Smart Travel Hacks for Your December Holiday Getaway 2025: Tips Every Mommy Should Know

 

The holiday season is here, and that means family trips, balikbayan adventures, and weekend escapes! As a mommy, you’re usually the one budgeting, planning, and making sure everyone has what they need. Kung madalas ka mag-travel, you’ll love these practical travel hacks that’ll make your December break stress-free and more enjoyable.

1. Fixing Bad Hotel Water

Nothing’s worse than weak or rusty hotel water. Tie a small face towel around the faucet before turning it on. Problem solved! Clean, safe water without stressing your skin or hair.

2. No More Leaky Toiletries

Before packing your shampoo, lotion, or liquid soap, cover the opening with a plastic bag and then tighten the cap. Bye-bye, messy luggage!

3. Keeping Cash Safe

Worried about carrying cash? Hide some inside a sanitary pad (ung malinis at bagong sanitary pad siyempre 😁) —just don’t tell anyone. Even sneaky thieves won’t think to check there.

4. Clean Hotel Toilets, Always

Wrap tissues around the toilet seat if you’re unsure about cleanliness. It’s more hygienic and even helps absorb any moisture.

5. Sticky Notes = Hidden Camera Hack

Bring sticky notes and cover suspicious spots in your hotel room. Perfect for peace of mind when staying somewhere new.

6. Protect Your Clothes

Lay your clothes on top of your suitcase instead of packing them inside. This prevents wrinkles and scratches—and helps you spot your luggage quickly at baggage claim.

Check out this Passport protector, worth it kasi may RFID protection na rin! (Order here)

7. DIY Clothes Drying Rack a.k.a "Indoor Sampayan" 🤣

No hangers? Place your suitcase (cute ng mga travel bags dito) on a desk, extend the handle, and use it as a mini drying rack for wet clothes. Perfect for rainy or winter destinations!

8. Clean Hotel Pillows Instantly

Slip your husband’s or your own shirt over a hotel pillow. Instant fresh pillowcase—no extra laundry needed.

9. Motion Sickness Relief (No More "Byahilo")

A tip from my 90-year-old mother-in-law: Put a few drops of essential oil (like ginger, peppermint or lemon) on a band-aid and stick it on your wrist during long trips. Works like magic for car or bus rides.

10. Family Toothbrush Hack

Pack each family member’s toothbrush inside a disposable glove. Keeps them separate, hygienic, and organized—travel-friendly for every mommy.

11. Must-Have Travel Apps

Forget old paper maps! These apps will make traveling easier:

• Google Maps (offline mode) – Navigate even without a SIM card.

• XE Currency – Convert prices fast.

• Marhaba – Find airport lounges you can access (meron sa NAIA!).

• TravelBudol – Organize all your bookings in one place.

• Google Translate – Perfect for communicating in remote areas.

• WhatsApp or Telegram – No roaming charges, reliable messaging worldwide.

Airline Rewards Programs

Even if you fly just once a year, sign up for airline and credit card loyalty programs. I use PAL, Cebu Pacific and Asiana Airlines, plus a travel rewards on my Union Bank credit card. For many years, I booked round-trips to Korea entirely with points! Track your miles retroactively—you might have free flights waiting for you.

(Pro tip: Use a rewards card like Union Bank Credit Card for travel perks and eGift bonuses.)

Starting TODAY: Grab Amazing Travel Deals at the UnionBank Ultimate Online Travel Sale!

If you’re planning your holiday trips for 2025, ngayon na ang perfect time to book! UnionBank Credit Cardholders get exclusive access to super sulit airfare promos, hotel discounts, and flexible payment options.

✈️ Flight Deals You’ll Love
Score special fares from big airlines like PAL, Cebu Pacific, EVA Air, STARLUX Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and more.

🏖️ Up to 70% OFF on Top Stays
Enjoy huge discounts from Anantara Vacation Club, Raffles Makati, Solaire Resorts, El Nido Resorts, and other luxury destinations.

💳 Flexible Payments
Pay in easy, 0% installment terms for up to 6 months using UnionBank PayEasy at participating partners.

Booking period is from November 28 to December 7, 2025 at unionbankph.com/travel — perfect timing for December holiday planning!

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Bonus: Earn Up to ₱2,500 eGift Cards

Just follow these steps to claim your reward:

1. Register on UB Treats Hub using the unique code sent to you via SMS.

2. Join the Online Travel Sale promo before December 7, 2025.

3. Book through The UnionBank Ultimate Online Travel Sale and meet the minimum spend in one transaction:

   • ₱60,000 – ₱1,000 eGC

   • ₱100,000 – ₱1,500 eGC

   • ₱150,000 – ₱2,500 eGC

Each customer can only get one reward, and kung marami kang qualified transactions, the highest reward amount is what you’ll receive.

T&Cs apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. FTEB-242869 & 242870, Series of 2025.

12. Digital Backup of Documents

Scan your passport, visa, IDs, and insurance, and email them to yourself. Upload to Google Drive too. Losing your wallet or passport? You’ll be able to replace them quickly without panic.

I am an avid fan of CamScanner. Just download the app sa phone and ready to use agad. It's FREE version already has lots of features!

13. “Just in Case” Kit

A mini emergency kit is a mommy’s travel lifesaver. Here’s what I pack:

• Safety pins & mini sewing kit

• Tiny flashlight

• Universal travel adapter

• Ziplock bags

• Band-Aids & basic painkillers

• Travel laundry detergent sheets

This kit saved me from broken zippers, lost luggage tags, or random power outlets that seemed impossible to use.

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Bonus Tips for Filipino Mommies Traveling This December

• Book flights early to avoid holiday surcharges.

• Pack snacks for the kids—long lines at airports can test anyone’s patience!

• Bring reusable water bottles—save money and reduce plastic waste.

• Keep a small first-aid kit handy—especially when traveling with toddlers or elderly family members.

Traveling with family doesn’t have to be stressful. With these hacks, you’ll be ready for any hiccup, and enjoy your holiday break to the fullest!