Missing your solo travels? Check out these spots to explore on your own
Travel is slowly becoming possible as places ease their border restrictions. Next to domestic destinations, even neighboring countries have begun allowing tourists to enter. In short, we’re all crawling back to our old ways, and exploration isn’t limited to our screens. Along with the availability of travel options, the more confidence in solo trips is growing. After all, many adventurous people consider traveling alone as part of their self-care routines. Getting lost in a new city, enjoying the ambiance of an art gallery or embarking on a food-filled quest feed the mind, body and soul. Aside from taking yourself out out on a date, taking a trip alone does wonders, too.
Are you considering spending some hours or days to yourself? We list down places you can explore on your own, right here in the Philippines.
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Solo day trip? Check out local museums.
Who says a self-care adventure has to take up an entire weekend? For solo day trips, local museums are aplenty in the metro. Enrich the mind by learning new things and finding a newfound appreciation for art, history and art history. You never know what you'll pick up when you wander through exhibits—perhaps a new hobby, interest or a conversation starter. The possibilities are abundant!
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For a day filled with Filipino art, history and culture, a trip to the Ayala Museum is your best bet. Back in 2019, the museum closed up for a supposed one-year renovation. But due to the pandemic, it had to be put on hold. Finally, after a few bumps on the road, the museum quietly re-opened to the public in February. The Ayala Museum only allows fully vaccinated individuals with pre-booked tickets inside, so plan accordingly.
Visit the Ayala Museum on Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10AM to 5:30PM. Tickets are at P350 per person, available for booking via the museum’s official website.
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But if you’re more of a spontaneous spirit, places like Pintô Art Museum allow walk-ins. Found in the lush hills of Antipolo, this museum offers exhibits on landscape, contemporary Filipino art and architecture. An added plus? A fantastic view of the vast greenery of the Silangan Gardens. Finally, cap off with a meal at Cafe Rizal by Peppermill inside the museum grounds.
Pintô Art Museum is open from 10AM to 6PM from Tuesday to Sunday. 1 Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights Road, Antipolo, Rizal. Entrance tickets are at P250 for a regular adult.
Budding foodie? Go on a Binondo food crawl.
If your version of self-care comes in the form of gastronomic adventures, an alternative agenda for your solo day trip is a food crawl around the World’s oldest Chinatown: Binondo. Established in 1594 and located at the heart of Manila, Binondo houses tons of establishments that serve authentic Chinese cuisine. The recurring must-try place in viral Binondo Food Crawl lists is Ying Ying Tea House. Considered one of Chinatown’s classic establishments, the lines can be long, but as they say, it’s worth the wait.
Check out Ying Ying Tea House at 233 – 235 Dasmariñas St., cor Yuchengco St., Binondo, open from 7AM to 10PM.
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Need some Vitamin Sea? Take that trip to the beach.
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If you’re a city dweller done with buildings and the hustle and bustle of the city, then maybe it’s time to get your dose of Vitamin Sea. Get some much-needed sunlight and let the waves wash your worries away. Surf town La Union is under Alert Level 1, which means that leisure travel is now allowed within the area. Visiting go-to favorites such as Tagpuan, Makai Bowls, El Union Coffee and Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel is now possible.
While some things about organizing a trip might have stayed the same, the locality continues to enforce protocols to keep everyone safe. So at least five days before your trip, register for the NAPANAM QR Pass, La Union’s local contact tracing platform. Also, don’t forget to bring your vaccination card, government-issued ID and the booking confirmation from accredited travel agencies or accommodation establishments. Travel responsibly while you do your self-care!
For some fresh air (and thrifty finds), go further up north to Baguio City.
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Not a fan of the beach? Or planning to see more scenery after some fun under the sun? Well, a trip up to Baguio City should be your next stop for a self-care solo trip. Aside from the cooler-than-the-city’s-usual weather, the City of Pines has a lot to offer to curious tourists. For example, thrift shopping at the iconic Harrison Road Night Market or Bayanihan Shopping Center has many finds. Drop by the iconic BenCab Museum to see exhibits and works by National Artist Ben Cabrera.
However, traveling in the new normal means adhering to health and safety protocols. Before entering Baguio City, your trip needs to be approved by an accredited travel agency or accommodation via Baguio Visita.
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So, dear strong and independent traveler, where to next?
Art Chelsy Estrada
