections.

Provide Visibility And Engagement

Whether they’re going to a local destination or traveling abroad, influencers who are dedicated to their ‘job’ never fail to provide engagement and visibility to their following. From showing their accommodation to documenting every step of their travel, they are updating their followers almost every step of the way.

Comments, responses, and even Instagram stories can initiate action, movement, and a sense of realism for your followers. Successful personalities who are committed to their people tend to answer queries from their audience despite their busy schedules to show their dedication. You may look at this Instagram followers app to know more as well.

Pitching The Partnership

It’s different when brands or companies contact you, as with the case of influencers. So, it might be challenging when you are on the other side of the coin. Rather than waiting for them to notice what you do, some personalities make a run for it and pitch their possible partnership or sponsorship for free travel and or upgrade.

However, what you don’t see on the ‘gram is the way these people work. Apart from doing intensive research on the vision and mission of the company, these individuals also delve into the overall image and the possible events and angles they could provide for the company. Say for example a hotel is opening a new restaurant or a new wing, some influencers grab that chance to share this new happening to their fans.

When pitching, remember to tailor your media kit and to study well. After all, preparation is half the battle.

Staying True To Themselves

Above all, these social media personalities get these gigs and even free trips and upgrades precisely because they stay true to themselves. They do this by staying in niches where they perform particularly well. For example, travel bloggers and vloggers that specialize in travel and lifestyle content do not venture into areas where he or she does not specialize in, such as architecture.

Fans are smart, so they notice anything that seems out of the ordinary. This may also lead to confusion. If personalities promote something extremely out of their niche, followers will most likely notice. Further, this can garner negative engagement.

influencers

Add Brands On Social Media

It is important to make sure that brands know you have been following them. Influencers make it a point to follow travel agencies, airlines, and even hotels on their different social media platforms. This action alone indicates a sense of loyalty and support.

Brands and agencies do their homework as well, and this means checking socials. If they don’t see you following them or their pages, they might as well pass on your pitch or request.

The Bottom Line

Traveling like an influencer does not have to cost an arm and a leg. If you are gearing up for new adventures in 2020, try your hand at these nifty ideas. You might just be able to get an all-expense paid trip and upgrade.

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Discover These 5 Mental Wellness Tips to Get You Through Lockdown

 
Is the pandemic starting to take a toll on your mental wellness? From health fears, financial difficulties, to feelings of isolation, there are a ton of problems that might leave you feeling distressed. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
To date, as the world struggles to cope with the threats of the COVID-19, it is no denying that people are more susceptible to increased levels of stress and anxiety. In fact, many health experts are already predicting mental health to be the next big health crisis.
With all these happening, knowing how to boost your mental wellbeing amid the outbreak is only necessary. Here, we have rounded up five mental wellness tips that can help you get through the lockdown. Check them out below!

5 Mental Wellness Tips While in Isolation

Create a daily routine

Believe it or not, maintaining a day-to-day routine while stuck at home is a step closer to maintaining a healthy lifestyle – both physically and mentally. Often, when we develop a daily routine, it helps us feel more in control of everything.
To date, with the uncertainties and doubts brought forth by the pandemic, a routine can serve as an anchor that will keep us from feeling loss. In addition to this, keeping up a day-to-day must-dos can boost our productivity and help us form healthy habits that will benefit both our minds and bodies.

Exercise

Of course, no list of mental wellness tips could ever be complete without the mention of exercise. As you might have already heard, engaging in physical activities goes beyond the promise of having a healthy physical body. In fact, aside from burning fat and improving skills and agility, exercising contributes significantly to achieving a healthier mental state.
Specifically, when you put your body at work, the natural response of the brain is to release so-called happiness hormones, such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, to help reduce your perception of pain. These natural chemicals trigger positive feelings in the body, thereby making you feel more relaxed and positive about yourself.

Turn to Virtual Therapy

As the name suggests, this refers to a type of therapy done virtually. Under such a type of practice, a person is to enter a virtual world that is specifically designed to increase his exposure to negative stimuli and help him overcome his fears, anxiety, and addictions.
To date, since home quarantine and social distancing is being strictly implemented, virtual therapy is considered to be among the most ideal types of treatment one can turn to for mental wellness. Since the practice relies on the use of technology, anyone can use it even when limited to confined spaces.
Now there are a number of virtual therapy apps that enable users to take care of their mental wellness without the need to go out. Among the most popular of these platforms include Youper, Moodpath, and Talkspace.

