HOW I TRAVEL UNDER THE NEW NORMAL
by Livi Bautista
I now have a different sense of freedom during this quarantine period.
Everything was amplified during the ECQ — it was the short journey to the grocery store, what I chose to post on social media, what I created and what I exhibited digitally. The only view I was able to see for quite some time was the one from my window pane. Time was irrelevant back then. It felt like a pause and brought the kind of silence that was deafening. It made me anxious yet at the back of my mind, it made me realize what truly mattered. Suddenly, the little things are now the big things. Priorities have shifted and decisions now gravitate towards finding what brings you peace.
Freely roaming the streets sans the mask without the fear of breathing, people watching and snapping their daily stories are things I truly miss, yet I sort of got used to this new kind of normal already.
After a few months of being confined in our homes, the government has finally allowed non-essential trips. With local travel resuming as regions are slowly opening their borders, we must not forget our responsibilities as travellers.
Sharing you a few points on how I was able to travel under the new normal. Here are some of the places I went to, safely. Also posting their price range but kindly navigate to their page for updated rates.
Check out the caption of the photos.
1. Go camping
It’s one of the activities you can do since it’s outdoor. There are lots of camping spots near manila. Try Caliraya Surf Kamp in Cavinti, BLOC Campsite and UCM ATV Park.
Location: BLOC Campsite
Around 4,000+/night for two
This is a campsite just 30 minutes from Marikina.
Location: UCM ATV Park in Rizal
Php3,000 for an overnight camping for 4 +500/additional pax.
2. Book staycations and restaurants that provide al fresco common areas
It gives lesser interaction with other people.
Location: 101 Private Resort
7,000php/daytrip rate, 12/000php overnight
note: we brought our projector.
Location: Mertola Farm
Around 1,700/head (we were 11pax)
3. Wear your mask and social distancing is a must when you are outside
This is the most basic yet following this rule will help you prevent onward transmission. I keep my distance from people as well and I don’t interact closely with young ones and seniors.
Location: Intramuros, Manila
Cost: FREE. Museums were closed when we went there.
4. Practice good hygiene
Whenever I go out, I always bring an extra mask, alcohol and extra clothes. After grocery runs or any activity that requires me to leave the house, I wash my hands and change my clothes. Packing these essential things will help me maintain good hygiene.
5. Avoid sharing things with other people
To help the environment and protect you from risks, I bring my own Hydro Flask. Aside from that, whenever I go out with friends, we always use a serving spoon even for snacks and do not allow double dipping.
Location: 101 Private Resort
6. Don’t go out if you don’t feel well
If you think you have symptoms or if you are not feeling well, it’s better to rest at home or get yourself checked. Do not risk others just to be able to go out.
Location: San Fernando, Pampanga
Hamanda at Souq. 2800/night inclusive of breakfast for two.
This is an open restaurant called SOUQ
Location: San Fernando, Pampanga
Even most of my shoots are done outdoors! I avoid air-conditioned places with other people.
Location: Tanay
Location: Tagaytay
7. Try new things at home
If you’re really afraid of going out, you can try a new hobby or learn a new skill. That’s what I did during this pandemic. I enrolled myself in a course I’m very much unfamiliar with and now, I’m halfway done and I’m enjoying it.
8. Follow health and safety protocols mandated by the LGU
Always abide the rules, submit complete documents and double check the requirements since different provinces have different regulations.
Location: BLOC Campsite
A breakfast place with an outdoor seating.
Price range: Expect to pay around 300-500/pax.
Location: Rustic Mornings
Location: Mertola Farm, Batangas
We know that this is just a phase and let’s hope that we’ll slowly recover from everything that’s happening around us. As we head out for anything from errands to our trips for our wellbeing, ensure that you head out prepared so you keep yourself safe and even those around you. You can check out the items here and a ton of others at The Travel Club. Travel safe!
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