Completed the Seven Continents of the World

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

Completed My Personal Choice of Seven Natural Wonders of the Philippines

Sightseeing the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

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

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

Continent: Marvels of Europe (visited 43 of 44 Countries)

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

"The purpose of separation of church and state is to keep forever from these shores the ceaseless strife that has soaked the soil of Europe with blood for centuries." - James Madison

1 Country remaining (Belarus) to complete the 44 countries of Europe, traveled as Philippine Passport Holder only Solo Backpacker #livealifeyouwillremember #europe

Interesting Facts about the Continent of Europe;
1. Europe is named after the Phoenician princess Europa of Greek myth who was seduced by Zeus disguised as a bull.
2. The whole Europe is only 2 % larger in area than Canada. Europe is the world’s second-smallest continent.
3. Europe is home to both the smallest country in the world, Vatican City State and the largest, Russia.
4. Many of the greatest empires in history were based in Europe. The British Empire was at one time the largest empire in the world.

Sightseeing the Continents; the Marvels of Europe

COUNTRIES OF EUROPEAN CONTINENT (43 of 44 = 97.73%)
CENTRAL		EASTERN		NORTHERN		SOUTHERN		WESTERN
1	Austria	10	Belarus	14	Denmark	24	Albania	37	Andorra
2	Czechia	11	Moldova	15	Estonia	25	Bosnia/Herzeg.	38	Belgium
3	Germany	12	Russia	16	Finland	26	Bulgaria	39	France
4	Hungary	13	Ukraine	17	Iceland	27	Croatia	40	Luxembourg
5	Liechtenstein			18	Ireland	28	Cyprus	41	Monaco
6	Poland			19	Latvia	29	Greece	42	Netherlands
7	Slovenia			20	Lithuania	30	Italy	43	Portugal
8	Slovakia			21	Norway	31	Malta	44	Spain
9	Switzerland			22	Sweden	32	Montenegro
				23	United Kingdom	33	N. Macedonia
						34	Romania
						35	Serbia
						36	San Marino
						XX	XXXXXXX

Northern Lights in Tromso (Sommaroy) 2024

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

2 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Svalbard (Longyearbyen)

My last adventure on my quest to visit all Seven Natural Wonders of the World (2015-2024)

Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that can paint the night sky with unearthly, surreal color. To observers at far-northern latitudes, they're a frequent occurrence, but many who live in more temperate climates have never seen them, even though they're sometimes seen as far south as 35 degrees north latitude. The Northern Lights usually circle the globe in a circular or elliptical "oval" centered on the earth's North Magnetic Pole, which is not at the same location as the North Geographic Pole, but rather is slightly offset in the direction of northern Canada. This oval is known as the "aurora oval". Aurora displays aren't strongest at the North Magnetic Pole; the area of greatest aurora activity is usually right under the aurora oval, which changes dynamically according to how the solar wind is flowing on any particular night

https://wikitravel.org/en/Northern_Lights#:~:text=The%20Northern%20Lights%20usually%20circle,as%20the%20%22aurora%20oval%22.

How to Photograph Aurora with a Smart Phone

https://www.auroracourses.eu/northernlightsphotography

ISO - Set your ISO to 1,600 or higher to make sure the image is bright enough.

Shutter Speed - 10 seconds or longer—this gives the light more opportunity to be captured on film.

Exposure - Adjust to lower, as too much light might wash out the stars and auroras in the sky.

Focus - focus to infinity so that all elements in the sky are crisp and in focus.

Northern Lights in Tromso (Sommaroy) 2024

6 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Norway (Tromso) 2024

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

Winter Europe 2023 (My Norway first visit)

My first visit to Norway was in Winter 2023 (my first Winter European trip). Norway was the 38th country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe and the 135th country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries (presently at 141).

Norway (Norge or Noreg) is the westernmost, northernmost—and in fact the easternmost—of the three Scandinavian countries. Best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast which stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland into the Arctic Ocean and has borders with Finland, Sweden and the northwestern tip of Russia.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Norway

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NORWAY

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Oslo    language - Norwegian    currency - Kroner (NOK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival (Schengen Visa Agreement).

1. The world's longest road tunnel is in Norway at 24.5km long.

2. Modern and ancient skiing were invented in Norway

3. Norway rocks the Winter Olympics.

4. Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives in Norway.

5. Norway’s rail journeys are voted the best in Europe.

Norwegian Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

God dag (gud dag) = good day          Ha det (ha det) = bye

Takk (tak) = thank you          Unnskyld (un-shin) = sorry

6 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Norway (Tromso) 2024

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland 2024

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

Winter Europe 2023 (My Iceland first visit)

My first visit to Iceland was in Winter 2023 (my first Winter European trip). Iceland was the 37th country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe and the 134th country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries (presently at 141).

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered European. The name of the country—Iceland—may not be that appropriate: although 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, it has a surprisingly mild climate and countless geothermal hot spots and hot springs.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Iceland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ICELAND

timezone - UTC +0000H   capital - Reykjavik    language - Icelandic    currency - Krona (ISK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival (Schengen Visa Agreement).

