Travel on a budget this summer

MANILA, Philippines - A frequent traveler recounts her best "economical" vacation: she went with a group to Boracay on a budget, stayed in one of the lower-end resorts, and gargled using salt water because their faucet didn't offer fresh water. But she was a sport - "After all, this was Boracay!" her favorite summer destination, hands down.

Now more than ever, many Filipinos are traveling by air to soak up the sights in our beautiful provinces. Thanks to a budget airline industry that continues to excite and reward passengers as a result of unprecedented competition fueled by the entry of low-cost carrier AirPhil Express. In the past, travel discounts came only during off-peak seasons but now, excursionists can stretch their travel budget during high-tourist summer fiesta months with promos that take people to world-class destinations across the country.

If you plan ahead and research enough, you will find plenty of great deals for bakasyonistas. Start by mapping out your itinerary and setting a budget. The general wisdom is that it is cheaper to travel by group (with family or friends) so you can share common expenses equally. If you're traveling with your kids, use it as an opportunity to teach them to enjoy within their means. Be responsible but be reasonable - after all, the goal is not to go on a cheap vacation but to experience a super-fun getaway at the best possible cost.

Practically every destination now offers a spectrum of lodging facilities that fits any budget, starting from 1-star hotels that provide decent accommodation without the frills, and going up the 4- or 5-star hotel bracket for deluxe stay. Don't be embarrassed to ask for special rates or promos or if they have partner establishments that offer lower room rates. Food is also relatively inexpensive in the different provinces but if you can rent a place with a kitchen and cook your own meals, you will find that curbing restaurant spending saves a significant amount of travel cash.

Expert vacationers point to the local market as the go-to place for pasalubong and souvenirs. Haggle, if possible in the local language, to try to get friendlier rates, but don't be inconsiderate because you also want to help boost the tourism industry. Photographs are a great way to commemorate the trip, plus they are an easy way to document and share your first snorkeling or white water rafting experience via social networking sites.

Plan for but try to avoid miscellaneous expenses. If you're on a tight budget, familiarize yourself with the place and bring a map. Pack well and bring extra batteries for your devices so you won't have to comb the island to find a way to recharge your gadgets. Also, you don't want to spend your vacation in the local hospital so be safe while retaining a healthy sense of adventure.

Another thing to keep in mind is that tourism is a two-way street - it's not only about scoring the best bang for your tourist buck.

Log on to these sites: www.airphilexpress.com, or www.twitter.com/airphilexpress.