Showing posts with label north america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label north america. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 01, 2024

Continent: Beauty of North America (visited 18 of 23 Countries)

exploring the world's best tourist spots on a Filipino-style budget backpacking

5 Countries remaining (Antigua, Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Saint Kitts) to complete the 23 countries of North America, traveled as Philippine Passport Holder only Solo Backpacker #livealifeyouwillremember #america #northamerica

Interesting Facts about the Continent of North America;
1. North America is the third largest continent in world, ranking just below Asia and Africa (which are the first and second largest continents, respectively).
2. The word “America” comes from the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. He is the first person to have realized that the West Indies and Brazil are actually not connected to Asia but are part of another separate landmass of their own.
3. The name “America” used to refer to only South America alone. However, when the land mass of present North America were added to maps, most mapmakers opted to retain the original name.
4. North America is contained entirely within the Northern and Western Hemispheres.
5. North and South America are usually considered as subcontinents, while America is the larger continent of which these two are part of.
6. North America is bordered by three of the world’s largest oceans, namely the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific.

Sightseeing the Continents; the beauty of North America

COUNTRIES OF NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT (18 of 23 = 78%)
1
Antigua&Barbuda
6
11
16
21
2
Bahamas
7
Cuba
12
17
22
3
8
13
18
23
4
9
14
19
Saint Kitts


5
10
15
Jamaica
20


Friday, September 20, 2024

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

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)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

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


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)
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

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

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


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)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Completed the Seven Continents of the World

Pinoy Solo Backpacker journey to complete sightseeing the Earth's Seven Continents
2010 to 2019 #lakbaySevenContinents

Completed the Seven New Wonders (Man-Made) of the World
#lakbay100 Quest Completed (2010-June to 2019-July)

Geologically, the continents largely correspond to areas of continental crust that are found on the continental plates. A continent is defined as a large unbroken land mass completely surrounded by water. The seven continents are North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. The island groups in the Pacific are often called Oceania, scientists consider them the remains of a continent.

Lakbay Seven Continents of the World beyond #lakbay100

Lakbay Seven Continents of the World beyond #lakbay100

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise
November 26 to December 06, 2022


Highlight: Coming from Philippine Airport (MNL) as Budgetarian Filipino Solo Backpacker with Philippine passport only. I confirm and fully paid both flights and cruise around 24 days before the first flight but save around 40% of the flight fares and 50% on the entire cruise fare (mandatory gratuities included). Minor expenses only per island visit day. Also, NO VISA APPLIED in all 6 Island nations and 2 transit airports visited. I just booked the flights and cruise, bring my backpack and passport, then go.

Origin Airport: NAIA T3 (MNL) UTC +0800H
Transit Airport: Dubai (DXB) UTC +0400H and Amsterdam (AMS) UTC +0100H
Arrival Airport: Bridgetown (BGI) UTC -0400H
Time Difference between Origin and Arrival: 12 hours 
Flight Time: Approximately 42 hours (transits included), 3 sets of flights with 9 hours average per flight 
Airlines booked: Emirates and KLM
Visa Applied: NONE, Transit without visa and visit without visa if the transit/visit is less than 24 hours

Cruise Date: Nov 27 to Dec. 04, 2022 (UTC -0400H) 
Cruise line / Itinerary: Royal Caribbean (US website) / 7 Nights Southern Carribean 

Major Expenses (booked / paid on 02-Nov-2022, just 24 days before first flight departure)
- standard cruise booking was around $1,100, I save around 50%
* Return Flight MNL-AMS-MNL (Emirates) and AMS-BGI-AMS (KLM) via Sky Scanner (Trip.com) P118,648
- airline website was around P200,000, I save around 40%
Total: PHP 151,789 (USD 2,643)


