3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Vancouver

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Aug. 24 to Sep. 02, 2024

10 Days Budget Solo Trip in Summer Canada Preparation and Full Itinerary

1st night photography walk in Canada. 15 hours ang advance ng Pinas. 

Ang higpit ng Canada (Vancouver) Airport Immigration, naka-dalawang set of interrogation ako, ang detailed pa.

#vancouver #canada #photography #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT VANCOUVER

1. Vancouver is also called “Hollywood of the North”

2. Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal is the 4th largest in the world.

3. The Port of Vancouver is the largest port in Canada and the third largest in North America

4. Vancouver is home to Canada’s longest pool (Kits Pool).

5. The cosmetic treatment Botox was invented in Vancouver.

Day 01: August 24 Saturday CANADA 1 (VANCOUVER)

0400H ETD Home; grab taxi 739

0600H ETA NAIA T1; travel tax 1,620 / check-in / airport lounge

1005H ETD Manila MNL T1 UTC +0800H; flight JL746 

1530H ETA Tokyo NRT T2 UTC +0900H; 2.5hr transit

1810H ETD Tokyo NRT T2; flight JL58

1145H ETA San Francisco SFO T1 UTC -0700H; 3hr transit

1520H ETD San Francisco SFO T1; flight WS1775

1738H ETA Vancouver YVR UTC -0700H ₱44K / EXCHANGE: 1 USD = 1.38 CAD

Waterfront Station (Canada line) $8.2 / $351.3

The Cambie Hostel Gastown 2N ($179/₱7.7k) / Remaining Balance + key deposit ($96.5)

TOTAL: ₱2,359 + $8

Day 02: August 25 Sunday CANADA 2 (VANCOUVER)

Book Quebec bus trip $121 / ₱5,172.5 / Book Ottawa bus trip $115 / ₱4,926.2

13km Morning Walk loop (Burrard Bridge, Vancouver Art Gallery,  Kitsilano Beach)

Jollibee breakfast $17 / Waterfront / Canada Place / Olympic Cauldron / McDonald's snacks $8 / Magnet $4

False Creek afternoon walk loop (Burrard Bridge, Granville Island, Science World) 11km

The Cambie Hostel Gastown 2N

TOTAL: $265 / ₱11,395

Day 03: August 26 Monday CANADA 3 (VANCOUVER)

10km False Creek Loop Morning run / Jollibee breakfast $15

1100H Hostel checkout; baggage in storage 

Stanley Park hiking (Totem Poles), raining / McDonald's snacks $8

Book Toronto bus trip $80 / Book Niagara Falls bus trip $34

1600H walk to metro; YVR airport (Canada line) $5

2315H ETD Vancouver YVR UTC-700H; flight WS564

TOTAL: $142 / ₱ 6,106

3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Vancouver

How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

* The process is almost the same with online Australia Tourist Visa application

* Visa duration is up to 10 years from the date of grant and must not work while inside Canada
* Length of Stay is 6 month(s) from the date of each arrival, multiple entries

* Tourist / Visitor Visa is called as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

​My first visa on my freshly renewed passport (2023-2033) surprisingly. I thought the Embassy ignored my application, processing took almost THREE YEARS (countless email follow-ups have been made). 

Delay Reason: internal issues, my application was approved immediately, no further queries. 

Update as of June 2023: Eligible travellers from Philippines or Philippine Passport Holders (and other 12 more countries) are now qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travellers MUST have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. ETA only costs $7 CAD and applied online. To apply, you must have a valid passport, a credit or a debit card, an email address, and answer a few questions in the online application.

