Year-end Travel: Vigan

It's been my tradition to go somewhere during the holidays and months before it, I've already booked for accommodation since I know how hard it is to find a place to stay during the peak season. Originally, I should be traveling alone but my husband decided to come at the last minute. After our long wait and long journey by bus, we finally reached our destination on the 30th of December, 2016 at around 5pm. 

Day, 1: December 30, 2016 

We ate first upon checking- in. We rested for a while after, took a shower and went to Calle Crisologo. It is where you can find the old houses from the Spanish era. Even they looked old, it was such an amazing view. It's like going back in time looking at those houses.

We enjoyed taking a walk, looking at shops and restaurants there. The street was so busy and crowded with so many tourists. After spending time there, we decided to look for the place where they sell only the famous Vigan empanada. They call it empanadahan.  It was already late at night but the place is still crowded. We wanted to eat but there are no more seats so we just looked around. 

A lady making empanada

We went back to Calle Crisologo and settled to eat at Cafe Leona. We had vegan pizza and beer. It is one of the yummiest pizza I've ever eaten.

Hubby enjoying his beer with vegan pizza roll

After making ourselves tired from walking, we headed back to the hotel.

Review: Partas Transportation Company, Incorporated

Traveling by bus is still very popular nowadays in the Philippines as it is still considered one of the cheapest as long as you are patient enough to go through the hassle and bustle before you reach your destination especially during the peak season. I planned "my" trip to Vigan 2 months in advance so I won't have a hard time fighting over the internet in booking accommodation and so on. As it is my first time to go to the other side of the Northern Philippines, I wanted to book my bus ride in advance as well. I tried using online booking but it didn't allow me to book. It says, there's no advance booking from December 21st until January 2nd hence I asked my husband to stop by the bus terminal when he went to the city, unfortunately, it was the same. He was told passengers will just have to go to their terminal and wait for buses. Being said, I gave up my thought of not having an agonizing time before reaching my destination.

Hotel Review: Mel Sol's Inn and Resort

Booking a place to stay in advance is very time consuming especially when you're traveling during the peak season. I initially planned of traveling by myself since my husband and I can't make a solid decision of leaving our dog behind. Hence, I booked a place for two just in case we make our minds up. 

It was a bit difficult for me to find an accommodation using booking sites as most of the hotels were the expensive ones. I tried looking on travel blogs and I got a list of hotels from the cheapest to the most expensive. Most of the 3 star hotels don't have online booking. I always prefer online booking when I travel as I don't want to go through the hassle of paying the counter when checking out. 

It's a good thing I found out that Mel Sol's Inn and Resort is using travelbook.ph which I often use because of the conveniences plus discounts and bonuses when you book through them.