Get a Hobby

Of course, spending time on an activity that you greatly enjoy can help boost your wellbeing – both physically and mentally. Knowing this, getting back to an old hobby or developing a new one can help you cope up with the stress and anxiety brought forth by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Not only could this help you kill some time while stuck at home, but it can also keep your mind off things that stress you the most.

Meditation

Generally, since meditation serves as a popular practice especially beneficial for reducing stress, trying it out during the pandemic can benefit your mental health tremendously. When you meditate, you normally sit or lie comfortably, breathe naturally, and clear the mind.
Naturally, the goal of meditation is to purify the mind and focus on being in the present. This helps to achieve relaxation and inner peace. Since the pandemic is generally described to be a stressful time, meditating can help you reduce stress, control anxiety, and feel more relaxed.
Fortunately, to date, there now comes a wide range of mobile apps designed to assist people in their meditation. Among the best bets you have include Inscape, Calm, and  Aura.

The Bottom Line

Feeling down or upset is normal. But with the current condition the world is facing, such emotions can be overwhelming. Feel free to follow these 5 mental wellness tips to help you get through the lockdown. For better assistance, contact mental health experts like those at BetterHelp today!

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Malaysia in the Eyes of a Bangladeshi Traveler

With a blend of various cultures, Malaysia is a fantastic destination to enjoy a fusion of contemporary comfort and little strange things. It was a very exciting moment for me when the flight landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia has a lot to offer with its natural attractions, delicious food stalls, instagrammable locations, majestic towns along with astounding beauty. It is one of the best places I would recommend to various travelers.

Here are a few details why Malaya sounds so astounding.

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Excellent Transportation

Kuala Lumpur is the main transport center, with inexpensive flights and best connectivity of networks from one region to another. You can travel through inexpensive intercity buses with maximum frequency and at a low price.  If one wishes to travel to the western side of Peninsular Malaysia trains are a feasible option. Furthermore, good roads, contemporary facilities as well as a 4G network makes it everything you requisite for a worthy visit. malaysia

Scrumptious food 

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While Vietnam and Thailand are known as the best places for fine dining and appetizing dishes, Malaysia is also a foodie country. Places similar to Penang grew to fame since they were strategic transaction hubs alongside Straits of Melaka (a city in Malaysia), and it offers a cultural tender pot where dishes from Europe, India, Middle East as well as other places from Asia are served and the food lovers can enjoy this variety.

Malaysia is a multiethnic paradise which offers various dishes at an inexpensive price, as I mentioned above. You will feel worthy eating in Malaysia, even if you are not a die-hard food lover.

Ethnicity

Malaysia is a multilingual society with ethnic groups maintaining their individual cultural identity. Malaysia is one of the cosmopolitan places because it helps sustain various international relations with various cultural groups in Malaysia such as Indonesian, Islamic community, Indian, Chinese and European societies. Malaysian culture symbolizes the symbiosis of the cultures of various communities within it. malaysia

The Malays that consist of half of Malaysian population play a vital role politically and basically are Muslims. The Chinese form the second largest ethnic group and the Indians beings the smallest of these three groups.

Alluring places to visit

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The Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, and Brickfield are must go places in Kuala Lumpur. To experience the history of Malaysia you should visit Melaka and Penang that has UNESCO World Heritage town. The country is packed with seashores all around and there prominence presence in Perhentian Islands offer the best white sand beaches with ideal water for diving and snorkeling.

Try one of the realm’s best-unspoiled forests Taman Negara for adventurous sightseeing. To enjoy the scenic beauty of tea plantation and escaping from scorching heat Cameron Highlands offers the best delight.

For history savvy, A Famosa is the best historic fortress that adds spark to your curiosity and offers interesting sightseeing. For shopaholics, Central Market is the best place to shop from colorful stalls offering handicrafts, clothes, wooden carvings, and ornaments. malaysia

Best time to visit Malaysia

To make the most of your trip, I would suggest visiting Malaysia from May to September as it is the best time with maximum sunshine around.

