Christmas is the season when many Filipinos travel. Some look forward to reunions, others plan long-overdue vacations, and many just want a quick break before the year ends. There’s a lot of excitement, sure, but there’s also plenty of stress. Shopping for gifts and planning itineraries are the tip of the iceberg.
The Atome Card helps lighten the load. You can shop for your travel must-haves now and manage your budget with 0% interest up to 40 days, or split your bills into 3-6 easy installments. It’s a much-needed tool you’ll want to have when trying to travel and spend smarter this Christmas.
This article shares a few more helpful insights about holiday travel that could help you become a way more responsible spender this year-end.
Why Christmas is the Peak Travel Season for Filipinos
During Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2024, the Bureau of Immigration recorded nearly 190,000 travelers moving through airports. Talk about a holiday rush, right?
On a broader scale, travel activity has been growing steadily. In 2024, the Philippines logged more than 19 million inbound and outbound travelers, and out of these, 6.85 million Filipinos flew abroad for vacations, reunions, and year-end trips. Popular destinations like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan saw especially high traffic from Filipino travelers during the holiday period.
This rise in travel every December also brings higher demand for flights, accommodations, and even shopping. That also means higher prices. This is why preparing early matters and why having flexible payment options can make holiday travel feel much more manageable.
Travel Shopping List to Split with the Atome Card
Before any holiday travel, you’ve got to equip yourself with all the tools and items you need to enjoy as much as possible. Here’s a few items to prep before even heading to the airport.
1. The appropriate luggage and travel bags
A durable suitcase or carry-on makes every trip easier, especially during the crowded holiday season. Consider something lightweight with smooth wheels and secure locks. This can easily become a purchase that you buy and use for the rest of your life, so choosing quality matters. Fortunately, you can split your payments into 6 with your Atome Card.
2. Weather-ready clothing
Destinations like Japan or South Korea can get chilly in December. A good jacket, thermal layers, or waterproof shoes can make a big difference in comfort.
3. Tech essentials
Power banks, adaptors, headphones, and toiletry kits are small things that have a big impact when you’re far from home. These essentials add up quickly, especially if you’re buying for the whole family, so it’s best to budget accordingly.
4. Christmas gifts for loved ones
Many Filipinos bring gifts when visiting relatives overseas. Clothes, beauty sets, and small treats fit easily into luggage and always feel thoughtful. Regardless of what it is, you can use Atome Card spending limit of up to ₱200,000 to find the right gift for those closest to you.
Top Christmas Destinations for Filipinos
If you’re considering where you’d want to travel to, here are a few of the hottest foreign destinations.
1. Japan
Japan is a favorite for December trips because of its winter sights, Christmas markets and incredible food. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka feel extra festive during the holidays. Many travelers also enjoy seeing snow for the first time. It’s a great destination for families and groups who want a mix of culture and fun.
2. Singapore
Singapore is perfect for travelers who want a clean, easy, and family-friendly holiday. Orchard Road lights up beautifully during Christmas, and shopping becomes a major highlight. Popular attractions stay open through the season, which makes planning simple.
3. South Korea
Yearning for an organic encounter with your favorite K-pop or K-drama idols? Look no further. You’ll get plenty of opportunities along the shopping districts and fairytale-like destinations of South Korea. While waiting for a romantic chance encounter, you might just be able to enjoy the country’s stylish shopping districts, beautiful sights, and more.
4. Hong Kong
Hong Kong remains a top choice because of its theme parks, holiday displays, and short travel time from Manila. December is cool and comfortable for exploring the city. It’s also a great place to shop for gifts before heading home. Families and first-time travelers often choose it for its convenience.
5. Local destinations in the Philippines
Just because local travel is often more affordable doesn’t mean there’s less to enjoy. You’d be seriously mistaken for that one. Places like Baguio, Cebu, or Siargao are packed with tourists—local and foreign—and you can easily see why: historical landmarks, unparalleled beaches, and delicious food await at every corner of the country.
Why the Atome Card Fits Holiday Travel Perfectly
The Atome Card helps you in every way for holiday travel.
When you’re booking for a flight and accodomations, for example, your Atome Card works because it’s a Mastercard that you can use online and offline. With a spending limit of up to ₱200,000, you can ensure that you’ll be travelling comfortably.
Regardless of where you’re shopping, you can track it all via the Atome app. That way, you won’t lose sight of your budget, no matter how far you are from home. Those are just some of the great ways you can use your Atome Card internationally.
Plan Your Trip and Shop Smarter This Christmas
A great holiday starts with thoughtful planning, and the Christmas season is the perfect time to create the trip you have been dreaming of.
Whether you are flying abroad or enjoying a local getaway, preparing early helps you stay relaxed and fully enjoy the experience. Shopping for travel essentials, outfits, and gifts becomes much easier when you have options that fit your budget.
The Atome Card gives you the flexibility to shop now and manage your payments in a way that feels lighter and more manageable. You can pick up everything you need for your Christmas trip, stay within your budget, and focus on the moments that matter. Download the Atome app, apply in minutes, and get ready to travel smarter this holiday season.
