Revisiting Club Laiya.

It's been years since I last visited Laiya. If I remember correctly, my last trip to the beach was in the summer of 2015. And that's because all the succeeding (Philippine) summer seasons until before the pandemic, we were enjoying spring in South Korea. That's approximately seven years of not being able to visit the beach!

So much has changed in Playa Laiya since my last visit, hence, this blog post update. For starters, the entire resort community is now known as Club Laiya, which encompasses not just the beach park, but also the pool deck, club house, and all the amenities, walkways, and forest trails within the area. 

Speaking of amenities, they now have Cocoons, which are perfect for overnight stays. These cute and quirky cylindrical pods are fully airconditioned and come with a queen-sized bed, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and a safety deposit box. 

Back in Laiya after almost seven years!

Aside from being cozy, this accommodation is also Instagram-worthy with its beach-themed mural paintings on the exterior, and starry night-themed interior. However, there are no bathrooms inside the pods. No worries though, since the clubhouse's bathrooms and shower rooms are just within an arm's reach. In addition, the pods also have a nice view of the pool and the beach, both of which are just a few feet away. 

Cocoons at Club Laiya. Rates start at Php 5000.

Eye-catching murals.

More of our Club Laiya experience after the jump!

Packing Tips To Simplify Your Summer Beach Vacation.

Beachfront vacations have always been trending. This type of vacation is an absolute favorite for so many reasons. As a result, planning a beachfront getaway is pretty straightforward. There are also many great beachfront destinations to consider, with some of the best beaches in America, including Cape Cod and Laguna Beach.

It's also pretty straightforward to find accommodation when using a hotel finder platform. Whether you need to find a place to stay in Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach, or anywhere else, these platforms will round up all the options for you and help you locate the most suitable selection.

Myrtle Beach Hotels Oceanfront includes various accommodation options to suit different budgets. You can easily find family-friendly accommodation, affordable per-night stays, and so much more in a few clicks.

But with that said, these practical packing tips will help ensure your beach vacation is absolute bliss.

Prioritize Skincare

Because you'll be visiting the beach and spending so much time in the sun, skincare is imperative to a relaxing vacation. Unfortunately, if you skip out on any of your essential skincare products or don't pack in enough sunscreen, you might end up spending the bulk of your vacation battling sunburn or even windburn.

Moon Ga Young in True Beauty (2020).

So, just in case, be sure to pack in enough skincare products and a few skin restoration products such as aloe vera ointments and others.

Pack A Variety Of Garments

Spending time at the beach will prove just how unpredictable and chaotic weather can be; a perfectly sunny day can end with a raging storm, and a gloomy morning can end with a peaceful vibrant evening.

Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho in Hometown Cha Cha Cha (2021).

So, while it's wise to pack in mostly breezy clothing and enough swimsuits, you should also pack in various garments to be prepared for changing weather.

Essential Gadgets

Even though you're probably planning on spending the bulk of your time soaking up the sun or participating in various seafront activities, you will also need some gadgets. Your smartphone, laptop, and perhaps your kindle are all items you should bring along.

And while there's no doubt you'll remember to pack in your chargers, you should also bring along a universal adapter, depending on where you will be staying.

Invest In The Right Luggage

The best way to make packing a simple task and avoid forgetting essentials and comfort extras behind is to have the right luggage. If your primary luggage bag is not spacious enough, packing can be an overwhelming mess.

My luggage brand of choice. 

Beyond that, the right luggage will also simplify packing as various separate compartments, waterproofing, and other suitable luggage elements make packing easy.

Look for sturdy luggage with compartments, spacious enough, and comfortable carrying or cart with you. You can also consider adding a GeoTag or security tag to your luggage bag.

While you should also consider things like making the most of your vacation budget, investing time and thought towards planning is fundamental. Fortunately, with all the smart hacks and savvy tips out there, packing for a beach vacation is easier than ever before.

Fun Things to Do When Traveling to Asia.

Asia is becoming an increasingly popular vacation destination for travelers from all walks of life. Here are some entertaining activities to try if you are planning a trip to Asia.

The Golden City of Jaisalmer, India.

Get in Touch With Nature in India
When thinking of India, the mind immediately jumps to bustling cities and the Taj Mahal. However, the country has a plethora of other options to explore. From snow-tipped mountains to lush forests and valleys, there are endless natural destinations to tour. India also offers majestic wetlands, colorful coral reefs, lagoons, waterfalls and the Ganges River, which is over 1,500 miles long. India certainly has plenty to offer in terms of its natural beauty.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam.

