If given the choice, would you rather look at the same four gray walls of your office space or a nice white sand beach somewhere far, far away?

Many would choose the latter and it's not hard to see why. Traveling is practically a stress reliever. For others, it serves as a form of escapism from the mundane. Some see it as a reward to themselves, while there are others who travel as a way of rewarding the world with whatever service they can offer others in distant cultures.

Those who travel to the Philippines may harbor any of these reasons. Perhaps even multiple of them at once. Given the dazzling beauty of the country—not to mention its unique and welcoming culture—there's no blaming anyone for this decision.

If you're one of those hopefuls who are looking to travel to the Philippines from the USA, or any other country, then you've arrived at the right page. Read on to learn about the best islands for your vacation, the best dating spots (if that's your primary reason for considering a Philippine travel adventure), travel safety tips, and more!

Why Should You Choose the Philippines?

According to the United Nations, there are presently 195 countries. So why should anyone pay any mind to the Philippines? While it is true that there are countries out there that are just as attractive for tourists, that fact doesn't lessen the archipelago's appeal in the slightest.

Travel to the Philippines and you're bound to see all of the following reasons come to life, and then some:

The Breath-taking Natural Beauty of It All

In terms of natural beauty, there's no denying that the Philippines can be absolutely gorgeous. For example, those looking to find love can easily do so in the presence of the enchanting waterfalls of Cebu, a province in the Visayas region.

Specific examples would be Kawasan Falls, found along the boundary of Alegria and Badian in southern Cebu, Inambakan Falls, which is thirty minutes away from Kawasan, and Aguinid Falls, in Samboan.

The Kind and Hospitable Locals

Complementing the natural beauty of the land itself would be the heartwarming attitude of the Filipinos. Most are very curious about foreigners, which can make for a fun time. Being hospitable is also a core Filipino value, so no tourist should worry about feeling unwelcome. That's why the best way to travel in the Philippines is by foot, alongside the locals.

As a bonus to the positive attitudes possessed by local Filipinos, the Philippines is also a largely English speaking country. Even those who aren't fluent will know some English, so socializing and making friends won't be difficult for those who hail from western countries.

The Grand Parties You Get to Attend

The parties in question can come in the form of traditional and modern. However, there is enough leeway for a mixture of both. Case in point, one of the most popular festivals in the country is Cebu's Sinulog festival, which happens every January.

While it is religious in nature, more modern celebrations are often done in a secular manner. Street parties are common, as are drinking, eating, and the playful painting of faces.

Related to more modern parties are the ones tourists can attend in bars and clubs, if that is something to their liking. It isn't uncommon to have live bands playing while good food and drinks are served for those present. In any case, a good time is practically guaranteed to those who know where to look.

The Delightful Local Cuisines You Get to Taste

As with any party, there's never a shortage of food when you travel to the Philippines. When it comes to the local cuisine, tourists will find a unique blend of Asian, Spanish, and western dishes awaiting them.

Beyond that, foreign restaurants of all sorts have also penetrated the local market. Who knows? You may even discover your favorite restaurant from back home featured prominently in one of the local malls. After all, if there's another fundamental truth about Filipinos, it's the fact that eating well is a top priority.

The Overall Affordability of the Country

If you're traveling to the Philippines from the USA, or any other western country for that matter, then you'll find that the country is a generally affordable tourist destination. Even if you aren't on a specific budget, there's little chance that you'll break the bank to have an awesome time.

Whether you're looking at ideal activities such as swimming alongside whale sharks, or hiring transportation in Cebu or any other major city, your expenses are guaranteed to be at a minimum. Even checking out the most romantic spots on your itinerary will be quite affordable.

Top Tourist Attractions of the Philippines

With 7641 islands, the country offers a lot of options to choose from when it comes to top tourist spots. For some, deciding where to travel in the Philippines can even prove overwhelming. For that reason, many opt for official tours or heavily consult an online travel guide to the Philippines.

Though the list below is far from the most comprehensive, it can serve as a great starting point for your research if you're still trying to decide where to travel in Philippines soil.

Within Cebu

Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu City is the oldest city in the country. As such, tourists can bet their bottom dollar that the city—not to mention the province of Cebu as a whole—has its fair share of amazing tourist spots.

For those new to this intriguing possibility, and for those already aware of the top things to know about the city, here are some attractions that come highly recommended:

• Casa Gorordo Museum. First up is Casa Gorordo Museum, a blast from the past depicting a typical 19th century Filipino home. It was first built in 1850 before being bought in 1863 by a Spanish merchant named Juan Isidro Gorordo. The house was then home to four succeeding generations of the Gorordo family. Its conversion into a public museum took place in 1980. Then, in 1991, the National Historical Institute Board declared it a historical landmark.

• Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. Also known as the Minor Basilica of the Holy Child, it was founded in the year 1565 by Frays Diego de Herrera and Andres de Urdaneta. That makes it the country's oldest Roman Catholic church. Religious tourists—or those with a great appreciation for history—will definitely want to check this place out for themselves.

• Taoist Temple. Built by Cebu's Chinese-Filipino community in 1972, Taoist temple is a multi-tiered attraction that's open to both taoists and non-taoists alike. This puts it in stark contrast to another nearby temple, Phu Sian Temple, which only admits worshippers. With a design that's meant to replicate the Great Wall of China, Taoist temple also comes with a library, a wishing well, a chapel, and a souvenir shop, which makes it perfect for inquisitive tourists.

• Tops Lookout. Easily among Cebu's most romantic places, Tops is where tourists should definitely head to if their trip coincides with holidays like Valentines or National Lover's Day. The mountain lookout provides its visitors with a panoramic view of the city, which makes visiting it a priority for anyone stopping by Cebu at any time of the year, be it New Year or summer, among others.

• Magellan's Cross. A trip to Magellan's Cross means eventually arriving at a place of great historical significance. Supposedly containing a wooden cross planted by the first Spanish expedition to arrive in Cebu in 1521, it continues to attract a lot of visitors, both local and foreign, to this day. The original cross itself is not displayed outright. It is, instead, said to be encased within the publicly-displayed cross, which is made of tindalo wood.

No Philippine travel guide is complete without the following honorable mentions: the Temple of Leah, Cebu Ocean Park, the Heritage of Cebu Monument, Fort San Pedro, and Sugbo Mercado.

Of course, Cebu is hardly the only place with considerable tourist attractions. Other notable tourist spots in the country include:

Banaue Rice Terraces

If there is one place to visit in the Philippines that is considered a must-see, it would be the Banaue Rice Terraces. Ifugao tribes carved these terraces over two thousand years ago, turning the natural mountain ranges into an attraction that remains unmatched well into the present day.

Chocolate Hills

Another absolute must-see attraction is Bohol's Chocolate hills. Unlike the Banaue Rice Terraces, these hills are not formed or sculpted by humans in any way. Instead, these are natural geological formations consisting of 1,268 mounds. Each one is almost symmetrical with one another, though they range from 30 to 50 meters in height. Aptly named, they turn chocolate brown during the dry season as grass and plants wither from the heat.

Mayon Volcano

Yet another prime example of the Philippines' natural excellence, Mayon Volcano is famous for its symmetrical cone shape. In terms of height, it is 2,462 meters above sea level, and has over 30 recorded eruptions since 1616. The most devastating eruption took place in 1814, which saw the burial of Cagsawa town and the deaths of approximately 1200 people.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

If there's ever a country fit to settle down in, it's the Philippines. For proof, a look at the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, prominently featured in UNESCO's World Heritage List, is often enough. Simply put, it is one of the world's most amazing cave systems. It features impressive limestone karst landscapes, intact forests, and even wildlife distinct to the area. Even if you're just visiting, a trip here might just make you want to consider something more.

Travel Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

If you're no stranger to traveling in general, then you know that you can never be too prepared when it comes to safety measures. A trip to the Philippines would be no different. To make the most out of your experience—and to avail of any unexpected perks that the trip may provide you with—be sure to keep the following Philippine travel tips in mind:

Brush Up on the Local Customs

Now, there's no need to learn everything there is to know about where you are headed, but it pays to have some knowledge. Given how diverse the Philippines can be, what's practiced in one area may not be a thing at all in another. Knowing the ins and outs will add to your overall safety because it'll lessen the odds of any scams taking place, such as overpricing by some locals.

Do Not Give Off an Air of Affluence

While Filipinos in general are a humble, hospitable bunch, there will always be those who are on the lookout for marks in the form of rich tourists. With that said, be cautious with your jewelry and any expensive gadgets. You never know when pickpockets may decide to grace you with their presence.

Know Where to Go in Case of Emergencies

Outdoor activities are fun and all, but accidents can happen to even the most cautious and prepared. Before having the time of your life canyoneering, skydiving, or cycling (to name a few), know where to go and who to contact should something go wrong. Reliable guides who can speak to the locals are often your go-to, but take note of hospital locations and any emergency numbers you can contact.

Don't Neglect Any Essential Travel Items

It goes without saying that your passport, money, and return ticket should always be in your person or in a safe place. Beyond that, there are also several items you will want to bring along. An umbrella is one, particularly for trips that take place between May and October, when the country enters its wet season. Portable chargers, insect repellants, and sunscreen also come in handy. Medicine should also be at hand, especially if you're still adjusting to the weather.

With so much going for it, planning a Philippine travel adventure seems like a no-brainer. And while this article may not necessarily be an all-purpose Philippines travel blog, it is our hope that you've gained enough information out of it to make your eventual trip a great success.

So, kiss those dull office settings goodbye (for now) and get ready to chase your dream of traveling to the Philippines!