Welcome! I’m so very glad you landed on this page and are considering this special trip. In general, every trip we lead is focused on two main experiences: the best sightseeing in the country and connecting with women.
Our love of sightseeing means an itinerary that is as full of local culture as we can fit into an intimate, fun, and experiential trip. We want to see everything that is well-known in that country, when we can, and we also want to make sure there are some small and special experiences that leave us touched and connected with that country in surprising ways! We want to see the “must-sees,” but it’s also crucial to us to get off the beaten track and really connect with locals and their lives. To support that, we want all of our travel to live up to the highest standards of sustainability and ethical travel, so we place special emphasis on meeting the locals, supporting their causes, and making sure we frequent their businesses/hotels/restaurants to ensure our money is reinvested back into those who live wherever we visit. Plus, we've got our eye on adding the "little things" that really make a trip feel special: making your own perfume scent at a perfumeria, visiting a local spa, arranging for beautiful walks and hikes, attending rooftop concerts, sampling artisan chocolate, etc.
And when it comes to connecting with women, every trip is first and foremost about us supporting and connecting with the other women in our group, but is also about us connecting with women in our destination country. We will have a female guide and put special emphasis on meeting local women—learning about the causes that most affect them, being inspired by the contributions they’re making in their communities, and hearing about what life is like for women in their country. To that end, we will inevitably visit a couple of nonprofits that serve women, shop at co-ops to buy handiwork made by women, and have opportunities to interview local women. Our hope is that you feel more connected to women around the world and also feel like you made new friends!
So if you love travel and want an incredibly special curated trip with a group of amazing women you're invited to join us! xoxo
In the middle of winter, the perfect place to escape is the Philippines, a paradise of unspoiled beaches, one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature, and locals as warm and welcoming as the weather!
We start our 13-day/12-night trip in Manila, the capital city known for its rich history and street food scene. After 2 days of sightseeing, we’re off to Palawan—often voted the “Best Island in the World”—for 5 days in paradise. We’ll explore both El Nido and Puerto Princesa, reveling in the island’s crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, underground rivers, and mangrove forests. Then, we’ll spend our final 4 nights in Cebu, an island boasting incredible coastlines, beautiful waterfalls, and the famous Chocolate Hills, before enjoying our farewell dinner together!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
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Discover the incredible history of the Philippines with visits to the UNESCO-designated San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and the Manila Cathedral
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Island hopping in Palawan, with plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities!
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Enjoy an underground river cruise through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature & a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Indulge in the Philippines’ foodie scene during a street food tour, cooking class, tasting at a chocolate factory, and so much more!
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See the world-famous Chocolate Hills, the natural wonder that appears on Bohol’s flag
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Take a dip under a waterfall in Cebu, an island renowned for its waterfalls and swimming holes
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An animal lovers’ paradise! Watch dolphins at Pamilacan Island; visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center, a breeding center for crocodiles & other endangered animals; and see tarsiers in their natural habitat at the Corella Tarsier Sanctuary.
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Swim with dolphins, sea turtles, and even sea cows in Palawan’s crystal-clear waters
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Belt out your favorite tunes in one of the capitals of karaoke
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Meaningful conversations and cultural experiences with locals, including an exchange in a Batak village
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Shop for souvenirs at Divisoria Street Market, the mother of all markets in Manila & located in the world’s oldest Chinatown
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Plenty of time to relax, including sunset yoga, beach days, and massages
We are a proud partner of Altruvistas, the socially responsible and philanthropic travel company that is organizing all our details. We are thrilled to have Malia and her team overseeing our trips to ensure that our itinerary is as authentic of an experience as possible while making sure that our money is spent in an eco and socially-conscious way. Malia and her team will work with you one-on-one to make sure you are all ready for our amazing adventures.
If you have questions about this trip, please email malia@altruvistas.com