For most people, money and time are two of the most important (but the most necessary as well) hindrances to enjoy going places. Some are lucky enough to travel for free, but for those who really need to shell out some cash, the best way to travel is by backpacking. Travelling simply and on a budget is recommended especially when you are visiting places our country, since the Philippines has all the best places for a real bucolic adventure, that is fun, enlightening and relaxing.

On my recent travels, three places lingered on my memories more than the others, El Nido, Palawan, Pandan Island Occidenal Mindoro and Morong, Bataan. These destinations are budget-friendly (which also means, you get your money's worth with the places you see), accessible, safe and to top it all, made me appreciate life, help the indigent, love my country more and do my share of protecting the environment.

El Nido

When the advertisement photographs said that El Nido is beautiful, it is not just a promotional gimmick. After all it doesn't belong to the Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in the world for nothing. El Nido is truly your paradise on Earth, where nature is a poetry woven with intricate lines of white sand beaches, colourful marine life, blue green waters and lime stones formation and breath taking sunsets.

Swimming with the sharks, snorkelling in shallow waters abundant with fishes of different and exotic colours, shapes and sizes, sun bathing in the pristine and fine white sand, bathing in crystal clear waters surrounded by huge rocks with overgrown forest, kayaking and rock climbing are just some of the adventures waiting for you in El Nido. The locals are very friendly and are more than willing to accommodate your questions.

Unlike the usual misconception, El Nido is a very affordable place for your sojourn, unless you are staying in the more expensive island resorts. Instead of taking the plane, there are ships going regular to Puerto Princesa for a little more than P1,000.00 From Puerto Princesa to El Nido, buses are P400 while accommodation ranges from P500 to P700 for a simple, beachfront air-conditioned room. Island hopping and rock climbing packages are from P600 to P1500/person with free buffet on the beach. There are restaurants of different cuisines, from Filipino, American, Asian and European.

Squidos, a modest restaurant made of bamboo and nipa, offers the best chocolate crepe, filled with rich and creamy chocolate on the inside and laden with chocolate syrup on the outside, all of its goodness for only P90. There is also the Amplaya Restaurant along the beach, where you could have an affordable breakfast plus a refreshing view of the sea in the morning or a candle-lit dinner as the evening hustles.

The beauty of El Nido made me realize that protecting the environment, keeping it clean and helping to alleviate pollution even in my own little way, will be a big contribution to maintain this paradise. By doing so, not only will the people of EL Nido continue to live their peaceful lives, but I might be able to save it for the children of the next generation.

Morong, Bataan

Three hours away from the chaos of Manila, nestles a quite town that is not very popular among tourists but has everything there is for a backpacker's ideal destination, the town of Morong, Bataan. Only recognized and perhaps visited during the month of November when the sea turtles go back to its shores to lay eggs and the celebration of the Pawikan Festival, Morong's hidden beauty lies in its mountains especially in Sitio Kanawan, Barangay Binaritan. Concealed by dense forest and separated from the rest of Morong by a river, the only way to reach Kanawan is by crossing an old wooden bridge. A 30 minute trek in the footpath made by the Magbikin tribe, a descent of the Aeta tribe living in Kanawan Village, offers a pleasant view of the surrounding mountains that blows a chilly breeze to cool off your perspiration after the exhausting ascend to the village.

Meeting the elders and members of the Magbikin tribe is like looking through the eyes of history. Their plight has been long and hard, having been driven away from first home in the forest Morong in 1954, and being displaced once more from their next home in Sitio Lemon when the Vietnam War broke out. When the government declared their current home as a Negrito reservation area, the Magbikin tribe continued once again to live their usual life for more than a hundred years.

Life might be hard in the mountains but members of the tribe can carry through. After all, they are hardworking individuals, who farm the nearby forests for camote, papaya, corn and palay. The men of the village go hunting for games while the more educated serve as tourist guides of the Kairukan and Tambangan Falls or work for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as forest guardians. Despite the opportunities, most of them don't want to leave the mountains, because there, there's no discrimination and can live their normal lives.

