The simple answer is because only the most determined tourist manage to organize their trip.
I am Filipino. I even have a travel blog. So theoretically, I should know how things are done. Do you think I am able to book flights and resorts? The answer is "NO"! Out of the 20 resorts I emailed across the the Philippines, only about 5 replied to my queries. I think it is even because they were German resort owners. After a few weeks, I finally found a resort that answered my inquiry. I reserved a room for the days I want. I just need to book a flight, the hard part is done you might say. Oh, well, you know I have been trying to book a flight to Puerto Princessa for a few days now and my credit card always gets declined for no apparent reason. I am going out of my mind.
Well, and then there are resorts whose rates are truly galactic in size. Anyway, they also don't reply to inquiries. I don't know who can afford to go to those places anyway. Their rates are hundreds of dollars per person. Here in Europe even with 4-5 star hotels, the rates are per room! I think those resorts are delusional, specially now with the financial crisis.
I am quite depressed because I have decided to give up to go somewhere special this time. I'm tired of spending my nights on the internet trying to book a simple flight.
List of resorts who replied to my inquiries promptly:
Coconut Garden Resort - Cacnipa Island Palawan- by phone
Las Cabanas Beach Resort - El nido, Palawan
Siargao Inn - Siagao Island, Surigao
Golden Monkey Cottages - El Nido, Palawan
I am Filipino. I even have a travel blog. So theoretically, I should know how things are done. Do you think I am able to book flights and resorts? The answer is "NO"! Out of the 20 resorts I emailed across the the Philippines, only about 5 replied to my queries. I think it is even because they were German resort owners. After a few weeks, I finally found a resort that answered my inquiry. I reserved a room for the days I want. I just need to book a flight, the hard part is done you might say. Oh, well, you know I have been trying to book a flight to Puerto Princessa for a few days now and my credit card always gets declined for no apparent reason. I am going out of my mind.
Most of the time, people just want to go for a relaxing vacation and not an expedition. Going to the Philippines sometimes feels like going on a journey to Mars. I have spent hours and hours on the internet, trying to find information. It shouldn't be this hard.
I am quite depressed because I have decided to give up to go somewhere special this time. I'm tired of spending my nights on the internet trying to book a simple flight.
List of resorts who replied to my inquiries promptly:
Coconut Garden Resort - Cacnipa Island Palawan- by phone
Las Cabanas Beach Resort - El nido, Palawan
Siargao Inn - Siagao Island, Surigao
Golden Monkey Cottages - El Nido, Palawan
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3 comments:
haha so you now have a share of frustrations over the philippines. i am not mocking you. i am mocking the whole country in general. wait till you arrive here.
goodluck cathy.
maligayang pasko!
Sinabi mo iyon. I have been going home for the past 4 years and have the same frustration like yours. BUT in the last two years, my frustration was a little bit alleviated when I found a company that could arrange stuff for you without any headaches - they deliver (so far). It's the Filipino Travel Center (filipinotravel.com.ph) - I am not in anyway connected with them but I am a satisfied customer. They really deliver. Contact there is Didith Taruc.
The resorts in your list is quite familiar to me. I used to sell their packages during my stint in a travel agency.
I agree with what you've written here. Booking for a vacation here in our country is never like a breeze. When I worked in the travel agency, I sometimes caught in the middle of a problem between the tour operator and the customer - each for its own shortcoming and limitations, including us travel agency.
I wonder if the Philippines is really that poor in tourism services as compared to other country...
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