Planning to visit Philippines next month

7 to 8 days is hardly long enough to travel that much but since you are coming from the US I assume that you will be visiting other countries on your travels and the Philippines is just one of them. If that is the case I would skip spending much time in the cities and go to Boracay, Palawan or another tourist destination. Maybe fly into Cebu or Manila and overnight there and then spend the remaining time relaxing by the beach enjoying some water sports and adventure stuff before overnighting again in the city ready for your flight home or to a neighbouring country. Again 7-8 days is a very short time to see much of the Philippines especially with the travel time within the country to get from one place to another.

Unless you have the power of the ruby slippers Dorothy had in the Wizard of Ozz and can simply click them together then puff your back home.

@Gregory Koch

Having flown planes for 35 years, I can state that 7-8 days in the Philippines will be more like 5-7 days, as the jet lag from the USA will exact a significant toll on you. An acceptable possible solution might be to take a day or two layover in Asia enroute, such as Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei or Guam.

If you plan on traveling without a layover, your brain will probably be fried for a day or two after arrival in the Phils.

The traffic in Meto Manila and Cebu will similarly cost you time. I cannot think of any similar situation in the USA, as there aren’t many “expressways” here. Quite a bit of traffic flow uses city streets.

CherryAnne’s suggestion is excellent. The major gateways are Manila (of course) and Cebu, so will probably transit one or the other. Do your homework and research Philippines tourist attractions. Philippine beaches are a steady tourist draw, as travel brochures will highlight them. Many are in the central and southern regions of the country. Another very popular draw is a city 5 hours by bus north of Manila…Baguio. It’s in the mountains and is noticeably cooler than anywhere else.

Be aware, too, that you be here during the dry season (March-June most years). In the Philippines, “dry” = very hot & humid. You aren’t in Kansas any more. Be prepared for highs in the mid to upper 90s with lows in the mid to low 80s. Cities are heat sinks that retain the heat because of the concrete & poor air circulation. This is not to say there isn’t anything worthwhile in Manila or Cebu, there’s lots of interesting things to do in both cities.

As I said, do your research to find things that interest you. The heat & sun will kick your butt if you aren’t prepared.

Words of wisdom Skip Scott, 7/8 days is not long, Golly I remember driving around Sicily for 7 days and never scratched the surface. I'm fortunate Skip as I've never suffered jet lag even on very long haul flights, seem to sleep easily and fine when landed.

There is a lot to learn here and I spent 8 years back and forward, worked here a couple of times for 5 months each time and took me all those years to get to know the people and different cultures, the ups and downs but lived here now for 7 years and not looked back, a good partner certainly helped.

Regardless, to the OP enjoy your trip and welcome to the forum.

Cheers, Steve.

I would add one thing to Skip Scott's great advise and that is that if you do decide to fly straight to the Philippines and not make a layover somewhere nearby, Cebu is a good option. Going back 7 years or so to my first visit, I remember my final destination was Cagayan De Oro and I decided to fly into Cebu and stay at the Waterfront Airport Hotel & Casino, Mactan for 2 nights before my onward flight to CDO. At that time I simply walked out of the airport, over the 3 or so lanes for traffic drop off and pick up and up a flight of stairs and I was there.

There have been some improvements to the airport so that is not now possible but it is still walkable if you know where to go and are not burdened with too much luggage and I have walked to the airport from the hotel with suitcase and ruck sack since the works. Alternatively you can take a taxi or grab ride but either way the hotel is close to the airport so you will not have to worry about traffic delays. It is a 4 star hotel I think with swimming pool and spa and is very comfortable and serves good food. Ideal if you just want a night or 2 to recover from jet lag and relax by the pool before moving on.

Great advise above.  I'll just say for a 7-8 day trip skip the Mindanao region (i.e., southern region of the Philippines).  That's not to say there aren't good places, like Davao, but 7-8 days isn't really a lot of time and Cebu, Manila, and all the tourist areas around those places would likely be a better use of your short time here.