Philippines ranks third-best destination for longer vacations

The Philippines Ranks Third Best for Extended Travels

Esquire Philippines
17 October 2024

The Philippines ranks as the third-best destination for longer vacations among 100 countries analyzed by the global e-commerce platform Ubuy. The countries were evaluated based on their affordability, cultural richness, safety, and travel convenience.

The research focused on countries with a search volume greater than 1,000,000 and incorporated additional data on geographic size, the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and popular attractions.

To assess financial feasibility, the costs for a 20-day hotel stay and dining were considered, while crime index data and the quality of domestic transportation were examined to ensure security and convenience. The study utilized data from the latest reports (2023-2024), with pricing and safety information updated through August 2024. Countries were ranked based on a combined score of different factors, highlighting the best destinations for extended vacations.

The Philippines garnered an overall score of 55.74. With a 20-day stay priced at $943, it is the second-cheapest option after Vietnam. The Philippines also boasts a five-month tourist season and a moderate crime index of 42.8, making it a safe and appealing destination for long vacations, according to Ubuy.

Vietnam tops the list with a score of 64.31, making it the best destination for longer vacations. The country offers the lowest hotel prices for a 20-day stay at just $827, making it especially attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Vietnam also has an extensive tourist season lasting 12 months, allowing visitors to explore the country year-round with 250 popular attractions.

India takes the second spot with a score of 61.17. The country stands out for its cultural richness, boasting 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest of any country in the study. India also has the greatest number of popular attractions, totaling around 700. Despite higher hotel costs than Vietnam, India offers the cheapest dining, with a three-course meal for two priced at just $14.29.

Sri Lanka ranks fourth with a score of 42.28. The country is notable for its high density of UNESCO sites, featuring eight sites within a compact area of 65,610 square kilometers—the smallest on the list. Although hotel prices are higher at $1,630, Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and unique experiences make it a standout choice for history enthusiasts.

Thailand scores 42.13, securing fifth place. It offers a diverse array of attractions with 300 popular sites and a year-round tourist season. The cost of a 20-day stay is $1,619, which is slightly higher than in the Philippines but more affordable than in Sri Lanka.

South Korea claims the sixth spot on the list with a score of 38.28. The country is notable for its dense concentration of cultural sites, boasting the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and popular attractions per 1,000 square kilometer. South Korea excels in transportation, with the second-highest score for domestic travel quality at 5.7. With the second-lowest crime rate at 24.9, South Korea offers both safety and convenience for travelers.

Japan follows in seventh place with a score of 34.85. The country has 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 500 popular attractions, ranking it as the second-largest on the list. Although Japan is one of the most expensive destinations, with a 20-day stay costing $2,308 and dining priced at $40.31, it boasts an exceptional domestic transportation system, scoring a perfect 6, and the lowest crime index at 22.6.

Saudi Arabia ranks eighth with a score of 34.24. The country offers a 12-month tourist season and a strong domestic transportation score of 5.4, the third-highest on the list. Although it has fewer cultural sites, with only six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 70 popular attractions, Saudi Arabia provides an affordable 20-day stay at $2,075 and boasts the third-lowest crime index at 26.9.

Mexico takes the ninth spot with a score of 28.20. The country is rich in cultural heritage, featuring 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 300 popular attractions. With a 12-month tourist season, Mexico is an appealing year-round option, though travelers may need to consider its higher crime index of 53.8 when planning their visit.

Turkey rounds out the top ten with a score of 27.11. While the country has relatively higher hotel costs at $2,570 for a 20-day stay, its 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 350 popular attractions make it a compelling destination for those interested in a longer vacation. Turkey also distinguishes itself with a well-developed transportation system, scoring 5.2, and a moderate crime index of 40.9.

A spokesperson from Ubuy commented on the study: "Opting for longer vacations allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in a destination, experiencing its culture, history, and local life beyond the surface. Locations offering low accommodation costs and various year-round attractions provide great value for travelers. Cultural heritage, especially in areas with a high concentration of UNESCO sites, adds significant appeal, particularly when paired with budget-friendly dining options. Advanced transportation systems and low crime rates further enhance the experience, ensuring convenience and security. The balance of these factors across different destinations allows for a diverse range of options that cater to various traveler preferences, making each destination uniquely attractive for longer stays."