Know which season your trip falls on

The Philippines, as a tropical country, has only two seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season lasts roughly from November to May, and the rainy season lasts from June to October. However, because the weather has changed in recent years, the start and conclusion of each season varies slightly year to year. It's also worth noting that the country is frequently hit by typhoons. So, in the weeks leading up to your trip, keep up with Philippine weather forecasts. This is definitely one of the top Things about the Philippines You Should Know before travelling to this beautiful country.

However, because the Philippines is an archipelago made up of over 7,000 islands, the weather can vary dramatically from one island to the next. So, while one region of the country may be experiencing thunderstorms, another may be bright and sunny.

If you visit the Philippines during the rainy season (June to October), be prepared for a period of terrible weather. If you plan on using any ferries, such as from El Nido to Coron, be aware that they will not run if a storm is forecast. While we were in El Nido, the ferry to Coron was canceled six days in a row owing to bad weather, so we gave up and flew to another island instead.

If you need to use a ferry boat, be cautious about booking non-refundable lodgings in advance.