Believe me! It’s a love at first sight!


Recommended Reads

Backpackers Travellers Inn, Malaysia Review
5000 Peso Challenge: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Backpacking TH-MY-SG-IND for 9 Days: Full Itinerary for 30k Pesos
Backpacking and Crossing Borders: Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur

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How To Watch Soccer Online Without A Channel Subscription

For many soccer enthusiasts, there are only two ways to enjoy a big game: by watching it in person or by turning to a channel subscription. However, is there another option if you can’t afford either of the two?

There is still a way to watch soccer without turning to either of the two previously mentioned options. Curious to know how? By turning to the available online platforms, of course!

Below, we have prepared a brief guide on how you can watch and enjoy your favorite sports without the need to buy a ticket or apply for a channel subscription. Read on.

How to Watch Soccer Online

Where To Watch Soccer Online

Generally, there are tons of places to watch soccer online. Among these include the following platforms.

  • FuboTV

For many sports fans, nothing is quite as convenient as tuning in to fuboTV. Serving as a sports-centric platform, the service offers dozens of channels that will allow you to watch soccer online without cable.

With channels including beIN Sport, FOX Sports regional channels, FS1 and FS2, NBC Sports regional channels, and many more, expect that you’ll be provided with loads of sports channel options.

The platform is supported by a variety of devices, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Chromecast, iOS, Android, and web browsers.

Therefore, you’ll get the chance to watch soccer anytime, anywhere. You only need to be connected to the internet.

To apply, fuboTV is available at the low price of $54.99/mo. You can also enjoy a free trial. This will allow you to enjoy watching soccer games without the need to pay a single dime for a total of 7 days. Also, with this service, you aren’t stuck with just one channel!

  • Sling TV

Looking for a more budget-friendly online streaming platform to watch your favorite soccer games? Sling TV is one of the best options.

Specifically, you can take advantage of your access to sports channels, such as beIN Sports, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, TNT, Fox Sports, and many more. These allow you to watch soccer for only the low price of $25/mo.

Similar to fuboTV, Sling TV is also supported by many devices, including Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TVs, iOS and Androids, Roku, Xbox One, Chrome web browser, and many more.

To make the offer even more rewarding, users can enjoy a 7-day free trial upon registration.

  • DirectTV

Last but not the least, DirectTV is another worthwhile service to try out if you want to stream soccer directly to your devices. To do so, you’ll only need to secure a fast and reliable internet connection and pay a standard price of $50 per month.

Under this platform, users can enjoy access to more than 40 channels. These channels allow them to watch their favorite sports games wherever, whenever.

The platform is supported by Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, iOS, Android, as well as browsers and also promises a one-week free trial.

Watch Soccer Online

The Bottom Line

Excited to watch soccer? Who says the hype is only limited for stadium-goers and channel subscribers? With the right online platform, you can enjoy the best soccer games whenever you want, wherever you are.

Feel the adrenaline rushing in you. Support your team and stay current on the latest events that are happening on the field. Turn to any of these online services today!

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#SEATSALE: AirAsia RED HOT PISO SALE! Book until Sep 9!

It’s RED HOT PISO SALE again with the world’s low cost airline, Air Asia!
Be the first one with AirAsia’s #RedHotPisoSale by being an AirAsia BIG Loyalty Member! Enjoy 24-hour exclusive priority booking!
Not yet a member? Sign up now at http://bit.ly/RegisterBIGMember

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BOOK NOW!

BOOKING HACK: Book via SkyScanner App to check for the cheapest flights! Click here to download!

Booking Period (members): September 2, 2018
Regular Booking Period: Sep 3-9, 2018

Travel Period: Feb 18, 2019-Nov 25, 2019
Travel Period (Manila to Kaohsiung & Cagayan De Oro Routes):
18 February 2019- 30 March 2019

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Fly from Clark from as low as Php 1 base fare to Taipei, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cagayan De Oro.
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Fly from Cebu from as low as Php 1 base fare to Davao and Puerto Princesa
Fly from Cagayan De Oro from as low as Php 1 base fare to Iloilo!
Travel Notes

  • Advanced booking required
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  • RED HOT PISO SALE booking period: 3 September 2018 – 9 September 2018
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Seatsale Airasia Red Hot Piso Sale Book Until Sep 9
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BOOKING HACK: Book via SkyScanner App to check for the cheapest flights! Click here to download!

