GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
5 underrated travel destinations visited by Filipino celebrities
If you are someone who loves to travel, you probably have a long list of countries you are dreaming of visiting one day.
Of course, there are the must-see places before you die and popular tourist destinations, but why not take the road less traveled every once in a while?
As you list down all the places you want to explore, you might also want to include these five underrated travel destinations visited by Beauty Gonzalez, Ellen Adarna, Jodi Sta. Maria, Anne Curtis, and K Brosas to spice up your travel itinerary this 2024 and beyond.
1. Latin America
If you are in for culture, history, art, and ancient ruins, you might want to visit some countries in Latin America just like Beauty Gonzales and Jodi Sta. Maria did!
During her Latin American tour, Beauty visited the Chichicastenango town in Guatemala, where you can find The Cemetery of Chichicastenango.
Perched above the bustling market town of Chichicastenango, this sacred space is not merely a final resting place for the departed but also a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the Mayan people.
As one approaches the cemetery, the vibrant colors of the surrounding landscape give way to rows of white-washed tombs adorned with vivid floral offerings and intricately woven textiles.
Aside from the Chichicastenango town, the Kapuso actress also dropped by the Museo de Arte de Colonial in Antigua.
The Museo de Arte Colonial showcases colonial-era art and artifacts, reflecting the region's cultural fusion of European and indigenous influences. Through its exhibits, the museum highlights the significance of the colonial era in shaping the cultural identity of Latin America.
Meanwhile, Jodi went further south for her Latin American tour as she visited Chile, where she had her face painted by the Rapa Nui people and immersed herself in local culture.
The "Unbreak My Heart" star also saw the famous Moai statues in real life! These famous gigantic stones are believed to have been created to honor ancestral chiefs or important figures, serving as guardians of the island and embodying the spiritual connection between the Rapa Nui people and their ancestors.
Traveling from the Philippines to Latin America typically involves multiple flights with layovers in various countries. Here are some airlines that may offer routes connecting the Philippines to Guatemala: Emirates, Qatar Airways, LATAM, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Turkish Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines.
These airlines often operate flights from major cities in the Philippines, such as Manila or Cebu, to various international airports like Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Istanbul, Seoul, and others. From these airports, you would then connect to flights heading to your desired Latin American City.
2. Antarctica
Antarctica is one of the most remote places on Earth, so for some people, visiting the world’s seventh continent is a pipe dream.
While traveling to Antarctica is difficult, it is not impossible and totally worth it for its majestic icy landscapes and rich wildlife, especially the penguins.
Earlier in February, Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay went on an icy adventure in Antarctica. During their stay, the couple saw penguins inhabiting the place and also had fun trekking the snowy mountains.
To reach the continent, first you have to fly from Manila to Buenos Aires, Argentina via Emirates, Etihad, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, or Korean Air.
From there, go to Ushuaia, Argentina and take a cruise ship to Antarctica. This is the most popular gateway for most visitors and it's the fastest route too! Sometimes, the tour companies already provide the flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
Since no nation claims ownership over Antarctica, a visa is not required for travelers. However, it may be required for travel to the country from which you're embarking to the Antarctic. So if you will be riding a cruise ship from Argentina, then you have to secure an Argentinian visa.
3. Zimbabwe
The continent of Africa is popular for safari trips. If you’re not sure which country in particular to visit, take a leaf out of Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff’s book and travel to Zimbabwe!
During their trip back in 2018, the couple had unforgettable wildlife encounters in some of Zimbabwe’s national parks, Mana Pools and Hwange. They met some African elephants, lions, and rhinoceroses.
There are a number of airlines that offer direct and connecting flights from the Philippines to Zimbabwe, which include: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, EgyptAir, and RwandAir.
Like any other airlines, these airlines often operate flights from major cities in the Philippines, such as Manila or Cebu, to various international airports like Doha, Dubai, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cairo, or Kigali. From these airports, you would then connect to flights heading to Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, or other major cities like Bulawayo or Victoria Falls.
The good news is Philippine passport holders aren't required to apply for a visa if they wish to go for short stays or tourism purposes in Zimbabwe. However, it's required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) before entering the country.
4. Silk Road
Another underrated travel destination that Jodi Sta. Maria visited are the countries on the Silk Road.
The ancient Silk Road passed through numerous countries across Asia, connecting the East and West through trade and cultural exchange.
During Jodi’s Silk Road tour with her son Thirdy, she wore traditional Kazakh clothes and posed for photos with an eagle while in Kazakhstan.
They also went to Kyrgyzstan and explored the city of Bishkek. They took photos with Yurts, a mobile tent-like shelter used by Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Mongolian people.
Several airlines operate flights from the Philippines to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, typically with one or more layovers. Some of the airlines you might consider include: Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Astana.
These airlines often have routes that connect major cities in the Philippines (such as Manila or Cebu) to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and to cities in Kazakhstan like Almaty or Nur-Sultan. However, the availability of flights and specific routes may vary depending on the season and current travel restrictions. It's advisable to check with these airlines directly or use online travel agencies to find the most convenient and cost-effective options for your travel dates.
5. Mongolia
Mongolia, situated in the heart of Asia, is a land of vast landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history.
There are many fun things to do in Mongolia, including riding camels and exploring their deserts. Just look at what K Brosas did on her Mongolian tour: she explored the Gobi Desert while riding a camel!
The good news is like Zimbabwe, Mongolia doesn't require a visa for Philippine passport holders visiting Mongolia for a short-term stay: 21 days.
Like any other country on the list, traveling from the Philippines to Mongolia typically involves multiple flights with layovers in various countries. Here are some airlines that may offer routes from the Philippines to Mongolia: Asiana Airlines, Korean Air, Air China, China Southern Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Aeroflot, and MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
These airlines frequently offer flights to several international hubs, like Seoul, Beijing, Guangzhou, Istanbul, Doha, or Dubai, from major Philippine cities like Manila or Cebu. You would then take connecting flights that would bring you to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, from these airports.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