“We are free in the mountains. If the forest is lost, we will be gone too,” said tribe leader Belinda Ristom as she fix the colourful turban on her head.

But no matter how they assure us that they are fine, life is indeed difficult especially for the children of the tribe. On our way up, we met three young students trudging their way home. One of them asks us for a ballpen, a necessary school item that many of them cannot even afford, among with more school supplies to sustain their education. But like their red tribal clothes, the Magbikin tribe will not stop toughing it out to survive another one hundred years of their indigenous culture.

Pandan Island

When most people talk about Mindoro, they will probably mention Oriental Mindoro's Puerto Galera. Less famous is the Occidental part of Mindoro, where one can still find quiet places which are yet to be discovered, with white sand beaches and amazing corals for an unforgettable snorkelling experience.

This place 20 minutes off Sablayan Island in Occidental Mindoro is called Pandan Island, one of Mindoro's best kept secret. A bangka can take you to Pandan Island, and from your boat you could already see a few huts on the beach as you near the island. Upon closer inspection they seemed to be decent bungalows surrounded by coconut trees decorated with hammocks. When I arrived, I was immediately welcomed by the friendly staff who led me to the bar which also served as a reception area. There is a range of accommodations to choose from, such as family houses, standard bungalows or for the traveller on a budget, the budget rooms. A total of only 17 rooms scattered along the whole beach gives you a feeling of being alone in your own tropical paradise.

After I checked into my room, I decided it was about time to explore the inviting blue green water. Armed with my snorkel and mask, I felt the softness of the white sand while approaching the sea. The water was very clean and colourful fish were abundant in the coral gardens surrounding the island. It was also home to green and hawks bill turtles, floating in the sea like astronauts in zero gravity and oblivious to the people around them.

A satisfying snorkelling session always makes me feel hungry, so a short walk led me to the only restaurant in Pandan. The restaurant has a decent choice of breakfasts and delicious buffets during lunch and diner time. The resort is under a French management and the owner is always pleasant in accommodating his guests. He also got loads of stories about the island, especially after downing few glasses of his home made cocktails.

Spending a night on Pandan Island is an unforgettable communion with nature, watching the star-filled sky and listening to the sounds of the waves and the tukos. There are other things to do on the island, such as hiking to a rock called the nose and SCUBA diving. The diving school Mariposa organises dive safaris to Apo Reef and Coron.

Every journey must take us closer to nature and ourselves and makes us realize certain things. Whether it is just a few hours away from home or day's trip to some far-flung areas, travelling leaves lifelong memories that are nothing but special.

Yungas Road (Highway of death in Bolivia)

Yungas Road is one of the most dangerous roads of all world. It is placed in Bolivia, between La Paz and Coroico cities. Since this region is called as Yungas, naturally this road is named as Yungas Road.

This road is used by heavy trucks, buses and lorries. Naturally, if you go to there,you can see the wreckages of many lorries and buses. In last years, it is also preferred by cyclists and motorcyclists. ”Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking” is one of the extreme sports made by on this road. Every month, more than 200 people die on Yungas Road. Annual death toll is more than 3000.

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

Guoliang Road is one of the most well-known killer roads .It was built by the villagers living in Guoliang region. Total length of the road is almost 1200 meters. It is located in Taihang mountains in China. To finish complete road took 5 years of villagers. On the road, there are tunnels with 5 meters height and 4 meters width. This road is known as death machine.

Pasubio Road (Italy)

Pasubio Road was constructed in Vicenza, Northern Italy. Once upon a time, it was really a dead machine. Currently, it is only used for motorcycling activities.On the road, there are hairpin turns and tunnels. The existence of the roads twisting into tunnels and hairpin turns makes this road interesting.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.