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• A non-refundable processing fee is applicable for payments via credit, debit or charge card. • Fare includes airport taxes (except for selected airports where airport tax is collected at the point of departure). • Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights • Valid for new purchases only • All fares are quoted for single journey (one-way) only • All taxes must be paid at the time of purchase unless otherwise stated • Foreign fares are subjected to currency exchange rates • Offer is subject to availability and AirAsia’s Terms and Conditions of Carriage • No refunds are permitted after payment has been made • Guests travelling need to provide all necessary travel documents (eg valid passport, visa where applicable etc) at the time of departure • AirAsia reserves the right to deny guests from boarding without proper documentation • Full payment shall be made upon booking • Changes to flights and dates are permitted subject to change fees • Changes to name are not permitted • Only available for online bookings at www.airasia.com.

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Top 5 Philippines Travel Packages with 1 Year to Pay and 0% Interest

Planning to explore the hidden wonders of the Philippine islands with one of many Philippines travel packages but getting wary of the possible expenses? No doubt, traveling across this paradisal archipelago could be all fun and exciting; however, without the right travel agency, you are also at risk of spending way beyond your budget.
Fortunately, with Shadow Travel and Tours, you can now explore and experience some of the finest and grandest destinations in the entire archipelago without the need to spend much. Whether you’re eyeing to spend your adventures by the sea, in the vast countryside, or in the nostalgic cities of the past, expect that you can now experience the best of the Philippines while remaining faithful to your budget.
Here, we have compiled 5 of the best Philippine travel packages you can try with 1 year to pay and 0% interest. Here they are.
Philippines Travel Packages

Boracay with Banana Boat Ride, Island Hopping, and Helmet Diving

It cannot be denied that Boracay stands as one of the most well-known attractions in the Philippines. From its crystal-white water to its sugar-like sands and pristine coral gardens, it is safe to say that no other Asian beach comes close to the beauty and grandeur of Boracay.
For only ₱990 per person, this travel package lets you enjoy a 5-day stay at this alluring beach with 1 year to pay and no interest charge! This already includes roundtrip airfare, 5 days and 4 nights of hotel accommodations, breakfasts, transfer services, a professional tour guide, and much more.
By availing the deal, you and your friends can now go on an all-out Boracay island hopping adventure, ride on a banana boat across the wild beach, and engage in a thrilling helmet diving. Take note, however, that a minimum requirement of 4 persons is needed to qualify for this promo rate, so it’s best to already invite your best pals as early as today.

El Nido Package with Tour A Plus Puerto Princesa with Underground River and City Tour

Blessed with mesmerizing white beaches, limestone cliffs, and dramatic sunsets, it is no secret that El Nido in Palawan stands as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in the world.
Thanks to Shadow Travel and Tours, you can now visit this famed town and explore the depth of its wonder for the low price of ₱1,099 per person (minimum of 4 passengers to avail). Under the said package, you and your friends can now enjoy 5 days and 4 nights hotel accommodations with roundtrip airfare, daily breakfasts, transfer services, and much more.
The deal also includes an extensive Puerto Princesa city tour (with a light snack), a whole day El Nido tour, and another whole day underground river tour (with a buffet/picnic for lunch). This is one of the best Philippines travel packages you can avail.

Bohol with Countryside Tour, Island Hopping, and Firefly Watching Tour Package

Philippines Travel Packages
View of the Bohol fireflies. Image source: befreetour.com.

Recognized for its picturesque landscapes, mouthwatering delicacies, winding roads, and rich culture, Bohol is no doubt one of the most treasured provinces in the Philippines.
Through Shadow Travel and Tours’ Bohol travel package, you can now visit this stunning island and explore its beauty for only ₱1,349 per person in a minimum group of 4. With the said package, you can now experience genuine life in the vast countryside and marvel at Bohol’s natural wonders.
The deal includes 5 days and 4 nights of hotel accommodations, daily breakfasts, roundtrip airport transfers, a professional tour guide, and much more. Among the trip’s biggest highlights include an extensive Bohol Countryside Tour, Bohol Island Hopping adventure, and Bohol Firefly Watching activity.

