How to Find Cheap Hotels in the Philippines

Due to a legacy of negative publicity fueled by political issues and natural disasters, the Philippines has developed a less-than-favorable reputation among the international community over the years. However, it proves to be a welcoming country with friendly and hospitable citizens and cheap accommodations. People are transported through town in Jeepneys, meant to resemble American military Jeeps. The points of interest include a look at Imelda Marcos's shoe collection.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with access to the Internet

Instructions

Choose Your Accommodations in the Philippines

1. Call the Department of Tourism office in Los Angeles at [phone] or New York at [phone] to book cheap accommodations in the Philippines. You can also book through its Web site (see Resources below).

2. Decide what kind of accommodations fit your needs. For the especially thrifty and adventurous traveler, camping may be enticing.

3. Ask about free upgrades when you arrive at your destination. If business is slow, oftentimes the owners of these establishments are happy to bump you up to nicer amenities.

4. Consider one of many variations on hostels. The luxury of a private bathroom can be the difference between $3 and $15 (or more) per night. If you don't require your own bathroom, save the extra money for sightseeing.

5. Use places of interest to determine which part of the Philippines most appeals to you. Cheap accommodations are available all over the islands, notably in the form of budget-rate motels and backpacker inns.

Know Your Destination

1. Avoid the heat. November through March is the dry season in the Philippines. While this may also be the peak time for tourists, visitors the remainder of the year must endure severe heat and humidity.

2. Don't be caught in a storm. Typhoon season in the Philippines begins in mid-June and lasts until November.

Visit Points of Interest in the Philippines

1. Visit the Philippine Eagle Centre. This facility is working to protect the endangered Philippine eagle.

2. Walk through Corregidor in Manila, where the Americans and Filipinos fought Japanese troops during World War II.

3. Experience a variety of natural wonders in the Puerto Galera region, from the white beaches to Mount Halcon to the Tamaraw waterfalls.

Tips & Warnings

• When calling internationally from outside the United States, check which international dialing prefix to use.

• Tourists are cautioned to avoid Mindanao in the southern Philippines, as it is home to a Muslim extremist group that may potentially attack foreigners.

• If traveling around national holidays, expect the buses to be booked. Be wary of train travel, since the trains in the Philippines have a tendency to break down.