You can always count on modern Filipino couples to be well-traveled. While romantic trips abroad were always a preferred way of celebrating milestones, these days, such trips are often just another way for couples to spend quality time together. With budget airlines offering frequent seat sales to nearby destinations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and even Australia, international travel has never been more accessible for upwardly mobile Filipinos.

Yet even with affordable airfare, costs can still add up. Once you factor in the visa processing, hotels, food, and special experiences, the cost of these trips starts to become a bit hefty. Thankfully, better planning and credit card miles make things a lot simpler and more affordable. With the right tools and know-how, you’ll be unlocking more destinations and more once-in-a-lifetime experiences than you ever imagined.

Whether you’re planning something like a honeymoon or just a spontaneous overseas weekend escape, credit cards from Maya, the #1 digital bank in the Philippines, make every peso count. Once you’ve qualified for your Maya credit card, here’s how to plan an overseas romantic getaway without seriously impacting your savings.

1. Pick the Perfect Destination for Your Budget

A romantic vacation can involve heading to Europe or the Maldives, but the right place is not necessarily the most hyped destinations. The perfect destination is whichever one you and your partner are both interested in. And with Asia-Pacific tourism now experiencing new highs, you can easily find nearby destinations that are just as breathtaking as more famous, faraway sites for a fraction of the cost.

Chances are, they’re even better. Vietnam’s riverside cafés and Japan’s cherry-blossom walks have no real equals anywhere else in the world. Let’s not forget the beaches and hidden islands of Thailand and Malaysia, which are basically just a stone’s throw away. All set the stage for unforgettable memories with your loved one.

The key is to plan early, most importantly, keep an eye out for seat sales. When you align your travel window with promos, you can put more cash toward experiences instead of airfare.

2. Set a Realistic Budget Before You Book

Before diving into bookings, list out all your expected costs, from airfare and accommodations to meals, activities, and daily transport. Setting a spending cap helps you prioritize what truly matters: maybe you’d rather splurge on a special dinner instead of a five-star hotel, for example.

A simple shared spreadsheet or a budgeting app can help you track costs and avoid overspending. Build in a 10 to 15% buffer for unexpected expenses like tips, transport, or last-minute souvenirs.

If you’re using credit cards for convenience, treat them as budgeting tools, not as extensions of your income. Pay your balance on time to avoid interest and keep your next trip fund intact.

3. Book Flights and Stays with Travel Rewards in Mind

We’re getting to the good part. If you’re planning to use a credit card for your travel expenses anyway, you might as well use a credit card with miles Philippine-based travelers depend on. Of these, the Maya Black Credit Card or the Maya Black Express Credit Card is probably the one you’re looking for.

With either Maya credit card, you can earn Maya Miles that you can track in real time through the Maya App—no waiting for statements or hotline calls like with legacy travel credit cards. Both cards give you 1 Maya Mile for every PHP 40 spent, and up to 10× Miles when you shop with a growing list of participating Maya Black Preferred merchants, which means you’ll find plenty of use for them outside of the typical airport duty-free stores. With Maya’s credit cards, everyday spending can help contribute to better trips and experiences, later on.

Your Maya Miles are flexible too. You can convert them into airline miles for your next flight or use them to pay directly at select stores and restaurants. It’s an effortless way to turn your purchase into future travel progress.

4. Start with Maya Black Express if You’re New to Credit

If you’re just beginning your credit journey or rebuilding your credit score, the Maya Black Express Credit Card is an excellent choice for putting your travel dreams within close reach. All it takes is an Express Deposit starting at PHP 12,500 (or higher) through the Maya App. This deposit sets your credit limit and earns 3.5% p.a. while it’s held, shielding it from inflation and making it an excellent choice for travel plans that are further off in the horizon.

Even better, use your Maya Black Express Credit Card responsibly, and you may be evaluated for an upgrade to the full Maya Black Credit Card in as little as 6 months. It’s a practical way to travel smarter while building your credit profile for future opportunities.

5. Use Your Maya Black Card’s No-Annual-Fee Advantage

Many travelers overlook how annual fees can eat into savings. With the Maya Black Credit Card, as long as you make at least one transaction a month, the annual fee is waived permanently. That one benefit can free up funds for an upgraded hotel room or a surprise gift for your partner. And given that you’ll be earning Maya Miles on a wide range of qualified purchases, you’ll want to make sure your Maya Black Credit Card is ready at all times.

6. Choose Safer Credit Cards When Traveling

Savings become moot if you experience card issues abroad. For that reason, you want to go with a provider that’s serious about your security so you have the confidence to explore without worry.

Every Maya offering is backed by cutting-edge security, including some clever basic features. For instance, the Maya Black Credit Card features a numberless design that keeps your information private and viewable only in the app. This means that shoulder surfers won’t be able to use your card details, and neither can unauthorized parties use your physical card, should you misplace it. If you do misplace your card, you can also instantly freeze or unfreeze it with a tap, no lengthy hotline calls or paperwork needed.

7. Travel Responsibly and within Your Means

A truly memorable trip doesn’t come from how much you spend, but from how wisely you plan. When traveling abroad with your partner, keep your expenses aligned with your budget so you can enjoy every moment without financial stress waiting back home.

Start by setting a daily spending limit; this helps you stay aware of how much you’re spending on meals, transport, and souvenirs. If you tend to overspend when using cards, withdraw a set amount of cash for each day or keep a separate travel fund within your digital wallet for easier tracking.

Be mindful of the little extras that add up quickly: pricey airport transfers and unnecessary add-ons, and also spontaneous luxury purchases come to mind. Instead, focus on experiences that strengthen your bond, a cozy local café, a scenic bike ride, or simply exploring hidden streets together. These often turn out to be the most romantic memories.

If you’re using a credit card while abroad, treat it as a tool for convenience and safety, not as an excuse to splurge. Ultimately, the best romantic getaways are the ones that let you come home with full hearts, not empty wallets.

Your Passport to More Romantic Adventures Starts with a Maya Credit Card

Overseas romantic getaways demand mindful planning and the right financial partner. With Maya credit cards and Maya Miles, every peso goes further, and every trip is a precursor to better things. As soon as you see a limited-time travel promo, credit card payments via the Maya Black Credit Card or Maya Black Express Credit Card are easy decisions. Explore these tips and see how extraordinary moments can become your new normal.