Philippine Travel – Get Your Kit Together!
Packing your gear before visiting the Philippines is one of the most important and trickiest tasks to get right. What you bring depends on your personality, your must-have items, and the right-sized travel bag, which can truly make or break your experience. I won’t get into the differences between men and women, as they vary so widely, but I have noticed that some amazing women here in the Philippines pack lighter than many men I know.
It’s also crucial to consider what you plan to do once you arrive. Your adventures will mainly fall into three categories: city, beach, or jungle. Trying to pack for all three at once can be a real challenge!
I’ve seen many people pack all sorts of unnecessary items for their trip, things they could easily buy at their destination. One of my sisters even brought bottled water! Trust me, you can find almost everything here in the Philippines that you can get back home.
There are a few exceptions, especially with personal hygiene products. You might not find the exact brands you’re used to, but there’s always a close alternative. Since most Asians don’t have much body hair, shaving supplies can be harder to find outside major cities or tourist areas. Those places cater more to foreigners, so stores there are more likely to carry those items.
Many locals prefer lighter skin tones, so you’ll notice that many cosmetics, lotions, and soaps have whitening ingredients. Keep this in mind when shopping for personal products. Also, tampons can be hard to find, so it’s a good idea to bring your own supply if you use them.
Now, let’s cover the basics. A good pair of sunglasses and a hat are must-haves. Comfortable footwear is next. Personally, I’m not a fan of flip-flops. They get slippery when it rains, and your feet can slide out, which is annoying if you’re walking a lot (and you probably will be, especially around the islands). I prefer sandals with straps or, even better, a great pair of mesh shoes I found here. They’re lightweight, breathable, dry almost instantly, and can go anywhere—from hiking through jungle streams to strolling the beach or even going to a business meeting in Makati. (Yes, I’ve actually done that!)
In short, choose something that dries quickly because your feet will get wet sooner or later.
When it comes to clothing, everyone has their own preferences. However, your best option is to choose lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and quick-drying fabrics. You will be packing and unpacking a lot, so convenience is important. You want to look good, but don’t expect to have an iron available like you might in Western hotels. Clothes that you can roll up, throw into a bag, and still look decent in are my top choice.
Also, don’t overpack. There are cheap laundry shops everywhere. Honestly, if you are traveling around, you won’t see the same people often enough for anyone to notice that you have only four pairs of shorts and six shirts to wear.
Now, let’s talk about electronics. The Philippines uses 220 volts, but fortunately, most modern gadgets—like laptops, phones, cameras, and shavers—come with smart adapters that can handle anything from 110V to 240V. So charging your devices should not be an issue.
For travelers from North America, the good news is that the outlets are the same shape as the ones at home. You can plug in directly if your device supports 220V. Just be careful—many travelers have seen the “magic smoke” rise from gadgets that were not dual voltage. My advice is simple: if it’s not dual voltage, leave it at home. You can easily find a replacement here for about the same price—or even cheaper.
As for Europeans, you already have the right voltage, but your plugs won’t fit. No problem—just stop by a local hardware store and buy an affordable power strip that accommodates all plug types. Use it while you’re here, then pass it on to another traveler when you leave.
Best Travel Backpack for the Philippines
Choosing the best travel backpack for your adventures in Southeast Asia is a popular topic among backpackers. Everyone has a different opinion, and just as many options. But here’s one important fact to remember: you’re going to the beach! Trust me, dragging a wheeled suitcase across the sand from your hotel to the shore is not fun. I’ve seen it many times, and it’s never a good sight.
You’ll be getting in and out of taxis, tricycles, and outrigger boats. Dealing with a heavy, awkward suitcase will quickly ruin your mood. Rolling luggage is great for airports or city stays, but it will make your trip more trouble than enjoyable. A backpack, on the other hand, keeps your hands free. This is perfect for paying fares, grabbing your phone, or just balancing as you climb in and out of boats.
Personally, I prefer to travel with two small backpacks instead of one big one—it’s much easier to manage. A travel organizer that fits inside your main pack is also a smart idea for keeping things neat and accessible. One of my favorite items is a dry bag with backpack straps that I wear across my chest. I keep all my essentials—electronics, passports, and other valuables—inside to keep them safe and dry. It works perfectly for day trips or beach outings, protecting your gear from sand and water.
Your second backpack can hold clothes and those “just-in-case” items you packed but probably won’t need.
Cheers,
Sean
