For those of us dreaming of that moment when all vacation and leave credits can be used, long weekends can be a good way to make use of it. They give us a much-needed break during the 9 to 5 grind, so it’s important to make the most of them.

Before we share our tips, here's a heads up of the long weekends for Summer 2018.

• March 29 (Thu) to April 1 (Sat)
• April 7 (Sat) to April 9 (Mon)
• April 28 (Sat) to May 1 (Tue)

Anyway, if you are too lazy to think or plan on what to do on these extended weekends, here are some ideas on how to maximize and make most of your time.

ENJOY THE BEACH

There’s nothing better than shrugging off those suits and ties for tank tops and board shorts. If your ideal sanctuary from the hustle and bustle includes gentle tans, salty air, and the lullaby of waves, a beach getaway is a must. After all the beach is the Best Escape Anyone Can Have.

Since I am from Cebu, here are my recommendations of the best beaches to visit in the island

• Shifting Sandbar in Sumilon Island
• Langob Beach Heaven in Malapascua Island
• Carnaza Island
• Budyong Beach in Bantayan Island
• Bakhaw Beach in Camotes Island
• Caohagan and Sulpa Islands in the Olango Islands

GRAB A BOOK AND CUDDLE UP

Books are one of life’s greatest escapes, so if you’re still in chapter three of that novel you’ve been meaning to read, look no further! Long weekends are perfect for cuddling up in a comfy chair with a book or two.

If you want all the joy of travel without all the hassle and cost, think of a good book as a round trip ticket to wherever you want to be. Who knows? Maybe you’ll get some ideas for your next big trip.

Here are a few recommendations

• The Rough Guide to the Philippines
• On The Road by Jack Kerouac
• Before The Colors Fade: God, Cebu, and War by Larry Carlson
• World Walk by Steven Newman

GO ON A ROADTRIP

Whether you’re a planner or a free-spirit, road trips are the perfect way to do something adventurous without taking extra time off. They’re also super easy to spice up. Choose the when and where ahead of time and leave figuring out what to do with the drive there.

Road trips give you the power to go someplace new and stay as long as you want. That way you have the option to return home and take it easy before returning to work.

For Cebu road trips, the best I can recommend is the Cebu-Balamban via TransCentral Highway because there are a lot of interesting stuff along the way. It's less traffic too.

MOVIE MARATHONS

Work makes catching up on that show you’ve been dying to watch difficult. Long weekends are the guilt-free way to finish a whole series…especially when you promised yourself you’d only watch an episode or two.

Does everyone keep begging you to finally watch The Walking Dead, Stranger Things or Game of Thrones? Now’s your chance. And if you finish before the weekend ends, you’ll have more than enough time to gush about all the shocking details as a new fan.

ENJOY A STAYCATION

Let’s face it, work is tiring. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to find a way to relax with the least amount of planning and effort. Booking a hotel close by is a super simple way to feel pampered without having to make travel plans. Go ahead and hit up the spa, get room service, and watch a movie.

And if all stills seem like too much effort, just tell room service to bring a couple extra pillows and sleep the stress away.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

You’ll soon be spending those vacation days, so why not brush up on a language? It’s loads of fun and a great confidence booster.

Many cities offer classes, but you can also buy books and listen to audio lessons at home. Some online courses even have real-time interaction with native speakers of the language, so you might even meet a long-term study buddy.

You may check this link for a language class listing.

COOKOUT

Food is one of life’s greatest comforts and making it can be just as relaxing. Pick up some groceries and try out some new and exciting recipes. Playing music can make the process even more relaxing, or you can follow along with your favorite TV chef. And after you’re done, you’ll have lots of fancy food to eat—made by you!

Here are a few quick and easy recipes that you can do to make the most of your cookout.

• Pancit Canton
• Chop Suey
• Pork and Chicken Barbecue
• Bistek Tagalog (Pinoy Beef Steak)
• Lumpiang Gulay (Veggie Rolls)

JOIN A WORKSHOP

Workshops are one of the greatest ways to learn something new. You have experts that can guide you and a group of excited people learning with you. Chances are there are a ton to choose from in your city, and you can even decide to do more than one! Some workshops are educational, others artistic.

Find one that piques your interest and sign up.

Here are list of interesting upcoming workshop and seminars in Cebu

• Blockchain Innovation Conference
• Adulting: Budgets and Savings
• Writing 360 Workshop from British Council
• Check here for more listing.

I think our list above is pretty intense and I guess you are planning one now. There are 3 long weekends for the 2018 summer, just try to maximize your time and schedule so you will have a terrific and most memorable experience.

Thanks for reading and have a superb summer ahead.

Ciao!

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