Lying on a beach for a week or two is a fantastic way to relax and unwind, there’s no doubt about that. But if you prefer to be up and about, doing things, seeing places and getting lots of new experiences then a beach holiday is probably going to leave you feeling a little underwhelmed! Instead, you could consider these epic destinations to be truly entertained for the duration of your trip.

London

London is home to the West End, with shows and musicals aplenty. There are also tons of local gigs and concerts, both from stars (who almost always have London on their tour list) to up and coming artists. There are comedy clubs, festivals, sightseeing tours and so much more which you can experience in this vibrant city. The UK isn’t known for fantastic weather, but if you visit during the summer the temperatures get surprisingly high, and you could well have a week of sunshine.

Vegas

If you’re after entertainment, then fabulous Las Vegas certainly won’t disappoint. With roller coasters going through hotels, casinos, drive by weddings and world famous dancing water fountains it’s truly a feast for the senses. You could relax in the evening in a cool lounge or cocktail bar, or catch a show. You can catch Cirque du Soleil at the Bellagio hotel, or see a concert or show at various places around the strip. This site has more information. It is definitely a trip for those who love action and adventure!

Florida

You could visit the magic of Disney in Orlando; no one is too old to enjoy an experience like this! From epic water parks to shows to animal encounters to theme parks and so much more, there’s far too much to see and do that you could ever manage in one trip. Alternatively, you could visit the Florida Keys for some of the best snorkeling and dolphin encounter experiences in the world. You could visit the Kennedy Space Centre or Sarasota Air Museum for something a little more educational. Either way, if you’re looking for fun and excitement, then Florida should be on your radar.

Dubai

Dubai has invested billions in becoming a mecca for tourists, and as a result, there’s a massive selection of things to do there. It's a city that demands attention, from it’s enormous five-star hotels to gigantic shopping malls. You could visit Wild Wadi Water Park for a day of fun and excitement, check out 'Sky Dubai' for a thrilling, unique experience. There’s a ‘dolphinarium’ which includes shows and educational talks on the majestic creatures. And so much more, you will need to do your research when planning your visit to ensure you get a chance to see the things you’re most excited about.



Where in the world would you go, if you were after a trip with lots of action and fun things to do?

I am not the type of person who would shell out PhP 2,000 ($40) or more in my pocket just to drown myself with cups of coffee for stickers in exchange of a planner. That's not a smart idea, personally, for me. I would rather buy an airfare ticket which would cost exactly the same.

But yes, I wanted a planner.

I already purchased a 2017 planner from Belle de Jour months back, but still I wanted to get my hands on the WTN planner just to satisfy my curiosity. So weeks ago, I bought two Where To Next 2017 Planners. One to keep, and one to give away to one of you. Ha, I'm feeling generous.

It starts with a tremor. A light pulse. A fever that's slowly creeping in. An itch you could scratch but never could relieve. Dry lips, cold sweat and all. That's how it begins. But if you choose to be brave enough, you might find yourself ending it with those three words. If only to come full circle, yet again. So with courage allow me to ask.

Where to next?

The WTN 2017 Planner

The planner itself measures 148 x 120 mm (A5) when folded and 297 x 210 mm (A4) when spread. It is a Smythe-sewn hard bound with a world map as a cover design. The laminated cover serves as a protection against dust and water. The planner also comes with a cover box and dons a catchy quote as a print. You won't need the box much, but with such beautiful words that touches the soul that was imprinted on it, it may be difficult for you to throw away. Well, you can just cut it out, frame it, and hang it on your wall.


It comes with a WTN sticker too!


The specs:

• 148 x 120 mm - A5 (folded)
• 297 x 210 mm - A4 (spread)
• Smythe-sewn Hard Bound
• Edition Ivory Paper GSM 80
• Comes with a Custom box
• Laminated cover for protection against dust and water

The pages

This is a collection of stories gathered on winding roads with the best company we could ask for. In between these stories are pages for you to fill with your own.

Dateless. The planner has 13 dateless months. Meaning, you can start it on any day of the year and start planning whenever you want. You can use it for the coming years to come too.


13 chapters of Lessons on the Road & Thoughts on Passion and Purpose The Lessons on the Road is based on a collection of passion for travel shared by circle of friends. There is also a section where wanderlusts share their thoughts on following their passion and finding their purpose.


2017 to 2018 Calendar. Well, the 2017 and 2018 calendar.


