Revenge travel is real. With Pinoys cooped up in their homes for almost two years because of the pandemic, it’s no surprise that everyone’s raring to go out and travel. Well, you deserve to travel, see new places, and experience new things with the people you love (while still observing health protocols, of course!). If you’re looking for the best road trip destinations that are still close to the city, you came to the right place. Here are some of the best options that are only a few hours drive?perfect for a day tour or a weekend stay.
Silang
Now easily accessible via the CALAX Silang exit, you can spend a relaxing day in Silang, Cavite and treat yourself to some shopping, food, and other recreational activities.
Shop at the Acienda Designer Outlet located along Emilio Aguinaldo highway and get your favorite international brands at huge discounts. When you’re done shopping and have worked up an appetite, have a hearty bulalo meal in the many bulalo restaurants in town, like Samantha’s, Balinsasayaw, and Concha’s.
There are also many small cafes that serve delicious coffee, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. In fact, you can find so many minimalist and aesthetic cafes that are perfect for chilling and vibing with friends, family, or that special someone. Make sure to check out Cafe Agapita, Hidden Charm Cafe, Salakot Cafe, and Noon Cafe, just to name a few.
You can also go on a farm tour in Silang. Gourmet Farm and Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm offer farm tours to individuals and groups, and you can dine in and shop for goodies in their farm shops as well.
Fancy a game of golf with your buddies? Play golf at The Riviera Golf Club or at the South Forbes Golf Club. Last but not least, try out Cardiac Hill for a challenging bike ride with your friends. Load your bike and pack your biking gear to squeeze in some workout on two wheels.
Tagaytay
Since you’re already in Silang, you can keep driving to get to Tagaytay. As one of the most favorite road trip destinations, Tagaytay is perfect for a chill road trip with family and friends. Just an hour’s drive from Manila, this place has a lot to offer for everyone, whether it’s an adventure-filled day or a relaxing, soul-soothing weekend getaway.
It’s a popular destination for out-of-towners because most establishments have a fantastic view of Taal Lake. Fried tawilis and bulalo just hits different when enjoyed in Tagaytay. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here where you can reward yourself and satisfy all your cravings.
Looking to refresh your mind and recharge your body? Health spas and wellness retreat centers abound in Tagaytay, so make sure to make an advance booking before driving here.
If you have an RCBC Bankard credit card, you can reserve a Deluxe and Suite room at the Lake Hotel Tagaytay until June 30, 2022 and get 40% off or a Deluxe or Premier room at the Taal Vista Hotel until August 31, 2022 to enjoy a 10% discount. Package includes a free breakfast buffet for two, a guided walking tour at Taal Vista’s photo gallery and organic mini garden, plus a Filipino Afternoon Tea Set after the tour.
Plantitos and plantitas, before driving back to the city, check out the many garden centers along the road where you can buy plants and blooms at very affordable prices. There are also fruit and vegetable stands and small shops selling local favorite pasalubong like buko pie and ube jam.
Batangas
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines can be found in Batangas, which makes it another great road trip destination. It’s home to popular beach resorts like the Terrazas de Punta Fuego, Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa, and the Pico Sands Hotel. You can also drive to the Acuatico or Acuaverde beach resorts if you want some privacy and quiet relaxation.
Still, there are many options for family-friendly beaches in Lemery, Lian, and Laiya. If diving’s your thing, there are plenty of hotels and resorts in Anilao as well.
But aside from beautiful beaches and water activities, nature and outdoor lovers can also go trekking and hiking at Mount Batulao. Whether you crave the laid-back vibe or the adrenalin of adventurous activities, you can find it all in Batangas!
Make your summer dreams a reality and get 15% Off on Best available rate plus free use of kayak at Palm Beach Resort until August 30, 2022 or enjoy 10% off when you book a stay at the Pico Sands Hotel in Nasugbu with your RCBC Bankard credit card. Book the Break Free! Package until August 31, 2022 and enjoy two nights’ accommodation, exclusive use of speedboat and yacht (with cocktails) and 4-hour stay at the Santelmo Cove, one-hour massage, sunrise walk, and full board meals, just to name a few. You can bring up to eight people to avail the package, so hurry and plot your vacation leaves and make your reservation.
Rizal
If you want to be close to nature and enjoy the fresh mountain breeze, then Rizal should be next on your road trip agenda. It’s also close to Metro Manila, making it accessible by car, with plenty of nice views to enjoy your drive.
Gather the barkada, put on your gear, and trek your way to the Masungi Georeserve. If you’re not the adventurous kind, be impressed by the local art and exhibits at the Pinto Art Museum. You can even have brunch at Cafe Rizal or at Burrow Cafe.
Of course you can take it slow, too, and have a full pampering session at the Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa. This popular health and wellness retreat has a steam bath, lap pool, and sauna?perfect for treating your body to some tender loving care.
Subic
Planning to head north? Subic is another great road trip destination that’s only two to three hours drive from Manila. Enjoy the beach, the outdoors, and a whole lot of recreational activities.
Subic offers a good mix of outdoor activities with great options for accommodations that are just a stone’s throw from the beach. There are fun glamping options as well if you want to try something different.
Hike at the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail, or bring the kids to Ocean Adventure or Zoobic Safari. Whether you want some sand, sun, and sea or just enjoy the food and the relaxing environment, Subic has something for you.
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La Union
Whether you’re staying in San Juan, Bauang, Luna, or San Fernando, there are so many things to do in this popular vacation destination. It’s the perfect place to spend a beach weekend with family, friends, and even fur babies!
You don’t need to be a pro surfer to dig the vibe here in Elyu. In fact, you can learn the surfing basics as soon as you get here. Catch some waves or spend the whole day by the beach, sipping iced coffees or cold beers while watching the sunset.
When you find the energy to leave the beach, you can explore the picturesque waterfalls of La Union that will leave you in awe, like the Bulalakaw Falls, Balay Anito Falls, and Tangadan Falls. There are also plenty of walking and hiking trails if you crave some quiet meditation.
The night life is also very much alive here, especially at the hip and trendy Flotsam and Jetsam and Surfer’s Point Deck. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, there’s the Thunderpoint Resort Poro Point, Kahuna Beach Resort and Spa, and the Aureo Resort.
Check out more travel promos that you can avail this 2022 with your RCBC Bankard credit card and enjoy as much as 70% off on your room reservations. Plus, make your vacations extra rewarding because you can even get up to P5,000 cash rebate per destination for your weekend accommodation and dining spend. Remember to register in the Weekend Destination Festival at RCBC Bankard’s website before heading off to your dream trip.
And isn’t it more exciting (and safer!) to embark on this road trip driving your own car? Make that road trip happen by getting your own car through an RCBC Auto Loan. Whether you’re looking for low monthly amortizations, free insurance coverage, or a low down payment, you can find an RCBC Auto Loan that best fits your needs. So hurry, visit your nearest RCBC branch or apply online, and give yourself that much-deserved vacation!
