Travel Packages Philippines

[Fosgate]

Thought I would ask my travelers here. I bought tickets to fly into Manila in April 2017 for 8 days for a vacation. My travel agent here has been just totally clueless, I found the flight for half of what she could find. So I throw out some Ideas what we wanted to see and do and she just "let me know what you decide for your final destination." What! So looks like I am doing all the leg work again. Looking at hotels etc all in one area at a time and reading reviews etc. I many places look nice up front with reasonable rates but then you read reviews and they are making up the coin on the back end with overpriced, meals, services and other packages. Others are just higher than an elephants ass all the way around. Then there are the super low budget dives with bedbugs and a serial killler hiding under the bed. But there are also many beautiful high value, reasonable cost places as well.

 

I then started looking at all inclusive packages (https://www.goway.com/trips/dest/asia/cntry/philippines/)  and wow, ok there is some good stuff and ideas.  Coron, Bohol (Panglao Island, Chocolate islands), island hopping, snorkle, scuba, whale sharks, chocolate mountains etc. Sounds perfect. I like the idea of staying at a place for a couple days and then moving on to the next. So are there any recommended agencies that you would recommend that can help this yank out?

[El Presidente]

Di and I have used all inclusive travel packages to Asia a few times but only in relation to the Hotel.

Our rule of thumb:

1. 4 star + boutique hotel/resort on a beach, breakfast included. 
2. Ensure it has hotel transfers both ways. 
3. Take the room upgrade on arrival.
4. Ensure the location is within walking distance of real local people (bars, clubs, massage, laundry, shopping). We really don't want to travel 9 hours in a plane to hang around a resort/hotel. 

We have found the accommodaion packages to be great. tripadvisor will help with the reviews and your own research of location and surrounding areas is key to a great holiday. 

As for companies doing them...there are squillions. One suspects it all comes from the same core and farmed out to operators. 

Travel agents can be less than helpful. they are cut out of the loop on these packages most of the time, have a hard time competing and have little incentive to assist. 

[semifan1]

I have traveled all over the world. First time I went someplace I used a Travel Agent was not pleased with what she went with on my trip and I couldn't change it since it was all booked and paid for. After that debacle I started using booking.com and  trip advisor, read the reviews. Have picked some great places thanks to the reviews. Plan ahead for places to stay and things to do and you can't go wrong. What Prez said about stay close to the action is spot on. Went to Switzerland had a nice hotel, but it was way to far from town sucked getting back and forth.

[Auspaul]

Let us know if you find any good duty free cigars in Manila