My Vacation Plan 2022 

 

“A vacation helps to relieve stress and boredom, gives us a change of scenery, provides us with adventure, and helps to bring us closer to the people in our lives.” – E. S. Woods

Finally!

After almost four years without a vacation, I’m finally able to plan one this year. The idea first came from my eagerness to find a new job as I near my two-year mark in my current company. Since I feel there’s no room for growth where I am now, I want to explore new opportunities elsewhere. But before making any moves, I realized it would be a waste not to use my ticket benefit.

I’m entitled to a round-trip ticket after completing two years, and I want to use it before transferring to another company. In my previous job, I only used this benefit twice—the rest were forfeited due to employer changes. This time, I’m determined to maximize my benefits before moving on. I want to be careful and not make decisions based purely on emotions.

I believe that after this vacation, I’ll have a clearer perspective on my future. It will be my time to relax, regain energy, shift my mindset, and create new memories with loved ones. I hope to accomplish all my plans and priorities during these 30 days so I can restart my life without regrets.

 

“As you grow older, you learn a few things. One of them is to actually take the time you’ve allotted for vacation.” – John Battelle

 

This will be my third vacation. The first was forced due to the Middle East crisis, and the second went well because I had my second investment. For this vacation, I want to focus on my priorities—which I can only properly settle in the Philippines—and spend quality time reconnecting with family, relatives, and friends.

Unlike before, when I took around 45 days or more, this time I want to keep it short but memorable. I applied for just 30 days—from September 1 to September 30. Initially, my vacation was planned for October, but due to the FIFA World Cup, my company imposed a vacation ban from October to December. Because of this, I adjusted my plans, budget, and schedule accordingly. This is also why I reduced the budget for the renovation of my second house rental.

Before this, some of my colleagues already went on vacation, and many said they spent a lot of money due to pandemic-inflated prices. Some claimed they spent over ₱200,000 for just one and a half months, while others said ₱100,000 wouldn’t even be enough.

Hearing these stories, I decided to prove them wrong by challenging myself to budget only ₱100,000 for 30 days. For me, that’s more than enough because in my previous vacations, I never reached that amount. I want to see for myself if their claims are true or just exaggerations.

Here’s a summary of my vacation plans:

  • Total Vacation Days: 30

  • Dates: September 1 – September 30

  • Total Budget: ₱100,000 maximum

  • Top Priorities:

    • Settle local bank accounts and insurance payments

    • Secure at least one government ID

  • Places to Visit:

    • Davao

    • Bacolod

    • Rizal

    • La Union

    • Baguio

 

“Think about it; how do you feel when you are planning a vacation? You feel excited and happy. Your stress level is diminished, and this also affects your work in a positive way.” – John Morgan

 

Planning this vacation has already given me so much joy and motivation. I’m looking forward to the adventures, the calm moments, and most importantly, the chance to reconnect with the people I love. Here’s to a meaningful, refreshing, and well-spent 30 days ahead!

I started preparing everything months ahead of my planned vacation. As I slowly mapped out all the details, I began feeling happier and more excited about the experiences waiting for me. I really want to make the most out of these 30 days, and for me, careful planning is the best way to achieve that.

I’m determined to manage my time and budget as much as possible so that I can focus on my priorities first, while also sticking to the intended budget for the month. Together with my sister, I learned how to create an itinerary — something I did for my Bacolod trip. Beyond scheduling, I carefully reviewed all potential expenses so I would have a clear picture of how much money I’d likely need.

It took a lot of time and effort to sum everything up, but now I’m excited to finally share all the preparations I made before my vacation. Although 30 days may seem short, I believe it’s more than enough as long as I manage my time well. The biggest challenge will be sticking to my budget, knowing there will inevitably be some unexpected expenses. That’s why I set aside a buffer amount each week to cover any emergencies or adjustments that might come up.

Actually, I still have some funds I could add to my vacation budget. But thinking ahead to my situation after the trip, I don’t want to end up with a zero balance like many of my colleagues who overspent during their vacations. That kind of financial stress makes me uneasy, so I decided to secure a fixed budget of ₱100,000 for the whole trip and keep the rest safely in my local bank account. I’ve been in that tight spot before, and I don’t want to repeat it. This amount is more than enough for me to have a great experience while staying financially responsible.

This time, I made a few rules for myself to ensure I stay on track:

  • Stick strictly to the ₱100,000 budget.

  • Maintain a buffer amount each week for emergencies.

  • Make sure there is still money left in my account when I return.

  • Prioritize settling important tasks and payments first.

  • Avoid overspending at all costs!

 

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of my schedule, budget, priorities, and places to visit!