Philippines and Southeast Asia Bucketlist. Swim, hike, bite, ride, shoot and learn, whatever you are up to, there is something for you to cross out, and maybe add to your Philippines and Southeast Asia Bucketlist.


Philippine Provinces Chesklist. What provinces have you been to already? Well, the WTN 2017 Planner has an 81 provinces checklist for you to tick-off. The Pearl of the Orient is seethe with incredible wonders and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Its incalculable attractions enthrall a year long of journey and priceless life moments.


Vacation Leave List. The list of Philippines holidays for 2017 has been released, so go ahead and plan that well-deserved vacation using the Vacation Leave List page. On the other side of the page, there is a vacation leave template that would come handy.


Games for the Road, Movies, and Music. Bus and train trips, long flights, delays in airports and train stations, hostels without TV; the list of situations where a traveler has time to kill is long. That’s right — travel is not always exciting. There will be dull downtimes, and you may not always be able to read a good book, so the WTN planner has a handy-dandy games provided, like sudoko, crossword, and tic-tac-toe. The next page features some good movies and roadtrip playlist suggestions too.


Backpacker's Checklist. Even the best-laid vacation plans can be easily dashed by something as simple as forgetting to pack the creature comforts and small necessities that you, well, need. Frustratingly, it always seems to be the obvious, everyday things that you use all the time (your glasses, for example, or your toothbrush—doh!) that get left out of the bag, and consequently left behind. But fear not -- with this handy list to ensure that exact scenario never happens again, and that you can confidently head off on your next trip sans that nagging "I think I’m forgetting something" feeling.

In a nutshell

I like how the Where To Next 2017 Planner was cleverly designed. It is light and I could take it with me wherever I will go and it only cost PhP 595 ($12) - price is fair enough with other planners in the market. You can buy it here online. The minimalist style and the unique theme and perfectly portable planner features spirited, exceptional, and innovative photographs that simply invites creativity and moves beyond the traditional planner. The week-per spread view has room enough to record my favorite moments of the year and post mementos. So this planer is not just an organizing tool - it can also be a keepsake. I can paste photos, ticket stubs, favorite quotes and stickers on the note sections. And, to top it all off, upbeat captions scattered throughout the planner's pages add a delightful and individual touch.

Bet you can't wait to get started too, so I'm giving away a WTN 2017 Planner! Hurray!

Just follow the giveaway widget below and be entered for a chance to win. This giveaway is open to Philippine residents ONLY and will end on December 31, 2016 at 11:59pm.

Where To Next 2017 Planner Giveaway

Getting engaged to be married can be a very exciting time in any woman’s life. It the sign of commitment to one another that you are staying together for life. But once the initial excitement is done it’s time to get serious about the wedding aspect and plan the actual thing. Of course, this might seem like a great journey to embark on, but there can be some stressful elements to planning a wedding. Especially when more people want to get involved in the process and have their say and opinions heard. With that in mind, I thought I would share with you some ways to handle the most stressful points of wedding planning. I hope it helps you if you find yourself on this journey.

The transport

The logistics of your wedding can be a big part of the planning process. It’s all well and good choosing the perfect venues for your day but what about your guests. How do they get there? Where will they stay? Transport is a huge topic of conversation among you and your guests, so the best advice is to organize this at your earliest opportunity. Then you could even include all the relevant information in the formal invitation that will go out. You might want to consider this charter bus company or perhaps add to your theme by thinking more vintage or modern forms of transport. Whatever you decide, organize it sooner rather than later to avoid any last minute stress and drama.

The flowers

Flowers form a huge decoration element to many couples weddings so you may be considering them yourself. These days there are so many different options from real, artificial or paper and foam. It’s about deciding on important factors like your budget and the theme of your wedding. Many people will agree that there isn’t much difference between the overall look, but there can be a huge impact on the budget. Explore all your options and be happy with your own choice. Try and not consider what other people think.

The cake

The cake is a big factor of the day for some brides. It’s a centerpiece and also very much part of the traditional wedding. But a cake can take on so many forms these days and gone are the days where you choose a three-tiered iced cake. You can now have something called naked cakes, a cheese cake even. Or perhaps something very modern like a doughnut cake instead or a tower of cupcakes. The options now are endless, and you can go against the grain of tradition and opt for something that matches your personality. So take to websites like Pinterest to explore all your options.

