2025 Is Your Year to Travel—Here’s How to Plan Like a Pro

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From helping you travel smarter and stretching your budget further to dropping the inside scoop on a must- see event—The Great BDO Travel Sale—we’ve got everything you need to make this your most adventurous year yet.

Related: Enter a New Era of Retail Therapy with the BDO ShopMore Mastercard 

The new year has arrived, and with it comes a wave of possibilities—especially for travel. Whether you’ve promised yourself to finally check off that bucket list destination or simply plan more weekend getaways, 2025 is the year to make it happen. And let’s be real: planning your trips is half the fun. But with rising costs and so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you even book a flight.

That’s where we step in with approved advice when it comes to taking off in style. From helping you travel smarter and stretching your budget further to dropping the inside scoop on a must- see event—The Great BDO Travel Sale—we’ve got everything you need to make this your most adventurous year yet.

Scroll on for travel planning tips and tricks that will make you feel like a pro (and yes, we’ll spill the details on how to maximize that sale, too).

Flex Your Dates for Flexibility in Savings

Save significantly on your trip by planning ahead. This provides you with a wider selection of flights and fees, and greater flexibility in choosing your travel dates. Consider flying midweek for the lowest fares, and book accommodation that offers lower weekday rates.

For even bigger savings, think shoulder season—late spring or early fall. Hit up Europe, Japan, or Southeast Asia during these times for the best prices and ~vibes~. Pro tip: Book ahead if you want to experience seasonal sights like the Cherry Blossoms in Japan or the Northern Lights in Ireland. This way, you can secure your preferred travel dates and benefit from a wider selection of flights at lower prices.

Go Beyond the Tourist Trap

Big tourist spots are awesome, no doubt—but they often come with a steep price, and let’s be real, who wants to pay more for the same experience? Instead of spending your travel fund at overhyped destinations, check out up-and-coming or under-the-radar places that offer similar wonders, minus the crowds and the wallet pinch.

For example, if Rome is on your mind, swap it for the equally photogenic Bologna, where you’ll get the same cobblestone streets and stunning architecture but with fewer tourists and cheaper prices. Instead of heading to Seoul, hit the beaches of Busan for breathtaking coastal scenery, delicious seafood, and a more relaxed vibe. When planning, always remember: it’s not about where you go; it’s about how you go.

Skip the Lines, Not the Deals: The Great BDO Travel Sale

Now that you’re armed with travel tips, it’s time to take action. What better way to do that than with exclusive deals and discounts? The Great BDO Travel Sale is happening from January 9 to 12 at SMX Convention Center. SM Aura Premier, bringing together over 20 airline and travel partners in one massive event. From exclusive rates of airline partners to cruise and travel packages from other travel partners, there’s something for every type of traveler.

If you’re in Cebu or Davao, you won’t miss out. The sale will also be at SM Lanang, Davao (January 17-19) and SM City Cebu (January 24-26). Plus, The Great BDO Travel Sale is also available online at www.bdo.com.ph/travel, making it easier than ever to grab travel offers wherever you are.

The Travel Hack You Didn’t Know You Needed– Fly Now, Pay Later

If 2025 is the year to make all your travel plans happen without draining your savings, BDO’s FLY NOW, PAY LATER comes in to save the day. Book your tickets at 0% interest on a 3-month term plan and make your first payment three months later. This offer is available for Philippine Peso transactions made with BDO Credit Cards at select travel partners during the on-ground events in Manila, Davao, and Cebu.

And it gets better—you can get cashback of up to ₱10,000 by meeting a spend requirement using your BDO Credit Card, and don’t forget to enroll your 10-digit Promo ID by January 31, 2025. With these perks in your pocket, your personal getaway just got way more affordable.

Travel Sale Meets Shopping Spree

If you’re heading to The Great BDO Travel Sale at SM Aura from January 9 to 12, 2025, make the most of your trip by grabbing extra deals while you’re there. ICYMI, BDO Cards offer more than travel perks – they open the door to amazing shopping and dining discounts too!

At SM Aura, you can take advantage of 30% off your dining bill at top restaurants like CIBO, NIU by Vikings, Greyhound Café, Paper Moon Café, and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. And that’s not all—BDO Cardholders also get up to 20% off at the SM Appliance Center, The SM Store, Crate & Barrel, Toy Kingdom, and more. Whether you’re picking up last-minute travel essentials or treating yourself to a pre-flight feast, there’s no shortage of ways to save.

Time to finally tick off those travel goals! Don’t let your epic adventures slip away. Take the leap and maximize the perks that BDO Cards offer.