Holiday destinations for 2021 Long Weekends
After the year that we had, we’re sure everybody is looking forward to making 2021 count. While international borders remain closed, more and more domestic destinations have been opening up for local tourists - with proper guidelines in place of course. That said, if you’re like us and are looking to fuel your wanderlust (safely and responsibly), we’ve put together a list of local destinations to consider for the upcoming long weekends. Check it out below:
Cheat Sheet:
February 25 (Thursday) - EDSA People Power
Leave option: February 26, Friday
TOTAL DAYS OFF: 4 (February 25 to February 28)
Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/IL-fBBnF-GU
Long Weekend Destination: Coron, Palawan
Start the year strong with a holiday to Coron, Palawan - especially now that you are still able to enjoy the beaches without the crowds. For an extra special holiday, might we suggest a 4D3N holiday at Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort? The private island offers guests a unique experience and gorgeous accommodation options, too! Don’t fret - Coron’s main attractions are easily accessible from SETIR’s private island, so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Book an exclusive 4D3N Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort package on Klook and enjoy a FLY + STAY + DINE package of up to 50% off! This package includes roundtrip flights, transfers, 4D3N stay at your chosen SETIR accommodation, daily breakfast, dining vouchers, spa session and a meal by the beach.
April 1 and 2 (Thursday & Friday) - Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
Total Days Off: 4 (April 1 to 4)
Long Weekend Destination: Baguio
There’s a reason why many families opt to visit Baguio during the Holy Week - and it isn’t just for the cold weather and endless strawberry desserts. Baguio’s family friendly destinations allow for many bonding opportunities for the family, plus the city also organizes many Holy Week festivities so tourists can celebrate despite being out of town. Be sure to add the Baguio Cathedral, BenCab Museum, and Burnham Park to your itineraries, too!
May 13 (Thursday) - Eidul Fitr*
Leave option: May 14, Friday
Total Days Off: 4 (May 13 to 16)
Long Weekend Destination: La Union
Kick off Summer 2021 with a trip to La Union! Ride the waves and enjoy Elyu’s laid back nature - something you might not have done in a while. Despite the long wait to go back to this surftown, it remains a go-to spot for barkadas so now is the perfect chance to make new memories enjoying Elyu’s island life and delicious eateries!
July 20 (Tuesday) - Eidul Adha*
Leave Option: July 19, Monday
Total Days Off: 4 (July 17 to 20)
Long Weekend Destination: Batangas
Now that you’ve made it past halfway through the year, it’s time for a mandatory break! You can opt for a more grand getaway, but you’d be surprised at what a two hour drive to Batangas can offer. You can opt for a couple days stay at The Farm at San Benito for a truly rejuvenating wellness experience. Alternatively, you can do a day trip to The Farm instead and enjoy a floating villa accommodation at Stilts Calatagan for a proper staycation, too!
August 30 (Monday) - National Heroes Day
Total Days Off: 3 (August 28 to 30)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/-XZuQQ83CIQ
Long Weekend Destination: Batanes
Three days isn’t enough to discover Batanes’ many gems, but it is enough for tourists to fall in love with the province. Some of our favorite destinations include the Vayang Rolling Hills, Morong Beach, as well as Rakuh a Payaman, which offers views you won’t find elsewhere in the country. A visit to Batanes will offer visitors a different slice of paradise they never knew they needed.
November 1 and 2 (Monday & Tuesday) - All Saints Day, All Souls Day
Total Days Off: 4 (October 30 to November 2)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/TxsU_3V7di4
Long Weekend Destination: Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur
During your long weekend vacation to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, you will chance upon many beautiful natural and manmade attractions in the region - from beaches to windmill fields. But for those who would still like to honor the celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day, Ilocos is home to many beautiful churches that deserve a spot on your itinerary - including Paoay Church.
November 30 (Tuesday) - Bonifacio Day
Leave Option: November 29, Monday
Total Days Off: 4 (November 27 to 30)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/JYRg--SRxfE
Long Weekend Destination: Siargao
Catch some waves in Siargao and let loose one more time before the year’s final wave of deadlines and submissions. The most wonderful time of year is less than a month a way, which means a hectic schedule for students and workers alike. That said, you might want to treat yourself to a quick sanity break in Siargao and indulge in the island’s laidback way of life.
December 8 (Wednesday) - Feast of Immaculate Conception of Mary
Leave Option: December 9 -10, Thursday and Friday
Total Days Off: 5 (December 8 to 12)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/bshBApiLklQ
Long Weekend Destination: Bohol
If you manage to file for two leave days after the December 8 holiday, might we suggest a trip to Bohol? Overshadowed by destinations like Palawan and Boracay, many are unaware of the gems Bohol keeps within its shores. Apart from the Chocolate Hills and its Tarsier Sanctuaries, tourists will be surprised to find many white sand beaches, thriving underwater life, and so much more!
Check out our guides below for your trip to Bohol:
December 24 (Friday) - Christmas Eve
Total Days Off: 3 (December 24 to 26)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/y-qboGWK7aA
Long Weekend Destination: El Nido, Palawan
You could say that Christmas by the beach isn’t the ordinary way to spend Christmas - but 2021 is no ordinary year, especially if you’re determined to make it count! Whatever the year has thrown at you, treat yourself to a Christmas in a lovely floating villa in El Nido surrounded by your loved ones. In place of your annual Noche Buena, enjoy dinner by the ocean; and on Christmas Day, start it off with a lovely kayak adventure!
December 30 and 31 (Thursday & Friday) - Rizal Day and New Year’s Eve
Total Days Off: 4 (December 30 to January 2)
Photo Credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/4em_e8qQ4tA
Long Weekend Destination: Sagada
While it hasn’t been announced that Sagada has reopened, we do hope they start accepting local tourists by December! Skip the yearly fireworks and instead, hike up Mt. Pulag early in the morning of the 1st of January to make it to the peak in time for the first sunrise of the year. Wouldn’t that be a new year celebration to remember? Alternatively, you can opt to hike on December 31st to catch the last sunset of the year as well!
