All signs point towards Filipinos becoming more travel-hungry than ever before, with most travelers now doing so for pleasure rather than for work. Yet, despite this rising trend, many Filipinos still compromise when it comes to their vacations. Faraway destinations that require multiple connections or “show money” for visa approvals remain prohibitively expensive even for many high-income individuals.
For example, if you’re considering the UK as your next destination, it’s wise to check current UK visa fees and build them into your travel budget from the start.
And even as the average Filipino’s buying power increases, most must still balance travel with essential expenses like tuition, healthcare, and everyday bills.
This all means that, if your “dream vacation” doesn’t have direct flights from NAIA, you’ll have endless reasons to put it off indefinitely. If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Still, there are ways to travel wherever you want to without completely derailing your finances. Here are some practical strategies to help you travel now and pay later:
Here’s How to Make Your Dream Vacation Happen
1) Use a Credit Card with Travel Rewards
If you have a stable income and a good record of paying your bills on time, using a credit card is, by far, the simplest option. Still, if you’re based in the country, you don’t want to use just any credit card in the Philippines. You’ll want a card that offers the right kinds of perks.
Look for relevant benefits like air miles, travel insurance, or a globally accepted card provider when you’re shopping around for a card. Features like cashback are especially useful since they can directly reduce the overall cost of your upcoming trip.
2) Set Up a Monthly Travel Fund and Automate It
Even if you do qualify for a good travel credit card, having a travel fund just makes good sense. As a rule, you’ll still want to pay off your card purchases within the grace period to avoid paying interest. Sure, you can just use your card right away, but you still want to make sure the card payments don’t become a problem later on.
Set up a new savings account that’s specifically focused on your travel expenses and make sure to deposit a fixed amount into it from your main account every payday. Even better if you park your funds in an account with good interest rates. If your bank enables auto-debits, use this feature to make sure you’re consistently putting cash in. Otherwise, use your phone and set up a regular reminder to top up your funds.
3) Carefully Weigh “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) Travel Platforms
Several travel agencies now offer installment plans that could remove the burden of paying for your dream trip. These BNPL plans can often be more affordable if the agency can partner with local tour businesses and agree on lower rates or exclusive discounts.
In some cases, the agency absorbs part of the cost or offers zero-interest terms to make the package more attractive. This setup works especially well for group or family travel, where upfront expenses tend to be higher.
Just be sure to read the fine print. Some plans don’t actually save you that much money or lock you into experiences you won’t actually care for. Others may also come with fees or penalties if you miss payments. Be sure to compare and contrast your options before committing to one of these plans.
4) Make the Most of Seat Sales and Promo Fares
Budget airlines now regularly hold seat sales during off-seasons, making otherwise expensive tickets far more affordable. These sales are usually for economy class, so you’re probably not going to score a cheaper business or first-class ticket. Even so, you should get to your destination all the same, probably with an extra few thousand pesos to spend.
5) Be Careful with Personal Loans
If you have to borrow, a credit card is probably your best bet. Still, taking out a personal loan may make sense for once-in-a-lifetime milestones like a honeymoon or a once-in-a-decade family reunion abroad. If you have a strong credit profile, personal loans from a bank can also be quite manageable. But as with any loan, you’ll want to compare rates and terms to ensure you can comfortably make your repayments.
6) Plan Off-Peak and Shoulder Season Trips
Peak demand periods like major holidays or school breaks almost always mean higher prices. Unless you’re dead set on experiencing a certain event, you can probably save thousands of pesos by planning your trips outside of these peaks.
Airfare, lodging, and even tour prices tend to be much lower outside of these windows, and popular attractions also tend to be less crowded. If you plan to take young kids or your parents along, off-peak travel can also be significantly less stressful for everyone, which can make it even more desirable.
Make Your Dream Trip Happen
Ultimately, if you have good credit and a steady income, travel doesn’t always require a huge lump sum or unthinkable sacrifices. Having the right tools and doing your homework can put your once-impossible dream vacation well within reach. Whether it’s a long-awaited European family tour or a solo trip to watch the Antarctic ice floes, there are more ways than ever to make it happen.