Take a Tour of Vietnam
With an attractive location next to the South China Sea, Vietnam is an ideal place to travel for those looking for a rich tour of southeast Asia. Vietnam tours take the guesswork out of planning a trip to this stunning country. The tours come in a variety of locations and price points, with options for every type of traveler. Sample Vietnamese cuisine and culture in Ho Chin Minh City, or take walking tours of ancient archeological sites, such as peaceful temples and pagodas.

Camel Ride Safari Tour in Dubai.

Traverse the Urban Jungle of Dubai
If you are looking for a more metropolitan destination, the famous city of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, provides a rich and modern cultural experience. Dubai is most well-known for its thriving nightlife, sleek, modern buildings, amazing shopping malls and pristine beaches. If you are traveling with children, there are also many kid-friendly parks and beaches, with activities especially geared towards youth. With the variety of places and sites to explore, there is plenty to do in Dubai to fill up your calendar.

Park Bo Gum in Cebu, Philippines.

Play in the Sand in the Philippines
The Philippines is famous for its vast array of beaches. The nation, made up of thousands of islands, features a huge variety of beautiful and unique coastlines, from one of the world's longest white sandbanks to a pink sand beach on Great Santa Cruz island. Many of the beaches feature amazing sea life, making them ideal for activities such as snorkeling. Consider visiting the Philippines if your ideal vacation involves splashing in crystal clear waters and lounging on warm beaches.

Asia is such a diverse continent that it is incredibly easy to find a vacation spot that you will fall in love with. Whether you are looking for an urban getaway or a secluded spot in nature, you are sure to cultivate an unforgettable travel experience.

A Complete Guide to El Nido.

Hundreds and thousands of tourists head for El Nido every year. And why not? After all, it is the primary base for exploring the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. El Nido is world famous for its impressive limestone formations, the clear turquoise waters, and those absolutely astonishing beaches. What adds to its lure is the emerging restaurant and bar scene.

One can reach El Nido by air, boat, or land and the most popular way is by air. This is the easiest and fastest way to reach El Nido and there are plenty of daily direct flights to El Nido from Manila and Cebu. Get ready to explore the beautiful northern coastline, the fantastic beaches, and the coastal villages.

Here is a brief but complete guide to El Nido to help you plan your next island vacation.

Photo credit: The Backpack Adventure.

The best time to go
The best time to enjoy and explore El Nido is between November and May. One should avoid the rainy and cyclonic season. Still, the average temperatures in El Nido remain the same. If you want to avoid the crowd’s, avoid April which is the busiest month. Take advantage of cheap pal promos and codes to make the most of your trip.

Where to stay
El Nido offers accommodations for almost every kind of tourist. You can stay at highest-rated places for a luxurious treatment or you can look for budgeted options. The luxurious hotels include names like El Nido Resorts, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, El Nido Cove Resort, Vellago Resort and more. If you are looking for a place to stay in El Nido on a budget, then you will find plenty of options in El Nido town that offer a wide selection of cost-conscious accommodations.

Photo credit: Tabanka Divers.

Top things to enjoy
El Nido is a cluster of 45 small islands, and there is plenty to do and see here. You will come across the most beautiful and enchanting islands in the entire world. Some of the most sought-after beaches are the Duli Beach, Maremegmeg Beach, and Lio Beach. Find yourself surrounded by large limestone cliffs and rock formations. Dive in the Dilumacad Underwater Tunnel and swim through the sea life, or head for the small lag on the northern end of Miniloc Island, which looks like an alien landscape. Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls and Balay Cuyonon are also some of the island's major attractions.

Where to eat
While Filipino food can be greasy, you will not remain short of options. However, it is a must to try the breakfast of sweet cured pork with garlic rice at least once before you leave. Some of the top restaurants in El Nido are Republica Sunset Bar that offers fairly large portions. It is the right place to enjoy your meal, and the sunset as well. Bella Vita El Nido is a beachfront restaurant that serves delicious pizzas, and you can dine on shakshuka and hummus at Happiness Beach Bar. Altrove is far less crowded and serves the best pizza in all of El Nido.

Bounty from the sea.

Where to shop
El Nido has a reputation for not just being a picturesque location in the Philippines; it also boasts of many shops and stores that are just perfect for any shopaholic. Visit the Traditional Souvenir Shop where you can purchase little gifts and souvenirs. There is a variety of items sold here like bags, scarves, hats, keychains, shawls, bracelets, and desk decorations. El Nido Boutique & Artcafe is another favorite among shoppers. While you can shop for swimwear, sunblock, snorkeling gear at the Boutique, the Artcafe sells typical souvenir items like t-shirts, postcards, and other local items.