Stay as cool as a cucumber in the hot and humid Philippines climate with lightweight and breathable clothing – think cotton and linen. Some quality insect repellent is worth its weight in gold if your visit coincides with the rainy season. If you’re planning on island hopping, don’t forget your swimsuit and a towel, sunscreen and a hat. A waterproof bag could also come in pretty handy if you’re planning on hitting the waterfalls.

With 7000 islands, the hardest part about any trip to the Philippines is deciding where to spend your time. Manila is widely regarded as the beating heart of the country, so it would be a travel crime not to spend a solid amount of time here. Other top contenders for your Philippines vacation are Cebu for its glorious beaches and incredible diving spots, Bohol for the Chocolate Hills and Boracay for the aptly named White Beach.

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The answer unfortunately isn’t as straight-forward as other destinations as it depends on where you plan to visit. The Philippines has four different climate zones, so best to do some more targeted research once you compile a rough itinerary. As a guide, the peak season kicks off in December and wraps up around May, leading into the rainy season (from June to November).

The beauty of the Philippines is that there’s a vacation to suit every kind of traveller, from the city dwellers looking for fun and adventure in the concrete jungle through to adventure seekers who prefer to fill their days chasing waterfalls, rafting, exploring and basking in the sun. History buffs will love wandering around Manila’s historic sites and foodies will be in a permanent food coma sampling the local cuisine.