Long Weekend Getaways: 10 Destinations to Visit During Your Vacay 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Fortunately, with a few long weekends spread throughout the year, Jack can take some time for that much-needed play.

For many, a long weekend means sleeping in and running errands. For others, it’s a precious opportunity to go on a vacay to recharge and reconnect with family and friends. 

If you fall under the latter group, you may be wondering about the best destinations for long weekend getaways. Get excited because we listed some below!

Long Weekend Getaways in 2024: 10 Best Destinations to Recharge and Wind Down

From sunny holidays on the beach to thrilling adventures in cities abroad, check out the best places to escape from the hustle and bustle of life: 

📍 Baler, Aurora

Estimated budget: ₱4,000 to ₱6,000

The quaint town of Baler is one of the best long weekend getaways for surfers. Aside from big and exhilarating waves, it offers a wealth of natural wonders and cultural heritage sites.

Take a break from your sessions with the Pacific swells by enjoying delicious dishes at one of the restaurants along Sabang Beach. If you’re up for some trekking, visit the Ditumabo Falls and take a dip in its ice-cold waters. 

Get your fix of history by visiting Museo de Baler, which houses various artifacts and historical pieces that date back to the 1600s and 1800s. Not too far from the museum is Doña Aurora Quezon’s home, a replica of the house of Doña Aurora, a civic leader and the wife of President Quezon.  

Read more: The Waves Beckon: 12 Best Surf Spots in the Philippines

🛡️ Go on a Worry-Free Adventure With Travel Insurance 

Surfing? Swimming? Hiking? Long weekends are the best time to partake in adventurous activities anywhere around the globe. But make sure to protect yourself financially with the right travel insurance. 

Compare your options through Moneymax. Premiums start at ₱299 with coverage of up to ₱5 million:

Provider	Starting Premium	Medical/Accidental Death or Disablement Coverage	Trip Cancellation Coverage	Baggage Loss/Damage
OONA Travel Insurance	₱299	Up to ₱5 million	Up to ₱128,000	Up to ₱42,600 subject to ₱4,000 per item
PGAI Travel Shield Insurance	₱361	Up to ₱2.5 million	Up to ₱200,000	Up to ₱50,000 subject to ₱10,000 per item
PGA SOMPO TravelJOY Plus	₱463	Up to ₱2.5 million	Up to ₱70,000	Up to ₱5,000 per item
Cocogen Travel Excel Plus	₱263	Up to ₱4.2 million	Up to ₱214,000	Up to ₱102,000  subject to ₱12,700 per item

📍 La Union

Photo: Love La Union (Facebook)

Estimated budget: ₱5,000 to ₱6,000

A trip to La Union, another surf spot in Luzon, is one of the most popular long weekend travel ideas. If you have a car, you can reach the province in around four to five hours. 

Fondly called Elyu, La Union is primarily known for San Juan, a beach town with a large concentration of surf schools, restaurants, and bars.^[1] But there’s more to La Union than its large waves and nightlife. 

Explore Taoism and experience peace by visiting Ma Cho Temple. Built on a hill, this sanctuary offers a serene view of the West Philippine Sea. 

Visit the town of San Gabriel for some freshwater adventure. Here, you can marvel at the falling waters and rock formations of Tangadan Falls. 

Don’t return to Manila without getting your fill of history. Head to Baluarte Watch Tower, a 400-year-old structure that served as a lookout area for incoming attackers of the town. 

Related:

• Sama All This Summer: Best Outdoor Activities in the Philippines for ₱3,000 or Less
• 24 Must-Visit Destinations for Your Road Trip Near Manila

📍 Bolinao, Pangasinan

Photo: See Pangasinan website

Estimated budget: ₱4,000 to ₱6,000

When you hear about Pangasinan, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the Hundred Islands National Park. But don’t sleep on Bolinao, a peaceful town that offers a lot of natural wonders. 

