Whether your idea of a holiday consists of sampling exotic cuisine, hardcore shopping, absorbing historical particulars, kicking back Caipirinhas on a secluded beach or trekking through unchartered territory and pitching a tent come nightfall, one common underlying theme is constant for most travelers — their love for the art of travel.
Travel challenges, inspires and educates; fosters awareness of other cultures and if you didn’t already know yourself, well, good luck, because it fosters awareness of that, too. Being on the road cultivates a more comprehensive understanding of the world in general versus being force-fed lectures in a classroom. Traveling is the classroom of life! While the map ahead of us can rarely be sketched out with certainty, the art of travel encompasses its preparation, the journey itself, the final destination and all the memories that linger.
How one goes about planning a holiday can differ entirely from one person to the next, though practical and motivational tools are likely to be found in travel guides and mags. Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines, the progeny of the similarly titled travel guidebook, launches its maiden issue on our shores. Published bimonthly by Bella Luce, the publishing house that launched Digital Photographer Philippines in 2006, Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines is the latest title to be added to its expanding empire that includes Golf Punk, iCreate, Wedding Belle and Junior magazines.
Owned by the British Broadcasting Company in the UK, Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines is a separate entity from the well-known, namesake travel guidebook. Production is overseen at the headquarters along with the other editions — the UK, India and Singapore editions. Embracing the art of travel, the magazine is not simply a manual, but a current, continually updated, fleshed-out version of the book. Its content is loaded with extensive articles compiled with information on the hottest spots to hit on our native soil and covers quite a few international destinations to boot.
With editor in chief and scuba diving authority Gutsy Tuason at the helm, adventure-packed vacation options are guaranteed features in this new title. Catching up with him before he jetted off to Malapascua Island provided a preview of the country’s latest magazine offering. Writers paying their own way pave the road for unbiased entries and present a whole gamut of choices. Ample suggestions are represented, brimming with options ranging from luxe, high-end places to more affordable alternatives in the moderate and budget ranges, catering to a wide spectrum of travel enthusiasts, for backpackers and luxury lovers.
Packed with all things travel related, Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines includes everything from activities, outdoor sports, food and accommodation plus all details, directions and costs, whether your trip is to be a quick jaunt or a major expedition. Each issue dispenses 10 easy trips and also highlights in-depth main features on destinations. Pagudpud, Sarangani and Mount Ugo are some of the destinations to be covered in the magazine’s first issue.
So long as you’re equipped with the major travel essentials — perfect companions, a good attitude, openness and a bit of cash — no matter where you plan to go, the journey will be an amazing one. Cultivate that wanderlust!