Cappadocia 1st part; Hot Air Balloon above Turkey

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale last part; Side trip to Aphrodisias Ruins

How to go to Cappadocia;
I went here from Pamukkale flight to Istanbul to Kayseri as there there was no cheapest direct flight and ideal arrival timings on bus road trip. I aimed my 1st balloon flight adventure on daily schedule of 0400H via walk-in query only in Mislina travels in Pamukkale, booked together with airport transfer. Cheapest standard balloon flight costs 270TRY($128.6=PHP5,600). I arrived in Kayseri airport at 0130H then went out and saw immediately a man waving my name on a piece of paper. Airport transfer to Cappadocia costs 30TRY($14.3) for an hour minibus travel. I arrived in Urgup Balloons Office (Mislina travels booked me on this) at 0400H. I have my early free breakfast (unlimited tea and bread) while waiting for other tourists to arrive. Obviously, I didn't have sleep, the usual itinerary challenge on me on a very limited stay. Despite of that, it did not affect my excitement on what's waiting for me in the next few minutes.

I availed the cheapest tour, they called as the standard flight. They are going to pick you up from your hotel early in the morning by their vehicles in Göreme. They will offer you some coffee, tea and snack  foods. Then they will let us watch preparing balloons at the take-off area. Preparations normally takes 15-20 minutes, flights beginning with the sunrise. Pilots climb until 3000 feets from ground level to show you the beauty of Cappadocia. Also they can fly 1 meter close to the rocks as well to takes nice pictures and for fun. Standard Flight takes 60 minutes and they are using 16-20-26 persons basket. There will be champagne celebration at the end of the flight. They will offer Flight Certificate signed by the pilot (with no additional fee) to remind this experience to you. Afterwards,  they will drop us back to our hotels.

Hot Air Balloon above Cappadocia, Turkey

Pamukkale last part; Side trip to Aphrodisias Ruins

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 3rd part; Parachute gliding high above Travertine

How to go to Aphrodisias Archeological Site;
Side trip to Aphrodisias from Pamukkale has daily tours that starts every 0930H and ends around 1700H. Trip costs 30TRY($14.3) that includes aircon mini-bus round-trip transportation only. Travel time is around 2.5hrs. Admission to the site costs 15TRY($7.1). Photography and video taking (with monopod or tripod) is permitted inside. Estimated to finish roaming around at least 3 hours to see the site entirely. All locations are easily walkable and within a square kilometer of area.

Aphrodisias (sometimes Afrodisias) is located inland in the Southern Aegean region, about 30 km west of Denizli. As an archaeological site, it contains some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Turkey, and has perhaps more bang for your money than Ephesus. Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, who had here her unique cult image, the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Aphrodisias 

Aphrodisias Archeological site, a side trip from Pamukkale (Temple of Aphrodite)

Pamukkale 3rd part; Parachute-gliding High above Hierapolis

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 2nd part; Ancient Roman City of Hierapolis

I aimed my tandem paragliding adventure with my intended schedule (0830H) via walk-in query only and in bulk booking together with airport transfers and Cappadocia balloon flight for the next day. The cost of this activity was negotiated to 110TRY($52.4) that includes round-trip van transportation to the mountain from my hostel, gears and insurance. If booked online, paragliding costs 170TRY($81) that includes gears, round-trip transfers, insurance and a CD of photos and video's captured during the flight. Photos below came from the GoPro digicam owned by the Paraglider. I negotiated the CD of shots by 50TRY($23.8). The flight lasts about 15mins.

Tandem paragliders, designed to carry the pilot and one passenger, are larger but otherwise similar. They usually fly faster with higher trim speeds, are more resistant to collapse, and have a slightly higher sink rate compared to solo paragliders. In Pamukkale, the take-off runway mountain has 300m peak and its slope is wide enough for two wings to take-off easily at the same time. The Landing Runway is at the end of the flight track.

Parachute gliding high above Pamukkale

Pamukkale 2nd part; Ancient Roman City of Hierapolis

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Pamukkale 1st part; Walking to Travertine Terraces

How to go to Ancient City of Hierapolis;
From Denizli train station, I walked towards west for Denizli minibus terminal which has around 400m distance. Travel to Pamukkale is 30mins on 3.5TRY($1.67) fare. Minibus last stop is the Pamukkale bus station which is 500m walked to Traveltine Terraces. Admission fee is 25TRY($11.9) that includes entrance to Heirapolis Archeological Site, just right above the Travertine mountain. Only barefoot walking, any kind of footwear is not allowed. Photography and video taking is permitted. Monopod and tripod is also allowed.

