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Eid al-Adha 2019 long weekend vacation is here

8 Asian, 2 European countries on Filipinos’ bucket list holiday destinations

Ready for the long weekend? Lots of people are now preparing to go out of the country and to maximize the long weekend vacation. The Eid Al-Adha is known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice” is celebrated worldwide every year. During this celebration, Muslims honor the act of willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as a form of obedience to God’s command.

Aside from reflecting, many people relax from work, unwind, and travel. The Filipino Times conducted a straw poll of some 300 Filipinos in the UAE and came up with the top 10 countries on their bucket list. It was found out that this is comprised of 8 Asian and 2 European countries.

This list was also in most travel and tour agencies’ file of the 10 “most-booked out-of-country” round-trip airfare destinations this long weekend (travel period from August 11-15 and the roundtrip airfare does not include vacation fees).

Malou Prado, TFT Awards entrepreneur of the year 2017, owner of a travel agency said it is also important that people invest time to optimize mental and physical health.

“Traveling is one of the most sought reliefs for stress. And a change in scenery helps us see things from a different perspective because our minds are relaxed when we are on holiday or vacationing,” Prado said.

A vlogger, Marvin John Millete, 31 and a nurse, added: “We travel because we want to see and experience the other parts of the world — people, culture and history.”

“Moreover,” he added, “to reflect on life’s journey, reassess how we achieve our dreams, plan for a better tomorrow, and most importantly appreciate life’s true meaning.”

Let’s see if your most favorite destination entered the list OF 10 “most booked out-of-country” destinations this long weekend.

The Philippines. Of course, who would not want to go back to our own country and spend a long vacation with our loved ones? The Philippines would always be one of the most favorite destinations of our returning OFWs. Missing the fine beaches and sceneries in the Philippines? It might be rainy in the country during this time but still many people book to experience pristine waters and green nature like Boracay, and Palawan.

The Philippines is one of the cheapest trips this long vacation. For only Dh2, 800, anyone can fly back to the Philippines and be with their families and friends this holiday. As our Department of Tourism says “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

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Bali, Indonesia. Beaches, deep-sea diving to see coral reefs, volcanic mountains, and green flatlands- this is the picture of Bali, Indonesia. From live bars, resort towns, and parties- everything is here.

For only Dh2900, relaxation in Bali is truly worth remembering. Seeing the beauty of the sunset while meditating, or sitting while drinking tea would give a new kind of positive energy this long weekend.

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Sri Lanka. Sigiriya (Ancient city ruins and rock fortress), Yala National Park, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple are some of the many beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

For only Dh3800, you can have a round-trip visit to this country and experience the culture, temples, and history.

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Jordan. A biblical place like Jordan is also on the list. It is known for ancient monuments, seaside resorts, and even nature encounters. This country is also famous for its archaeological site of Petra or the “Rose City”, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Tombs, temples, and monuments carved in cliffs can also be found here.

Spend Dh4200 and experience the beautiful and memorable Jordan.

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Armenia. Seeing the beauty of Armenia is also a “travel goals” destination this long weekend among tourists. Scenes in Armenia are “wow” for only Dh3, 500.

This country is situated in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. The country has three million people and the average temperature in Yerevan Armenia ranges from 88°F to 92°F (31-33 degrees Celsius).

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Georgia. Well aside from other Eurasian countries, people plan to visit Armenia’s neighbor, which is Georgia.
This country is located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. A much expensive than Armenia, Dh3700 can bring you to some of its many tourists’ spots. Expect to see Medieval-inspired architects in Tbilisi, Batumi, Mtskheta, and Stepantsminda.

Azerbaijan. How much you know about

Azerbaijan? It’s a country within the borders of two continents – Asia and Europe.

The combination of urban and nature attracts more tourists, most especially with its classical art and modern architecture fusion. Dh3500 is the average amount you need to spend on this round-trip activity.

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Kyrgyzstan. Among the ten countries, this is the cheapest. Many people book to Kyrgyzstan to experience the mountainous place and serene atmosphere that this place offers. It is known for lakes and walnut forests.

If you want to go out of the hustle and bustle, surely this country would give you one of the best experiences for only Dh2200.

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Romania. Two countries from the Europe continent entered the list. Romania is one. For those who want to see more classical arts, this would not fail you.

Romania is a southeastern European country, which is known for medieval towns packed by historical churches, castles, and even the Dracula legend. It is also popular for the forested region of Transylvania, ringed by the Carpathian Mountains. For those who want to go in this place, prepare Dh3800 and enjoy the classical beauty of Romania.

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Montenegro. Another European country on the list is Montenegro. This country is located in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic Sea, and lies within the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest; Serbia and Kosovo to the east, Albania to the south and Croatia to the west.

This country is the most expensive on the list because you need Dh4800. But, once you see the beauty of mountains and structures in Lovcen, Our Lady of the rocks, Ostrog monastery, and Black Lake, you’ll surely forget how much you spent.

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Travel while we have the chance

Prado also explained the relevance of traveling as one of the most rewarding things people could do in their lifetime. A new environment creates a new perspective, visit new places, and meet new friends.

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“As OFWs, we always work hard for our loved ones, that is why we are here in the first place. But from time to time we need to reward ourselves for all those years of hard work,” Prado explained.

“Relaxation is important for the body and mind. Holidays and long weekends are the perfect time for these short travels or vacation; we should make the most of it while we can,” she added.

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