 

 

Whole Month Schedule

To kick things off, here’s an overview of how my vacation is shaping up. As you can see, my September is packed with a variety of tasks and activities that will keep me busy the whole month. From important errands to leisure trips, physical self-care, and yes, even some shopping — I’ve laid it all out carefully.

Now, you probably know I’m a thrifty person. Living in a country where most goods are expensive, you can imagine how my wardrobe looks. After six years here, I can count on one hand the number of items I’ve bought for myself. And take note — I only buy clothes on sale! Most of my wardrobe actually comes from my sister, who shops at thrift stores. It might sound funny, but it’s true. When I say shopping, I’m mostly referring to thrift shops where secondhand clothes come at a budget-friendly price. My family has been doing this for years because we didn’t have the means to shop at malls. Even now that we can afford it, we still stick to what we know. Honestly, thrift stores can have some really great finds. I first realized this when I shopped there in college — in fact, my baccalaureate and graduation dresses were thrifted!

Back to my schedule — you’ll notice I’ve set aside just a few days for rest, with most of the month focused on leisure trips and priorities. The first week is all about settling my priorities: handling bank and insurance matters, plus applying for a government ID. I scheduled these tasks early to give myself enough time for any follow-ups or additional requirements. I want to be able to enjoy the rest of my vacation without any pending errands hanging over me.

Compared to my last vacation, where I had no proper plan and barely managed any leisure trips, this time I’m taking a different approach. This schedule will not only keep me on track but also serve as a reference for future vacations, making planning easier down the road.

To help me stay organized, I color-coded my tasks:

  • Red Highlight – Flight Dates

  • Green Highlight – Bank & ID Priorities

  • Yellow Highlight – Physical Activities

  • Brown Highlight – Grocery & Shopping

If you look at the calendar, my leisure activities are spread out from the 2nd to the 4th week, so I don’t get overwhelmed and still have time to handle other important things. The highlights of this vacation are the family trip to Davao and my solo trip to Bacolod to meet my partner’s family.

My sister and I planned these trips together, even coordinating our outfits! From choosing clothes to booking hair retouches — something we’ve both been wanting to do for a while — we made sure everything fits into the budget. I’m even treating my mom and sister to a hair makeover because they truly deserve it.

Just looking at this schedule gets me excited. I know this will be my best vacation yet because we put a lot of effort into making it happen. After the challenges we’ve all faced during the pandemic, I believe we deserve this break. This time, I’m determined to make every day count — to come back inspired, happy, beautiful, and grateful for all the experiences.

 

“Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

 

 

Budget

 

Initially, I allocated a budget of ₱100,000.00 for my vacation. However, after making advance payments for our Davao trip and covering some vacation requirements, I reduced it slightly to ₱95,000.00. Based on my budget plan, my projected expenses will total around ₱90,500.00, leaving a small balance for any unexpected or additional costs that may come up during the month.

To keep myself on track, I created a detailed budget guideline that breaks down the intended amount for each task and activity. This is the first time I’ve done this kind of budgeting for a vacation. In my previous trips, I only kept track of expenses after the fact, which led to some tasks remaining unfinished—especially with the interruptions caused by the pandemic. This time, with a clear schedule and budget, I’m confident I’ll be able to address everything properly.

Some of my colleagues who recently went on vacation warned me that my budget might be too tight. That only motivated me more to prove I can manage it well. Honestly, since it’s been nearly four years since I last visited the Philippines, I didn’t know how much prices have changed. Thankfully, because my family and I are now financially independent, it was easier to adjust my budget realistically.

Preparing this budget made me reflect on the many changes in our lives over the past six years. Since we all started working, so much has happened: we’ve found decent jobs, all three of us secured insurance, began investing, bought our first family car, and most importantly, each of us found a life partner. It’s incredible to see how much progress we’ve made, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.

Time truly changes a person.

 

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

 

Now, on my 6th year working overseas, I look back on all I’ve achieved and how this vacation budget reflects the journey I’ve been through. I know I deserve this break, and I’m committed to spending wisely for the happiness of both myself and my family. This vacation is just the beginning of the life I’ve been striving for.

I hope that next time I plan a vacation, I’ll be somewhere I’ve dreamed of—where money is no longer a concern because I’ve built the means to enjoy life fully. This is a promise to myself, and I’m determined to make it happen. I’m excited for the new plans ahead, and the opportunity to bring even more happiness to my family and loved ones.

I will never stop until I get there. That’s a promise.

 

 

Vacation Priorities

 

While some may say that a vacation is meant solely for relaxation and enjoyment, I see this as the perfect opportunity to tackle some pending tasks left unfinished due to the pandemic. These will be my top priorities during my vacation so I can start the next year with peace of mind. As I often mention in my blog, 2022 is shaping up to be one of the busiest years of my life. So I want to use this break wisely to push forward on the important things I can still accomplish.