Hierapolis was an ancient city located on hot springs in classical Phrygia in southwestern Anatolia. Its ruins are adjacent to modern Pamukkale in Turkey and currently comprise an archaeological museum designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The extensive ruins of the Roman mineral water spa city of Hierapolis include a grand theater, a vast North Necropolis, colonnaded street, baths, and numerous other ruined structures.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hierapolis

Ancient Roman City of Heirapolis

Pamukkale 1st part; Walking to Travertine Terraces

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Selcuk last part; Temple of Artemis & train to Pamukkale

How to go to Pamukkale Petrified Waterfall / Travertine Terraces;
From Denizli train station, I walked towards west for Denizli minibus terminal which has around 400m distance. Travel to Pamukkale is 30mins on 3.5TRY($1.67) fare. Minibus last stop is the Pamukkale bus station which is 500m walked to Traveltine Terraces. Admission fee is 25TRY($11.9) that includes entrance to Heirapolis Archeological Site, just right above the Travertine mountain. Only barefoot walking, any kind of footwear is not allowed. Photography and video taking is permitted. Monopod and tripod is also allowed.

Pamukkale literally means "cotton castle" in Turkish. The Travertines of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a set of bizarre calcium cliff bathing pools overlooking the town. You are required to remove your shoes in order to walk on them, so the travertines stay white as ever. This job is made tougher in winters when the water flowing down the chalky cascades is freezing cold. You can avoid the climb and take a taxi to the top of the hill and enter from the side of Hierapolis. But the real charm of the place lies in experiencing these travertines. Lower parts of the travertine cascades are reported to have better views than the top. 
http://wikitravel.org/en/Pamukkale

It can get quite hot in summer, a hat and especially sunglasses will certainly be very helpful against the sun and the reflecting sun rays from the chalky cascades. On the other hand, the cold winter climate could make the experience slightly uncomfortable because of barefoot walking.

Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale

Selcuk last part; Temple of Artemis & Train to Pamukkale

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Selcuk 1st part; Strolling the Ancient City of Ephesus

How to go to Temple of Artemis;
Upon exiting the Ephesus Archeological Site, minibus passed the main road regularly on almost every 30min interval. Temple of Artemis passes by on the way going back to Selcuk train station, same fare of 2.5TRY($1.2). Travel time from Ephesus Archeological site to Temple of Artemis is less than 5 minutes only, can be walk but that time there was a scorching heat of the sun. No entrance fee for the Temple of Artemis. Photography and video taking is permitted inside, monopod and tripod also is allowed.

DAILY TRAIN SCHEDULE FROM IZMIR, SELCUK AND DENIZLI 
Izmir Airport to Selcuk (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
08.06  -  09.21  -  11.45  -  13.51  -  16.02  -  16.54  -  18.37  -  19.30
Selcuk to Izmir Airport (4.75TRY=$2.26) for an 1-hr travel time
06.49  -  07.22  -  09.00  -  11.28  -  15.53  -  17.58  -  19.32  -  20.44
Selcuk to Denizli (Pamukkale) (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
09.01  -  10.18  -  12.39  -  14.43  -  17.05  -  17.57  -  19.33  -  20.43
Denizli (Pamukkale) to Selcuk (15.75TRY=$7.5) for a 3-hrs travel time
04.20  -  05.45    -   08.20    -  12.50  -  14.50  -   17.15

The ancient Greek city of Ephesus was famous for its Temple of Artemis, which was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple also known less precisely as the Temple of Diana, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Only foundations and sculptural fragments of the latest of the temples at the site remain.

Turkish train from Izmir to Denizli, passing by Selcuk

Selcuk 1st part; Strolling the Ancient City of Ephesus

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Airport arrival at night

How to go to Ephesus;
From Izmir airport, ride a train bound to Selcuk which has an hour travel time at 4.75TRY($2.2) fare. Upon arriving at the Selcuk train station, I walked around 500m towards the minibus terminal bound to Ephesus which departs ONLY on full seating capacity. Minibus ride was around 10mins with fare of 2.5TRY($1.2). Ephesus Archeological Site has entrance fee of 30TRY($14.3). Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod is allowed while the tripod has to be surrendered in Security Office.

Ephesus was a former ancient Greek City before a messy period of conquest and reconquest and after the population was moved from Selçuk to the the present site. After that, Ephesus became a Roman city in 133 BC. Ephesus has developed into one of the most highly frequented archaeological sites, due not only to the excellent state of preservation but also to the visitor-friendly presentation of the monuments. The ancient site of Ephesus is seen entirely on foot. Pathways are signed clearly and easily navigated as you make your way through.

