Third world country. Crowded. Dubbed a dangerous place. Social media capital of the world for some years now. That is the Philippines and all of its seven thousand, one hundred seven islands of “glory”. But it’s not all that bad.

When we travel, we each have different destinations. Some are bound to see the great northern skies and some are heading towards the west part of the world. However, we all have individual ways on how to get there. Since we also perceive the world differently, it is inevitable for us to act quite differently.

Summer’s almost a stone’s throw away. Hello, sandy beaches and sun-kissed skin and tan lines! But before you go giddy about the upcoming change in the scenario or purchase plane tickets, here are some travel hacks you might want to keep up your sleeve for good use.

Cheap online travel deals have been making rounds in the past few years. Frequent travelers find it a better alternative because of budget constraint. With low rates and a long list of seemingly irresistible perks, who wouldn’t be travel-obsessed?

Take your road trip to a new level, literally. New Zealand boasts a scenic view of creation – lush greeneries and mountains coated with sugar-white speckles of snow. Watch the hills truly come alive as herds of sheep make their way into the vast fields of rich vibrant grass. Witness natural phenomena such as the limestone formations in Waitomo Glowworm Caves and steaming geysers in Te Puia Thermal Reserve.

A new atmosphere for the taking, Taipei holds as much history despite its size. The capital of Taiwan houses museums such as the National Palace Museum and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall which may be visited during free time. Delight, too, in the ancient architectural structures and natural wonders or Taiwan!

Beauty that’s beyond words, Bali is a haven of cerulean and cobalt waters, fine café au lait-colored sandy beaches, and verdant palm trees that hang over the horizon. Aside from this, Bali is also a historical heritage of its own featuring monuments and museums that tell a tale as old as time.

Hong Kong is the epitome of modernity and sophistication that remains humble to its roots. Wide-eyed urban cities are complimented with the touch of the country’s widely visited cultural landmarks such as Man Mo Temple and Po Lin Monastery – both of which depicts the religious views of Hong Kong.

Cambodia represents a culture well-marinated with time. Preserved for the rest of the world to see, the Angkor National Museum and Les Chantiers Ecoles Silk Farm is a manifestation of the strong sense of cultural conservation that Cambodia is known for.

Rich food, a marketplace filled with the abundance of life and the glamour when the sun goes down make Shanghai nights those that will linger in your memory.

A modest visit into one of Japan’s unconventionally exquisite cities is an experience good-enough for the wanderer in you.

Fill up your soul with the goodness of Seoul. From sumptuous foods at the famed Gwangjang Market to the contemporary oasis Cheong-gye-cheon to Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can observe traditional Korean homes, Seoul is as much fun as it looks like.

A strong time-honored fort, Beijing is a witness to countless happenings that made it to history. Take a walk at the Great Wall or get lost in the Forbidden City. Stroll at the Tiananmen Square. The options are limitless at Beijing.

Tokyo is a bewilderment of sorts. Fast-paced and always living on the edge, the city’s continuous innovations at everything makes it an ideal living setting. Party all night long at Shinjuku, pick healthy options of fishes and seafood at Tsukiji Market and shop unique finds at Harajuku – it doesn’t get any better than Tokyo.

Palawan, a nature’s paradise is the last ecological frontier of the Philippines known for its crystal clear lagoons, white sand beaches, limestone cliff islands and virgin forests. From Puerto Princesa, the province’s capital, one can go to numerous islands and other natural attractions.

Recognized as one of the world’s best beaches, Boracay is a perfect island getaway with its warm blue waters, powder-fine white sand, and palm fringed four kilometer-long stretch of beach. During the day, there’s so much to do in the island from water sports to interaction with the locals.

Cebu is one of the top destinations in the Philippines, and is known for its historical sights and beautiful beaches. It has grown into a dynamic tourist destination for its many international flights and world class facilities to welcome visitors.

Claimed as one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the Philippines, Puerto Galera in Mindoro is one of the most popular beach destinations in the country for its white sand cove beaches, forest and mountains. In spite of the island’s attractiveness to local and foreign visitors, and its closeness to Manila, it has preserved its natural character and charm with well-kept, simple and laidback accommodations.

Nature’s splendor abounds in the island of Bohol. It is famous for its Chocolate Hills, a group of uniformly shaped hills that turns brown during summer, and the many old Spanish churches. Despite the strong Spanish influence, the people have retained much of their local culture.

The land of blooming flowers is blessed with generally good weather all year round. The province is a melting pot of many indigenous cultural groups and an abode to the ethnic tribes of the Bagobo, Mandaya and Mansaka. In living colorful contrast, its population is a mix of cultural minorities and cosmopolitan Catholics and Muslims.