Tips for the First Time Filipino Travelers

• Make sure you have enough money to go around when you get to the airport. Prepare the right amount of cash for the travel tax. Food in the airport is a little more expensive than outside so if you're not willing to buy, pack your own snacks.

• When waiting, make sure that you stay close to your flight's waiting area. If you want to use headphones or earphones while waiting, make sure the volume is low enough for you to hear certain announcements inside the airport.

• Long flights are a drag but certainly the trip is worth it. In order to have an easy flight, make sure to pack only two bags: one for the check-in and another for the carry on. If you'll be away for more than a week but less than a month, pack a detergent bar instead of an outfit for each day that you will be away to avoid traveling with a large, heavy baggage. Your carry on must contain these essentials: a jacket ( to keep warm in the plane); toothbrush and toothpaste; facial wash, and a good book if you like.

• When traveling with minors (and one/both parents are not present), make sure to get a traveling clearance with the DSWD ahead of time. You must provide these requirements in order to the get the clearance: duly accomplished application form; photocopy of the birth certificate or passport of the minor; a written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the child to travel alone or with someone else to a foreign country; a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minors'parents or; a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or; a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the municipal social welfare and development office or Tallaq or Fasakh Certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader; in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage from the local civil registrar; in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate, two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last 6 months.

• Some flights require extensive security checks so if traveling to the US, where they require you to take off your shoes and jacket every time you walk into the waiting area, wear a pair of sandals or footwear that's easy to wear and remove - don't wear boots!

• To avoid trouble with the authorities - follow the rules: no liquid form of anything including make-up, perfume, etc.; no nail clippers, no tweezers, lighters, etc.

• Make sure you take note if you have any connecting flight. Also make sure what time you will arrive so there will be no problems when you organize a pick up from the airport of your destination.