Semestral breaks are best spent with friends. Discovering your own country is neat,locals understand you and you can go on shoestring budget.

Here are some tips from Marivic del Pilar, treasury and marketing head of Victory Liner:

Pick your destination. Subic, known for its white sandy beaches, is a mere 1 1/2 hours away; Baguio, the summer capital, is just 4 hours away via SCTEX; Tuguegarao, where you can enjoy whitewater rafting, is now 12 hours away — the choice is yours to make.

Make early arrangements. Sembreak is a super peak season, so be sure you’ve called in advance to make reservations at the hotel you wish to stay in.

The internet is a good way to book reservations, and you can try Microtel Inns and Suites in Baguio, Tarlac and Cabanatuan, as they are all within Victory Liner’s route. Also, buy Victory Liner tickets in advance in your terminal of choice to avoid the long lines of passengers buying tickets at the onset of the sembreak.

Know your destination well. Check out the internet or ask other friends who have been to your destination of choice — so you’ll know beforehand which places to visit, resorts to have fun in, where to shop, where to eat and where to go for a gimmick at night.

Make sure you will never be hungry. Go ahead – pack some snacks and drinks for the trip. That bus ride is definitely so much fun when you can munch on your favorite snacks while chatting with your friends at the same time.

Travel light. Having a backpack is the smartest way to travel by bus. You don’t need to put large luggages under the bus since a backpack could easily fit in the bus’ overhead compartment. It is also easier to move around and explore when traveling light.

Don’t forget your camera – Always remember to bring your camera or a cellphone with a camera. A barkada outing is a nice event to remember through the years. Take many pictures, and upload it in your friendster or facebook accounts. Who knows, photos you take could one day appear in your wedding videos or other important events in your life.

Be prepared for emergencies. Be sure to bring medicine for diarrhea, colds, fever, as well as an insect repellant lotion.

For those who like to travel in style, Victory Liner now has luxury buses with restrooms, so you can reach your destination without stops. It also offers comfortable seats with ample legroom, has clean restrooms, and a friendly stewardess who offers you some snacks.