​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.

04. 2015 - Second Europe get-away (23 Days Solo Summer Adventures in Central, Southern and Northern Europe, 14 countries visited) where I completely visited all the 8 countries of Central Europe.

05. 2015 - Entered and exited Winter Iran via Persian Gulf Ferry cruise as my last trip from working in Kuwait

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa as Philippine Passport holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with a period of stay of under 90 days

* If you get a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa Agreement as Philippine Passport holder

3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Moldova

My 2024's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Jan. 28 to Feb. 26, 2024

“Anyone who has not built a house, not grown son, not dug a well, and planted a tree, lived a life in vain..”

Moldova is the 42nd country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe, the last country on my quest to visit all 10 Southeastern European non-Schengen countries that accept Schengen Visa and the 140th country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Moldova is a country in Eastern Europe, north of the Balkans, surrounded by Romania to the southwest, across the Prut River, and Ukraine to the northeast. Due to the temporarily suspended military conflict with the Pridnestrovian Republic, this country was known as the last hot spot in Europe, until recent conflicts in Ukraine.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Greece

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MOLDOVA

timezone - UTC +0200H   capital - Chisinau    language - Romanian    currency - Leu (MDL)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival. Exceptions from the Moldova official invitation procedure - foreigners holding a valid residence permit or visa, issued by one of the Member States of the European Union or of the States Parties to the Schengen Agreement.

1. Moldova is the least visited country in Europe

2. Chișinău has one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe

3. Moldova is one of the world's largest exporters of walnuts. 

4. There is only one UNESCO World Heritage Site in Moldova.

5. Moldova is a transit country for refugees.

Romanian Basic Phrases:

Bună ziua = hello                          Da / Nu = yes / no

Bună dimineaţa = good day          La revedere = bye

Mulţumesc = thank you                Îmi pare rău = sorry

3 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Moldova (Chisinau DIY walk tour)

8 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Greece

My 2024's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Jan. 28 to Feb. 26, 2024

“Whosoever is delighted in solitude, is either a wild beast or a god.” ― Aristotle

Greece is the 41st country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe, the last country on my quest to visit the 26 countries of the Schengen Visa agreement and the 139th country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Greece is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society, including the genres of comedy and drama, western alphabets, Platonic ideals and the Socratic method, democracies and republics, and the Olympics. Furthermore, it's a geographically appealing place to visit, with a mountainous mainland and idyllic island beaches.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Greece

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GREECE

timezone - UTC +0200H   capital - Athens    language - Greek    currency - Euro (EUR)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Greece is home to up to 6,000 islands and islets, with only around 200 of them being inhabited.

2. Greece has 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3. 80% of Greece is made up of mountains.

4. More tourists visit Greece every year than the entire Greek population.

5. Greece is the third largest producer of olives

6. With more than 110 archaeological museums, Greece takes out the top spot for the most in the world.

7. The capital of Greece is named after the goddess Athena.

Greek Basic Phrases:

Yassou (YAH-sue) = hello                                  Ne / Ohi (Neh / oh-hee) = yes / no

Kalimera (kah-lee-mehr-rah ) = good day          Kherete (Khe-reh-tay) = bye

Efkharisto (eff-kah-rees-toh) = thank you

Signomi (seegh-no-mee) = sorry

8 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Greece (Acropolis combined tour - €30)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Greece) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS (Dec. 2022). I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and previous 4 Schengen visas per below link.

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Greece) as Philippine Passport Holder (Schengen Visa 2024)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with Philippine passport only, with NO WORK (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and with NO BUSINESS (Dec. 2022). I provided proofs of enough savings, investments and previous 3 Schengen visas per below link.

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Norway/Iceland) as Philippine Passport Holder

Schengen 4th Week-end Solo Trip: Cyprus with Bahrain

Cyprus (Nicosia and Ayia Napa) and Bahrain week-end adventure
September 21 to 22, 2018

Schengen 3rd Week-end Solo Trip: Monaco, Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo

My 1st 2018 Schengen visa week-end only adventure following the Summer Trip with my mother focusing in Spain, 63rd solo backpacking trip, quest to visit all the countries in the world, total of 81 countries visited so far (total of 38 in Europe) and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. The idea of maximizing the Spain Embassy-issued Schengen Visa (Aug. 2018) validity got started when I remember that all of the Southern Europe countries which are not part of the European Union can be visited by using a valid Schengen Visa. Last 2015, I visited Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. I still have 4 consecutive week-ends before my 2018 Schengen Visa validity expires to fulfill my quest on completing the possible visits in European countries.

