2024 is finally here! It’s time to leave behind everything that’s happened in the past and use this time for new beginnings; leave behind anything or anyone that doesn’t benefit your life, and use your time to better yourself instead of wasting it on meaningless things.
If you haven’t yet been doing it, now is the time to practice self-love, baby!
What are some ways you can do this? Invest more time in yourself. Read books you want to read, take up hobbies you’ve always wanted to start but were always too busy to do, and most importantly, travel to the places you’ve only ever dreamed of visiting.
Whether your dream destination is in the Philippines or is somewhere all the way across the globe, make the change this year by saying “f*ck it” and finally booking your ticket.
If you’re still unsure of where to go, republicasia has interviewed some Gen Zs about where they plan to go so you don’t have to, so you can start planning your itinerary out for the year to come.
- Siquijor (Philippines)
Estimated budget: 10, 000 PHP
If you’re looking for a place wherein you can enjoy some one-on-one time with yourself, 21-year-old student Francesca Ventanilla recommends Siquijor, an island in Central Visayas. Ventanilla notes that just three days is more than enough time to explore the entirety of the island.
“The island is pretty small, but it’s laidback and chill, so I’d love to experience that,” she shared.
If you’re looking for a place to swim, you can visit Cambugahay Falls or Paliton Beach. There’s also the Capilay Spring Park, or any natural spring you can find in the place, wherein you can relax whilst floating on clear, soothing waters.
Another option is the Old Balete Tree, which others believe to be enchanted; some say that the tree has magical powers and that fairies and spiritual creatures flock toward it come nightfall. Whether you believe in that or not, visiting it – and maybe even making a wish while you’re there – wouldn’t hurt.
- Cambodia and Bangkok (Thailand)
Estimated budget: 25 – 35, 000 PHP
21-year-old student Zay Delos Santos has always heard stories from her tito about his travels in Thailand, sharing with her the richness of the country’s culture. She’s also heard many great things about Thailand’s food and nightlife, so she’s excited that this country will be her first-ever overseas trip.
Jade Busa, another 21-year-old student, shares the same sentiments, excited to go to Bangkok for its cultural heritage. Some things she’s looking forward to are exploring the street food scene, meeting and connecting with new people, and experiencing that famed Bangkok nightlife.
“It’s a place someone needs to discover on their own,” she shared.
If you’re planning to visit Thailand in the coming year, follow in Busa’s footsteps. Visit the Buddhist temples and admire the sacral architecture, or head on to Khao San Road to experience Bangkok’s nightlife through its abundance of bars, clubs, and street food for you to gulp down after drinking.
You can also time your trip for the last week of November, which is what Delos Santos and her family will be doing so that they can see the Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, wherein you can watch as thousands of lanterns are lit up and sent off into the night sky.
- Osaka, Shibuya, and Tokyo (Japan)
Estimated budget: 60 – 80, 000 PHP
If you’re like Gabriele Nicolas, you may be visiting Japan sometime next year for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, or maybe you’re just going there for fun. Either way, there are many great sights to see in Japan, particularly in Osaka, Shibuya, and Tokyo.
23-year-old Imelda Evangelista, on the other hand, loves Japan for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and inspiring fashion scene, particularly the vintage and secondhand clothing they sell.
Nicolas notes Shibuya Sky and Tokyo Disneyland as places to go to to have fun; while Disneyland needs no further description, Shibuya Sky may not be as familiar. This is an observation deck found in Shibuya that offers a 360-degree view of the region, showcasing the beauty of Tokyo in its entirety. There’s also the Universal Studios in Osaka if Disneyland’s short of thrills for you.
If you’re a fashion girlie like Evangelista, you can try visiting Amore Vintage Tokyo for their designer pieces. If it’s food that you’re thinking about, Nicolas recommends Takeshita Street, particularly the crepes that they sell there. There is also strawberry tanghulu famous in Shibuya for its sweet taste, so that’s something you should be on the lookout for, as well.
