With the beautiful Spanish culture spread across Manila, there are a lot of places to visit. There are a lot of things to do in Manila which I will highlight in this blog so that you can plan your trip accordingly.
Starting from contemporary museums to art scene, the place is the home of the oldest Chinatown across the world. Let me share with you several elements that will help you explore the place, both the old and the new.
I think Manila is one of the best places to visit in February especially because the weather is dry and pleasant. You can easily explore the city during this time.
Read All About Things to Do in Manila!
If you are wondering about the things to do in Manila, let me share with you some of the coolest places to visit. The nightlife is good here, but I am more of a museum and art scene girlie. It is the home of several parks and museums that will express history to you.
Several elements will make you feel that you have come to a previous era. Additionally, several places offer entertainment and fun to people of all ages.
Rizal Park
A beautiful park, open from Monday to Sunday. It is mostly open from 5 am to 10 am and 11 am to 8 pm. When you visit the park, entry is completely free. There are several gardens, laws, and other outdoor events organized across the 57-hectare park.
There is also a statue of hero Jose Rizal, commemorating him, and the name of the park is given. The hero has contributed to the wellbeing of the city hence, you get to see a lot of him and his commemoration in and around the city and places to visit.
There are a lot of places where you can go shopping once you explore the city. Henceforth, if you are traveling alone, carry the best travel credit card you possess.
Fort Santiago
It is a landmark in Manila which is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 11 pm. The place is a defensive fortress which has a museum exhibiting many arts and sculptures. The national hero, Jose Rizal is commemorated through the exhibits of the museum.
In 1571, the Spanish governor and navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built the castle or the citadel. The city of Manila was newly established by then and is currently one of the oldest fortifications.
National Museum of Fine Arts
A massive museum, the place is a collection of fine art, botany, natural history and archaeology related to Filipino culture. The museum is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm.
As the home of 29 galleries and exhibitions in the hallway, it comprises national artists and Filipo masters of the 19th century.
San Agustin Church
A beautiful place to visit, this historic place was constructed in the 16th century. The San Agustin Church is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The ceilings are vaulted while the church exhibits detailed frescoes.
It is a Roman Catholic church which is located in the intricate walled city of Intramuros in Manila. The church functions under the auspices of the Order of Saint Augustine. Furthermore, when you visit you get to see Baroque art in the church.
Manila Ocean Park
More of an aquarium if you ask me, the Manila Ocean Park is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The theme park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. and it has evolved into the perfect holiday destination for tourists.
It is an aquatic theme park which you will have both fun and knowledge when you check it out. Additionally, it is a perfect place for you, if you are traveling with your kids. It is one of the best places to travel with kids.
It is also an educational facility that features live shows, an oceanarium, and hands-on activities. There are all-star Bird shows, Sea lion shows and many more giving you the perfect experience and offering you the thrill of the ocean.
Intramuros
The meaning of the term, Intramuros, is the “Walled City” which is the oldest district in Manila. It looks like a fortified city which was one of the most important places for Spanish governor during earlier times of colonial times.
If you are a lover of history, this is the place for you. The culture of the place has been heavily influenced by the colonial rule and the impact it has on ordinary people.
Paco Park
An urban park which offers you serenity when you visit it between 6 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday. The park has been developed on a cemetery site which is walled of course. There are shaded paths for people to walk along with areas dedicated for gardens.
The cemetery is under the maintenance of municipality, and it was built by the Dominicans. During the Spanish colonial period, it was built and filled within it are interred remains of city figures.
Another amazing museum that you must visit if you are going on a trip to Manila is Ayala Museum. It is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum has a modern touch exhibiting Filipino archeological exhibits.
Starting from history to modern and cultural artifacts and exhibits are available here. There is also a research library that is quite important for you if you are writing a research paper on the history of Spanish colonial period.
The place is run by the Ayala Foundation privately. It houses several ethnographic, archaeological and cultural exhibits and art. You will be fascinated to know that the place exhibits the Surigao treasure of the indigenous tribe?
Arroceros Forest Park
Another urban park that you must visit is Arroceros Forest Park as things to do in Manila. There are a wide variety of plants and trees in the park along with a riverside walkway and a fishpond! A perfect combination of nature and modern practices will enhance your overall experience.
The park is open for you to visit from Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 5 pm. The lush green forest is filled with greenery. Did you know this place is also known as “Last Lung of Manila”? Spread across 2.2 hectares, the park is a home of many flora and fauna species.