Spend your long weekend holiday by lounging on the creamy sand of Patar Beach. Its white coastline is perfectly complemented by the clear turquoise waters. 

Down for some magical adventure? Visit the Enchanted Cave, an underground cave system with a cool, crystal-clear pool. 

Balingasay River, on the other hand, treats you to breezy and relaxing views. Dubbed one of the cleanest rivers in Region 1, this waterway allows you to discover its beauty via cruise while feasting on some seafood dishes. 

📍 Baguio City

Photo: Tam-awan Village website

Estimated budget: ₱5,000 to ₱6,000

Where to go this long weekend if you want to escape from the city heat? Baguio City will always be a no-fail answer. 

Popular places to visit in the country’s summer capital include Burnham Park, Session Road, Mines View Park, and Camp John Hay. If you’re into culture, arts, and history, don’t miss Tam-Awan Village and BenCab Museum. 

Foodies and coffeeholics will have a blast in Baguio, as the city has numerous restaurants and cafés to explore. But if you want to stick to the classics, go to Good Taste, Vizco’s, and Café by the Ruins. 

Read more: 7 Cold Places in the Philippines for Chilling With Your Loved Ones

📍 San Antonio, Zambales 

Estimated budget: ₱4,000 to ₱5,000

Where to spend the long weekend near Manila if you’re a beach lover? Drive to San Antonio, Zambales for a unique tropical experience. What makes the beaches in San Antonio one-of-a-kind is its gray sand, which is due to the volcanic ashes from the Mount Pinatubo eruption. 

If your idea of relaxation is setting up your own camp, make Anawangin Cove your home base. An alternative to this spot is Nagsasa Cove, which also boasts ash-colored sand. Nevertheless, both coves have elevated areas that treat tourists to stunning seascapes. 

Can’t get enough of natural views? Go to Capones Island Lighthouse for uninterrupted and breathtaking views of the beaches, mountains, and surrounding waters. 

📍 Tagaytay

Photo: Marcia Adams' Restaurant (Facebook)

Estimated budget: ₱3,000 to ₱5,000

Wondering where to go for a long weekend staycation this Holy Week? Imagine a bowl of piping hot bulalo, cozy cafés, plus the serene views of Taal Lake. Experience all these in Tagaytay City. 

This city has a lot of hotels and BnBs that give you spectacular views of Taal Volcano. Quintessential destinations in this city include People’s Park in the Sky and Picnic Grove, both offering panoramic views of Taal Lake. But if gastronomy is your business here, there’s no shortage of brunch places and bulalo shops. 

Some of the city’s most popular names in dining include Balay Dako, Breakfast at Antonio’s, Bag of Beans, and Marcia Adams. If you want to taste authentic local flavors and do some beef shopping, Mahogany Market is the place to go. 

Shopaholics can also have a great time here with malls like Serin, Fora, and Twin Lakes. Not too far from Tagaytay is Acienda Designer Outlet, home to high-end fashion brands. 

📍 Nasugbu, Batangas  

Estimated budget: ₱4,000 to ₱5,000

Up to three hours from Manila via car, Nasugbu is a town boasting an assortment of places perfect for long weekend getaways. Mountains? Check! Beaches? Check! Relaxing villas? Check!

For groups who love hiking and taking in relaxing views from a vantage point, Mount Batulao and Mount Talamitam are great destinations. The best thing about these mountains is that they’re beginner-friendly.

Nasugbu is also dotted with upscale villas, some of which are located in Punta Fuego, that offer privacy for families and friend groups.

Don’t head home without visiting Caleruega. It’s a popular wedding church and retreat venue, but the estate lets you commune with nature, offering relaxing mountain views. 

Read more: 14 Affordable Batangas Beach Resorts for Family and Company Outings

📍 Twin Lakes, San Pablo, Laguna  

Estimated budget: ₱2,000 to ₱3,000

The city of San Pablo in Laguna is famous for its collection of seven lakes, two of which are popular tourist destinations, namely Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo. Visiting these lakes is one of the best long weekend trip ideas if you want to get closer to nature. 