Caribbean Cruise Requirements (print-out expedites the process):
1. Original Passport and photocopies (minimum 6 months validity)
2. Barbados online arrival form (Bridgetown is the airport and seaport of entry / exit of the cruise)
3. Print-out Full Covid19 Vaccine Certificate 
4. Print-out Return Flight tickets
5. Print-out Cruise Receipt / Itinerary
5. Print-out of some financial documentation as a source of income / to pay for expenses

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Barbados is an island in the Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela that is often portrayed as the Little Britain of the Caribbean because of its long association with the UK as a British colony.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Barbados

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 8: December 04, 2022 Sunday BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS (My 133rd Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast
0700H ETA Bridgetown UTC -0400H / 99.75 USD refund
Brandon's beach, Old Town, Brownes beach / Fridge magnet 5 USD
1300H ETD Bridgetown center (bus terminal); bus 12/13 to airport 2 USD
1959H ETD Bridgetown UTC -0400H; flight KL781
Total: USD 7

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2 BBD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BARBADOS
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Bridgetown    language - English    currency - Dollar (BBD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.
1. Barbados is named after a tree. When the Portuguese first discovered the island in 1536 the Bearded Fig Tree was found all over the island. “Los Barbados” is Portuguese for “The Bearded One.”
2. Barbados has never been invaded by a foreign power since the British took rule in 1627.
3. Barbados is also known as “the land of flying fish” as they are seen gliding around the island. They can glide for up to 45 seconds at speeds of more than 70km / hour!
4. Barbados has the third oldest Westminster-style parliaments in the Western Hemisphere. It has been in existence for 369 years.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Day Trip in Castries, St. Lucia

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth country that is an island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Central America. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Lucia

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 7: December 03, 2022 Saturday CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA (My 132nd Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast
0800H ETA Castries UTC -0400H
Castries city view point, La Toc beach, Vigie beach, Constitution Park
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnets 15 XCD
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD Castries UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT LUCIA
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Castries    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.
1. First country to be named after a woman and gained independence from Britain in 1979
2. St. Lucia has the world’s only drive-in volcano
3. The country is 70% covered in rainforest
4. St. Lucia has more Nobel Prize Laureate’s than anywhere else
5. It enjoys a year-round temperature of 27°

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 7: Day Trip in Castries, St. Lucia

Monday, December 12, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: Day Trip in Roseau, Dominica

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Dominica is a Caribbean island country between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Puerto Rico to Trinidad and Tobago. It is often known as "The Nature Island of the Caribbean" due to its spectacular, lush, and varied flora and fauna, which are protected by an extensive natural park system. The most mountainous island of the Lesser Antilles, its volcanic peaks are cones of lava craters and include Boiling Lake, the second-largest thermally active lake in the world. Should not be confused with the Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Dominica

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 6: December 02, 2022 Friday ROSEAU, DOMINICA (My 131st Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast
0800H ETA Roseau UTC -0400H
Botanical Garden, Morne Bruce hiking via Jack's walk trail
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnet 5 XCD
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD Roseau UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT DOMINICA
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Roseau    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.
1. It’s definitely not the Dominican Republic.
2. There are nine volcanoes.
3. Sulfur springs and black-sand beaches surround the capital city of Roseau.
4. Dominica has the second-largest boiling lake in the world.
5. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed here.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 6: Day Trip in Roseau, Dominica

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Day Trip in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an island nation in the Caribbean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The main island of Saint Vincent has most of the land area and population of just over 100,000. The many small islands and islets of the Grenadines trail in a curve spanning more than 60km to the south, where the southernmost Grenadines are part of the independent island nation of Grenada.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Saint_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 5: December 01, 2022 Thursday KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT (My 130th Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast
0800H ETA Kingstown UTC -0400H
Fort Charlotte (6km distance with 200m elevation gain), Botanical Garden
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk / Fridge magnet 10 XCD
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD Kingstown UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SAINT VINCENT AND GRENADINES
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Kingstown    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival (free of charge). However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.
1. While the country is made up of 32 islands and cays, only 9 of them are actually inhabited.
2. The country is home to the oldest botanical gardens in the Western Hemisphere which were formed back in 1765
3. Kingstown is actually referred to as the “City of Arches” because the city’s buildings have approximately 400 arches!
4. The hit franchise Pirates of the Caribbean actually shot multiple scenes from their first 3 instalments in this country!