Casa Manila
The Casa Manila is a house that now serves as a museum which is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. The house was built in the 1850s and is not restored to exhibit art, architecture, and colonial furniture of the Spanish colonial rule.
It is often called the living museum which features the way a well to do affluent Filipino family will live. The lifestyle of this family is depicted through the arrangements of furniture, art and architecture.
The colonization had severely impacted Manila and this is how we can see when we enter the museum. It is a must-do list of things to do in Manila.
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, now that you have gone through the things to do in Manila, I am sure you are already planning on what to do. When you visit the place, I am sure you will experience the ancient practices and instances of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
Comment below on which place is your favorite to visit when you to Manila. You also need to share with us if you think we have missed something on the things to-do list.
People often walk by five-star establishments when they are on their vacation and they never think to themselves that this could be the right kind of accommodation choice for them.
They wrongfully think that it is outside their budget and so they continue to enjoy a lesser holiday experience when it comes to where they stay for the duration of their holiday time. What many people don’t seem to realize is that when you stay in five-star accommodation, you get to experience something that you have never tried before and in many cases, you end up saving yourself money because of all of the amenities that are offered to you.
There are a number of luxury 5-star resorts in the Maldives that you really do need to check out this year because maybe it’s time to take your holiday experience to a completely new level so that you can enjoy the many benefits that can be enjoyed when staying in such accommodation.
You also need to take into consideration that you haven’t traveled in some time due to the pandemic and so there is a lot of money burning a hole in your pocket that needs to be spent.
Appearance is everything -
We all know that providing the best first impression every single time is incredibly important in business and in our day-to-day social lives. This is why these resorts take first impressions very seriously indeed and you will notice many beautiful designs when you arrive from the reception area where you are greeted with a cocktail to the many areas around the resort itself.
Exceptional service is provided -
The service that you receive at a luxury resort is something that you have never experienced before and the staff there is highly qualified in order to be able to provide you with personal care. It’s likely that you will receive a welcome drink on your arrival and maybe even a complimentary bottle of wine in your room. There will always be someone close by to provide you with any food and beverages that you and your family might want.
They provide amazing beds -
Part of going on your yearly vacation away from your job is so that you can properly relax and get the best night’s sleep that you’ve ever had. These resorts invest heavily in their beds and many have commented that they are like sleeping on a cloud. You may find it difficult to pull yourself out of the bed the following morning because it is so comfortable and when you do, you get to enjoy a delicious coconut drink.
Every possible item that you could possibly need will be there for you and all resorts come with free Wi-Fi that is provided throughout the grounds and big screen TVs in the rooms to keep the kids happy. All of the toiletries that you need in the bathroom will already be there for you and there will be a number of restaurants and bars for you to enjoy. There is a lot more to a five-star experience in a top-quality resort.
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I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution.
Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico.
So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park.
Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park's wildlife.
Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions
The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era.
Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people.
Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680.
However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it!
Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain.
The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions.
Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation.
The Pecos Pueblo Site Today
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The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms.
Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route.
Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez.
Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians.
The Santa Fe Trail
Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski's Trading Post says? It says,
Santa Fe Trail
1822-1879
Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico.
With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion.
Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today!
“Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch.
Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail
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Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 3. Battle Begins: March 26, 18624. Reinforcements: 27th March, 18625. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 18626. Battle Ends: 29th March, 18627. Casualty: Death of 375 People 8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America.
The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters.
You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail.
As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail.
More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail
Time: Around 1 hour
Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course!
The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site's history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico.
Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park
“Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free!
Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It's amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” - Isabelle M.
“I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn't care for it but I think it's really amazing what is still here. He thinks it's all recreation and I can't say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don't see it that way. It's pretty awesome that it's free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that's also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” - Lydia G.
Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park
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This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home.
MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock SquirrelBirds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald EagleFish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard FrogReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes
You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way.
A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park
You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in.
Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico
Established: 28th June, 1965
Area: 27 km²
Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter
Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center
How to Reach: Via State Road 63
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October)
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As a crucial step in corporate travel management, business travel booking impacts both business travel experience and business travel costs. Employees often increase business travel risks and experience stress by booking the wrong travel products.
Also, they escalate costs by booking business travel products at market rates. Your company or startup can streamline the cost-intensive process by implementing a business travel booking platform. The self-booking software will allow your employees to book their choice of travel products.
At the same time, it will help them save money using deals, offers, and discounts provided by travel suppliers. We are making it easier for you to automate travel booking in 2024 by discussing some of the widely-used online platforms.
