In a recent Agoda Travel Trend Survey, conducted by YouGov, respondents from across Asia were asked about their travel budget for this year. A 2023 spending range of $201—$500 per person was selected most often, including in the Philippines.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Agoda has split the difference, called it at $350 and came up with two great itineraries for travelers to spend five days exploring the Philippines or three days traveling abroad — all for under $350 or approximately P19,500 per person.
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 3.6M hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, airport transfers, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.
Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 6,600 staff in 31 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.
“As a platform that is passionate about getting the best deals for our customers, we wanted to look at travel options that fit well within the expected travel spends, said Enric Casals, Regional Vice-President, Oceania and Southeast Asia, Agoda.
“Bundling accommodation and flights, capitalizing on additional discounts in the Agoda app, or by using money-saving features like ‘price freeze’ are great ways to make your money go further, and enable travelers to create and discover many different itinerary options.”
For this $350-challenge, Agoda explored its platform to discover flights, accommodation as well as some activities to keep guests entertained at their destination, while adhering to the set budget. Some of the best value domestic and international itineraries are shared here for two people traveling in June.
Iloilo: More than a gateway
The City of Love is an excellent destination with its rich culture and diverse culinary scene. Iloilo, however, is more than a stopover–it’s a destination in its own right, offering experiences for every traveler’s fancy.
Bundle your flight to Iloilo with a room for two at the 4-star Figtree Hotel. During the Independence Day long weekend, a flight + hotel Agoda bundle would cost around P9,845 for three nights for two travelers.
After getting settled, immerse immediately in various culinary delights. One unmissable delicacy is the Batchoy from La Paz Public Market, a distinct soup made with round noodles, pork organs, beef loin in kaldo (broth) and sprinkled with chicharon (crushed pork cracklings). Get it piping hot at Deco’s, where it is loaded with lots of extras for only P200.
You can view an array of prehistoric relics, carrying the cultural heritage of locals in the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art for only P50 per person and side trip to Museo Iloilo, an homage to Iloilo’s heroes, ancestors, and heritage which you can access for only P15 per person.
Cap off your trip with Iloilo’s unique island experience. Take off to Agho Island, an eight-hectare paradise with white sand beaches and even a coral garden. Spend the whole day there for only P600, which already covers costs for entrance for one, an environmental fee, and day cottage rental.
Ho Chi Minh: Classic and cosmopolitan
The sprawling hub formerly known as Saigon is considered the “Economic Heart” of Vietnam, and an enticing tourist destination to many. Fly to the melting pot of traditional and modern sensibilities without worrying about accommodations by availing a Flight + Hotel bundle through Agoda. Check out the Agoda-preferred and newly renovated Hotel Nicecy, which is located at the heart of Ho Chi Minh and boasts a Hygiene Plus badge.