The so-called Theater Gymnasium was constructed in 125AD. The complex with over-all dimensions greater than 12,000sqm, conforms to the Ephesian type of bath-gymnasium compexes. U-shaped recreation and lobby halls surrounded the bathing rooms. Celsus Library, certainly the most well-known monument in Ephesus, was built 100AD by Gaius Aquila for his father Tiberius Celsus. The library actually be interpreted as a "heroon" which was built over the burial chamber of the deceased. The library was destroyed during an earthquake in 270AD and was not never rebuilt.

Ancient City of Ephesus (Library of Celsus)

How to Apply for Turkey Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

an adventure of Pinoy backpacker in processing travel documents

general info:

* Tourist visa is valid for 6 months upon issuance.
* single entry maximum duration of stay in is 30 days only.
* as of April 2014, there are 2 ways to obtain this visa; apply for e-visa or the standard process.

APPLYING FOR TURKEY E-VISA

Nationals of the Philippines holding passport with a valid Schengen or OECD member's visa or residence permit may get their one month period single entry e-Visas via the website www.evisa.gov.tr up to 90 days within six months, starting from the first entry. Not all countries are allowed to apply.

http://kuwait.emb.mfa.gov.tr/ShowAnnouncement.aspx?ID=208006

Turkey e-visa (for tourism and single entry only)

4 Days Summer Solo Escapade in Turkey

Selcuk - Pamukkale - Cappadocia - Istanbul tour
July 07 to July 10, 2014

"I'm one of these people that if I have a nice holiday - like I have had in Turkey repeatedly - I go back a lot." - Freema Agyeman

My 36th country to visit, 32nd solo backpacking trip, 3rd country to visit in Euro-Asia, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Turkey was founded in 1923 from the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Soon thereafter the country instituted secular laws to replace traditional religious fiats. In 1945 Turkey joined the UN, and in 1952 it became a member of NATO. The English name Turkey first appeared in the late 14th century, and is derived from Medieval Latin Turchia. The Ottoman Empire was sometimes referred as the Turkish Empire among its contemporaries.
http://wikitravel.org/en/Turkey

Amphitheater inside Ephesus

Casablanca Tour last part; Short Trip to Corniche

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Casablanca tour 1st part; train trip from Marrakesh

I arrived 1010H in Casablanca Casa Voyageour station. Totally no idea where to go, I'm surprise there's a tram station just around 20 meters outside the station exit. I checked the map and fortunately enlightened how to spend my remaining hours in Morocco before going to Casablanca airport by 1230H. I stopped-by first to Place de Nation station for a McDo short lunch (free wifi) then went back to tram station to continue my tram escapade to the last station, Casablanca's corniche. Photography and video taking is permitted.

Casablanca, may be the cosmopolitan, industrial and economic heart of Morocco (and its largest city), but it is one of the less endearing in the country. With a small, unassuming medina and a traffic-congested ville nouvelle, travellers arriving via Casablanca may be tempted to find the first train out to nearby Rabat. The awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque and happening nightlife, however, are worth at least a day of your Moroccan itinerary. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Casablanca

Casablanca short trip to Corniche

Casablanca Tour 1st part; Train trip from Marrakesh

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour last part; going back to Marrakesh

I booked my ticket a day before my intended schedule. From Jemaa Square, I took bus #8 going to Marrakesh train station which has around 15 minutes travel time, fare costs only 4MAD ($0.50). I chose 0655H Marrakesh departure arriving in Casablanca Casa Voyageour train station at 1010H, a 3 hours travel time with no stops. Train departure from Marrakesh has every 2 hours interval, fare costs 90MAD ($11.11) for 2nd class seat.

Rail transport in Morocco is operated by the ONCF. The main network for passenger-transport consists of a North-South link from Tangier via Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech and this N/S link interconnects with the East-West connection linking Oujda in the East via Fes to Rabat. Major destinatioons currently not (yet) linked by rail are often served by Supratours, a bus company operated by the ONCF.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Morocco

Morocco train ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca

Ouarzazate Tour last part; Going Back to Marrakesh

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 4th part; Berber Desert Camp at night

This was the 2nd day of the Zagora 2D1N tour. After having our breakfast around 0600H, guides advised us to packed up our things as we will be living by 0700H. Then we started to camel back ride again but this transportation lasted only around less than an hour as our mini-bus transportation was already waiting on the main road. Around 0830H we started to hit the road passing by the High Atlas Mountain going back to Marrakesh.