The dress

The dress is one of the biggest decisions a bride will make. Some will find the process easier than others. All searching for the feeling “the one” dress will give you the moment you put it on. Choosing a dress can put you in an awkward position, especially if you bring a lot of people with you for your try on appointments. What you like someone else won’t. But trust your instinct and take the pressure away. You will find the right dress for you.

I hope some of these tips help you take the stress out of wedding planning. Remember it is your day after all.

Despite the common belief that all women are born shopaholics, it just isn’t the case for many of us. While our best friends, sisters, and even sometimes, the men in our lives, can easily go into a store with no idea what they want, and come out with a full, perfectly matched wardrobe, for some of us, it’s not that easy.

We can certainly identify what looks good, but when it comes to pairing actual outfits together that can be used with multiple other items, we often fall short.

Whether it's heading to Christmas parties, or summer BBQs, there's always an excuse to hit the shops in hope of finding something amazing to wear, so we've listed some ideas for you to help you create the perfect look each time that can actually be put together without costing you a small fortune.


Makeup: when it comes to makeup, less is often more - the trick is to enhance your existing features, and not look like you're wearing a mask of products. During the warmer summer months, a tinted moisturiser or even just a touch of concealer and blusher, and a bright lip gloss will usually do the trick. Keep in mind your skin tone and look for shades that match. During winter - especially if you're going to parties and events, you can get away with more dramatic looks, such as smokey eyes, and darker shades on the lips;


Hair: if you're going to be frequenting places like the beach or just relaxing with friends during the summer, then simply pulling your hair up into a messy bun will give you that relaxed look while also ensuring your hair stays away from your skin and doesn't bother you. For a more formal evening look, you can wear it down with some bouncy curls;

Shoes: comfortable shoes don't have to be boring shoes. If you need comfort, but also want to look stylish, then a nice pair of ballerina pumps will never do you wrong - the good thing about these is, you can wear them at parities, or just for day-to-day activities as the perfect addition to your summer outfit. Of course, if you love a bit of height with your shoes, then you really can't go too wrong with a nice pair of black stilettos for a classic evening look;


Outfit: for women who love dresses, keeping it simple is best - when you do this, you'll find the perfect one to flatter your body shape. If a dress isn't really your thing, then a nice pencil skirt and top, or even a jumpsuit could be just the right thing for you. For more casual looks during the day in summer, then bright tank tops with a nice pair of shorts and some ballerina pumps are enough to give you the comfortable, dressy look you desire;


Accessories: again, with these less is sometimes more. One simple piece worn around your neck or a pair of earrings to match your handbag is sometimes all you need to pull off a complete look. Just make sure your accessories highlight your outfit and don't take away from it. For example, a necklace with a red stone in it would be the perfect addition to a black evening dress worn with red lipstick. It will give you a bright, yet subtle look.

A beach holiday is something many of us desire. Especially if you live inland, the idea of some time by the sea can seem refreshing. There’s something about being near the sea that settles the mind. So, where should you head for a seaside holiday to remember? Maryland is renowned for its waterways and coastlines. It would make an ideal holiday destination for any sea seeker. But, what is there to do in Maryland? Here’s a list of the places you won’t want to miss on your visit.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a famously important sea port and a place to visit on any trip to Maryland. Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, and you’ll find plenty to keep you amused. There are many lists of top 25 on Baltimore. Among the options is The American Visionary Art Museum. A visit here is sure to bring a little culture to your trip. The museum consists of art from self-taught creatives. It's an art experience unlike any other. As you’re on a sea themed holiday, the National Aquarium is also well worth a visit. With a shark tank and a walk through rainforest, this is sure to go down well if you’ve got kids. Talking of kids, if it’s a family trip you’re on, a visit to Port Discovery Children’s Museum is a must. This fun Kid’s museum features exhibits designed by Walt Disney engineers!

Ocean City

If it’s the beach that’s drawing you to the sea, Ocean City is the place for you. Ocean City consists of miles of beach for your pleasure. It’s also lined with hotels and shops, making this the perfect beach holiday destination! The kids will be happy here too, as Ocean City has some famous theme parks to keep them amused. There’s the Jolly Roger Amusement Park. It offers fast paced rides for older kids and slower train rides for younger ones. There’s also Trimper’s rides to visit. This historic amusement park is one well worth the visit. It includes a fantastic merry-go-round that the whole family can take a go on!