APPLYING FOR CANADA TOURIST VISA AS ORDINARY CITIZEN IN THE PHILIPPINES  

https://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/Philippines/

visa fee:

PHP 6,755 (185 CAD)

requirements:

1. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a visa is to apply online using IRCC GCKey.
2. Filled-up Visitor Visa Application Form IMM5257
3. Filled-up Family Information Form IMM5645
4. Certified copy of the biographical page of the current passport
5. One recent passport sized photograph (45 mm x 35 mm)
6. Proof of means of financial support such as Salary Certificate / Bank Statement with stamp
7. Purpose of travel, itinerary for your stay in Canada.
8. Travel history, previous passport stamps
9. Invitation Letter or Hotel Booking

appointment:

- schedule on this link every Monday to Friday – 07:00 – 16:00

- passport submission after visa approval notification doesn't require appointment, walk-in between 1pm to 4pm, Mon to Fri.

address:

Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc.
29th Floor The World Center Bldg 330 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City

Helpline Number: +632-8528-2505

Canada Temporary Resident Visa issued in Philippines (2023-2030)

10 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Canada

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Aug. 24 to Sep. 02, 2024

“Canada is the only country in the world that knows how to live without an identity.” - Marshall McLuhan

Canada is the 142nd country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries and my 18th country to visit all 23 countries of North America. 

2024 America Continent Trip 1st part ends...

Thank you CANADA:  (my 142nd country) (Canada's top 3 cities and provinces)

#livealifeyouwillremember #canada #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #takbo #run #vancouver #montreal 

#toronto #ontario #quebec #britishcolumbia #canada

Canada is a land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Much of Canada's current built environment and influence has come primarily from two European nations, Britain and France. Canadians generally enjoy a high quality of life - Canada consistently scores very well on economic freedom, corruption, respect for civil rights, and more. Canadians are, mostly used to living and interacting with people of different ethnic backgrounds daily and will usually be quite friendly and understanding if approached in public. The country is largely urban-based, where people of all backgrounds may rub elbows with one another.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Canada

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CANADA

timezone - UTC -0230H to -0700H   capital - Ottawa    language - English/French    currency - Dollar (CAD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Canada has the longest coastline in the world.

2. The coldest ever recorded temperature in Canada is -63°C.

3. Canada is so big that it occupies six time zones.

4. Canada is the second-largest country in the world following Russia.

5. More than half of all the lakes in the world are located in Canada.

10 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Canada

3 Weeks Solo Trip to American Continent (2nd Circumnavigation)

My first trip abroad as a Filipino Solo Backpacker with No Work... August 24 to September 13, 2024

Circumnavigated the World from UAE to America back to Asia (Jan. 2020)

My 113th solo backpacking trip and budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itineraries from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my nth visit back to American Continent following the 7-month America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip (Dec. 2020 to Jun. 2021). Moreover, this trip also served as the completion of my visit to 12 countries of the Continent of South America.

3 Countries. 3 Weeks. 2nd Circumnavigation. 2024 America Continent Solo Trip successful.

Thank you CANADA , SURINAME and VENEZUELA.

#livealifeyouwillremember #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #takbo #southamerica #venezuela #caracas #merida #suriname #paramaribo #canada #vancouver #montreal #toronto 

Circumnavigation refers to the complete navigation around an entire island, continent or astronomical body (planet). My first adventure on flight Circumnavigation was last 2020 at the beginning of Pandemic (from UAE to America to Asia). On my 2nd adventure this year 2024, I started my trip from my Homeland Philippines then flight out to the easternmost part via the Pacific Ocean. From the Philippines to Japan (transit) to the United States (transit) to Canada. Then from North America down to Central and South America. From Canada to United States (transit) to Panama (transit) to Suriname to Trinidad & Tobago to Venezuela. Going back home, 

THREE WEEKS SOLO TRIP 2ND CIRCUMNAVIGATION ITINERARY 2024

Note: Philippine passport holders need to have United States, Canada, Suriname Entry fee voucher and Venezuela Tourist visa before travel

Aug. 24 Sat Flight from Manila, Philippines (UTC +0800H) to Tokyo, Japan (UTC +0900H)

Aug. 24 Sat Flight from Tokyo, Japan to San Francisco, US (UTC -0700H)

Aug. 24 Sat Flight from San Francisco, US to Vancouver, Canada (UTC -0700H)

Aug. 26 Mon Flight from Vancouver, Canada to Montreal, Canada (UTC -0400H)

Sep. 02 Mon Flight from Toronto, Canada to Panama City, Panama (UTC -0500H)