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey

 

Insurance Auto Debit Payment

One of my biggest challenges has been managing payments for my first insurance policy, which isn’t yet enrolled in an auto debit system like my second one. Because of this, some payments were mistakenly credited as “top-ups” rather than premium payments. This year marks my third year paying for this insurance, and this time, I want to fix everything so that my payments will be automatically deducted from one bank account.

Before my vacation, I prepared all the necessary documents so I can finalize this easily once I get home. I scheduled this task for September 1, the same day I will update my local bank account’s ATM and contact details. Once set up, I can simply transfer money into that account, and the payment will happen automatically. This will also save my family from having to visit the bank repeatedly to pay my premiums.

Along with my other long-term investments, I plan to use this single bank account to handle all payments—giving me peace of mind that nothing will be missed. Here’s a quick look at my long-term investments started during my six years working overseas:

  • Insurance – started August 2019

  • Insurance + Investment – started 2020

  • SSS Insurance – started 2019

With these secured, my next goal is to invest in passive income streams to support my current situation. I believe investing in my future is the best way to let my money grow over time. I’ll also explore other cash flow opportunities along the way.

 

Secure at Least 2 Government IDs

Over the six years I’ve been working overseas, my only valid government ID has been my passport. This sometimes restricts my ability to transact locally, as many institutions require one or two valid IDs.

Now that I have time, I’ve decided to apply for additional IDs to make future transactions easier—especially since I’m planning to purchase foreclosed properties soon. Given that I’m overseas, vacations are the only time I can handle these important matters in person.

Luckily, my mother is a pro at this process and will guide me through the requirements for each ID. My goal is to complete the application process for at least three valid IDs by the end of my vacation. While I may not receive all the IDs during this time, starting the process and having family receive them on my behalf will be ideal.

Here are the IDs I plan to apply for:

  • TIN ID

  • Philippine ID

  • OFW ID (E-card)

  • SSS ID

Applying for any of these will be helpful, and securing more than one would be even better. I will prepare all the necessary documents beforehand to make the process smoother once I arrive.

 

Pay for SSS Insurance

After a two-year break, I’ve decided to resume paying my SSS contributions this year. Fortunately, SSS now has a mobile app that allows me to view my previous payments and choose payment amounts easily. After exploring the app, I decided on a payment of ₱1,950.00 per month or ₱23,400.00 per year for 2022.

Thanks to my passive income this year, I was able to set aside the amount needed for full payment. Currently, I have 24 months paid and still need to pay for another 96 months (8 years) to complete my contributions.

I believe now is the best time to invest in this because SSS benefits serve as one of the best government subsidies for retirement. In the future, I plan to increase my payments even after I’ve met the required months, so I can maximize returns upon retiring. With the passive income streams I’m building, I’m confident I can pay consistently and on time.

 

Bank ATM Update / Contact Number Change

With rising digital security concerns, many banks now require OTP (One-Time Password) verification for transactions. Since my registered phone number has been inactive for nearly four years, I need to update it urgently.

This update is crucial because I plan to use this bank account for all my long-term investment payments, especially those that can’t be enrolled in auto debit. I’ll also update my online banking access to keep track of everything easily.

I scheduled this task alongside my insurance auto debit update on September 1, so I can focus on enjoying my vacation once these priorities are done.

 

Eye Check-up / Teeth Cleaning

Taking care of my physical health is also a priority. It’s much more affordable to get medical and dental check-ups in the Philippines compared to Qatar, so I want to take advantage of that while I’m home.

I’ve scheduled both an eye check-up—available at most eyewear stores—and a dental check-up for a cavity I noticed two months ago. While I’m unsure of the exact treatment needed, I believe prevention is always better than cure. These appointments are a top priority alongside my other tasks.

 

 

 

Travel Destination

Now that all my priority tasks are covered, let’s dive into the part of my vacation I’m most excited about — the leisure trips! Compared to my previous vacation, this one will be jam-packed with adventures and quality time spent with loved ones. My sister and I carefully planned every detail to ensure we have the best experience possible.

In the schedule I created, you’ll notice the lavender highlights representing all my leisure trips throughout September.

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”

 

 

DAVAO

Since 2020, our family has been planning a local trip together. We had already booked it, but like many, our plans were disrupted by the pandemic and all flights were canceled. The amount we paid went into a travel wallet online, and we tried rebooking again in October 2022. Unfortunately, a company memo forbade vacations from October to December, which left me feeling discouraged and frustrated.

We had to rebook a third time, finally settling on September. Initially, I was even considering canceling my vacation entirely. But it was my partner who encouraged me to push through — both of us have been stuck here in Qatar for nearly four years because of the pandemic, and we desperately wanted to go home to see family and reconnect.