Annapolis

Annapolis is the capital of Maryland, and as such is worth a visit during your stay. No trip to Annapolis is complete without a visit to top attraction, the United States Naval Academy. The Academy pays homage to the generations that have gone before. If you’re lucky, you’ll get the chance to see the Midshipmen march in formation! If you’re after something more laid back, why not head to Quiet Waters Park? Spanning 360 acres, the gardens are the perfect escape from the real world. Whether you want to ride a bike, stroll arm in arm with your lover, or see some beautiful gardens, the parks have everything you could want! Keeping in theme with the water of Maryland, why not round off your Annapolis visit with a trip to Ego Alley? This narrow waterway gets its name because of the boats that pass through, and is an amazing sight to see!

As the year draws to a close, we are already thinking of our voyage next year. After all, it can help us through the dark rainy days. Whether you are booking a safari in Kenya or a trip to European cities, there are some things that you will always need to take. That way, you will be prepared for your holiday. Therefore, don’t forget to get these essentials before your next voyage abroad!

A great backpack

For travelling, a backpack is a must-have that needs to be on your essentials list. After all, it’s so handy whether you are travelling by bus, car, or train. And it has so much space compared to a standard bag! Therefore, you need to purchase a great backpack before you go on your trip. Before you buy one, you need to check out how much room is inside the bag. Also, look to see if there are any side pockets. As I said before, a side pocket is so useful to hold your water bottle. And make sure you read reviews online so that you can make a well-researched decision on the backpack!

A wealth of health products

When you head on a trip, you don’t know when the next time you will see a chemist. After all, they might not be in proximity of the hotel if you are on a safari in Africa! Therefore, you should make sure you have a wealth of health products with you. That way, if you do get a sickness bug or pick up the flu, you can easily aid your suffering. Also, with your health products, you need to make sure you have an insect repellent. After all, you need to protect yourself from catching diseases such as malaria. Some people even buy malaria tablets online which will keep you safe in tropical and subtropical countries. And remember to get travel insurance so that if you become unwell while you are travelling, you can get the help you need!

Travel adapters

Unless you fancy not being able to charge your phone while travelling, you need to make sure you have a travel adapter with you. It will ensure you can use your charger and electrical items without any issues. You can read up online about which adapters the particular country you are visiting uses. And check in with your hostel as they might have plugs you can borrow for the duration of your trip!

Sun protection

It’s so important that you check what the weather will be like in your chosen destination. That way, you can make sure you are fully prepared. You can look at the weather for any country on sites like World Weather Online. If it’s going to be hot, you will need to make sure you have great sunscreen for your trip. That way, you can avoid sunburn during your travels. And you need a pair of cute sunglasses to help you avoid the rays. Make sure they have 100% UV protection to keep you safe in the sun!

A selfie stick

If you look at any travel blog, you will find hundreds of selfies of the traveller. After all, it’s become hugely popular to take selfies at beautiful places around the world. Therefore, you need to take a selfie stick with you. It can connect to your phone and ensure you get some fantastic photos on your travels. You can get some great selfie sticks which fold up so that they don’t take up much room in your bag for your next voyage!

A mini first aid kit

A lot of people don’t think about the worst circumstances on their holiday. But you need to be prepared. If you are trekking the grand canyon, you could easily fall and end up with an injury. Or you might cut yourself on a rock in the sea. In these circumstances, you want to deal with the injury as soon as possible. Therefore, you need to make sure you pack a mini first aid kit with you. Fill it with essentials such as bandages and antiseptic healing cream to ensure you are on the mend quickly!

Currency

You don’t want to travel without the right money on you. After all, companies might charge you a fortune if you try to exchange money in the destination. And you might struggle to find a travel exchange place if you are going somewhere remote! Therefore, make sure you have plenty of the right currency before you make your voyage abroad.

And remember to keep a travel journal during your trip. That way, it’s something you can look back on in years to come!

Are you filled with starry-eyed sentiment and looking for the perfect destination for an amorous adventure? These luxury hotels and resorts go above and beyond, both near and in far off remote locations, to cater to love birds in search of adventure. Enjoy a pampering stay with your other half that combines both adrenaline-pumping adventure and plenty of relaxation. Whether you're looking for mountaineering, trekking, bungee jumping, climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, diving, kayaking, and more, we have listed down the 5 best accommodations for adventurous couples. At a handful of the Philippine’s best adventure-centric resorts and lodges, working up a real sweat can be followed by a cool down with massages, fine wines and high-thread count sheets – even better for sleeping on after a long, exhausting day of fun together with your love.

