Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.

With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.

Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”

Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:

Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros, the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a quick urban escape.

Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.

Tagaytay
Just a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.

Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.

Batangas
Batangas is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded destination. Agoda’s extensive offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.

It turns out that one trip to Japan just isn’t enough for most of us. Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking reveals that 70% of Filipino travelers return to their favorite destinations. The ranking, which was compiled from a survey conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, shows Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are leading the pack as the ultimate hotspots for returning visitors, followed by Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.

55% of travelers have visited their favorite destination between 1 to 3 times in the past decade, making up the largest chunk of repeat visitors. 10% of travelers have even visited their favorite destination ten times or more.

Mike Hwang, Country Director for the Philippines at Agoda shared, “Where some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations. Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Filipino travelers, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are more than just destinations, they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make any trip enjoyable, no matter if it’s the first or the tenth.”

When asked what makes Japan, Thailand, and South Korea so irresistible, half of Filipino respondents chose “Ease of Travel” at 50% as the primary reason. “Local Cuisine” at 47% was a close second, followed by “Convenient location” at 34%, “Safety and Cleanliness” at 33%, and “Previous Positive Experience” at 30% to round out the top five.

Looking at the survey data from an Asia-wide perspective, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that Asian travelers can’t get enough of, respectively 44% of Asian travelers listed “Ease of Travel” as the main reason for going back to their favorite destination.

Interestingly, this aligns with the preferences of Filipino travelers, who also prioritize ease of travel and local cuisine.

Agoda offers travelers great deals on a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities for everyone looking to revisit their favorite destinations. Whether it’s the first visit or the tenth, Agoda’s easy-to-use features helps travelers plan and book the next adventure with ease.

We are now in the second half of the year! Have you achieved your 2024 travel goals yet? If you haven’t, you’re in luck because Emirates is making it easier for you!

This July, Emirates is offering special fares to key cities in Europe and the Middle East. From now until July 21, 2024, travelers can look forward to attractive flight deals to Dubai, Paris, Madrid, Milan, and beyond, valid for travel from July 11, 2024, to January 31, 2025.

Featured destinations and starting fares include:

Fly Emirates for your next getaway and make your journey memorable with the airline’s award-winning on-board features. Be entertained with Emirates’ inflight entertainment system ice offering over 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, and games, on demand and in multiple languages. You’ll also get to enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity onboard, once you sign up to join Emirates Skywards, and savor the flavors of your destination through multicourse meals and complimentary drinks.

To help you plan your getaway, Emirates has rounded up some hidden gems in these popular featured destinations for a truly unique adventure.

Madrid

In Madrid, the iconic Calle Gran Via awaits. Take a leisurely stroll through Spain’s most popular street where you’ll find numerous shops and restaurants offering something for every adventurous soul. Along the iconic thoroughfare is also Plaza del Callao, where you’ll find the majestic Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales. Exploring the monastery, you’ll find thousands of artworks by famous painters, all contained within the peace and tranquillity of its walls. If you’re a connoisseur of theater, there are numerous places that you can visit such as the Lope de Vega Theater, Teatro Rialto, EDP Gran Vía Theater, and Teatro Muñoz Seca. Finally, there’s Calle de la Montera, where you can take a break from all the exploring with countless restaurants lined along the pedestrian-friendly street. It also leads to Puerto del Sol, one of the most iconic attractions of Madrid.

Paris

For a more local and offbeat experience of Paris, take a stroll or a boat ride along the Canal Saint-Martin, the quieter and more laid-back counterpart of River Seine. The 4.5km canal, of which 2km is underground, interweaves through charming boutiques, cafes, and vibrant neighbourhoods. It also boasts iconic canal locks, footbridges, and swing bridges. For a picturesque slice of Parisian life, travelers can head over to the Cité des Fleurs (City of Flowers), a pedestrian street located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the cobblestoned street is lined with quaint and colourful houses teeming with beautiful flowers and trees.

Milan

While a cemetery is unlikely to top any traveler’s bucket list, the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) is worth a visit. An impressive outdoor museum spanning 250,000 square metres, it is known for its sculptures, monuments, and tombs, created by various renowned artists and architects. Guided tours are available for those who wish to explore the cemetery’s history and artistic heritage. Cinephiles and dessert aficionados alike can then check out Bar Luce, a café designed by film director Wes Anderson. Inspired by Italian pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s, the bar’s design pays homage to the city itself as well as Milanese cafes of the past.

Dubai

For those looking to take a creative break, the Dubai Design Week returns from November 5 to 10, 2024. From architecture, product design, to graphic design and interiors, this edition will focus on designing for a sustainable future, with exhibitions, marketplaces, and workshops taking place at Dubai Design District.

Home away from home

Being one of the most popular destinations for Filipino tourists and workers with over 421,000 Filipinos living there, Dubai offers experiences both new and familiar. Explore the City’s unique attractions without missing home with hundreds of dining, retail, and lifestyle establishments catering to Filipinos.

Get more from your journey with My Emirates Pass

Emirates passengers flying to, through, or back to Dubai can enjoy more for less with My Emirates Pass. Leveraging their boarding passes, passengers can unlock exclusive discounts at a wide range of retail, leisure, and dining establishments, as well as top attractions and luxury spas across Dubai and the UAE. From now until September 30, 2024, Emirates customers can experience Dubai’s bucket-list attractions, including thrilling water parks and the world’s highest observation deck at Burj Khalifa At The Top, with discounts on admission tickets. They simply need to present a physical or digital boarding pass along with a valid form of identification at participating venues to access the deals and discounts.

In addition,travelers who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class from now until July 21, 2024, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two-night stay at the 5-star luxury hotel JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, while those traveling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay. This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between July 4, 2024, and September 15, 2024.

Learn more about My Emirates Pass or visit emirates.com for more information. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office or contact centre, or via travel agents.

*Terms and conditions apply. Fares mentioned are as low as, and exclusive of Philippine Travel Tax, government taxes and surcharges and are subject to change due to fight restrictions, weekend surcharge and currency fluctuations. Seats are subject to availability.