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 5: Day Trip in Kingstown, St. Vincent

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Day Trip in St. George's, Grenada

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Grenada is a group of three larger islands (Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique) and several tiny islands in the Caribbean, or West Indies. It lies just northeast of Trinidad and Tobago, and southwest of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is famous for spices and is known as the "Spice Isle", being a major source of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and cocoa.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Grenada

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 4: November 30, 2022 Wednesday ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA (My 129th Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast
0800H ETA St. George's UTC -0400H
Fort George, Christ of the Abyss, Lagoon / Exchange 15 USD = 40 XCD (2.7) / Fridge magnet 5 XCD
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD St. George's UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 15

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 2.7 XCD  

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GRENADA
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - St. George's    language - English    currency - Dollar (XCD)
visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply visa before arrival. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa.
1. Christopher Columbus discovered the island in 1498 and named it Concepcion. A year after that, another bunch of explorers passed by the island and changed the name to Mayo . When the French came, they changed it to “Le Grenade” and finally when the British took over, they called it Grenada.
2. Grenada produces many spices and therefore is also called “Island of Spice”.
3. Grenada boasts of having the world’s first underwater sculpture park
4. Civilians in the country can’t wear camouflage in any form. The camouflage is reserved for the army only.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 4: Day Trip in St. George's, Grenada

Friday, December 09, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 3: Day Trip in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Trinidad and Tobago is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_and_Tobago

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 3: November 29, 2022 Tuesday PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD (My 128th Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast 
0800H ETA Port of Spain UTC -0400H
The Red House, Trinity Cathedral, Queen's Park, National Museum, Stollmeyer's Castle, White Hall, Archbishop House
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch 
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD Port of Spain UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 0

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 6.7 TTD 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Port of Spain    language - English    currency - Dollar (TTD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for 90 days visa application upon arrival for TT$400. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa regardless of nationality. 
1. Trinidad and Tobago has the biggest celebration of Divali (Festival of Light) in the Western Part.
2. Tobago has the Largest Brain Coral in the World.
3. Pitch Lake (Trinidad) is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the in the world.
4. Trinidad (Queen’s Park Savannah) has the Largest Roundabout in the World
5. T&T is the Happiest Country in the Caribbean.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 3: Day Trip in Port of Spain, Trinidad

Thursday, December 08, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 2: Day Trip in Scarborough, Tobago

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise November 26 to December 06, 2022


Trinidad and Tobago is a nation consisting primarily of two Caribbean islands just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country is the most industrialised and one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean. Overall, tourism is not a major industry (though the island of Tobago has proportionally more), leaving the islands replete with natural unspoiled beauty not found in most other Caribbean countries.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Trinidad_and_Tobago

Important Note: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated if worn in port, and the wearer may be charged by local authorities.

Day 2: November 28, 2022 Monday SCARBOROUGH, TOBAGO (My 128th Country)
0600H Morning walk and workout / Buffet Breakfast 
0900H ETA Scarborough UTC -0400H
Botanical Garden, Fort King George, Tobago sign; Souvenir Currency and Fridge Magnet $3 
1130H Back to ship, Buffet Lunch 
1300H Back ashore, stroll around random walk
1500H Back to ship / watch FIFA match at pool
1800H ETD Scarborough UTC -0400H / Fine dining / outside movie at the pool
2100H Sleep rest
Total: USD 3

Currency Exchange Rate as of Nov. 2022: 1 USD = 6.7 TTD 

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Port of Spain    language - English    currency - Dollar (TTD)
visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for 90 days visa application upon arrival for TT$400. However, cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa regardless of nationality. 
1. Trinidad and Tobago has the biggest celebration of Divali (Festival of Light) in the Western Part.
2. Tobago has the Largest Brain Coral in the World.
3. Pitch Lake (Trinidad) is the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the in the world.
4. Trinidad (Queen’s Park Savannah) has the Largest Roundabout in the World
5. T&T is the Happiest Country in the Caribbean.

