Rainy days and holidays
June marks the beginning of another school year as well as the start of the rainy season. While the thought of a wet holiday is enough to damper any mood for travel, nothing puts any vacation plans on hold more effectively for families than the expenses that comes with a child's schooling.
The weather, however, brings with it a rather fortunate consequence: because there are not as many people traveling around this time, prices for accommodation drop between the months of June through September.
Granted that with school demanding your child's time from Monday through Friday, you can still have mini-vacations to take the edge off a stressful week.
The Staycation
No need to get out of the city to have a relaxing weekend. Book for a room at one of the hotels in Metro Manila for a weekend of lounging by the pool and all the other perks of hotel living. Hotels sometimes have special local resident rates and packages, so don't be daunted by the daily rates. You can also look into serviced apartments like Somerset Salcedo, which lets you enjoy hotel amenities and facilities yet gives you the freedom to prepare or bring in your own meals so you don't have to pay exorbitant room service fees.
The Day trip
Head out of town early on a Saturday and head back to Manila late in the evening so you have the whole of Sunday to rest and recover. Spend the day exploring new places or relish in the familiar comforts of tried and tested favorites. Tagaytay is one such favorite, with its close proximity to Manila, chilly weather and wealth of dining options and activities. If your interests veer to culinary delights and heritage, Pampanga is your best bet with Everybody's Cafe, C'Italian Dining, Bacolor and Betis churches and Museo Ning Angeles. For history buffs with an inclination for the outdoors, book a cruise to Corregidor with Sun Cruises, which is just an hour and a half away from Manila Bay.
The Overnighter
Think of it as an extended day trip but at a more relaxed pace. This allows you to drive further and gives you more time to enjoy the destination. Go to Subic for outlet shopping, water sports (weather permitting) and zipping through the forest at Subic Tree-top adventure. For the ultimate relaxation, head to Casa San Pablo in Laguna, a charming bed and breakfast with quirky rooms, serene gardens, sumptuous home cooking and warm hospitality.
Whether you opt for a staycation, a day trip or an overnighter, the aim is the same: to relax, to enjoy and to spend quality time with your loved ones. It's the perfect formula to recharge your batteries to face another stressful week.
