At first glance, it seems like a business trip to Cebu falls into one of two extremes: Incredibly expensive or miserably cheap.
Those on the incredibly expensive side tend to have you in some global brand hotel chain like the Waterfront or Marco Polo (with all the pricey amenities to match). Transportation is limited to the van that picks you up to and from the airport. In other words, your entire trip confines you to the world of the big hotel (unless you are willing to spend even more taking taxi rides to different parts of the city).
The budget option is not that much different except the smaller, cheaper hotel has nothing much going for it outside of basic food. You could probably walk to a McDonald’s nearby for something cheaper. But again, you find yourself with additional constraints that already pile on the constraints of a business trip. (And on the side, it does not help that you keep running into a lot of backpackers constantly talking about their trip out of town to where Cebu’s real paradise beaches are.)
Fortunately, there is a better way to plan a business trip to Cebu that is easier on your company’s books without making you feel chained to a bland corporate itinerary. Here are three good tips to help you get started.
1. Get to know the town.
Cebu may have good beaches, but the city itself has plenty of nice (and less expensive) places to meet business associates as well as to unwind.
If you do not want to be stuck in the hotel after every appointment, then at least look up some of Cebu’s major shopping malls or ask more experienced Cebu travelers about any go-to bars or cafes. You will be surprised at the number of options you can get (and how lighter they can be on the budget compared to luxury hotel amenities).
2. Consider a good rental car.
Many first-time visitors can vastly underestimate the scope of the Metro Cebu area and either become hesitant to explore it, or confused by its public transportation system. Its traffic situation does not help either.
This can be really troublesome if your appointment has been booked in someplace far from your hotel. If you want real flexibility and freedom of movement, then your best option is to get a good rental car. Cebu has plenty of car rental services with many of the latest models and at a manageable cost. That way, you can show up to meet with your associates in style and have an easier time making your way around town.
3. Don’t hesitate to eat local.
Now, this tip does not mean stopping by the nearest eatery and having all your lunches there. It only means that you have a lot more local options outside of eating out of the nearest international fast food chain.
There are food bazaars and major BBQ centers that are frequented by both locals and travelers. Getting to these places is not that hard either. And best of all, the food itself is good, diverse and easy to bring along as takeout.
To sum it up, being in Cebu for business should not mean you should sacrifice every pleasure that can help you relax after all the work. Neither should it be some overly expensive package that is all about experiencing a hotel, and not the city it is in. A business trip is still a trip, so take in some of the local sights and flavours!
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