Philippines
This is a diverse country spread over more than 7,000 islands, with over half of them uninhabited. No surprise the scuba diving is world class. Above the sea landscapes range from sweeping rice plains to jungled peaks, and from rice-terraced cliffs to placid lagoons. And the warm, friendly people seal the deal for a rewarding trip.
GREAT FOR
Beaches, Churches, Shopping
WHEN TO GO
Generally, the best time to visit is the dry season, from November to May. The hottest month in lowland regions is May, when temperatures can top 35°C. The cooler months are December and January, but humidity can make it seem warmer. The country is the path of typhoons that occur most often in the west season from June to September. They strike mainly in Luzon and the Visayas and can sometimes bring damage in their wake. Plan in advance if coming during Christmas and New Year, when hordes of overseas Filipino workers return to spend the holidays with their families.