Cebu Package with City Tour and Upland Tour

Another place you should not dare miss in the Philippines is the famed city of Cebu. Gifted with different heritage sites, pristine beaches, colorful festivals, and majestic waterfalls, this small island in the central part of the Philippines promises a memorable and heart-warming adventure to every seeking traveler.
Priced at only ₱758 per person, with a minimum of 4 passengers, Shadow Travel and Tours’ Cebu Travel Package offers a comprehensive Cebu City Tour + Upland Tour.
Under the said deal, you can now enjoy 4 days and 3 nights of hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare, daily breakfasts, round trip airport-hotel transfer services, and much more.

Coron with Ultimate Island and Sangat WWII Shipwreck Reef Tour Package

Last but not least is Coron, another paradisal municipality in the province of Palawan. Known for its alluring lagoons, world-class WWII-era wreck diving spots, and breathtaking sceneries, this island promises warm yet thrilling sea adventures for the typical wild at heart individual.
For only ₱1,049 per person, with a minimum of 4 passengers to avail, this travel package allows you to go on a memorable Coron island tour adventure and WWII-era shipwreck and reef exploration activities.
The travel deal already includes 4 days and 3 nights of hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare, daily breakfasts, airport-hotel transfer services, a professional tour guide, and many more perks.

Conclusion

Excited to explore and discover the best of the bests in the archipelago? Be sure to check out these travel packages with 1 year to pay plus 0% interest and discover for yourself why it’s “more fun” in the Philippines.

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Learn How to Use Grammarly to Avoid Writing Mistakes

There was a time when noting down things and recording things by hand was the norm, and one needed to grab a grammar guide frequently to be sure of the text being written. 

Even today, as we have adapted pretty well to the digital means of writing text, errors in typing are common and ensuring the grammatical correctness of the text continues to be a challenge. 

In this article, we introduce you to this amazing and simple tool called Grammarly and also show you how you can use it to avoid writing mistakes. Read on to learn more about this program.

Learn How to Use Grammarly to Avoid Writing Mistakes

What Is Grammarly?

Grammarly is a digital writing assistance tool, which makes use of advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence and natural language processing to help you write better. 

This tool is not only astonishingly intelligent, but it is also absolutely easy to use and responsive. Grammarly detects the writing mistakes that you do while typing, and suggests corrections for them in real-time. These include mistakes of grammar, punctuation, spellings, and more. 

Features and Benefits of Grammarly

The best thing about Grammarly is that it is platform-independent in the true sense. Whether you use your laptop to write or do that through your mobile phone or tablet, you have Grammarly at your disposal. 

In fact, Grammarly is available for different kinds of operating systems, like Windows, Macs, or mobile devices. Further, specific installations of Grammarly are available for third-party software, like MS Office.

Grammarly Gives Advanced Suggestions

Grammarly is meant to help you detect the grammatical errors and spelling mistakes that you might commit while typing a text. However, it goes beyond its primary function to offer advanced suggestions that can improve your text in a big way. 

Through these advanced suggestions, Grammarly shows you better words to replace your existing words or groups of words, measures the ease of readability of your text, and more. You can even check the plagiarism in your content using Grammarly. 

Some of these advanced features are available only for the premium subscribers of Grammarly, which we talk about later in this article. 

How to Get Grammarly for Your Device

Different versions of Grammarly are available for different devices and operating systems. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to install the relevant version of Grammarly on your device. 

Installing Grammarly on Your Computer

Log on to the official website of Grammarly from your laptop or desktop. Click on the “Add to Chrome”, button which will redirect you to the sign-up page.

Create a free account on Grammarly by entering your name, and a username and password. Once you are signed in, give the appropriate permissions to install the Grammarly Plug-in for Chrome.

You can also install the Grammarly desktop application for Windows and the dedicated app for an enhanced experience across third-party software.

Installing Grammarly on Your Mobile Device

To install the Grammarly app for your mobile device, follow the below mentioned simple steps. Open up Google Play store if you are an android user, or the App Store if you are an iOS user.

Search for the Grammarly app and click on “Install”. Once the app is installed, create an account on Grammarly and it will start working right away. 