Choosing Davao for our trip was my sister’s idea. She shared stories and experiences from travelers she knew, which convinced all of us that it would be the perfect destination. Since she’s an experienced traveler, she arranged our itinerary with both fun and budget in mind.

The total cost of the trip is ₱9,010.00, excluding airfare and personal expenses. This covers four days packed with accommodation, food, tours, and local transportation — an amazing deal for everything we’re planning to do!

Our itinerary includes exploring various spots around Davao City, Davao Oriental, and a visit to one of the famous beach islands, Samal. We’ve set the trip for September 14 to 17, which we believe is the ideal timing.

We’ll also be joined by my Aunt Beth, whose trip is sponsored by our cousin May Ann. I just hope my Dad will be allowed to join us too, despite a vacation ban imposed by the acting hotel manager from September to December.

 

BACOLOD

“Travel. Your money will return. Your time won’t.”

Finally! After being together for almost four years, this will be the very first time I’ll meet my partner’s family in person. We both agreed that this visit is important, especially since we are planning to settle down together in the near future.

I scheduled my trip to Bacolod on September 21, and we’ll both return on September 24 so I can also spend time with my relatives. To make the most of my time there, I prepared an itinerary that I shared with my partner. Over the course of three days, I plan to visit three cities: Bacolod, Silay, and Talisay.

I set a budget of ₱10,000.00 for this trip, covering food, transportation, treats, and tickets. My goal is to keep it lean so I can still save money for other expenses once we return to Cavite. After Bacolod, we’re planning a trip to La Union and Baguio, which will be our last tour before flying back.

During these three days, I want to spend quality time with my partner’s family and get to know more about their hometown. I started by researching popular spots in the area, just like my sister did for her itinerary, and made a list to ensure I don’t miss out on anything worth seeing. His sister will be joining us, which will make the trip even more special.

I have to admit, I’m a little nervous about meeting everyone for the first time, but I’m hopeful and praying that everything will go smoothly and that we all enjoy our time together.

 

LA UNION & BAGUIO

“Work, Travel, Save, Repeat.”

Following my Bacolod trip, I have planned a visit to our province just a few days before my flight back. This will be the last leg of my vacation, but also one of the most meaningful moments because it will be the first time my relatives will meet my partner. I’ve prepared a special treat for them, which has me really excited — I’m sure there will be a feast every day, filled with laughter and fun.

God knows how much I’ve missed our province. Every time my parents visit, I can’t help but feel a little jealous because I don’t get to see my grandparents as often as I’d like. The thought always tugs at my heart. That’s why I want to take this opportunity to spend quality time with them, making sure they feel my presence, even if some of my older relatives might forget me sometimes. Just seeing them will mean the world to me. I’ll cherish every moment, making this a truly memorable experience.

To showcase the beauty of our hometown to my partner, we’re planning to visit these places:

La Union:

  • San Juan Beach

  • Halo Halo de Iloko

  • Tangadan Falls

  • Grape Farm

  • Ma Cho Temple

  • Paraiso Manmade Forest

  • Agoo Eco Fun World

Baguio:

  • Mirador Hill and Eco Park

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

  • Burnham Park

  • Camp John Hay

  • Mines View Park

  • Igorot Stone Kingdom

  • Colors of StoBoSa

  • La Trinidad & Baguio Botanical Garden

Since this is a lot to cover, we made a list to serve as our guide once we get there.

 

RIZAL

Another destination on my list is Tanay, Rizal. I got inspired after seeing stunning photos from a friend who recently visited. The place looks breathtaking, and I’m eager to explore it myself. This plan depends on my budget and my family’s availability, but I’ve already allocated funds for it. Of course, this could change if unexpected expenses arise, but for now, it’s included in my itinerary.

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.” — Andrew Carnegie

 

 

RECAP

Working overseas, having a vacation back home feels almost surreal. Just thinking about it fills me with emotion and excitement, even though the actual trip is still a few months away. Now that I finally have this opportunity, I’m determined to make it memorable — not just for myself, but for the people I’ll be spending it with.

After almost four years, I’m thrilled to have planned an ideal vacation full of adventure and travel. Despite a limited budget, I’ve worked hard to maximize it, especially for travel. I’m lucky that my sister is a travel pro — she’s visited so many places and her experience really helped shape my plans.

In this short time, I promise to come back inspired and motivated to keep pushing forward. This vacation will be my chance to recharge, set new goals, and cherish moments with the people I love.

Just a few more days, and I’ll finally be reunited with them all. I hope and pray this will be a one-of-a-kind vacation that I will always remember.

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

 

 

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