6 International Destinations More Filipinos Are Visiting Beyond The Usual Hotspots

Japan will probably always have us in a chokehold. Same goes for Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Taiwan. They're easy to get to, relatively budget-friendly, and there's always another café, neighborhood, or shopping street waiting to be explored.

But judging by new booking data from Trip.com, Filipino travelers are starting to look a little farther. Instead of planning another trip to the usual vacay favorites, more people are booking flights to places like Palau, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Canada—destinations that may not have topped our travel wish lists a few years ago but are now steadily climbing the ranks.

Even Vietnam, a longtime favorite among Filipino travelers, is seeing people venture beyond the usual itinerary. Rather than flying straight into Ho Chi Minh City and calling it a day, travelers are making room for relatively nearby cities like Da Nang and Hanoi—proof that there's always more to discover, even in destinations we've visited before.

If your Notes app has a running list of places you swear you'll visit "next year," (👀) consider this your sign to add maybe a few more.

If your idea of the perfect summer getaway involves crystal-clear waters and spending most of the day in a swimsuit, Palau is worth adding to your list. The island nation is best known for the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can kayak through limestone islets, snorkel over colorful coral reefs, and dive alongside an incredible variety of marine life. While you're in the Rock Islands, you can also visit the famous Milky Way Lagoon, known for its mineral-rich white limestone mud (that's often used as a DIY treatment!) and striking turquoise waters.

Do Filipinos need a visa? Philippine passport holders can get a visa on arrival that's valid up to 30 days upon arrival in Palau.

Oman is for the travelers who love a mix of nature and culture. Start in Muscat (the capital of Oman) with the breathtaking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country, before browsing spices, jewelry, and local handicrafts at the centuries-old Muttrah Souq. If you're up for an adventure, make your way to Wadi Shab, where a scenic hike leads to emerald pools, hidden waterfalls, and a cave tucked within the canyon.

Do Filipinos need a visa? Filipinos can enter Oman visa-free for up to 10 days.

Australia has plenty of postcard-worthy landmarks, but there's more to the country than the Sydney Opera House. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system and one of Australia's most celebrated natural wonders, catch the waves or soak up the sun at the iconic Bondi Beach, drive along the coastline of the famous Great Ocean Road, or spend a few days exploring Melbourne's café culture and art-filled laneways. (Good for the 'gram! 😉) Whether you're after nature, city life, or both, Australia is the place to be.

Do Filipinos need a visa? Yup, you need to secure a Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) before departure.

If you're a nature girlie, you'll love Canada. You can visit Banff National Park, home to glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, and some of the country's most breathtaking scenery. It's also part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks, a UNESCO-listed collection of protected parks spanning Alberta and British Columbia. In the cities, bike around Vancouver's Stanley Park, explore Toronto's vibrant neighborhoods, or make the trip to the nearby Niagara Falls—where you can get up close to the famous thundering falls on a boat tour.

Do Filipinos need a visa? Yes, Philippine passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) before entering Canada.

Vietnam has long been a favorite among Filipino travelers, but these days, more people are venturing beyond its usual tourist hotspots. Da Nang is known for its beaches and serves as the gateway to Hoi An Old Town, a remarkably preserved trading port recognized by UNESCO for its centuries-old architecture and cultural heritage. Up north, Hanoi offers a different pace, with its ancient temples, charming cafés, and easy access to Ha Long Bay—famous for its emerald waters and limestone islands topped with rainforests.

Do Filipinos need a visa? No, you don't need a visa if you're staying in Vietnam for 21 days or less.

Saudi Arabia may not have been on your travel radar a few years ago, but that might change v soon. History buffs can explore Hegra in Al-'Ula, the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the centuries-old mudbrick architecture of At-Turaif District in Diriyah, or wander through Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic district lined with traditional coral-stone buildings. The country's mix of ancient heritage sites, picturesque landscapes, and bustling city life makes it worth adding to your travel bucket list.

Do Filipinos need a visa? Yes, you need a tourist visa to enter Saudi Arabia. A single-entry visa is valid for up to 90 days, while the multiple-entry visa can last for one year.