Puerto Princesa: Paradise Regained

The Royal Treatment at Puerto Princesa

With safety protocols firmly enforced, Puerto Princesa is poised to again welcome tourists with open arms. In recent years, the highly urbanized city and tourist haven has been paralyzed by the Covid-19 pandemic, then pummeled by Typhoon Odette. But it is now on the road to recovery---as spectacularly as its scenic, romantic and gastronomic attractions.

5 Best Places to Hike in Whistler

Is it Safe to Go Hiking During the Pandemic?

Before we tackle the best places for hiking, let's tackle the very basic question : is hiking still safe during the pandemic? 

HSMA GPSTV “Go Safe, Go Travel: Walk and Talk With Us” Season 2

Kevin Lapena

As travel gradually opens up for tourists, the travel industry is gearing up and has been preparing for the arrival of guests for the past year.  See first hand, the work and smiles behind your favorite Philippine destinations with Kevin Lapeña in his journey and rediscovery of the Pearl of the Orient on Hotel Sales and Marketing Association’s -  Go Philippines Soar High TV (GPSTV) Season 2: Walk and Talk with Us.

What You Need To Carry on a Long Bicycle Ride

A long bicycle ride is an excellent way to get a workout, explore the countryside and make memories. Whether you’re gearing up for your first long road trip or taking on another thrilling adventure, find out what you need to carry. Gear up and look for electric bicycles for sale for a unique way to adventure on two wheels.

Overnight Stay at Zen Rooms Millenia Suites

The last time we stayed at a Zen Room was just last summer in Aloha Hotel. This time, my kids' examination period has just ended and the preparations for our village's trick or treat was a bit stressful for me so I thought it's time to use my free overnight stay that Zen Rooms offered me so we could relax before the new semester begins. 

Puerto Princesa: The Perfect Place for Palawan First-Timers

Image from Pinterest

Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s urbanized capital city, one that is perfect for first-time visitors to the province. Why? For one, the tourism industry here is very organized. There are associations for tour guides, tricycle drivers and operators, and other sectors, which means everything is monitored and regulated. It also means that all sectors work seamlessly with each other to provide the best experiences for visitors.

Puerto Princesa City also has a perfect balance between urban attractions and natural wonders. It doesn’t have as many beaches like Coron and El Nido, but what it has are definitely beautiful and enchanting in their own right. In the city proper itself, you’ll find plenty of places to explore and fall in love with. Simply put, finding and booking a cheap Puerto Princesa tour package will be definitely worth every peso you spend. 

So without further ado, here are a few suggestions on what to do in Puerto Princesa.

From Manila Going to Boracay Island 2019

Last June, we went to Boracay with my family as a treat to my daughter who just turned 7 years old. I asked my daughter whether she wanted a big party or go to the beach for her birthday, and she decided she wants to go to the beach, and so we decided to spend it in Boracay since we never went there before except my older sister. 

Delayed Flight (Air Asia)

Yanolja invests USD 15M into Leading Southeast Asian Economy Hotel Chain ZEN Rooms

• Seoul-based accommodation/leisure company Yanolja enters South East Asia by investing USD15M into ZEN Rooms in return for a minority stake
•   Strategic investment into ZEN Rooms to benefit from exponential growth and synergistic effects in Southeast Asian market·  
• This marks the first cross-border transaction for Yanolja and the largest startup investment by a Korean company in South East Asia 

Singapore, July 26^th 2018 

Leading Southeast Asian economy hotel chain and online booking platform ZEN Rooms (www.zenrooms.com) announces a strategic minority investment of USD15M by Yanolja, the leading Seoul-based leisure company with rights to acquire 100% of ZEN Rooms in the future. This is the largest startup investment by a Korean company in Southeast Asia. 

Some Most Important Parts of a Jeep That You Must Consider

These days, a large number of people are opting for jeeps as it looks classy and also enhances your status. Most of the jeeps are quite expensive that’s why it becomes necessary to keep it maintained and upgrade some of its important parts. One of them is engine; if you love riding jeep a lot then there is always a possibility that you will experience broken or failing engine at some or other point in your way. The engine works as a lifeline for a jeep and helps in enhancing its performance as well as provide many other benefits.

Have the Vacation You Want in Its Cheapest Price Through Groupon

This is a sponsored post

Plan your holidays ahead for less by booking them through Hotels.com with Groupon coupons! Groupon is already known as the go-to online site for coupons and discounts, while Hotels.com is the number one booking site for hotel accommodations worldwide. And now, I am quite happy to announce that Hotels.com is now a member of the Groupon family which means customers can enjoy greater discounts with their bookings made through Hotels.com using Groupon coupons.