Paid Subscriptions

Learn How to Use Grammarly to Avoid Writing Mistakes

You can subscribe to the paid version of Grammarly to unlock all its advanced features. Currently, Grammarly offers two paid plans: the premium plan, and the business plan. The plans start from a minimum of $11.99 per month. 

Conclusion

Having realized the immense benefits that Grammarly has to offer, there should be no way you can stop yourself from installing it! If you write emails, post on social media, or create documents digitally, Grammarly is a must-have! 

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5 Safest Countries in the World to Add to your Travel Bucketlist

Every year, the world gets safer and safer according to the Global Peace Index. Despite being naturally full of mess, each year and each country has their own ways of improving peoples lives.  It’s still below levels from like a decade ago, but developments and improvements count for something. The best thing is that these countries who belong to the top won’t even change ranks for the last ten years.
It must be a great feeling to have visited the countries on the list below but how can you make it if your cash is not enough to pay for flights and visa fees? Someone I know actually went to these top 5 countries just to see how life was in each region. We asked him how he was able to do it, he does have a business but he admits it’s not doing very well yet. After a few drinks, he finally told us his secret to having his vacations — he plays the lottery — and luck was definitely on his side. He won twice already, not a totally big amount but more than enough to pay all his debts and fly to the other side of the continent. What huge luck on his back!
Being a winner he is, he definitely wanted to stay at places he knows he will be safe. And his research told him to go these countries that belong to the top 10 safest countries.

5. Denmark

5 Safest Countries in the World to Add to your Travel Bucketlist - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Not only this country always rank for the happiest places on earth, it also ranks as the 5th safest place in the world. Along with its “virtually free” healthcare and education practices, the country also promotes gender quality and offers an earnings-related childcare system and a “parental allowance policy that is among the most flexible in the European Union”.

WHERE TO STAY IN DENMARK

4. Austria

5 Safest Countries in the World to Add to your Travel Bucketlist - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Austria is not only about beer and mountains. Although it’s the principal skiing sport in Europe, it extends a different mix of landscapes which can be found in its region; however, the size of the country is relatively small. It’s also a neighboring country of the two other safest places in the world, Germany and Czech Republic.

WHERE TO STAY IN AUSTRIA

3. Portugal

5 Safest Countries in the World to Add to your Travel Bucketlist - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, having climbed to third in the latest rankings. The country had last year already recorded an impressive showing when it was placed fifth on the list.  Portugal’s relative affordability, virtue, and beauty combined with its safety score make it a must-visit in Europe.

WHERE TO STAY IN PORTUGAL

2. New Zealand

5 Safest Countries in the World to Add to your Travel Bucketlist - https://twobudgettravelers.com
New Zealanders are by and large open-minded and believe people should be free to live the lifestyle they choose. There are laws to prevent people abusing anyone’s freedom of expression and speech, and they have a reliable and trustworthy police force you can turn to which solves a comparatively high number of all crimes. It has always been one of the best destinations for jaw-dropping adventure travel and landscapes.

WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

1. Iceland

Hallgrímskirkja
Iceland has been on the safest countries list since 2008, 10 years to be exact. Who wouldn’t want to go to the safest haven, erm, country, with plenty things to see and do? Being an island makes it somewhat tougher to have border disputes. This big country, with a small population of roughly 325k people, has no army, a murder rate of 0-1,5 per year, virtually no violent crimes, very small number of petty crimes, police officers don’t even carry guns and probably most importantly, people are very equal, no matter what their sex, sexual orientation or belief is!

WHERE TO STAY IN ICELAND

I know. All you needed to do is to fly to these places and feel heaven-safe travels.  Who wouldn’t want a peaceful travel with no scams and such? Imagine if luck is on your side, see how far it can take you. We always see the phrase “If travel is free, you would never see me again” but if you can more than afford to travel, you can even bring one or two friends with you.

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Summer Cruise: Scuba Diving on a Budget in Batangas

Summer Cruise: Scuba Diving on a Budget in Batangas

Summer is never ending and we are still looking out for places to go visit especially those that are affordable and are near in Manila. One of the best options is a beach getaway but we have found more than that. Aside from just swimming at the beach, what could possibly be more done while you are vacationing?
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
Previously, we’ve been in San Luis, Batangas to go diving in Bus Stop Dive Resort and now we’ve come back to go for another sport diving session. Jeepsetters PH team together with Upper Ground Concepts were invited to experience all activities and all of what could Summer Cruise offer.

