5 Destinations for Filipinos 2014

The Philippines is often included in various travel lists worldwide. It has been included in must-visit list for international travelers, best island list, travel while cheap list and many more. Now, I think it's time to make a list where Filipinos can go to this 2014. Of course, this is not based on scientific data or survey results. Just list of what could be hot in travel for Filipinos this year.

The most common tourist destinations for Filipinos are Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. But new areas are emerging due to new direct flights and the easing of travel rules.
Here are the 5 Destinations for Filipinos 2014:

1. Yangon, Myanmar
     Why? Filipinos can now visit Myanmar even without a visa. That rule was just implemented this year and surely it would attract more Filipinos to visit this beautiful country, home to grand pagodas and ancient temples ruins. Yangon is the former capital and it has this old charm slowly embracing the world. Head there now before the city fully becomes commercialized.
     Why not? There are no direct flights from Manila yet. The flight alone, either via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, is a bit expensive.

2. Miri, Malaysia
     Why? There's a direct flight from Manila via Air Asia Zest. Miri is the northern gateway to Sarawak and the city is near national parks and diving spots. Miri is also an expat city as it is home to oil companies, after oil was discovered there decades ago. It also near Brunei, so one can visit two countries in a single trip.
     Why not? There's really no major tourist site, but if you want an alternative to other Malaysian cities, this could be a good choice.

3. Tokyo, Japan
     Why? Japan is a dream destination for many Filipinos, and now there are more reasons to go there. Japan has eased the process of getting a visa for Philippine citizens. One can now get a multi-entry visa. Plus, more airlines are adding trips to Japan, particularly Tokyo, where there is now direct flights from Manila to both Haneda and Narita airports.
     Why not? Japan is a bit pricey compared to other Asian destinations. Flights too can be expensive, even budget airlines.

4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
     Why? Dubai is known to be a place for Filipino workers. But as the city constructs mega infrastructure and grandiose buildings, more Filipino tourists are considering going to this Middle Eastern city. Dubai offers more than just dessert tours; it boasts of anything massive- buildings, man-made islands etc. And now, there are more flights to Dubai from the Philippines. Before, it was just Emirates, now Philippine Airlines & Cebu Pacific launched flights there. Emirates also has direct flights to Dubai from Clark.
     Why not? Visa issues are the major barriers, since Filipinos have to prove they are not going there to work.

5. London, United Kingdom
     Why? Like Dubai, London is also home to a big Filipino community. But with the new direct flight from Manila, it is expected that this will boost Filipino tourist arrivals to UK. Pinoys can also use London as stopover for flights to other European cities. Plus, London is really a great city with historical structures, great museums and English-speaking people (easy for Filipinos to communicate).
     Why not? It might be hard to get a UK visa. And it's not that cheap in London.

Runners up:
-- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: World Cup happens this year and visa to Brazil is not required for Filipinos.
-- New Delhi, India: Who would not want to go to Taj Mahal? Filipinos can get the visa upon arriving.
-- Paris, France: Based on this article written by co-worker, a trip to Paris need not be expensive.