AS SUMMER winds down, many Filipinos are still hoping to squeeze in one last getaway. But while the desire to travel remains strong, booking a trip today often comes with a familiar balancing act: making room for a well-deserved break while staying on top of financial priorities.
It’s a challenge many Filipinos continue to face, especially as they balance their travel goals with rising everyday expenses. Yet despite economic pressures, travel remains a priority for many. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), domestic tourism expenditure reached ₱3.26 trillion in 2025, reflecting Filipinos’ continued enthusiasm for exploring destinations closer to home. As more people make room for travel in their budgets, planning ahead and making every peso count has become more important than ever.
As more travelers become intentional about how they spend, a few practical habits can help make every trip both memorable and financially manageable:
- Choose destinations that match the budget.
Travel doesn’t always have to mean flying to the country’s most popular destinations. Nearby provinces and underrated local gems can offer equally rewarding experiences at a fraction of the cost while supporting local businesses and communities.
- Plan ahead and make the most of travel deals.
Booking accommodations and transportation early, traveling during off-peak periods, and splitting costs with family or friends are among the simplest ways to stretch a travel budget.
- Build flexibility into travel plans.
Even carefully planned trips can come with unexpected opportunities, from seat sales to limited-time hotel offers. Having access to flexible payment options and terms can help travelers make the most of these moments while staying within their financial plans.
“As more Filipinos look for ways to make travel fit their budgets, we’re also seeing a growing preference for planning ahead and making financially informed decisions,” said Baby Aquino, Chief Product Officer and Strategy Head of Fuse Financing, Inc. “Travel doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. With responsible budgeting and the flexible payment terms that match their needs, Filipinos can make room for meaningful experiences while staying focused on their financial goals.”
For those looking for added flexibility, GCash offers solutions designed to support different travel needs:
- For bigger travel expenses: GGives lets eligible users spread the cost of qualified travel purchases, such as accommodations or transportation, into installments, making bigger travel expenses lighter and more manageable.
- For everyday expenses on the go: With GCredit, the revolving credit line available in GCash, eligible users have a convenient way to pay for day-to-day travel expenses, such as dining, transportation, and fuel, through the app’s integrated payment option.
- For extra flexibility before a trip: GLoan gives eligible users quick access to cash to help cover planned or unexpected travel-related expenses, such as last-minute bookings or limited-time travel deals.
With thoughtful planning and responsible borrowing, local travel doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Sometimes, the smartest getaways are simply the ones planned with intention, creating meaningful experiences for travelers while supporting the communities that make Philippine tourism thrive.