Summer Cruise Diving Resort

In the quiet town of San Luis in Batangas lies several resorts and an ocean body that is famous for its reefs. It’s also where the protected marine area is situated that makes it ideal for divers and freedivers alike.
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
Summer Cruise Diving Resort is connected to the town’s lands but would require a few minutes of walk. The most recommended way to get to the resort is thru a boat which is ₱50/person when you are opting for a stay.

Getting to Summer Cruise:

summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
Coming from Manila, we went to DLTB bus station and took a bus bound to Lemery. Our drop will be at the DLTB Station at Xentro Mall Lemery. It took about 2 hours to get there with the traffic so it’s pretty much a good ride. From Xentro Mall, we waited for our other teammates as they are still on the way. While waiting, we had our brunch and lunch at the food court of the mall and Jollibee fast food store just right outside.
When everyone arrived, we rode a tricycle heading to Summer Cruise (Parking 1).
From the parking, we hopped onto a boat and took a 15 mins boat ride to Summer Cruise.

Summer Cruise Tent Accommodation

summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
There’s definitely a positive ambiance when you see Summer Cruise Dive Resort. At a glance, it’s like a luxury resort when in fact, it’s made for backpackers and family getaways. The first thing you’ll see is the veranda with curtains and relaxation chairs in an area that’s very pleasing to the eyes. The cool breeze from the ocean is definitely one to be felt as it peacefully weaves to your body. Summer Cruise
There are rooms that can accommodate a group and there are accommodations that can accommodate couples or solo travelers. Being a traveling couple ourselves, we took the one where we could get the most privacy, a tent. I know it’s not the best choice but that’s where the availability is. We’ve been traveling together since we started dating and we have slept on tents a couple of times. Perhaps, another tent staycation again this time, eh?
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
The tents are ideally located at the second level where you could find a great sunset even when you are wanting to just relax. This is actually better than the rooms below but of course, it depends on anyone’s preferences.
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
Each room, however, is also a good spot for the sunset. The sunrise is on the other side so you cannot get to see it in the early morning. Summer Cruise
When you opt for a tent, you still have a power outlet waiting for you. A mattress foam and pillow to help you get a good night’s sleep. A fan, to help you cope with the heat especially during daytime. And a light, to get you through the night. It’s also called “glamorous camping” or glamping.

Food and Drinks at Summer Cruise

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You may opt to bring your own food but you can also bring just your things as they offer cooked meals in the resort and drinks as well, from juices to beer. As for the prices, I really cannot tell as it is subject to change depending on the owner’s decision. But yes, the most important thing is, you won’t get hungry when you are at the resort.
(See video below as well)

Summer Cruise Rates, Accommodations, & Activities

summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
Freediving Lessons:
Weekdays – ₱ 980.00
Weekends – ₱. 1,195.00
Inclusive of gear and equipment with Dive Master

Tent Accommodation:
Sunday to Friday – ₱ 350.00 per head
Saturday night – ₱ 500.00 per head
Inclusive of entrance fee, mattress, and pillow
Sunday to Friday – ₱ 985.00 for two persons
Saturday – ₱ 1,700.00 for two persons
Check-in: 2:00 pm
Check-out: 10:00 am
(Breakfast not included) Summer Cruise
Bonuses | What to Expect:
Privacy for couples and other guests.
Snorkeling right in front of the resort.
Free use of table tennis.
Excellent sunsets.
Amazing star gazing.
For Snorkeling:
Bring your own mask and snorkels, or you can also rent for ₱ 150.00.
Corkage fees: 
₱ 100.00 – Liquor
₱ 50.00 – Cooking fee per head
S C U B A D I V I N G Rates:
Inclusive of gear, equipment, dive master and wetsuit
₱ 1,399.00 – weekdays Monday to Friday
₱ 1,699.00 – weekends Saturday to Sunday Summ
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangaser Cruise

