Limit the things you bring with you when you take a trip. If possible, carry just one 9” x 22” x 14” bag with a highest weight of 20 pounds. If you can manage to limit your carrier to this size, you do not have to register your luggage at the airport. Upon arrival to your destination, you can go directly to customs while everybody is waiting for their luggage at the carousel. Pack light and pack smart. When choosing what to bring, think in terms of what you can do without rather than what might be useful for the trip.
When you travel to Cebu, bring light outfits especially when you are visiting for Sinulog. Usually it is hot during January of the month. Cotton tees, pants, and walking shorts are your best bet. For women, a sun-hat with brim will help protect against the heat of the sun. A pair of sunglasses with UV defense is recommended. And if you plan to travel to the landscape or walk a lot, do not forget to bring your comfortable sneakers or sandals.
Note that the Philippines or specifically Cebu uses 220V of electricity. Most hotels provide 100V outlets but commonly, they are not accessible, especially in the countryside areas. So if you are planning to bring some electronic doohickeys, make sure you bring a converter with you.
Sinulog Travel Tip on Valuables
Avoid bringing valuables. A decent watch and faux accessories (discretionary) are all you need. But in case you did bring some posh jewelry, deposit them and your other valuables in the hotel safe (most major hotels provide them for free).
Make sure you make a photocopy of your passport and tickets just in case you lose them. Keep the copies in a separate location. Place them in the deep pockets of your luggage. It is a good idea to use a belt bag to put your money, passport and other valuables when on the road rather than a bag. And position it in front of your body and under your shirt if possible. Better yet, use a money belt and hide it under your clothing. Never leave your bag and other valuables on the seashore or at the poolside when swimming. It is a lot safer to leave them in your hotel room.
Nearly all popular travel spots experience highs and lows in the flow of visitors. During the low periods, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel companies are eager to attract paying customers by offering deals. Price-cutting, freebies, and special offers suddenly become the norm in places that would not dream of offering price cuts when demand is high.
Besides paying less, visitors who come to a tourist spot during the low season will enjoy less crowding, and a more laid-back ambience. You will also get to experience more local colour, and you may even find that the residents, who will not be overwhelmed by hordes of tourists, treat you with more courtesy.
While low-season travel is great for penny-pinchers, it’s important to remember that destinations have slow periods for a reason: weather may be unfavourable at certain times of the year, and some attractions or activities may be unavailable for whatever reason.
Sometimes the crowds can be so sparse a destination can feel downright lonely. Empty restaurants, shops, and streets may make getting around easy, but the quiet can feel unnatural. Also, you may find that the low season is used as a time for construction and renovation: Imagine staying in hotel when the roof is being repaired, or traveling to see a monument, only to find it covered in scaffolding. If there is a certain museum, attraction, or activity you want to see on your trip, check when (or if ) it is open and if any renovations will be taking place.
Sinulog Travel Tip for smokers
Long tow flights can be difficult for smokers. Bring with you a couple of nicotine patches and put one on about an hour before your flight. It is amazing how this small patch can make your craving for a smoke disappear.
Sinulog Travel Tip on Where to Eat
There are a lot of cultural and local restaurants to choose from. One of the most popular is the “hanging rice” which is puso. You can eat them just like ordinary rice but they are covered with banana leaves in a diamond shape which is very Cebu!
For the complete list of where to eat in Cebu, please check out the best places to eat in Cebu!
