Save up for a luxe holiday

A FIVE-STAR VACATION needn’t rip a gaping hole in your bank account. Travelers who love luxury swear by these saving tips that allow them to stay in high-class spots like the Capella Singapore in Sentosa (www.capellasingapore.com).

Start a holiday account with your 13th-month paycheck.

Set up a monthly automatic 10% debit directly into it.

Don’t spend your PHP50 bills. Save every one you get.

Sell items you no longer need on ebay.com for extra cash! Need incentive? Keep your goal top-of-mind by having a photo of your dream holiday place tacked where you can see it!

WHERE WILL YOU GO THIS YEAR?

Smile readers share their travel itineraries for 2010

“My friends and I are going to Bangkok, and we plan to take in the history and the culture plus do some serious shopping! I’d love to see the elephants and do something to help save them from abuse.”

Pam Marie Ko business manager

“I would love to visit Osaka. I heard that the city is actually the kitchen of Japan.

I am keen to explore the hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I’d time my trip during the cooler months of September or October.”

Aldo Almera VP for operations and systems

“ShangriLa Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu. It has kept me coming back, year after year. It has top-notch rooms, a chic spa, unlimited recreational activities and a marine sanctuary to explore by snorkeling.”

Karren da Jose content specialist

WHERE THE BOATS ARE

The Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay, represented by Team Selma Star/C! Calibre, is all set to take part in these upcoming regattas. On February 20, the 210-nautical mile race from Subic to Boracay kicks off, followed by the Boracay Cup on February 22—27. On March 13—14, the Great Zambales Yachting Challenge starts off in Subic Bay and continues up the coast of Zambales. Then on April 6, the Lighthouse Marina Resort will be one of the hosts of the acclaimed Commodore’s Cup Regatta. Tel: +63 (2) 892.3534, www.lighthousesubic.com

HOW TO… STORE YOUR ACCESSORIES WITH STYLE

1 Hang necklaces on mug or cup stands to keep them knot-free.

2 Slot earrings and rings inside the compartments of pill or medicine cases.

3 Old pencil cases are great for bracelets. Just line the case with an old hanky or scrap fabric if it’s made of metal.

4 Insert your bangles on old scarves, and loop them on a rod or hook inside your closet.

5 Pin brooches onto old hankies or clothes so they won’t rub against each other.

Super fly guy

ADOPT THIS TRIP-SAVVY LOOK ALA ZACHARY QUINTO OF HEROES SAYS DONNA CUNA PITA

GETTY IMAGES

Clockwise from top left: Slim tie, PHP199, from YRYS. Vest, PHP650, from Dean & Trent. Sneakers, PHP5,000, from Lacoste. Slim straight denims, PHP5,295-PHP7,995, from Gas Jeans.

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

Dean & Trent: Crossings Department Store at Trinoma, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Quezon Avenue and Glorietta 3
Gas: G/F Greenbelt 3
Lacoste: G/F Robinsons Galleria, 2/L Atrium SM Megamall, 2/L Shangri-La Plaza Mall
YRYS: 2/L Robinsons Galleria

What’s in her travel bag?

Melina Valdez, chairman and managing director of Brain Beam events, won’t be caught without her Blackberry, belt bag, shawl and name card holder. She totes them in a native bag from Davao. “It goes great with any outfit. My Pinoy-ness is also reflected through this bag.”