Golden ticket

Planning to fly out this Christmas? Here’s a guide on possible destinations, the requirements you’ll need, and how to remain as safe as possible throughout your visit

- MIA CASTRO

It was just last year, where all of us had to accept that we would be ending the year in the comfort of our homes or at the most, using the advantage of staycations to recreate the feeling of a typical vacation. It was one of the rare times in the Philippines when traffic wasn’t 24/7 due to the Christmas rush and parolas didn’t cover the streets. It was quiet and somehow somber, but it was necessary to keep everyone safe. Nonetheless, the “new normal” holidays are looking brighter this year with borders opening up and restrictions in movement within and outside the country are easing. And many of us are already putting in place the scrapped vacations we’ve had for more than a year. According to the latest Finder’s Travel Index, travel plans in the Philippines have started to regain momentum since October. While no travel mode or destination is completely risk-free, some of us may need a literal change of scenery to end the final months of 2021 on a good note and most importantly, a calmer mind.

For those who’d like to squeeze in some last-minute refuge, but still prefer to maintain social distancing, there are plenty of intriguing options. However, holiday packing stress still isn’t exempted, and in addition to the usual stressors that come with it are different documents required before you even step into the airport. To help you along here are some destinations and their requirements to help your travel be as smooth as possible:

SUN AND SAND