# Travel with Tom > Practical Philippines Travel Planning Without Guesswork ## Posts - [Security Situation in Parts of the Philippines (May 2026)](https://travelwithtom.net/security-situation-in-parts-of-the-philippines-may-2026/): Areas mentioned: Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar Overview Recent reports indicate heightened military activity in certain parts of the Philippines, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. The Armed Forces of the Philippines have intensified operations against the New People’s Army (NPA), an armed group that has been active in the country for decades. There have been recent armed clashes, including a serious incident in April 2026 that resulted in fatalities, including foreign nationals. Why This Matters for Travelers While the Philippines remains a popular and generally safe destination for tourists, it is important to understand that security conditions can vary by [...] - [Why Filipinos Say “Yes” Even When They Mean “No”](https://travelwithtom.net/why-filipinos-say-yes-even-when-they-mean-no/): One cultural detail in the Philippines often confuses first-time visitors. Sometimes people say “yes”… even when the real answer is not actually yes. At first, this can feel frustrating or confusing. But once you understand the reason behind it, everything starts to make much more sense. It’s About Politeness, Not Dishonesty In Filipino culture, people often try to avoid confrontation or embarrassment. Instead of directly saying “no” or “I don’t know”, someone might respond with: “yes” “maybe” or simply a polite smile This is not about misleading you. It is about being respectful and maintaining social harmony. A Simple Example Imagine [...] - [Why Family Is Everything in the Philippines](https://travelwithtom.net/why-family-is-everything-in-the-philippines/): If you spend time in the Philippines, you will notice something very quickly: Family is everything. In Filipino culture, family is at the center of life. And it goes far beyond just parents and children. More Than Just Immediate Family In the Philippines, family often includes: cousins grandparents uncles and aunts even distant relatives It is not unusual for extended families to stay closely connected, both emotionally and physically. Family members support each other in many ways: financially socially emotionally This strong support system is a key part of daily life. Living Together Across Generations One thing that often surprises visitors [...] - [How Tourist Visa Extensions Work in the Philippines (For Longer Stays)](https://travelwithtom.net/how-tourist-visa-extensions-work-in-the-philippines-for-longer-stays/): One of the most common questions when planning a trip to the Philippines is simple: How long can you actually stay as a tourist? The good news is that staying longer than a few weeks is possible. But you need to understand how the system works. Here is a simple, practical overview based on real experience. Visa-Free Entry (30 Days) If you hold a passport from the European Union and many other countries, you will usually receive 30 days of visa-free entry when you arrive in the Philippines. However, there is one important requirement. You must show an onward ticket when [...] - [Before You Travel Abroad: What You Should Always Check](https://travelwithtom.net/before-you-travel-abroad-what-you-should-always-check/): Traveling abroad can be one of the best experiences you can have. But before you leave, there are a few important things you should always take care of. Surprisingly, many travelers skip some of the most basic steps. I’ve seen people arrive at airports with the wrong documents, travel without proper insurance, or discover too late that their passport is not valid for their destination. Small mistakes like these can quickly turn a dream trip into a stressful situation. This guide covers the key things you should always check before traveling internationally, from documents and insurance to health and unexpected situations. [...] ## Pages - [Cookie Policy (EU)](https://travelwithtom.net/cookie-policy-eu/) - [Blog](https://travelwithtom.net/blog/) - [About the Author](https://travelwithtom.net/about-the-author/) - [Contact](https://travelwithtom.net/contact/) - [Terms and Conditions](https://travelwithtom.net/terms-and-conditions/): 1. Company Information Travel consultation services are provided by an Estonia-registered business operating under the brand name Travel with Tom. All services are delivered online. No physical services are provided in the Philippines or any other country. 2. Nature of the Service Travel with Tom provides independent travel planning consultation services. The service includes: One (1) 60-minute online consultation session Up to three (3) follow-up clarification emails The service provides guidance and recommendations only. 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