Tagaytay secures its place on most Philippines itineraries with its location above Taal Volcano's active crater. Views of the crater lake and a refreshingly cool climate make the town an enticing destination—not to mention the famously unfinished People's Park in the Sky.

Just an hour north of Manila, Quezon City provides a welcome break from the madness of the Philippines' largest metropolis. Manicured gardens and an ecological park break up the urban sprawl, along with an art-deco style memorial to former president Manuel L. Quezon.

Baguio, perched high in the Cordillera Central Mountains, is a great place to escape the heat of the Philippine lowlands. Camp John Hay, originally built as a recreation area for U.S. soldiers, now is a full-fledged resort complete with a world-class golf course. Definitely stop at the city market, where you can buy almost anything (just be prepared to haggle).

The biggest island in the Philippines, Luzon is also one of the most diverse—it’s where mountain peaks and volcanoes meet miles of coastline, and indigenous culture melds with Spanish colonial history. You can relax at the beach in Pagudpud, hike with locals up the Batad Rice Terraces, ride in a horse-drawn carriage in Vigan, and snack on street food and dance the night away in Manila. You’ll need a few days and a bus pass, but you’ll be glad you stayed.