You can rent a raft to explore Lake Pandin. Activities mainly include swimming, relaxing on the raft, and checking out the surrounding greenery. Tour packages already include lunch. 

A narrow strip of land separates Lake Pandin from Lake Yambo. To get a view of the neighboring lake, you’ll need to climb a steep path. 

📍 Hong Kong 

Estimated budget: ₱15,000 to ₱20,000 (excluding flights; based on a five-day, four-night stay)

Where to go this long weekend if you have extra money and vacation leaves? If you’re thinking of a trip abroad, Hong Kong is one of the automatic choices. 

Amusement park aficionados and families with kids in tow should visit Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong. But if you’re alone and want to do some shopping, Kowloon’s Mong Kok is the place to be. 

While in Kowloon, drop by the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront where you can see the Hong Kong skyline, which glimmers at night. Explore Nathan Road and its surrounding streets and alleys for mom-and-pop shops and herbal medicine stores. 

Opposite Kowloon is Hong Kong Island, which is home to the following attractions: Causeway Bay, an area filled with shops and retail stores; Sheung Wan, a neighborhood with chic bars, restaurants, and art galleries; and The Peak, which gives you a spectacular view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbor, and Kowloon.

📍 Taiwan

Estimated budget: ₱15,000 to ₱20,000 excluding flights; based on a five-day, four-night stay)

If you’re planning a trip abroad for the long weekend this 2024, Taiwan should be one of your considerations. Take advantage of Taiwan’s visa-free privilege for Filipino tourists, which is extended until July 31, 2024. 

Taiwan is similar to Japan in the sense that it values its traditions while keeping up with modernity. Testaments to that are cultural attractions, such as the National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple. 

Those who want to explore Taiwan’s urban side will have a great time at Ximending, a shopping area that will remind you of Tokyo and Xinyi District where Taipei 101 is located. 

Love food? Enjoy various night markets spread throughout the capital, such as Shilin Night Market and Raohe Street Night Market.

Read more: It’s a Taiwan-derful Journey: How to Get a Taiwan Visa in the Philippines

Final Thoughts

Long weekend getaways are much-needed sanity breaks. Not only do they allow you to relax but they also provide opportunities to bond with your loved ones. 

Where are you headed this coming long weekend in the Philippines? Regardless of your decision, make sure your itinerary allows you to wind down and recharge. 

💳 Bring the Best Credit Cards for Travel

Ready to enjoy the long weekend somewhere far from the metro? Don't forget to bring a credit card designed for travel. Apply for such a card via Moneymax to enjoy travel-related perks such as the ones below:

Credit Card	Travel Benefits
UnionBank Rewards Card	3x non-expiring rewards points when you shop and dine here and abroad Worldwide acceptance Rewards at participating restaurants, shopping outlets, and leisure establishments nationwide
Metrobank Platinum Mastercard®	1 rewards point for every ₱20 spend Points redeemable for air miles Up to 50% off on dining deals
Metrobank World Mastercard®	3x rewards points for international purchases Exclusive access to airport deals 1 air mile per ₱17 foreign currency spend
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	2 BPI Points for every spend on foreign transactions abroad or online worth ₱20 Lounge access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide 0% interest on airline installment Up to ₱10 million in travel insurance coverage Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%
BPI Signature Card	2 BPI Points for every ₱20 spend Lounge access to PAGGS at NAIA 1 and NAIA 3 Up to ₱20 million in travel insurance coverage Low forex conversion rate of just 1.85%

Sources: 

• ^[1] 14 Best La Union Restaurants: Where to Eat in San Juan, Bars, Cafes, Beachfront (Guide to the Philippines)
• ^[2] Hacienda Designer Outlet Website
• ^[3] Taiwan Extends Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos Until July 2024 (Philippine News Agency, 2023)