2D1N Sample Budget (from Project Gora):
Cubao to Lemery – 211 pesos
Xentro Mall to Summer Cruise Parking A via Tricycle – 50 pesos (150 to 200 pesos good for 3-4 pax)
√ Boat to Summer Cruise – √  50 pesos
Tent Accommodation- 350 pesos
Food – 300 pesos
√ Summer Cruise to Parking A by Boat – 50 pesos
Summer Cruise to Xentro Mall – 50 pesos
Xentro Mall to Cubao – 211 pesos
Total: PHP 1,272 / person

How to get to Summer Cruise:

  1. From LRT Buendia or Cubao, take a DLTB or JAM Transit bound to LEMERY Tambo Exit Sign.
  2. Get off at Xentro mall or at the Terminal.
  3. Take a tricycle to Parking A of Summer Cruise – Barangay Balite for ₱ 150.00 to ₱ 200.00 per ride.
  4. Take the boat from Parking A to Summer Cruise Dive Resort

Boat Transfers: Summer Cruise
Php 50.00/one way  – Boat transfer from the Parking A to Summer Cruise.
Alternative option:
100 meters walk from the parking to Summer Cruise.
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas
summer-cruise-scuba-diving-on-a-budget-in-batangas

WATCH OUR VIDEO

Thanks to Upper Ground Concepts for this video!

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Diving Photos

Summer Cruise

San Luis, Batangas 4210
0915 198 0246
Facebook Page: Summer Cruise

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Old Taal Church: The 15th Century Ruins & Why it’s a Must-Visit in Batangas

During our #LakbayLawaFamTour, we didn’t have the opportunity to visit the Old Taal Church on the first day because climbing Taal Volcano at high noon is energy consuming, so instead, we called it a day and headed to our accommodation.
The morning after was our best opportunity to see the area where the 15th Century ruins of the Old Taal Church is located.

You’d feel pretty fascinated by the fact that some of the locals (the elders) still know a lot about the history of the church and what happened to it.
Old Taal Church: The 15th Century Ruins - https://twobudgettravelers.com

Old Taal Church Ruins History

According to taal.ph, “In 1572, Fr. Agustin de Albuquerque was the first Augustinian priest that came and gathered the natives to Balangon, the original Town of Taal. In 1575, the Moro Pirates destroyed Balangon and the town was transferred to Lumang Taal (Old Taal), near the shores of Lake Taal (currently San Nicolas). In 1575, Fray Diego de Espinar, the credited founding Augustinian missionary of Taal, started building the original church dedicated to St. Martin de Tours.”
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The biggest eruption of Taal Volcano destroyed the church in 1754. Due to the eruption, the town was moved to higher terrain where the statue of St. Martin de Tours stands. Fray Martin Aguirre, the then parish priest was the one responsible for the new location of the town and is the person also responsible as to where the church is located now.

Why should you pay a visit to the Old Taal Church?

The Old Taal Church is considered as one of the heritage spots in San Nicolas, Batangas. It’s also just a few minutes away from the municipal hall.
Old Taal Church: The 15th Century Ruins - https://twobudgettravelers.com
You’d find interesting facts when you visit the church. You’d also see how the church is made of when you look closely at each stone. The walls of the old Taal church are made up of dead corals that came from the nearby ocean/lake.
A statue of St. Martin de Tours is also on site, together with other figures.

You will also find a few people who you could talk with to ask about other history or what has happened during the eruption of the Taal Volcano and how it changed the town of Taal.
The church is actually a big one if it had not been destroyed by the volcanic eruption. Though you won’t find any pieces regarding its roofing, it surely was the favorite church of the families from a long time ago.
Old Taal Church: The 15th Century Ruins - https://twobudgettravelers.com

How to Get to the Old Taal Church Ruins

From Manila:

1. Ride a bus bound for Lemery. Drop off at the last stop.
2. Ride a jeepney bound for San Nicolas. Drop off at the Municipal Hall (or ask the driver if they will be passing by the old taal church)
3. Walk for a few meters and you’d see the Old Taal Church.

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ

La Virginia Hotel and Resort: Adventure Getaway in Batangas 
Daytour: Shercon Resort and Ecology Park in Batangas 
Climb Taal Volcano: To the Crater and to the Lava Rocks | Travel Guide 2018 | What to Expect



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