Calling all holiday goers! Summer is finally here – and so are the beach umbrellas, halo-halo and samalamig vendors popping up everywhere, and barkada group chats pinging every now and then for that highly anticipated beachside getaway.
As Filipinos throng the roads and airports with much enthusiasm this summer, data from Airbnb revealed that group travel has been on the rise with group travel spiking by almost 180 percent year-on-year last year.*
This summer, the global travel platform has seen almost 400 percent growth in guest searches for Philippines stays. The quiet town of Santa Maria in Bulacan ranks the #1 domestic destination with the highest number of guest searches on Airbnb this summer, with other popular destinations including Malay, Baguio City, and Cebu City.**
If you’ve yet to make plans for the upcoming long weekends or the rest of summer, Airbnb has rounded up a list of unique, group-friendly Airbnb Stays in the hottest destinations under Php10,000 – making the spend no more than Php2,500 per person if you’re a barkada of four!
Discover the charm of Bulacan’s idyllic town
Home to the world’s largest indoor arena where several international artists have performed recently, this quaint town just an hour away from the metro is rich in history and culture. Travelers can visit Santa Maria’s beautiful churches and try its famous full back fat chicharon. This town also offers many cozy villas ideal for groups, such as the Bali-inspired Asteria Villa and this four-bedroom home located near malls and restaurants.
Uncover the hidden gems of Aklan’s Malay
Malay comes next and is best known for its world-famous Boracay island, but there’s more to this town with amazing gems waiting to be discovered. Rich in natural wonders from majestic falls perfect for trekking, to cold springs for a quick dip, and botanical gardens with a rich variety of flora — guests can definitely find an experience that suits them. If you and your friends prefer to be in the more quiet part of the town, consider booking one of these tropical villas: Villa Onyx or the Puka Villas. Both are located within the Diniwid area, close enough to the bustling White Beach yet offering a slice of tranquility.
Escape to Baguio for some summer breeze
In third spot is no other than the Summer Capital of the Philippines — a popular getaway from the sweltering lowlands during summer. Baguio never falls short of things to do: travelers can visit the classic parks full of activities for all ages, or try out the latest cafes in town. If your barkada’s idea of summer is a mountain retreat, check out some of Baguio’s most colorful and ‘gram-worthy cottages. RME Home in Baguio is equipped with a fully-functional kitchen for special dinners, and this fun and cosy house themed after an extremely popular American sitcom is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the city’s hotspots.
Head to the South’s Queen City where modernity meets culture
Rounding up the list is Cebu – a hot summer favourite offering a dazzling array of activities including eco-adventures, heritage landmarks, thriving nightlife, and delicious gastronomic adventures. For a different travel experience, check out two tiny homes on Airbnb namely Bamboo House and Robin’s Nesto. Both may be cozy in size but promise amazing pools coupled with stunning views, and a summer you won’t forget anytime soon.
To further fuel your barkada’s wanderlust this summer, download the Airbnb app or head over to https://www.airbnb.com/.
*Based on internal Airbnb data for 2022
**Based on searches made in 2022 for check-ins between 1 Mar – 30 Apr 2023 compared to the same period in 2022
Note: All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.
