Holiday Wanderlust? Here’s How to Travel Smarter and Spend Wiser This Christmas Season

Maximize your travel adventures this Christmas season without breaking the bank. Here are some essential spending tips for Filipinos on the go.

With the holiday season fast approaching, Filipinos are gearing up for their much-awaited travel adventures—whether it's a family reunion abroad, a getaway to a dream destination, or a quick escape to unwind from the year’s hustle. While travel is all about creating memorable experiences, the costs can quickly add up. 

To help Filipino travellers get more bank for their buck, Wise, a global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, has compiled four practical holiday travel tips - ensuring you have more to celebrate this festive season. 

Plan Ahead and Lock in Deals

Filipinos love planning their dream holidays, and booking ahead is key to making them a reality without overspending. Early bookings mean better deals on flights and accommodations, especially when flying to popular destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, or Japan, which rank among the top picks for Pinoy travelers as revealed by Google. 

Pro Tip: Use fare trackers or subscribe to airline promos (piso fare, anyone?) to snag the best deals before the holiday rush. Setting up Google Alerts for flights to your desired destinations will also help you stay on top of the best deals as soon as they go live.

Keep It Light, Save on Baggage 

It’s no secret that Pinoys love pasalubong, but excess baggage fees can quickly drain your budget. Packing light for the outbound trip, while leaving space for balikbayan boxes or duty-free finds, is a proven trick. 

Pro Tip: Use lightweight luggage, roll your clothes to save space, and bring multipurpose outfits for mix-and-match convenience. Reusable travel bottles are also a great choice  for your essentials—budget-friendly and eco-conscious!

Spend Like a Local

When it comes to currency exchange, traditional options like airport kiosks or exchange counters often come with hidden fees and poor rates, leaving you with less for your money than you’d expect. To get the best value, it’s worth choosing an option that gives you a fair deal. 

Many traditional providers and exchange services use the mid-market exchange rate but add hidden margins on top, meaning you're paying more than you realize. To save money, look for a card that gives you the mid-market exchange rate (the rate that you’ll usually see on Google) with no extra charges. For example, the Wise Card lets you spend globally in 160+ countries at the mid-market rate, so you get more for your money—whether you're shopping, dining, or paying for things on holiday. 

Pro Tip: Never withdraw cash using a credit card, as the fees are typically high, and interest charges will apply. Instead, use a prepaid card like Wise, which provides two free withdrawals of up to 12,000 PHP per month. 

Travel Off-Peak for Discounts

Traveling during off-peak times—like midweek flights or non-holiday periods —often comes with significant savings. Avoid the holiday rush for cheaper fares, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed travel experience. 

Pro Tip: Monitor prices using apps like Booking.com and Klook, and grab discounts when they appear—especially for midweek or red-eye flights. 

The holidays should be about creating joyful memories—not stressing over expenses. From saving on currency exchange to simplifying your payments abroad, there are plenty of ways to make your travels more rewarding. 

Whether you're planning a reunion abroad or exploring a dream destination, using a multi-currency account and card like Wise ensures you get the most out of every peso. This Christmas, focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable moments with loved ones, without the financial hassle. Travel can be stress free, affordable, and more meaningful with the right tools by your side.