by FFE PH News Staff

British travel guidebook Rough Guides has just named the Philippines one of the top countries to visit this 2014.

Banaue Rice Terraces

Rough Guides explained that tourism is now needed more than ever by the Philippines in the wake of the devastation brought by super typhoon Yolanda, which hit the country last 8 November 2013. The website added that 97% of the country remains unaffected and can still offer the best travel experience this year.

The guidebook emphasised that the country is a choice destination for nature-related vacationers, saying it ‘remains off the beaten path, despite being relatively safe for travellers.’ Some of the places included in their ‘Things Not to Miss’ list are the Apo Reef Marine Natural Park, Mount Mayon, Boracay, El Nido, Palawan and Vigan City.

El Nido, Palawan

Rough Guides mentioned that ‘flare-ups of political violence’ happen in the country, noting Mindanao especially after the September 2013 crossfire between government forces and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) troops. But it added that these situations ‘are easily avoided.’

Mount Mayon

Access to the Philippines via direct flights from London to Manila has also made it possible for the Philippines to gain a good footing in the list. European countries included in Rough Guide’s Top 10 Countries include Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria and Macedonia.