Overview of 10 Most-Preferred Business Travel Booking Platforms of 2024
1. ITILITE
This cloud-based travel management system helps firms automate multiple steps in corporate travel management, including business travel booking. ITILITE's business travel booking platform facilitates self-booking by enabling employees to access an extensive travel inventory customized according to organizational travel policies.
In addition to supporting multiple payment options, the software enables employees to book their choice of flights, accommodations, and car rentals in minutes. Also, employees can use the same tool to find the best deals, manage travel bookings, and generate automated expense reports.
2. Corporate Traveler
Corporate Traveler simplifies business travel booking by deploying personal travel consultants. Employees can connect with a travel consultant 24 hours a day simply by making a phone call. The consultant helps employees make and refine travel plans.
Also, he helps employees remain safe and stress-free by booking the right travel products. However, employees can book their preferred travel products at discounted rates using the self-booking tool provided by this business travel booking platform.
3. TravelPerk
This travel management system boosts bookings by increasing the size of travel inventory. Employees can use the self-booking tool provided by TravelPerk to access the extensive travel inventory. Also, they can use the same tool to book their preferred travel products.
At the same time, the software helps employees save money on travel booking by getting corporate rates. Also, employees can use the tool to cancel bookings two hours before the schedule by paying 10% as fees. Organizations can leverage the features and tools provided by TravelPerk to automate additional steps in business travel management.
4. Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
Corporate Travel Management (CTM) speeds up business travel booking by providing an intuitive self-booking tool. The tool is developed using CTM’s proprietary technologies. CTM further boosts its performance by enabling users to integrate it seamlessly with third-party tools.
In addition to allowing employees to access an extensive travel inventory, the tool enables them to complete business travel bookings in minutes. However, CTM, unlike other corporate travel booking platforms, does not help employees to save money while canceling or rescheduling bookings.
5. American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)
The platform launched by a multinational financial service corporation comes with a one-stop solution. Employees can use the one-stop solution provided by Amex GBT to plan business trips, book travel products, and generate travel expense reports.
While using this online platform, employees can access a large and diverse inventory of travel products. Employers can leverage the straightforward pricing model supported by this platform to enable employees to book travel products at negotiated rates.
6. Paxes
This online platform streamlines corporate travel management using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It enhances travel choices and booking options by partnering with over 250 travel management companies. The self-booking tool provided by Paxes helps employees compare and book travel products in minutes.
At the same time, employees can use the tool to book flights, hotels, and other travel products at discounted rates. Also, they can change bookings and manage itineraries using the software as a mobile app. Paxes helps employees manage travel challenges by sending real-time alerts.
7. Egencia
This modern travel management platform meets the varying needs of enterprises by providing a slew of tools. Egencia simplifies business travel bookings by providing an easy-to-use online tool. The tool speeds up travel booking by synchronizing traveler data across devices.
At the same time, it helps employees book their preferred travel products by accessing an extensive travel inventory. The exclusive rates provided by Egencia make it easier for employees to save money on business travel booking.
8. Concur Travel
SAP Concur helps enterprises streamline corporate travel management by providing several online tools. Employees can use the online booking tool provided by this platform to book flights, rails, hotels, cars, and other business travel products in minutes.
The tool enables them to book their choice of travel products. Also, it consolidates the booking data using a dashboard. The dashboard makes it easier for business travelers to access the relevant information on the go by accessing Concur Travel on mobile devices.
9. TripCase
Unlike other corporate travel booking platforms, TripCase does not help employees book business trips. Instead, the mobile app focuses on helping employees manage and organize business trips. Employees can use the app to gather information about various travel brands.
Also, they can use the mobile platform to access relevant itinerary information in seconds. The mobile alerts sent by TripCase help them manage itinerary changes and common travel risks like flight cancellations and delays.
10. Airbnb for Work
Unlike older employees, millennial employees prefer homestays to hotels to experience the local culture and spend time with local people. The surge in demand for homestays led to the emergence of Airbnb for Work as a leading business travel booking platform.
Airbnb for Work helps employees choose and book homestays and boutiques based on ratings and reviews of prior guests. Also, it enables them to make payments using a secure payment system. However, employees cannot use this platform to book flights, car rentals, and other essential business travel products.
Conclusion
While automating business travel booking in 2024, you have the option to choose from many digital services and online tools. But you can increase the ROI of business travel by prioritizing travel management software over travel booking platforms.
In addition to facilitating self-booking, the software will help your firm streamline important steps in corporate travel management, like travel expense management and travel data management. Also, you can reduce the average business trip costs by implementing software provided by a travel management company.
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