Schengen 4th Week-end Solo Trip: Cyprus with Bahrain

Schengen 3rd Week-end Solo Trip: Monaco, Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo

Monaco (Monte Carlo and Fontvieille), Albania (Berat and Tirana), Macedonia (Orhid and Skopje) and Kosovo (Prizren and Pristina) weekend adventure 
September 13 to 16, 2018

Schengen 2nd Week-end Solo Trip: Malta and San Marino

My 1st 2018 Schengen visa week-end only adventure following the Summer Trip with my mother focusing in Spain, 62nd solo backpacking trip, quest to visit all the countries in the world, total of 79 countries visited so far (total of 37 in Europe) and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. The idea of maximizing the Spain Embassy-issued Schengen Visa (Aug. 2018) validity got started when I remember that all of the Southern Europe countries which are not part of the European Union can be visited by using a valid Schengen Visa. Last 2015, I visited Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. I still have 4 consecutive week-ends before my 2018 Schengen Visa validity expires to fulfill my quest on completing the possible visits in European countries.

Schengen 3rd Week-end Solo Trip: Monaco, Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo

Schengen 2nd Week-end Solo Trip: Malta and San Marino

Malta (Mdina and Valletta) and San Marino week-end adventure
September 07 to 08, 2018

Schengen 1st Week-end Solo Trip: Bosnia and Montenegro

My 1st 2018 Schengen visa week-end only adventure following the Summer Trip with my mother focusing in Spain, 61st solo backpacking trip, quest to visit all the countries in the world, total of 75 countries visited so far (total of 33 in Europe) and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. The idea of maximizing the Spain Embassy-issued Schengen Visa (Aug. 2018) validity got started when I remember that all of the Southern Europe countries which are not part of the European Union can be visited by using a valid Schengen Visa. Last 2015, I visited Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. I still have 4 consecutive week-ends before my 2018 Schengen Visa validity expires to fulfill my quest on completing the possible visits in European countries.

Schengen 2nd Week-end Solo Trip: Malta and San Marino

Schengen 1st Week-end Solo Trip: Bosnia and Montenegro

Bosnia & Herzegovina (Sarajevo and Mostar) and Montenegro (Podgorica and Cetinje) week-end adventure
August 31 to September 01, 2018

8 Days Summer Europe Trip with my Mother (Aug. 2018)

My 1st 2018 Schengen visa week-end only adventure following the Summer Trip with my mother focusing in Spain, 60th solo backpacking trip, quest to visit all the countries in the world, total of 73 countries visited so far (total of 31 in Europe) and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. The idea of maximizing the Spain Embassy-issued Schengen Visa (Aug. 2018) validity got started when I remember that all of the Southern Europe countries which are not part of the European Union can be visited by using a valid Schengen Visa. Last 2015, I visited Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria. I still have 4 consecutive week-ends before my 2018 Schengen Visa validity expires to fulfill my quest on completing the possible visits in European countries.

Schengen 1st Week-end Solo Trip: Bosnia and Montenegro

How to Apply for Schengen Visa (Spain) as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days
* Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time.

* 26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

* A “Schengen visa” is required to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business only, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.
* If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Schengen States visa I applied in Spain Embassy of Abu Dhabi, UAE (August to September 2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in France Embassy (2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Germany Embassy (2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Spain Embassy (2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Norway Embassy (2023)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Greece Embassy (2024)

How to Apply for Schengen (Germany) Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days
* Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time.

* 26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.
* A “Schengen visa” is required to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business only, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.
* If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Schengen States visa applied in Germany Embassy (June to July 2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in France Embassy (2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Germany Embassy (2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Spain Embassy (2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Norway Embassy (2023)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Greece Embassy (2024)

How to Apply for Schengen (France) Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with period of stay of under 90 days
* Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time.

* 26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.
* A “Schengen visa” is required to visit one or more of these Member States. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit, tourism or business only, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.
* If you get a multiple entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Schengen States visa applied in France Embassy (Oct. to Dec. 2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in France Embassy (2013)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Germany Embassy (2015)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Spain Embassy (2018)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Norway Embassy (2023)

How to Apply for Schengen Visa in Greece Embassy (2024)