I just love booking in hotels with my family, but I also rely on our travel budget to determine our hotel destination. Groupon currently offers up to 50% OFF on bookings most especially this coming Labor Day, so I can finally find a good hotel that our budget can afford. 

Here is a screenshot of one of the hotels I found in Hotels.com with a Groupon discount: 

I actually find it easy to look for hotels that are below $90 thanks to Groupon's Labor day discount.  

Do you want to book now? Simply go to Groupon and select the discount you like to avail, and the website will direct you automatically to Hotels.com to find your desired hotel. Hurry because the discounted rooms won't be there forever. 

5 Tips for Adventure Seekers to Charlotte, North Carolina

This post is originally posted by Bram Reusen on May 23, 2017 on Travel.Experience.Live

Charlotte, North Carolina, is conveniently surrounded by a wealth of amazing national parks, scenic drives, and world-class hiking destinations. If you’re staying in Charlotte for an extended period of time, such as a week or more, you’ll definitely want to head out and visit one of these beautiful places.

Below, I’ve listed five absolutely awesome destinations for adventure near Charlotte. Many of them require some driving, which is why I’ve noted that these trips are ideal if you’re using Charlotte as a base during your holiday. Make sure to visit Discovery Place Nature (previously known as the Nature Museum), too, while you’re there. It’s a great introduction to the wildlife and nature in the region. There are several excellent hotels near the museum.

OVERLOOK ON THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

5 Destinations for Adventure near Charlotte, North Carolina

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

The most popular of all U.S. national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives more than 10 million visitors every year. Situated at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, this exceptional park features diverse plant and animal life, historic homesteads, picturesque waterfalls, and great hiking.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia

Winding for 469 miles (755 kilometers) along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s greatest drives. It connects Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks and is the most visited unit in the National Park Service system. You can drive a short section of it or spend a few days exploring the Blue Ridge. There are historic sites, panoramic overlooks, and hiking trails.

MABRY MILL, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

A relatively unknown national park, South Carolina’s Congaree National Park lies less than two hours south of Charlotte. It’s a rather small park, ideal for an afternoon visit. Protecting the largest floodplain forest in the Southeast, Congaree is characterized by wetlands, swamps, and woods. Walking the boardwalk and exploring the floodplain in a canoe are the two main things to do there.

4. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The furthest destination from Charlotte on this list, Shenandoah National Park lies at the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fastest route will get you there in about 4.5 hours, so this is a destination for an overnight trip. Shenandoah’s star attraction is Skyline Drive, a 105-mile (169-kilometer) mountain road that cuts across the park from south to north. Lined with no fewer than 75 overlooks and numerous trailheads, it’s definitely a recommended thing to do.

BLACK BEAR WITH CUBS, SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

5. Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park lies in the southwestern corner of Virginia, just across the border from North Carolina. Getting there takes about 2.5 hours, so it’s an ideal day trip from Charlotte. What sets this particularly photogenic place in Virginia apart is its mountain meadow landscapes, its herds of wild ponies, and the truly magnificent hiking opportunities.

 GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK, VIRGINIA

Where to Stay in Charlotte?

Charlotte, as the largest city in North Carolina, is home to many great hotels. After your adventurous outing, whether it’s a day or overnight trip, you’ll want to be able to take a nice shower and get a good night’s sleep. Pretty much all districts have a fine selection of accommodations to offer, but consider focusing on the hotels near the Amtrak Station, Charlotte Convention Center, or Carolinas Medical Center.

Have You Ever Visited Any of These Amazing Destinations for Adventure near Charlotte?

Grami Hotel Review

My husband and I needed a place to stay only for a few hours so we decided to stay at Grami Hotel where they offer a 4-hour stay for only P700 from 7 AM to 7 PM. They charge P300 pesos per succeeding hour.  This hotel is just walking distance to SM BF Paranaque so if you have an event to attend to in SM and needed a place to stay for the meantime, this is the perfect hotel for you.

Here are some pictures I took while we're in Grami Hotel: 

The lobby
It's quite small and no one's around since we arrived at around 9AM.

Business Center (Right beside the Reception Area)

Hallway

The Bedroom

They offer clean rooms with some hotel-like amenities. As you would notice in the picture below, you don't have any view in the window because it's covered. 

Their CRT TV (with cable) and their mini bar underneath with drinks and choco bars

Table with mirror and hair blower. Their hair blower is indeed strong

Room Service Menu
We haven't tried their food, but their Korean food menu looks delish!

