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With the Christmas holidays looming over us, it is to be expected that people will not only be drafting their Christmas shopping list or even their wish list, they would also have a Christmas and New Year itinerary ready.
However, considering that most people would be getting and celebrating their Christmas and holiday vacations at the same time, several vacation places will be inevitably fully-booked.
With the deluge of potential vacationers, this coming December, booked-up airlines and crowded mall areas are to be expected. For those seeking a quiet time to bond with the family and enjoy the season, this can be a bit of a hassle. But this does not mean that you can no longer enjoy an excellent holiday with your family.
Try visiting any of the places listed below that are a bit closer to home but nonetheless, beautiful and picturesque destinations this coming holidays.
1. Bacolod City
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For a gastronomic Christmas feast, visit the city of smiles known as Bacolod City. Apart from the warm smiles and gentle warmth the locals treat their guests with, this city is known to have some of the best restaurants in the country.
Other than the famed chicken inasal, the city is known for their delectable and sweet cakes and pastries—a feat that is nothing short of what is to be expected from the sugar capital of the Philippines. So, if you are looking for a culinary excursion this coming December that would not hurt your pockets one bit, visit this city and experience a different kind of holiday food trip.
2. Laguna City
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This town is teeming with sights and various tourist spots that your itinerary would be filled to the brim. There are a lot of places to visit in Laguna, and without a doubt, it is the best choice for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies. The city is known to host the nationally famous theme park known as the Enchanted Kingdom, a theme park which is excellent not only for kids but the kid at heart as well.
This Christmas time, if you are bringing the entire family for a holiday trip, Laguna would be the premier choice—especially when you are traveling with little tots in tow.
3. Puerto Princesa, Palawan
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A summer getaway on Christmas time might seem a little unorthodox, but it is certainly not unheard of. If you have been meaning to go to Palawan for a while now, make it a point to visit this December.
As it is off-season, you would not have to contend with hordes of tourists and other crowds of travelers and will have a more enjoyable experience and smooth-sailing experience than you would during the summer peak. This December, try seeing and immersing yourself in one of the seven natural wonders of the world and visit Palawan.
4. Sibale Island, Romblon
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For something a bit more extraordinary and unconventional, visit the Island of Sibale in Romblon. It is relatively unknown so you would not expect throngs of tourists and travelers being all around the place.
The island is perfect for your Instagram portfolio and social media pages as everywhere you go would be an opportunity for a photo session. The picturesque views and sprawling landscapes would be enough to make any traveler wide-eyed with wonder. It is guaranteed that the island would not only take your breath away but steal your heart as well.
5. Cebu City
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The Queen City of the South is not only known to be the prime locus for the best tasting lechon in the Philippines but is also known for its several iconic and archaic churches. These churches are best visited during the Christmas season as they light up their stone walls with various Christmas lights and offer something a bit more colorful and bright for the season.
Additionally, if you are not in much of a hurry, spend New Year and a few more weeks in Cebu to see the biggest festival in the Philippines: Sinulog—the pride of the queen city of the south.