The High Atlas is a region in Morocco covering the mountain range and surrounding destinations such as Marrakech. It's a regular destination for mountain hikers, ski enthusiasts, or travellers interested in the indigenous Berber culture found throughout its many peaks and valleys. The Atlas mountains are home to relatively pure Berber populations, who live in earthen adobe houses. Marrakech is the only Moroccan city with a recognizable Berber ambiance, being situated at the base of the southern Atlas mountains. The color of Marrakech is the color of the Berbers - reddish, ochre and earth tones are the only colors you see adorning the adobe buildings, giving the impression that the entire city springs from the earth. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/High_Atlas

from Berber Desert Camping going back to Marrakesh

Ouarzazate Tour 4th part; Berber Desert Camp at Night

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 3rd part; Camel backride in Sahara Desert

We arrived safely (no any single injury during the camel backride on all 16 tourists with me) in Berber Desert Camp around 1900H, almost 30 minutes before it became dark.

The traditional Berber desert camps are at the base of the great dunes of Erg Chigaga, the longest 'erg' (sand sea) in Morocco, and well off the beaten path. The camps are encircled by smaller, rolling dunes for privacy and shelter, which offer a great vantage point for sunset and sunrise. We only arrange stays at small camps. The sleeping tents at the Berber desert camps are made of the traditional Saharan 'haimas' materials. We slept in comfort (with mattress, linens) and there is a separate shower and toilet facility on-site, western-style and with hot water. There is also a separate dining-salon tent and outdoor space for relaxation and enjoyment of the campfire. Evening entertainment is around the campfire/after dinner (singing and playing of drums). All meals, drinking water, hot drinks, and guided camel-ride are included in your stay at the Berber camps. 

Berber Desert Camp at night

Ouarzazate Tour 3rd part; Camel Backride in Sahara Desert

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 2nd part; short visit to Ouarzazate

We arrived around 1700H to the starting point where the camels are waiting for us. We were dispatched on a guide with group of four. Camel back ride last around 2 hours. Exciting on first 15 minutes, but  when it takes longer it was pain in lower part between legs.

Camels are known as the ships of the desert, but this doesn’t mean that they are always in a condition to ship tourists around. Don’t believe that camels need to be whipped or beaten to make them work. Look to see how the owner interacts with his animal – a gentle tap should be enough to tell the camel what he needs to do.

Camel backride in Sahara Desert

Ouarzazate Tour 2nd part; Short Visit to the Inner City

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Ouarzazate tour 1st part; Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

After we visited the Ait Benhaddou and have our lunch, we proceeded to the other major tourist parts of Ouarzazate city, nicknamed as "The door of the desert", of Ouarzazate Province. 

Ouarzazate is relatively small  and for Morocco quiet town, built mostly along main street - Avenue Muhammed V. Ouarzazate is situated at an elevation of 1,135 meters. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning "without noise" or "without confusion". The Ouarzazate area is a noted film-making location, with Morocco's biggest studios inviting many international companies to work here. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were shot here, as was part of the TV series Game of Thrones.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Ouarzazate

short visit to Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate Tour 1st part; Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh walk tour last part; Jemaa El Fna Sqaure at night

How did I booked this Zagora 2D1N tour via walk-in query only;
Upon arrival in the last stop of bus #19 in Jemaa Square coming from Marrakesh Airport, I honestly don't know how to proceed searching for my booked hostel as lots of stand-by locals coming for me. So What I did was pretended that already know where to go and I'm just looking for some restaurant to have lunch. Upon walking on the KFC sidewalk (between the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa Square) and after a street, I passed by this persistent local offering me brochure of major Marrakesh tours. Since he was not looking harmless, I entertain his negotiation ans we went to the their office which was a very short walked from where we were standing. I bargained the Zagora 2D1N tour to 500MAD ($24.7) from its original price of 650MAD ($80). 

Zagora 2D1N tour includes roundtrip transfer from my hostel via Aircon Minibus, visits to Ait Behaddou, Ouarzazate, Draa Valley, Zagora, two hours sunset camel backride, dinner and night spent in a Berber desert camp under the stars or in tents. Ait Benhaddou is a traditional Mud Brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has featured in many films, mostly as a replacement for Jerusalem.

Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified city, or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. It is situated in Souss-Massa-Drâa on a hill along the Ounila River and is known for its kasbahs, although they take damage with each rainstorm. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, eight families still live within the ksar. Aït Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including: The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Babel (2006), Prince of Persia (2010) and Son of God (film) (2014).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A%C3%AFt_Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou

Marrakesh Walk Tour last part; Jemaa El Fna Square at Night

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh walk tour 1st part; Strolling the Old Medina

How to go to Place Jemaa El Fna;
From Marrakesh Airport, just go to the only Airport arrival exit and the bus #19 is waiting there every 30 minutes. Fare costs 30MAD ($3.7) which has around 20 minute travel to the last stop, Place Jemaa. Photography and video taking is permitted.

The cultural space of Jemaa El Fna square has been proclaimed masterpiece of the intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. The Jamaa El Fna Square is situated in the heart of the Medina. The cultural and artistic crossroads is used not only as a meeting piece for local people, but also for story tellers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, smoke charmers, traditional healers and fortune-tellers. It is also a plate for trading and entertainment. The Square is a model for urban planning giving priority to people, culture, encounter and exchange.

During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists. As the day progresses, the entertainment on offer changes: the snake charmers depart, and late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of appreciative locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As darkness falls, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls as the number of people on the square peaks. The square is edged along one side by the Marrakesh souk, a traditional North African market catering both for the common daily needs of the locals, and for the tourist trade. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jemaa_el-Fnaa
 

Marrakesh walk tour; Jemaa El Fna Square at night

Marrakesh Walk Tour 1st part; Strolling the Old Medina

4-days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

Marrakesh Airport arrival in the morning

How to go to Old Medina;
From Marrakesh Airport, just go to the only Airport arrival exit and the bus #19 is waiting there every 30 minutes. Fare costs 30MAD ($3.7) which has around 20 minute travel to the last stop, Place Jemaa. Photography and video taking is permitted.

The name Marrakesh originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur akush, which means "Land of God." It is the third largest city in Morocco, after Casablanca and Rabat, and lies near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It is a few hours from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Its location and contrasting landscape has made it an enviable destination in Morocco. The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores. 

http://wikitravel.org/en/Marrakech

Marrakesh's Old Medina (Koutoubia Mosque)

4 Days Morocco Self-guided Solo Tour

Marrakesh - Ouarzazate - Casablanca tour
July 03 to July 06, 2014

“Travelling, one accepts everything; indignation stays at home. One looks, one listens, one is roused to enthusiasm by the most dreadful things because they are new. Good travellers are heartless.” ― Elias Canetti, The Voices of Marrakesh: A Record of a Visit

My 35th country to visit, 31st solo backpacking trip, 2nd country to visit in Africa, and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Geographically, Morocco is characterized by a rugged mountainous interior and large portions of desert. The Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maġribiyah, meaning "The Western Kingdom" and Al-Maghrib, meaning "The West" are commonly used as alternate names. Morocco is composed mainly of Arabs and Berbers or a mixture of the two. Sizeable numbers of Berbers live mainly in the country’s mountainous regions — long areas of refuge for them where they preserve their language and culture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco

Ait Benhaddou

Budget Tips in Solo Backpacking England (United Kingdom)

6-days England Summer Solo Travel (United Kingdom)

June 27 to July 03, 2014

England Royal landmarks last part; Oxford Castle

1. On my visa application though it is not recommended, I paid confirm flight tickets and hostel accommodation. I just want to make it sure the embassy will grant me a visa on earliest day due to the proximity of application date against flight departure.

2. London Pass is a tourist pass in London that gives entry at no further cost to a choice of over 60 favorite attractions as well as free public transport on buses, tubes and some regional trains. I availed 3-days London Pass with off-peak travel card for 107GBP ($182). I visited most of all major tourist spots (as previously mentioned) included in a combined entrance fees of 124.2GBP ($211), the 3 off-peak travel cards (8.9GBP) for 26.7GBP ($45) plus a roundtrip train ride to Windsor which costs around 40GBP. This totals 190.9GBP and has a huge savings of 83.9GBP ($142.6) a 44% smile on budget. Unfortunately, entrance fees to Westminster Palace, St. Paul Cathedral, London Eye, Aquarium and Ripleys are NOT included in London pass attractions.
 
3. To have discounts on some tourist attractions not included in London Pass, book your tickets in advance online especially for train tickets. Britrail train tickets, mock booked more than a month before compared to week before flight departure has a huge fare difference. Even during the booking of 3- days London Pass w/ off-peak travel card, there was a 10% discount promo that time. Warwick castle entrance fee with an almost 30% discount online. I paid 16.8GBP online, walk-in ticket costs 24GBP. Oxford castle entrance fee with 15% discount online.

Budget Tips in Solo Backpacking England (London Pass with off-peak travel cards)