Unlike the first time that I went to La Union last 2019, this year, I went on a DIY trip with my friends. Meaning, the trip is half planned and half spontaneous. We also already expected it to be a little bit more expensive since we know that JOINERS trip are cheaper.

To be honest, I was a little scared because I don't want to be disappointed. This is my first OUT OF TOWN trip this year (coming to Lucena is counted but I went there for a family affiair, not really for leisure lol) and I don't want this to be a disaster. Good thing, it wasn't. It was smoother, to say the least than I expected even though there are 'unwanted and unplanned' things that happened.

I am glad we did it the way we did it. I learned a lot, so here's a few tips that I think will be useful for people who wants to enjoy URBIZTONDO specifically especiall for first timers.

1. GET A TRANSIENT NEAR URBIZTONDO OR WITHIN SAN JUAN

Our transient isn't within San Juan but it's on the area in San Fernando that's alrteady close to San Juan. Urbiztondo is just approximately 1.1KM away from where we stayed at and it is very convenient because there's already a line of tricycle outside the village and it only takes us a few minutes whenever we go out or go back to our place. You can definitely look for a transient/hotel/room within San Juan or Urbiztondo because there's a lot, but it can be a bit more expensive than to where we stayed at.

This is the place we stayed at. You can check HERE.

We book this for 3 days and 2 nights. We only spent 1k+ per person since there's 5 of us.

Imagine, 1k+ only for 3 days and 2 nights? This is a steal!

Plus, the host are really accommodating, quick to give what we need and attentive. We can come and go without any hassle. They are also operating a store so that's where we bought our rice and ice. Parking space is also available for free if you will be arriving on a private vehicle.

2. BUY YOUR ESSENTIALS + SOME FOOD TO COOK BEFOREHAND

The night before our trip, we already bought a few things in the grocery. Since we can cook in the transient house, this is the best option we thought of so we wouldn't have to go out really early to buy our food in the morning. We can just cook without the hassle of looking for a place to buy what we need.

The best thing about having these beforehand is the convenience.

Also, it will be really expensive if you'll have to go out and eat everytime. This is a good alternative for that.

3. EAT LUNCH AT A SEASIDE EATERY OR RESTO SO YOU'LL HAVE A PLACE FOR YOUR THINGS WHILE YOU HAVE A DIP IN THE SEA

It's a trick I learned the first time I went in La Union. Although we're on a joiners, the organizes dropped us off on a certain restaurant next to the beach. They said that we can just order anything for lunch and then we can leave our things (but please still be mindful or have someone stay there with your things if you go to the beach) so we can take a dip. NO ENTRANCE FEE needed!

We also ordered shake. This grill station is just next to TAVERN BY THE SEA. 

We only took a drip for a few minutes and we already enjoyed it. The wave is pretty strong so we just played with it for a little while and took some photos.

4. GO TO URBIZTONDO ON OR BEFORE 4PM TO WATCH THE SUNSET

4PM is a good time to go out and watch the sunset and also to get the spot you want. We had coffee at TIMPLA in Tavern by the Sea. We left our things at the table we got and took some shots at the beach.

There's a lot of people that came because it's a lonng weekend but do not be intimidated. Do what you want to do, no one wouuld be weirded out because everyone just wants to enjoy.

5. STAY AT THE SAME TABLE YOU GOT BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL START TO SWARM THE PLACE FOR THE NIGHT LIFE

People will start to swarm the place and by six in the evening, the crowd is already massive. Tables and chairs will be spread up to the beach. If you want to go to FLOTSAM & JETSAM, you must probablky go earlier since they're one of the most sought after place so they get full easily.