Clear blue skies, wide open roads, and no more restrictions for domestic travel—it’s time for a summer road trip for some bonding time with family and friends and to give the local tourism industry a much needed boost after the long COVID-19 slump.  But before you get all excited about packing your bags and hitting the road, here are some tips for a memorable trip and a fun summer. 

1. Plan your destination and route – One of the things that can help you avoid traffic and crowds is to plan your route ahead of time. Finding the ideal summer destination is as simple as it can be in today's digital age. With Google, you can always search for the top summer destination spots, and with Google Maps or Waze, you can look for the quickest route to take in order to avoid unnecessary traffic along the way. Plus, you won't get lost and will always know which direction to take to get to your destination.
    
2. Know what to bring –After you've decided on your summer destination, it's time to figure out what you'll need for this epic road trip. List only the items you believe you will need during the trip, depending on how many days you’re staying; avoid bringing items that will be unnecessary. Pack light—just the essentials, including medicines and safety kits in case of an emergency.  
   
   
3. Make a budget – Money is a travel essential, but you can avoid over spending by making a budget—for accommodations, gas, food, etc., plus a bit of buffer to ensure everyone has a great time.  Check if there are ATMs near or where you're going and if debit or credit cards are accepted so you wouldn’t have to carry too much cash in your wallet.  
   
   
4. Bring a phone – You may want to be “unreachable” or “off the grid” during your R&R, but do bring your mobile phone and charger, not just to capture your fun trip in pictures and videos, but so you can call in case of an emergency. Check if you still have enough load for calling/texting and data connection, and if there’s no free wifi where you’re going, you might want to bring a portable WiFi in case you or your travel buddies need to connect to the internet.  
   
   
5. Check your vehicle – Lastly, before embarking on one of the best summer road trips of your life, make sure your car, van, or SUV is in good condition.  Keep in mind BLOWBAGETS which stands for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and self. Doing a BLOWBAGETS check is essential for both the driver and the passengers to stay safe and secure on the road and not be a hazard on the road for other drivers. 

It’s time to explore the country’s beauty.  Not only is domestic travel affordable and accessible, but it will also help bolster the local economy. And while you’re at it, buy local—souvenirs from local artists, trinkets and wares from small mom and pop stores, and produce from local markets.  Buy anything that was proudly grown and made by Filipino hands on Philippine soil.  

Would love to go on a road trip but got no car?  Chinabank Autoplus is the answer.  With Chinabank AutoPlus, owning a vehicle, whether brand new or second hand, is easy and affordable. Enjoy low interest rates, low monthly amortization, low down payment, and flexible payment terms.  Apply now at any Chinabank branch or Chinabank Consumer Banking Center near you or click here for more information. 

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