TIPS FOR NEW PINOY TRAVELERS

When we started exploring the world, we were clueless on the things to bring and do once we stepped-in to the airport hub. So we end up like freshmen students sitting quietly in a cafeteria corner. That’s why here are the starter tips for first time pinoy fliers.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, terminal 3

Tip #1
Go online, wait for budget airlines to post their ZERO FARE promos, you will be surprised that there would be instances that your fare to Baguio is more expensive than your round trip plane ticket out of the country. I once paid PhP250 (all in) for my MNL-SIN flight. Be vigilant! Be VERY Vigilant!

Tip #2
Prepare to pay travel and airport taxes. For Philippine passport holder, you will pay PhP790 for the NAIA terminal fee and PhP1650 for the travel tax. You will pay this before you check-in your baggage.

Tip #3
Put all your toiletries and any bottled fluids or gel form substances in your check-in luggage. In case you’re carrying one in your carry-on (for filipinos, it’s hand carry) make sure it’s not more than 300ml and put it in a transparent zip locked pouch.

Tip #4
Make sure to have your money exchanged to the currency of your destination, ahead of time. Airport money changer kiosks usually buy your paper bills an increment less than those from malate. Else, have your pesos changed to US$, it is widely accepted, but you will be doubly ripped because you have the bills exchanged twice (PhP-US$ then US$-local currency) Keep at least PhP500 on your wallet for your cab fare from NAIA when you come back home.

Tip #5
Eat before you check-in, food inside NAIA (in most airports actually) are ridiculously expensive. PhP100 for a small local cup noodles made my guts shrink while eating it. A bag of crackers will come in handy most of the time.

Tip #6
Travel light. You don’t have to bring teddy and your family photo frames with you. As much as possible pick the light weight clothes and foot wear, leave the prada’s and dolce’s behind, bring clothes that you’ll not cry over just in case you lose it during the trip. Also, bring a laundry soap, just in case you ran out of clothes to wear and you don’t have enough money to buy some. When packing your bag, ask yourself a question: “Can I throw this away?” if the answer is YES, it’s good to go! I already lost a designer eyewear and it sucks, so trust me on this!

Tip #7
Electronics. It would be very helpful if you  carry them in one bag. Do not forget your chargers and adapters. It’s a comfort to know that hostels have a wide array of adapter sockets for every imaginable specs but you can’t always depend on them as other people borrow them all the time. You don’t want to spend the rest of your trip powerless. Check-out this page for the power sockets of different countries.

Tip #8
NEVER put breakables in your check-in bags as airport luggage crew are merciless. They would treat your luggage as if they are preparing hand tossed salad. That’s why the idea of balenciaga and LV is out the window.

Tip #9
Be on time! Make sure that you are at least two hours early before your scheduled flight for international travels and at least one hour early for local flights. Running down the terminal gates sweating and panting is so un-fabulous!

Tip #10
Make sure you have your Visas prepared and passport valid (at least within 6 months from the date of travel!). You don’t want to go back home just because the immigration officer denied you entry.

HAPPY FLYING!