Athletes work hard and vacation harder. Here are some of the best travel destinations to visit according to our nation’s best.
With September in full swing, it is officially the start of the holiday season. Well, at least for us Filipinos. And you know what that means: it’s time to start looking for travel destinations for your holiday getaway.
Recently, more and more people have been traveling again. After spending over two years in a pandemic that closed borders, implemented strict lockdowns, and caused many travel restrictions, things have already started to loosen up.
So, if you’ve got that travel bug itching to get you on a plane and on a well-deserved vacation this holiday season, we’ve got some recommendations for you, care of some of our beloved national athletes.
Mexico
Earlier this year, the athletic couple, Kianna Dy and Dwight Ramos went on a trip to Cabo, Mexico. They posted photos of their vacation in May, and it looked like the perfect summer getaway.
But who says you have to save tropical travel destinations for the summer months? Cabo is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world with a lot to see. This would be the place to visit if you want a tropical getaway far from home.
In Cabo, you can get the best of both worlds. You can spend some days lounging on the beach, and other days going on thrilling experiences. Apart from the great resorts, the city also offers sightseeing tours, outdoor activities like ziplining, and ATV adventures on the beach and the desert. And don’t forget the water activities too like kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing.
Plus, did you see Kianna and Dwight’s view? Gorgeous.
Abu Dhabi
As one of the best pool players not just in the Philippines but all around the world, Carlo Biado has visited some unique destinations. One of them is Abu Dhabi.
Last year in November, he went around the Safari Desert Al Ain. And by the looks of it, had the full experience on the tour. There’s a lot to do and a lot to see in the Al Ain Desert in Abu Dhabi. You can see hot air balloons, go on a camel ride, explore the sand dunes in an ATV, and even go on a picnic in the sand.
If you have the same knack for adventure like Carlo does, this would be one of the most memorable travel destinations for you.
Georgia
If you’re not in the mood for a tropical getaway and you want to lean into the holiday spirit more, consider giving Georgia a visit.
Earlier this year, PBA player Scottie Thompson went on his honeymoon with his wife to Georgia in Eastern Europe. And it looked beautiful. Together, they visited Gudauri, which is a well-known ski resort in the country located in the Caucasus Mountains.
As a ski resort, you can expect that there will be a lot of snow activities to spend your time on. You can learn to ski, snowboard, and go sledding too. But on the other hand, you could also just spend your vacation lounging in the resort with a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up. It’s romantic enough for a honeymoon, like Scottie’s, but also perfect for the holiday season.
White Christmas, anyone?
Mallorca
As one of the youngsters at the Rafa Nadal Academy, Alex Eala is no stranger to the streets of Mallorca in Spain where the Academy is located. She has posted photos of the city several times on her social media pages, and we are obsessed.
There is so much to do in Mallorca that the challenge may be in choosing which ones to fit into your holiday trip. You can go dolphin watching, go on cave excursions, go on a buggy discovery tour, sailing, and a whole lot more.
But apart from just the outdoor activities, the city itself also has a lot to offer. You can go on a bike tour around the Palma de Mallorca, shop around the old town, and enjoy a cocktail in the Plaza. And definitely look up all the best places to eat.
And hey, you may even run into a tennis star during your trip.
Bali
Finally, if you want to pick from travel destinations close to home, you should check out Bali, Indonesia. Olympian skateboarder Margielyn Didal looked like she enjoyed her time there a few months ago.
In Bali, you can enjoy the beach, go swimming, and lounge around with some refreshing drinks and good company, just as Margielyn did. But apart from that, you can also get out of your resort or Airbnb to see the town. Just walking down the street, you’re likely to find some great places to eat or some bars to drink in. And in the daytime, you can splurge on some holiday shopping around their unique stores too.
And a huge bonus (especially for Margielyn): you can surf the waves and the pipes here in Bali.
As national athletes who have to consistently be training, we know that this bunch wouldn’t vacation just anywhere. So if you’re planning a trip sometime soon, you’ve got their stamps of approval on these incredible travel destinations.