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 2: Day Trip in Scarborough, Tobago

Wednesday, December 07, 2022

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

continuation of my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... November 26 to December 06, 2022

"Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." - Christy Martine

My 106th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Yes, you read it right, backpacking despite the very laidback type of journey. It is due to some of my flights have no check-in luggage included just to avail the cheapest flight. This trip served also as my Second visit in Caribbean following the Hispaniola Island (Haiti - Dominican Republic) solo trip (Oct. 2020) and Second Cruise Adventure following the Antarctica voyage (Nov. 2019)

The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas is a midsize Vision-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International built in 1995. Rhapsody doesn't have all the snazzy high-tech features included on newer cruise ships. But, guests will enjoy superior service, smaller crowds, and a more intimate cruise experience.
https://cruiseline.com/ship/rhapsody-of-the-seas

My reasons why I chose this cruise are (1) the itinerary voyage consist of all the 6 Caribbean island countries that I did not visited yet, (2) Rhapsody of the Seas is the only ship that offers the item (1) in a compressed itinerary and (3) luckily I got the cheapest cruise package and flights from / to Philippines (MNL).

My Objective Why I still pushed this Adventure despite of what happened on my 2022:

1. It's my dream to experience the Caribbean cruise.
2. I got a huge discount luckily to flights and the cruise itself.
4. I need a diversion and new beginning of what just 2022 offered me.

Visa Requirements for Caribbean Cruise:

Cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa (most of the caribbean islands). 


Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

My Solo Major Mountain Hikes around the World

List of All Major Mountain Hikes I have done outside the Philippines, my homeland

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.” – Edward Abbey


My Great Concern as a Filipino Fun-hiker trekking around the World;
Almost all mountains I hiked around the World (be it a major / minor hike or low / high elevation, TRAIL GUIDE IS NOT REQUIRED. In addition, HIKNG THE MOUNTAINS IS FREE OF CHARGE, NO registration fee, NO guide fee, NO environmental fee, NO local fee, NO indiginous fee, etc, to be paid. 

In general, hiking abroad as a Filipino fun-hiker is very safe (to think that most of these hikes are self-guided). List below EXCLUDES more than 15 minor self-guided solo hikes.

 

YEAR

MOUNTAIN

COUNTRY

CONTINENT

ELEVATION

ALT. GAIN

DISTANCE

DURATION

TYPE

1

2013

Kinabalu

Malaysia

Asia

4,095 masl

2,229 m

17 km

20 hrs

2-days

2

2013

Kilimanjaro

Tanzania

Africa

5,895 masl

950m (aver)

62 km

48 hrs

6-days

3

2013

Fuji

Japan

Asia

3,776 masl

1,776 m

13 km

12 hrs

2-days

4

2015

Kalapathar (EBC)

Nepal

Asia

5,550 masl

800 m

300 km

148 hrs

18-days

5

2016

Annapurna Circuit (ABC)

Nepal

Asia

5,416 masl

600 m

280 km

132 hrs

16-days

6

2016

Kyanjin Ri (Lantang)

Nepal

Asia

4,773 masl

500 m

70 km

52 hrs

6-days

7

2017

Jebel Shams

Oman

Asia

2,997 masl

1000 m

9 km

11 hrs

Day-Hike

8

2017

Bisoke

Rwanda

Africa

3,711 masl

1000 m

8 km

7 hrs

Day-Hike

9

2017

Ramelau

Timor Leste

Asia

2,963 masl

600 m

8 km

7 hrs

2-days

10

2018

Devil's Peak

South Africa

Africa

1,001 masl

650 m

6 km

3.5 hrs

Day-Hike

11

2018

Table Mountain

South Africa

Africa

1,085 masl

600 m

6 km

3 hrs

Day-Hike

12

2018

Ala Archa Waterfalls

Kyrgyzstan

Asia

2,665 masl

450 m

7 km

5 hrs

Day-Hike

13

2018

Corcovado (Cristo Redentor)