These may be some useful tips while you travel by train:

1. Look for the most direct route to reach your destination. Well, there may be lot of routes long ones as well as shortcuts.
2. Also, you may have to change your train several times in your journey. Check for the one which has very minimal changes. This will help you to reduce stress and also possibilities of missing your next connections. And yes, obviously it will minimize the risk of luggage loss due to connection missing.
3. Online booking has made our life very easy. Some private trains provide facilities to even choose your seats in the train all by yourself. So go ahead and choose your favorite seat where you think you can enjoy the most.
4. Well, before that you need to have a proper planning for your trip. Choose your destination places where all you need to go. Book accordingly if it is a single way journey that is well and good. You can visit all the places you need to see on the way,catch your train and get going.
5. Minors or children under 2 years who do not occupy seats can travel freely in train as compared to flights and buses.
6. Also,if you have kids below 16 years they may get some discounts in booking. Just check up the costs with the rail authorities.
7. Some rail companies provide other facilities like accommodation,rental cars,discounts with the whole package of site seeing. Just check up before you start.
8. If you are traveling for long hours say more than 6 or 8 hours, then you could best travel during night time. This will help you pass your time easily.
9. There are birth system in trains which help you to stretch your legs comfortably and sleep well while you travel. Though you may have to pay more for the sleepers, it is worth going on them.
10. I would love to have window seats while traveling in train. I can afford good amount of site seeing while traveling in trains. If you have kids or your family traveling with you you can book a four seater with windows facing each other.
11. You can also go for a dining car or cafe cars or domed cars which enable you to walk on the lounges when you are tired of sitting for long hours.
12. Avoid seating near the toilets. I hate to be seated in such places where you get constant bad smell and too many people coming and going that way. It may not be safe for your luggages too if you have some precious items.
13. Some trains have varieties of facilities. You may even get coffee vending machines at some point. There may be dressing rooms too.
14. Some trains provide you with food and drinks if you are traveling for long hours.
15. Also, you may enjoy the platform breaks when the train stops at every station, get out of the train smoke or inhale some fresh air and then get into when It starts.

This is a Canadian low-cost carrier that provides their passengers with so called “luxurious leather seats”. These seats make the life of their crew much easier than that of their passengers since they are “Hypo-allergic”. It not only prevents any dust from sticking on the seats, rather it drives away that every bum that touches it. Eight hours on West-jet would definitely keep a couple hundred bucks in your pockets, but would give you a back ache so bad that you would have to spend the saved money to go see the doctor.

The Best thing about this flight is simply the fact that it has satellite T.V. in every row and hence they at least provide you with entertainment while you stand in discomfort.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Sure, if you like your bum sliding all over the place all the time, this is the flight for you.

AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Like all other airlines, American Airlines would always thank you for flying with them. They say these words as mechanically and enthusiastically as a chat box on American Demerol. Their actions speak louder than their words when they act as if their paying passengers are a pain in the ass rather than a source for their income. They probably would enjoy their job if it weren't for us damned customers! Telegram for them: "Get over it. Delays are a common problem and even if you do call ahead and check on the status of the flight, you will still not board the flight on time. That's guaranteed.

This flight is well-known for misplacing all records especially when you have confirmed a first class ticket. Upon arriving on the airport, they will give you a blank look which clearly says, “Are you another economy-class passenger?”

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

"We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of American Airlines.”

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Yes, of Course! After all, you would always get to sleep-in and not run to catch the flight.

LUFTHANSA:

Surprisingly most of their flights have an extremely improved punctuality which would definitely impress you. The only sad news for you is their rude staff especially their pilots who will definitely abandon you if they have a choice. Blame it upon their limited in flight entertainment or their poor meals; Lufthansa has an overall bad persona. They have a bad reputation for their smelly restrooms and congested seats, even if you are a Business - class passenger.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

"Thank you for flying with Lufthansa. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Na! Why would you travel in a flight that doesn't have video games and movies on their miny T.V screens?

AIR FRANCE:

Sure this flight is much cheaper and can often carry a buffet of salmon, ham, cheese sandwiches and even crackers and drinks sometimes. But would you get on a flight that loses one of your two suitcases? How careless can a crew of hundred's be? Misplacing bags and luggage? Granted that this flight has nice colors and looks all fancy but their cabins inside date back to the late 1940's. Shocking eh? Well, that's what they look and smell like. The putrid and foul odor of their cushion seats can definitely make you uncomfortable,

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

“Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Maybe, only if you don't mind you luggage arriving a month after you have arrived.

