Traveling with Family: Essential Packing Tips and Top Vacation Spots in the Philippines
Preparing for a family vacation requires thoughtful planning to ensure everyone has a memorable and stress-free experience. Before diving deep into our top seven destinations around the Philippines, here are some key reminders:
Checklist for your next family vacation
1. Clothes for the you and the kids
Choose versatile, weather-appropriate outfits for each day. Pack layers for temperature changes, extra socks and underwear, and a backup outfit for accidents. Use bag organizers to save space.
2. Toiletries and emergency kits
Pack travel-sized essentials: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, sunscreen, wipes, combs, and personal hygiene items. Include a first-aid kit, medications, and child-specific items like baby lotion or diaper cream if needed.
3. Food & Snacks
Pack easy, non-perishable snacks like granola bars, crackers, and fruit pouches. Bring refillable tumblers for hydration and make sure to bring enough for the whole family. Bring baby food, if needed.
When staying hydrated, Wilkins Distilled makes the perfect partner for parents because it’s purified via its 8-step distillation process, making it the most recommended by doctors based on the IQVIA study in 2023. It’s also advisable to avoid sugary drinks to keep the whole family energized the whole day.
4. Must-Haves
Don’t forget to bring your backups like power banks in case of no charging ports, enough storage for picture taking and filming, travel laundry bag, and reusable plastic bags.
Enchanted Kingdom (Laguna)
A popular theme park with rides, games, and shows suitable for all ages. It’s a great place for family fun and adventure.
Travel Tip: Arrive early to make the most of the day and avoid long lines. Bring sunscreen, hats, and extra clothes for water-based rides.
Sight-seeing or a Picnic in Tagaytay
Known for its cool weather and beautiful views of Taal Volcano, Tagaytay offers family-friendly attractions like picnic areas, nature parks, and kid-friendly restaurants.
Travel Tip: The weather can be cool, so pack light jackets for the family. Visit the Sky Ranch amusement park for kid-friendly rides or choose from a line of restaurants that offer delicacies with a view of Taal Volcano
Subic Bay (Zambales)
This destination offers a variety of activities, including the Ocean Adventure marine park, Zoobic Safari, and the Subic Bay Water Park, making it perfect for animal-loving children.
Travel Tip: If you can, plan your visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially for attractions like Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari. Bring bug repellent for outdoor activities. Make sure to bring light snacks and water bottles to stay hydrated and keep active the rest of the day.
Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills, and families can enjoy visiting the hills, along with the Tarsier Sanctuary and relaxing on the white sand beaches of Panglao.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the hills and the Tarsier Sanctuary. Don’t forget a camera to capture the scenic views and cute tarsiers!
Manila Ocean Park
Located in the heart of Manila, this oceanarium offers an educational and fun experience for kids, with interactive exhibits like the jellyfish dome, oceanarium tunnel, and touch pools.
Travel Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the lines. The park has several interactive exhibits, so give yourself a few hours to explore them all. Bring light snacks and water bottles here as well.
Baguio City
Known for its cool climate and scenic beauty, Baguio is great for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, visiting Burnham Park, and exploring the Baguio Botanical Garden.
Travel Tip: The weather can be chilly, so pack warm clothes. Visit family-friendly spots like Burnham Park for boating or the nearby strawberry farms where kids can pick fruit.
Palawan (El Nido & Puerto Princesa)
Palawan is ideal for families who love nature, offering stunning beaches, lagoons, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s an exciting adventure for kids.
Travel Tip: When visiting El Nido, take a boat tour to explore lagoons and beaches. Be sure to book tours in advance to avoid last-minute hassles, and pack waterproof bags for valuables.
These destinations not only provide fun activities for children but also give families opportunities to bond, learn, and experience the beauty of the Philippines together.