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Brad Penman, EVP Retention and Culture at DCX, recently traveled to the Philippines for another fun-filled trip. During the trip he vlogged his experience and then came up with his top tips for those who plan on traveling to the Philippines too. Check it out 👇
1. Make Sure You Have the Tools to Be Productive
My first tip is to make sure you have the right "tools" to be productive and comfortable for the plane and after you land. A well-organized bag or backpack for the trip over with accessible items is important. In my carry-on backpack I make sure I have my computer, all of my chargers (and portable chargers), my glasses, over-ear headphones, snack bars (this is a must), medicines, vitamins, and a change of clothes...I'll touch on that point later.
2. Pack for Heat, Humidity, and Rainy Days
When packing your suitcase, I would start by thinking through each day and the activities you have planned for those days. And when traveling to the Philippines, it is super important to account for both heat and rain. Depending on where you are in the country, the weather is consistently around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 85% humidity. I usually go for lightweight and casual clothes along with a light rain jacket (depending on the season). Most of my meetings are fairly casual, so it’s better to be comfortable. I also highly recommend packing comfortable shoes that you can wear for any occasion. Shoes take up a lot of room in your suitcase.
3. Prepare for Change in Plans
To prepare for any flight delays, cancellations or lost baggage (yes it happens), I recommend using a carry-on suitcase if you can make it fit. You never want to be stuck in an airport for 10 hours (yes, this also happened) without a change of clothes or the essential items you need. If you can't fit everything into a carry-on suitcase, I suggest you keep one change of clothes and toiletries in your backpack, just in case.
Pro-tip: Choose a seat on the plane that is in the middle of your section that is not too close to the bathroom or galley. I prefer a window seat so if there is someone next to me, I don't have someone climbing over me during the flight. I would rather climb over them! Trust me, these two things will be a game changer to be better rested when you land.
4. Stay Awake
The biggest trick is to stay awake as long as you can when you hop on the flight to Manila. This is not easy but will help you get on PH time. I will read, work, and watch a movie until there are about 6 to 8 hours left of the flight. When I reach that 6-8 hour mark, I let myself get some rest to get prepared for the upcoming day. Note: The flight crew usually wakes you with about 2 hours left in the flight for breakfast. And just when you land and think your travel day is over, you are likely to experience some crazy but entertaining Manila traffic. Embrace it!
5. Be Ready for a Great Time (and Jollibee)
The Philippines is an amazing place, and I encourage you to fully embrace the culture, the food, the history, and the overall experience. Be ready for some Jollibee, crazy jeepney and motorcycle drivers, and the nicest people in the world!
I hope you found these tips helpful and have a great trip!
Now, why not check out my full vlog below? 👇
LET'S GROW!
