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Planning your first trip to the Philippines? Before we dive into what to pack, let’s talk about getting there. Finding a good flight deal can be half the battle—especially if it’s your first time visiting! I personally recommend using Aviasales to compare flights and grab the best airfare. It’s beginner-friendly, fast, and often shows better prices than what you’ll find elsewhere.
Now that your flights are covered, let’s make sure your suitcase is, too!
🧳 Packing Essentials
👕 Clothing
- Lightweight t-shirts and tank tops (it’s hot and humid!)
- Shorts and/or skirts
- Swimsuits (a couple!)
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun or bugs
- A light jacket or sweater (especially for cooler places like Baguio or Sagada)
- Flip-flops/sandals
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Sleepwear and underwear
🧼 Toiletries
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Shampoo, conditioner, and soap (solid options save space!)
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen (reef-safe is best!)
- Bug spray
- Razor
- Travel towel
🧳 Packing Cubes: The Ultimate Travel Organizer
One of the best ways to keep your luggage organized — especially for first-time travelers — is by using packing cubes. They help you separate outfits, maximize space, and avoid the chaos of digging through your bag every day.
💼 Stay organized with these travel packing cubes
I highly recommend this packing cube set from Amazon — it’s compact, durable, and comes in a variety of colors. Whether you’re heading to the beach, city, or mountains, these cubes will make your trip so much easier.
📄 Travel Documents
- Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Flight tickets or e-confirmations
- Hotel bookings
- Travel insurance documents
- Credit/debit cards and some cash (Philippine Peso – PHP)
✈️ Travel Requirements:
- Tourist visa – Most nationalities get visa-free entry for 30 days, but check your country’s specific requirements.
- eTravel.ph – Mandatory for all arriving and departing passengers. Register online before your flight.
- Travel Tax – Departing passengers may be required to pay a Philippine travel tax (~₱1,620 for economy class). Often included in your ticket, but double-check.
- Customs Clearance – For arrivals, submit customs info electronically and present the QR code upon entry.
💊 Health & Safety
- Prescription medication (bring the original packaging)
- First aid kit (band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic cream)
- Motion sickness tablets (especially for boat rides)
- Face masks & hand sanitizer
🔌 Tech & Gadgets
- Smartphone + charger
- Universal travel adapter
- Power bank (especially useful on long trips)
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Camera (optional but awesome!)
- SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi (available at the airport). Consider using an eSIM from Airalo to avoid high roaming charges and stay connected during your travels.
🎒 Optional but Helpful
- Dry bag (for beach and island hopping trips)
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack or day bag
- Snorkel gear (optional, many tours provide this)
🌅 Final Travel Tip:
Pack light — laundry services are cheap and everywhere. Leave room in your luggage for souvenirs (hello, dried mangoes and local handicrafts!).
Enjoy the islands, the food, the people — and don’t forget to soak up every sunset. 🇵🇭
WanderMapped 