Sep. 03 Tue Flight from Panama City, Panama to Paramaribo, Suriname (UTC -0300H)

Sep. 07 Sat Flight from Paramaribo, Suriname to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago (UTC -0400H)

Sep. 07 Sat Flight from Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago to Caracas, Venezuela (UTC -0400H)

Sep. 11 Wed Flight from Caracas, Venezuela to Istanbul, Turkey (UTC +0300H)

Sep. 12 Thu Flight from Istanbul, Turkey to Bangkok, Thailand (UTC +0700H)

Sep. 13 Fri Flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Manila, Philippines (UTC +0800H)

3 Weeks Solo Budget Trip back to the American Continent 2024 (2nd Circumnavigation)

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Traveling Alone on Budget DIY Itinerary as Philippine passport holder only (2010-2024)

How Challenging to have a Philippine Passport as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

Visa on Arrival / E-Visa Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with a sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

​Despite the weakness of the Philippine passport (having only less than 70 countries that provide free visa/visa on arrival privilege) and challenging visa application, immigration, profiling and interrogation all throughout the journey (especially in NAIA Terminals), I managed to accomplish the following successfully and beyond what I anticipated. #livealifeyouwillremember

01. 2013 - First Europe get-away (23 Days Solo Autumn Experience in Central Europe, 9 countries visited) then to the Promised Land of Israel (including Bethlehem of Palestine) coming from the Arab country in the Middle East.

02. 2014 - Hopping to three continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) with hiking to Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain and one of the 7 Summits) and Self-guided Hike to Mt. Fuji (Japan's highest mountain). 

03. 2015 - Winter Trans-Mongolia Train Ride from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, experienced the coldest capital city of the World at around -25'C.

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

How to Apply for Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

Quest to visit all Countries of South America in 2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with a Philippine passport only, with WORK FROM HOME JOB (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and NO BUSINESS. I provided proof of enough savings, investments and insurance.

TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS:  will be given to those who wish to join the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for recreation, health, or activities that do not involve compensation or profit, such as cultural, artistic, scientific, sports, contact with companies public or private sector, or journalism for special events. 

1. Valid Passport (more than 6 months validity) - I provided a copy of the bio-page and the original passport (1 page)

2. Properly filled out application form (typewritten) - I printed out then signed (2 pages)

3. Two (2) 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm latest pictures, colored, white background, no computerized alterations (do not staple or scan picture) - I provided latest copy with a white background

4. Airline tickets with entry and exit dates - I provided unpaid booking via 3rd party booking website

5. Documents providing adequate funds to support the travel: Bank Certification, Employment Certificate, Real Estate, Commercial - I provided copies of my house title, condominium unit titles, and insurance investments, BDO online statement of account, and copy of Debit/Credit Card (6 pages) 

6. Bank Certificate reflecting three (3) months average maintaining balance must be addressed to the Consular Section of this Embassy - I provided a copy given by BDO where my savings account is deposited

7. If employed, Employment Certificate and other pertinent documents - I provided a copy of Certficate of Employment

8. If not employed or a student, an Affidavit of Support is required - N/A

9. Original and photocopy of Filipino Identification Cards, Residency, or Certificate issued by the authorities - I provided scanned copies of all government-issued IDs

10. Original Certificate of Domicile issued by the Police Station nearest to the place of residency or authority - I provided copy of the National Police Clearance

11. International Certificate against Yellow Fever, original and photocopy. Required only when traveling to another country before entering Venezuela or once within the national territory, you travel to another country that requests such vaccine and has plans of re-entry to Venezuela - I provided a copy of the yellow fever vaccine certificate

12. Personal Interview - to follow after approval of online submission

13. Visa Fee is US$50.00 (Payment is deposited in our bank account on the same day all complete documents are submitted to the Embassy)

Total No. of Document Page print submitted: 30 print-outs mostly in color pages

Note: 

• Processing of visa will take 3 to 4 working days UPON PAYMENT

• All documents must be original with photocopy

• In certain cases, additional documents may be requested

Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (1 year multiple entry 2024-2025)