Brazil

South America

710 masl

400 m

7 km

4 hrs

Day-Hike

14

2018

Le Mourne

Mauritius

Africa

556 masl

500 m

5 km

4 hrs

Day-Hike

15

2019

Margalla Hills Trail 6

Pakistan

Asia

995 masl

400 m

4 km

2.5 hrs

Day-Hike

16

2019

Margalla Hills Trail 3

Pakistan

Asia

995 masl

500 m

2 km

3 hrs

Day-Hike

17

2019

Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)

Bhutan

Asia

3,050 masl

750 m

7 km

6 hrs

Day-Hike

18

2019

Laguna Torre

Argentina

South America

2,800 masl

300 m

19 km

7 hrs

Day-Hike

19

2019

Laguna delos Tres

Argentina

South America

3,150 masl

1,100 m

22 km

9 hrs

Day-Hike

20

2020

Cerro del Ajusco

Mexico

North America

3,951 masl

675 m

6 km

6 hrs

Day-Hike

21

2020

Monte Tlaloc

Mexico

North America

4,053 masl

1,186 m

24 km

9.5 hrs

Day-Hike

22

2020

Paricutin Volcano

Mexico

North America

2,774 masl

817 m

37 km

15 hrs

Day-Hike

23

2021

Tajumulco Volcano

Guatemala

North America

4,230 masl

1,250 m

15 km

9 hrs

Day-Hike

24

2021

Acatenango Volcano

Guatemala

North America

3,976 masl

1,576 m

14 km

9 hrs

Day-Hike

25

2021

Izalco Volcano

El Salvador

North America

1,950 masl

662 m

7 km

4 hrs

Day-Hike

26

2021

Colca Canyon

Peru

South America

3,287 masl

1,300 m

22 km

11 hrs

Day-Hike

27

2021

Sacred Valley

Peru

South America

3,476 masl

500 m

21 km

6 hrs

Day-Hike

28

2021

Rainbow Mountain

Peru

South America

5,036 masl

400 m

8 km

5 hrs

Day-Hike

29

2021

Machu Picchu

Peru

South America

2,430 masl

600 m

27 km

9 hrs

2-days

30

2021

Laguna Churup

Peru

South America

4,465 masl

800 m

7 km

6.5 hrs

Day-Hike

31

2021

Chimborazo Refuge

Ecuador

South America

5,200 masl

900 m

18 km

7 hrs

Day-Hike

32

2021

Tungurahua Refuge

Ecuador

South America

3,800 masl

2,010 m

23 km

11 hrs

Day-Hike

33

2021

La Casa del Arbol

Ecuador

South America

2,600 masl

750 m

9 km

6.5 hrs

Day-Hike

34

2021

Laguna Quilotoa

Ecuador

South America

3,890 masl

600 m

42 km

16 hrs

3-days

35

2021

Laguna Cuicocha

Ecuador

South America

3,512 masl

400 m

13 km

5 hrs

Day-Hike

36

2021

Rucu Pichincha

Ecuador

South America

4,696 masl

1,850 m

30 km

13 hrs

Day-Hike

37

2021

Sincholagua Volcano

Ecuador

South America

3,356 masl

1,148 m

11.5 km

5.5 hrs

Day-Hike

38

2021

Cotopaxi Refuge

Ecuador

South America

4,864 masl

664 m

5 km

3 hrs

Day-Hike

39

2021

Cerro San Luis

Ecuador

South America

4,264 masl

414 m

6 km

6 hrs

Day-Hike