Planning A Trip To Boracay? Mom Shares What To Expect If You’re Traveling With Kids

• Editor’s Note: The family traveled before the announcement of ECQ in the NCR Plus Bubble on March 29, 2021. On Tuesday, June 1, Boracay Island announced it is now accepting tourists from NCR Plus. The island has been accepting tourists coming from other GCQ/MGCQ areas since October 2020.

   It’s no secret that living through the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we do so many things – including traveling. With our health and safety on the line, meeting the requirements mandated by the government is a must to be able to enjoy a hassle-free trip.

  In a post on our parenting community, Smart Parenting Village, mom of one Kei Enriquez shared what you need to prepare when visiting Boracay. If you also want to visit the island with your family, she shares tips that might come in handy below:

  What do you need to prepare before the trip?

  

  Some barangays may require you to secure passes before going on a trip. Inquire if you need a health certificate or travel pass before scheduling your vacation.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Kei Enriquez

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  Kei’s chosen airline and the government of Aklan require tourists to present:

  • Confirmed round-trip flight
  • Confirmed accredited hotel booking
  • Negative RT-PCR Testing

  In addition, Kei and her friend also had to submit a Health Declaration form online as required by the province of Aklan. The requirements mentioned above need to be submitted via email to touristboracay@gmail.com so you can get a QR code.

  “The QR code is very important when entering Boracay. They reply quickly to emails so you don’t have to worry if your flight is near,” she shared. Kei also suggests downloading the Traze app which is needed in the port going to the island.

  Traveling safely is possible as long as you follow the protocols mandated by the government and local government unit of your chosen destination. In an interview with Smartparenting.com.ph, Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat advises those who wish to go on a trip to download the Travel Philippines app by the Department of Tourism. You can get advisories on reopened destinations and accurate announcements you need to know about traveling.

  How much do you need to prepare when going to Boracay

  

  Kei was able to save on expenses because she didn’t have to pay airfare for her son.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Kei Enriquez

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  Budget may differ depending on your chosen airline and accommodation. When planning for your trip, be on the lookout for sales and special discounts. According to Kei, she and her friend spent around Php20,000 for two adults which covers airfare and hotel accommodation.

  They stayed at Hennan Regency Resort and Spa. “They impose proper social distancing and guests are required to wear face masks and face shields within the premises,” she shared. 

  What activities can be done in Boracay

  

  “Mas free ka maglakad, especially if you have a kid with you,” Kei notes.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Kei Enriquez

  You may have seen pictures circulating online of the island these days – it looks pristine and picture-perfect because there are no crowds. “The most fun thing about this trip is kids can go anywhere, they can stay in any restaurant. Since there are only a few people, [baby] is free to walk on the beach. My baby even fell asleep in the sand,” Kei shared in her post.

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  Aside from enjoying the sand, sun, and sea without worrying about a huge throng, they also did island hopping, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. “It wasn’t our first time in Boracay. Before the pandemic, hindi ka talaga makakapag-picture na walang tao sa background pero nitong may pandemic, ang konti ng tao.

  “Mas free ka maglakad, especially if you have a kid with you. Before din, there were long lines before you can dine in a restaurant. These days, since there are few tourists, it’s easier to dine in, Kei relates in a follow-up interview with Smart Parenting.

  Should you schedule a vacation soon?

  Choosing to go on vacation these days is your discretion, but if you need to breathe and recharge your batteries, don’t forget to still practice protocols like physical distancing, wearing your face mask and face shield, and washing or sanitizing your hands frequently. Since going to Boracay requires riding a plane, this involves doubling the efforts to look after your health and that of your loved ones.

  “Research sa place na pupuntahan ninyo and check all the requirements needed to get there. Before we traveled, I really took time to read posts sa Facebook groups, complying with requirements, and swab testing so I know just in case something unexpected happens. For requirements, kids under two years old are not required to undergo a swab test. The airline and the government of Aklan will ask for a copy of the birth certificate lang,” Kei shares.

  Planning to go on a well-deserved Boracay trip as well? Boracay Compass recently published a list of requirements you can use as reference. Those who live in areas under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) can travel to the island and must prepare the following:

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  • RT-PCR COVID test results
  • Confirmed round-trip tickets
  • Confirmed accredited accommodation
  • Accomplished health declaration form from touristboracay.com
  • QR code for contact tracing
  • Download the Traze app on your mobile phone

  It might help to ask others who have traveled to Boracay for tips and feel free to ask questions when booking your accommodations, too.

  Click here for mom-recommended destinations to escape to under GCQ and MGCQ!

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