What should you do before leaving UK ?
Well perhaps you might like to get some information about the Philippines.
A good thing to do is to do a little research on the internet...perhaps look at maps of the Philippines..get a basic understanding of the main islands..the main cities..and the area you are ultimately travelling to...if its Mindanao the largest island to the south...then Forum Admin is familiar with this island and can help you...if its Visaya...I can help you with that...especially if its..Negros and surrounding islands...if its to the North...in Luzon..then look around the internet.
Then start to think about what you will need....for example there are some essential items you should take to make your vacation courtship in the Philippines a lot easier than it has been for others who went before you.
I have made a small list for anyone who wants to go.and its a list for British Guys who make this trip....ok
So.....what should you take with you in your Baggage...one word of caution..try to take 1 large peice of Baggage with all your things in..then a small holdall for the aircraft and to carry your emergency essentials which I will talk about shortly.
Essentials
1. Toilet Paper (moist if possible) 1 Box at least
2. Sun Shades
3. Flip Flops
4. Shorts..Slacks..cotton shirts..shoes...
5. Sun Bloc
6. Moisturizing Lotion
7. Lip Balm
8. Mosquito Repellant
9. Digital Camera and Baterries charger...SD Card..Xd card, MMC Smartmedia card...Film...etc etc.
10. Money Belt
11. Money...(not travellers cheques)
12. Shorts cotton...plenty of spares..for swimming..walking around in...its hot.
13. Shaving cream..razor..wet toiletries
14. Books to read on long flight.
15. Anti-Dhiorrea medicine
16. Salt Tablets
17. Any other Medications you take in UK...take them with you...and extra if needed.
18. A Small first aid kit. (Very good idea)
19. Saline pods (for treating infection and washing a cut or bite) (very useful) (Consult a Pharmacist about this)
20. Innoculations against Hepatitis A
To be honest lists can always be added to...and when making a list...its for the things we can think of...but mainly its the thousands of situations that we cannot think of...but the above list is helpful and alot of it...will save you aggravation...especially if you get bitten by something....or you get Glorias revenge..which you will 100 per cent get on day 1.
Glorias revenge has already been covered in other areas of the forum...but dietary and water changes will effectively mean your internal system will immedeatly cause you to be on the toilet on a more frequent basis...anti-dihorrrea medicine such as Immodium needs to be taken straight away....on arrival in the Philippines in fact start taking it the minute you get to a hotel room...dont wait until 2 days after when it has kicked in...its hard to get rid of.
Ok you have a list of things... you have got those...you have done some preparation...check your passport is valid...you dont need a visa as you will get a 3 week visa automatically on arrival or 21 days.
Make sure you try and get Philippine Pesos before you go...these can be got at banks on special order...you can also get them at the airport....but its best to be prepared first before you go...travellers checks in US Dollars are ok...but hard to change..and when its hot in the Phils you dont want to be walking around Manila trying to get rid of them.
Buy your PHP here in UK as much as you can get....take a little UK Money for back up...but PHP is a must ok...it talks much better in the Phils.