BATHROOM

They offer clean and quite spacious bathrooms with strong water ( includes a hot and cold shower ). They have shampoo, soap, body cleanser, lotion, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and 2 towels. 

Overall, our stay was pleasant. The hotel staff was professional and courteous, air conditioned rooms were clean and nice, and their rates are reasonable (all major credit cards accepted).

Here's a list of their facilities and services: 

Free WIFI access at the lobby
All rooms with WIFI access except standard budget room
Fully Air Conditioned rooms
Cable Television
Minibar
Room Service
Bell Service
Massage Service
24H CCTV security
Airport Transfer servic
Laundry service

Grami Hotel

Lot 1 Block 7, Dr. A Santos Avenue

Goodwill 3 Subd., Sucat, Paranaque City

Tel. 828-0985 / 828-0459
Email: gramihotel@hotmail.com

How to Plan the Best Trip to Phoenix, Arizona

This post is originally posted by Mani  on April 3, 2017 on A New Life Wandering

Phoenix, also known as the Valley of the Sun, provides sunshine almost every day of the year. And while it has remained on the list of must-visit cities in the U.S., something has shifted as of late. The city is gaining visitor momentum with its up-and-coming arts scene, gastronomic greatness, and its stunning desert and mountain scenery. If you’re intrigued, here’s how to plan the best trip to Phoenix, Arizona.

When to Go to Phoenix, ArizonaPhoenix offers extreme temperatures ranging from 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 40 degrees Celsius, in the summer months to freezing in the winter. So it’s best to go in the in-between months in spring and fall to enjoy the Valley of the Sun at its best. When you’re ready to plan your trip, check out this Phoenix hotel planning guide to book the perfect hotel for your needs.

Soak in the Culture and GastronomyCapitol Building Phoenix, Arizona

Image via Flickr by Gage Skidmore

Culturally, Phoenix can really stand out with its many museums, theaters, music venues, opera, and symphony. Some of the state’s best museums lie here and feature a number of themes. I recommend The Heard Museum, the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Art Museum, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. You can also take a stroll through Bentley Projects, a downtown warehouse district full of art galleries.

Dining Phoenix, Arizona

Image via Flickr by Alan Light

After fueling with the complimentary breakfast at your hotel, feel free to work up an appetite during the day to give way to delicious food. Given the proximity to Mexico, you’ll find outstanding south-of-the-border inspired cuisine.

At the Phoenix Ranch Market, you’ll find freshly made tortillas, refreshing aguas frescas, and mouth-watering tres leches cake. Phoenix also has other international flavors, including French, Korean, and other Latin American cuisines.

Stay CoolPool Phoenix, Arizona

Image via Flickr by mirage1210

As mentioned, Phoenix can get pretty hot, but there are several ways to stay cool. Many hotels have pools where you can soak, refresh, and lounge with the family. You can also take them to the several water parks around the city. If water isn’t your thing, you’ll find air conditioning across buildings in Phoenix. So feel free to satisfy your shopping needs at the many malls and chic boutiques.

Witness Stunning Natural BeautyHiking Camelback Mountain Phoenix, Arizona

Image via Flickr by ThreeIfByBike

Possibly one of Phoenix’s best feature is its majestic desert landscape with breathtaking sunsets and plenty of outdoor activities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy hiking and biking up Camelback Mountain, where you can view the city from above. If you want to bring your furry friend on your hiking adventure, there are many pet-friendly hotels in Phoenix, too.

There are also many green areas around the city, like the South Mountain and Squaw Pearl parks. You can also go horseback riding through the splendor of the desert and enjoy the vast array of colors during sunset.

Now you have all the best tips for arts and culture, gastronomy, staying cool, and outdoor adventure to visit Phoenix, Arizona. Do you have any other tips or recommendations?

(Featured image via Flickr by midiman)

Things to Consider in Planning Your Hotel Staycation

The holidays are right around the corner and I’m pretty sure having a hotel staycation with your family is running around your mind lately. My family and I had our previous staycations within the Metro like our staycation in Dusit Hotel and in Raffles Makati. And from our experiences, allow me to share with you some things to consider to help you plan your staycation.

Lovely Staycation: Dusit Hotel Makati Review

Last May 22, 2015, my husband and I decided to take our family on a 3D/2N family staycation in Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We chose this hotel because after doing some online research it has all the amenities that we need. A big plus is their location being just a stone's throw away from SM Makati and Ayala Malls.