Underrated PH destinations to consider this summer

Are you skipping the usual beach-and-city circuit when traveling? You're not alone. According to travel platform Klook, more Filipinos are heading to quieter, lesser-known destinations this summer, with “second cities” and emerging regional hubs gaining steady traction.

As travel costs rise and global uncertainties persist, many are choosing to stay closer to home, favoring places that are less crowded, more affordable, and offer more grounded, local experiences.

Among the destinations seeing growing interest:

• Northern Mindanao and Caraga corridor: With better access, the northern tip of Mindanao is drawing more travelers. Upgrades to Laguindingan Airport, expansion of Siargao’s Sayak Airport, and new ferry links between Manila, Surigao, and Siargao are making the region easier to reach—opening up more options beyond the usual island stops.
• Negros–Panay corridor (Bacolod, Iloilo and nearby areas): These destinations are gaining ground for heritage and food-focused travel. Bacolod and the wider Negros region have been recognized as Asia’s first Slow Food Travel destination, while Iloilo, deemed the first UNESCO creative city of gastronomy in the Philippines continues to attract visitors for its delicious food, historic sites, cultural offerings, and reputation for cleanliness and sustainability.
• Benguet and the Cordilleras (beyond Baguio): With Baguio often packed during peak seasons, nearby towns such as Itogon and Tuba are emerging as quieter alternatives. More homestays, mountain cafés, and community-led tours are expanding what used to be a Baguio-centric trip.
• Near-Metro escapes (CALABARZON, Central Luzon, La Union): These areas remain familiar favorites, but travelers are staying longer and going deeper. Instead of quick overnight trips, many are booking boutique resorts, wellness stays, and curated experiences.

Klook told GMA News Online that the shift points to a growing preference for “discovery-led travel,” where trips are built around "experiences" — think farm visits, local cuisine, or cultural immersion.

Practical factors are also shaping decisions. With international travel becoming more expensive and less predictable, domestic destinations, especially those outside the usual hotspots are becoming a more appealing choice.

In March, Klook said that Pampanga and Cavite have also emerged among the most booked travel destinations for Filipinos, signaling a shift toward short, nearby trips as travelers prioritize cost and convenience in 2026.

It said that Luzon provinces are now among the top booked destinations, reflecting changing travel behavior amid rising costs and global uncertainty. — LA, GMA News