KLM:

Oh, I bet you would love everything about Netherlands except this flight. The old KLM planes are as reliable and safe as a military transport jet, but the truth remains that neither of them is pleasant. Sure you get some good food like Indian Mango Curry but when it comes to being spacious, this airline displays the worst example. KLM has the smallest legroom which is totally ridiculous since most Dutch men are taller. KLM has the worst air-conditioning systems and not because they do not cool you off, but rather they freeze you. Upon asking for blankets, you would get an embarrassed, we-are-sorry reply, but never something warm and cozy.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Why not? Just carry some Popsicles and Slurpees with you, since they will surely not melt, but instead they might keep you warm.

EMIRATES:

Now this is an ideal flight. The footrest is much bigger and comfortable. Also, the air conditioning is a blessing and on the TV screen, you have just all sorts of fantastic movie selection from Indian and Egyptian to American. Food is amazingly delicious and the crew is so polite and respectful that for a second you would think you are in an Executive meeting at the White House.

Compared to other flights, Emirates ROCKS! So if you plan to travel in comfort, pleasure and & reassurance, Emirates us the right flight for you.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Here's a normal announcement you would hear at Emirates. The air hostess announces merrily, “Thank you for flying with Emirates. We hope your enjoyed your flight with us. Have a great day.” And Of course, you would have a nice day since your journey was so relaxing.

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Yes! This flight is appropriate for anyone who looks forward to enjoying their journey without sliding over the seats, without waiting for delayed flights, without sitting idle with no TV, without the postponement of luggage and without freezing to death.

So here is a brief summary on how most flights can or cannot entertain you. Just in case you get stuck in one of the boring, uncomfortable flight, do not forget to take your game boy and Nintendo with you.

London is the eternal metropolis, a cultural hive, and a crazy global village. Through all the myriad of hustle and bustle on the streets, you could at one time, briefly escape by reaching out and leaping onto a moving bus. The famous Route master bus didn't have doors, just the welcoming smile of a bus conductor ushering you in an empty seat. The conductor would pull a cord twice attached to a loud bell, which would indicate we were moving closer home in a comfortable swinging fashion. Turning and twisting along the all too familiar London roads - Route master style.

This famous Iconic bus built in 1958 to 1968 has always given me fond memories around our culturally diverse city. The buses unmistakable design and color could always be noticed speeding up through the avenues and the free for all Piccadilly Circus roundabout. Now that symbol of unique British travel has been partially phased out. They are now being replaced by what the majority of adolescents describe as, the bendy bus. A so called modern bus, which has the appearance of two train carriages with tires, and held together in the middle with a rubber concertina curtain.

Snaking along, one of its many London routes from East London to Central West London, Oxford Circus. At times, moving slowly in a bending and warping motion held in traffic like the tail of a contented cat. This ungraceful bus has become a true cultural reflect of the world; the Benetton adverts dream. Imagine the indigenous peoples of Somalia, East African, Indian, and Bangladesh boarding from East London. Touching their Oyster payment swipe cards onto the yellow sensor pad and searching for space to sit. Further along the journey we have the Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese squeezing into space. Heading towards East Central London is the Lithuanian, Polish, French, Portuguese, and Brazilians. As we enter West London and Central West, we have the tourists from all corners of the globe. An ensemble of the world packed tightly together as daily travel companions.

A few things have changed for the Route master legacy - only if you were to compare our new bendy bus. There is no longer a top deck of the bus. The bus conductor is now a bright yellow sensor pad. The bus driver just drives when he is ready, with no, 'we're ready to go bell!' As a young boy, I was amazed at the different people I could see from all over the world visible from outside the rectangle bus window, with my mom. Today, everyone is together with me, all that much closer, as one, tourist looking at tourist. I wonder if there was a bus conductor how many languages could they say, “tickets please!” This would be impressive.