1. Mountain Lake Resort, Laguna

Photo credit: Mountain Lake Resort Facebook Page

Nestled amid Caliraya's breathtaking landscape with spectacular views of Mount Banahaw and pristine beauty of Caliraya Lake, Mountain Lake Resort, a "nature meets adventure" resort that provides raw adventure paired with unprecedented comfort and amenities. The resort offers the best in golfing for both the amateur and serious golfer. Other activities include kayaking, jetski, lake cruise, horseback riding, biking, zip-line, banana boat, fishing; and one of the best part is riding an ATV to Cavinti Cave. Mountain Lake also offers an in-water obstacle course and is one of the pioneer obstacle courses in the Philippines with 10-stages: Military Climb, Karate Kid, Log Crossing, Slide & Drop, Palo Sebo, Cable Balance, Tire Challenge, Wall Climb Side, and Tarzan Swing.

Looking for other Laguna hotels? Click here.

2. Coral Bay Beach & Dive Resort, Palawan

Coral Bay Beach & Dive Resort is nestled among a beautiful archipelago of tropical islands, pearl farms and reefs and provides the perfect getaway for two. This resort has all the romance, tranquility, and adventure of a breath-taking tropical island paradise. Explore the resort and reef adventures, including many romantic experiences. When it comes to a honeymoon hideaway, choose from a lovely array of beach cottages within the island. Click here to read my full review of Coral Bay.

For other Palawan hotels, click here

3. Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu

Photo credit: Shangri-La Mactan Cebu Official Website

There may be no resort in the Philippines better suited to family's love for adventure getaways than Shangri-La Mactan in Cebu. Whether your plans include family adventure, rejuvenation or pure relaxation, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa offers an enticing array of adventurous activities for both adults and children, from scuba diving, para-sailing, kayaking, banana rides, and more.

Click here for other Cebu Hotels.

4. Amorita Resort, Bohol

Photo credit: Google

Perched atop on a limestone cliff on a remote tip of a secluded peninsula, Amorita Resort tends to get the heart pounding. The luxury resort overlooks the azure–colored Bohol Sea and elegantly punctuates the vibrant tropical landscape along Alona Beach. Other activities in Bohol include ziplining, canopy walk monkey bridge, and a 275 meter bike zip where you can cross from one chocolate hill to another. Aside from the incredible sunsets and delicious food the resort has to offer, why not take The Plunge in Danao, Bohol. It is a 2 hours drive from Panglao Island where Amorita is. The Plunge is said to be one of the world's highest canyon swings. 75-meter free fall? That must be crazy! And yes, the scariest aside from sky diving.

Looking for Bohol hotels? Click here

5. Marco Polo, Davao

Photo credit: itsmorefunindavao.blogspot.com

Marco Polo Davao provides the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway, a productive business meeting, or a hearty meal with friends or loved ones. Enjoy its plethora of excellent facilities such as a spa and its therapeutic massage services, the outdoor pool for its cool waters that are perfect for a refreshing swim and more. Adrenaline junkies and hedonists alike will surely enjoy a trip to the Eden Nature Park, Deca Wakeboard Park or to the Davao River where a thrilling heart-pounding river rafting adventure awaits.

Here are other list of Davao Hotels

It's a wrap!

At these adventure-filled hotels and lodges, the activities are not really optional, but as much a part of the fabric of the place as the beds, showers and Wi-Fi. If you want to learn new activities, get some exercise, explore undiscovered and remote places or physically immerse yourself in some of the Philippines’s most fascinating natural settings and cultures, these 5 best hotels & resorts for adventurous couples are the place to start.

Book with Travelbook below!

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Picture this, stranded on an island without any electricity, far from civilization, no noise pollution, and you can only hear the sound of nature... Read on to know what does it feel like to be stranded on an island?

But let me tell you this, don’t let that put you off. Whilst Coral Bay Beach and Dive Resort is situated in a remote private tropical island and pristine Marine Park conservation area, the resort is nestled among a beautiful archipelago of tropical islands, pearl farms and reefs.

Have you ever been to the famous district in Manila? Well, you've never really been to Manila if you haven’t seen and discovered it. Ermita, famously referred to as the "red light district" of Manila, and it is famous for its wild nightlife and party scene. Whilst it is know for its nightlife and restaurants, there is only one place for only the savviest of Manila visitors. Let me tell you all about Red Planet Ermita.