Make Mine Macau

Globalization leads to variations of diaspora for economic opportunities, as well as enjoyment of foreign travel more than ever. As the leisure classes expand across societies, we see increasing numbers of innocents abroad, availing themselves of cruises, tours, or quick hops within easy reach.

The gamut of holiday desiderata is dictated by ticket price ranges, bargain budgets, time constraints. And, of course, by the practical, allowable radius — of how far or close one may wish to gallivant away from home.

We’re told how Tokyoites find it easier and cheaper to play golf or tennis on Manila’s courses and courts, than to gain reservations on their home turf. The same has happened with the upwardly mobile Koreans, as well as Taiwanese. We see them all over our cities and islands.

And while our fellow Asians — with the mainland Chinese joining the charge — may still prefer cheap holiday tours that have Bangkok as a central hub, while also allowing quick jumps to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur for a triangle of relatively adjacent sightseeing destinations, those who have done that bit can also look next at enjoying our sun, sand, surf and shopping.

In turn, the gradually increasing ranks of middle-class Pinoys are also starting to find cheap air rates conducive to initial forays abroad, especially where visas aren’t a hassle of a requisite.