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Content creators Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, Khrystelle Luha, and Patty Laurel-Filart. Handout

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ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1766209220977composites2 6.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Content creators Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, Khrystelle Luha, and Patty Laurel-Filart. Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Content creators Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, Khrystelle Luha, and Patty Laurel-Filart. Handout</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — With the year drawing to a close, many Filipinos are eyeing one last getaway before the holiday rush peaks. While last-minute deals can be appealing, experienced travelers say year-end trips are best approached with preparation, flexibility, and a focus on safety.</p><p>Filipino travel content creators Patty Laurel-Filart, Jax Reyes, Xzar Lim, and Khrystelle Luha shared how they plan their holiday journeys — and what they’ve learned from years on the road.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>1. Plan early to slow down</strong></div><p>For Patty Laurel-Filart, early planning is essential to stress-free family travel.</p><p>She begins exploring options months ahead to avoid packed itineraries and inflated prices. Her trips favor a slower pace, leaving room for rest and spontaneous moments rather than ticking off attractions.</p><p>Laurel-Filart said unhurried travel allows families to be more present and enjoy shared experiences, especially during the holidays.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. Track deals, then stay longer</strong></div><p>Budget-minded traveler Jax Reyes advises keeping an eye on seat sales well before peak season.</p><p>By booking flights early, Reyes said travelers can avoid price spikes and redirect their budget toward longer stays or everyday experiences at the destination.</p><p>He added that slowing down — instead of squeezing in multiple activities — often leads to a more fulfilling trip.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. Prepare for ambitious routes</strong></div><p>Adventure traveler Xzar Lim said complex holiday trips require careful research and realistic pacing.</p><p>She prepares by checking visa requirements early, planning flexible routes, and setting aside extra funds for unexpected changes. Lim also builds rest days into her itinerary to avoid burnout, especially during long solo journeys.</p><p>According to Lim, sustainable travel means knowing when to push limits — and when to pause.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>4. Look beyond crowded destinations</strong></div><p>For Khrystelle Luha, known online as The Traveling Morena, the holiday season is best spent away from over-touristed areas.</p><p>On her return to Cambodia, she is exploring lesser-known temple complexes rather than crowded landmarks. Luha said quieter destinations allow for deeper cultural immersion and more meaningful connections.</p><p>She added that traveling off the usual path makes it easier to stay spontaneous without sacrificing intention.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>5. Prioritize safety and peace of mind</strong></div><p>The creators also emphasized the importance of being prepared for disruptions common during peak travel periods, including delays, weather changes, and health concerns. Many of them rely on comprehensive travel protection like AXA Smart Traveller for peace of mind, especially when venturing abroad.</p><p>As holiday travel demand rises, these experienced travelers agree that thoughtful planning, intentional pacing, and safety awareness can make year-end trips more rewarding and less stressful.</p>

<p>With the year drawing to a close, many Filipinos are eyeing one last getaway before the holiday rush peaks.</p>

With the year drawing to a close, many Filipinos are eyeing one last getaway before the holiday rush peaks.

Travel content creators share tips for planning year-end trips

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Travel content creators share tips for planning year-end trips

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published Dec 20, 2025 01:42 PM PHT

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