1. More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik

2. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans

3. Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls

4. Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world

5. Iceland has the longest workweeks in Europe

Icelandic Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

Góðan daginn (go-thah-n die-in) = good day          Bless (bleh-s) = bye

Þakka þér / Takk (thah-kah th-yeh-<r> / tah-k) = thank you

Afsakið / Fyrirgefðu (af-sah-kith / fih-<r>-ih-<r>-gef-thu) = sorry

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland 2024 (Snaefellsnes Peninsula day tour 18.9k ISK)

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Netherlands 2024

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

Autumn Europe 2013 (My Netherlands first visit)

My first visit to the Netherlands was in Autumn 2013 (my first European trip). The Netherlands was the 5th country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe and the 22nd country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries (presently at 141).

The Netherlands in its entirety is often referred to as "Holland", although North and South Holland are actually only two of its provinces. In May 2011, the Netherlands was ranked as the "happiest" country according to results published by the OECD. The people, language, and culture of the Netherlands is referred to as "Dutch". The official name of the country is the Netherlands. In the rest of the world, the name Holland is commonly used for the entire country. However, when used correctly, the name Holland only refers to the area covered by the provinces of North and South Holland. Indeed, in this area, which contains the largest cities and the largest part of the population, this use is common as well. However, outside of this area, and particularly in the South and North, this use is often considered quite insulting, and the Netherlands is preferred. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Netherlands

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Amsterdam    language - Dutch    currency - Euro (EUR)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival (Schengen Visa Agreement).

1. Dutch men are the world’s tallest people

2. Netherlands is the world’s biggest flower exporter.

3. Amsterdam has over 1,200 bridges.

4. One-third of the Netherlands (lowlands) is under sea level

5. There are over 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands.

6. The Dutch own more bicycles than any other country in the world.

Dutch Basic Phrases:

Hallo = hello                                  Ja / Nee = yes / no

Goedemiddag = good day              Tot ziens = bye

Dank u wel = thank you                Sorry = sorry

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Netherlands (DIY Trip to Giethoorn)

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Ireland

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

“He who travels has stories to tell.”

Ireland is the 43rd country on my quest to visit all 44 countries of Europe and the 141st country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Ireland historically consists of 32 counties, of which six, collectively known as Northern Ireland, have remained as part of the United Kingdom since the rest of Ireland gained self-government in 1922. The name "Ireland" applies to the island as a whole, but in English is also the official name of the independent state (ie the 26 counties which are not part of the United Kingdom), since 1921.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Ireland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT IRELAND

timezone - UTC +0000H   capital - Dublin    language - Irish    currency - Euro (EUR)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Ireland is famous for its gorgeous, diverse landscapes

2. Irish pubs are an important part of life.

3. Ireland’s music is recognisable across the world

4. Dark humour is a national trait.

5. Irish Celtic traditions remain alive.

Irish Basic Phrases:

Dia duit = hello                                  Ta / Nil = yes / no

Lá maith = good day                          Slán = bye

Go raibh maith agat = thank you        Tá brón orm = sorry

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Ireland (Cliff of Moher day tour €75)

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 Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

 Quest to visit all Countries of Europe in 2023 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

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

Note:

- Processing time is around 6 to 8 weeks per VFS website (courier included). 

- All required documents to submit should be in A4 paper and in English only.

- Advised not to purchase travel tickets before you know the outcome of your visa application.

Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (single entry with 3 months validity)

How to Apply for Ireland Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

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)

Monthlong Budget DIY Birthday Solo Trip in Winter Europe

 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

My 112th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itineraries from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my 5th visit to Europe Schengen States following the Winter Northern Europe (2023), Spain (2018) and some Western/Southern parts, Germany (2015) and some Southern parts and France (2013) and some Central parts of Europe. Moreover, this trip also served as the completion of my visit to 26 countries that composed the Schengen visa agreement.

MARAMING SALAMAT. 2024 BIRTHDAY WINTER EUROPE TRIP. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Pinoy Solo Backpacker. Applied Schengen and Ireland Visa. Return flights from MNL. Monthlong budget DIY Itinerary.

6 main destination. GREECE. MOLDOVA. IRELAND. NETHERLANDS. ICELAND. NORWAY.

2 highlight trip. SANTORINI. SVALBARD.

2 side trip. BELFAST. BEIJING.

2 Main Objectives. REACHED 78'L NORTH. SAW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS.

Philippine passport holder only. MY NEW RECORD OF 141 COUNTRIES.

 

#livealifeyouwillremember #philippinepassport

#pinoy #solobackpacker #solotravel #travel #pinoytraveller #europe #winter #backpacker #traveltips #norway #oslo #tromso #svalbard #northernlights #greece #santorini #moldova #ireland #dublin #athens #chisinau #netherlands #amsterdam #windmill #iceland #reykjavik

Monthlong Budget DIY Birthday Solo Trip in Winter Europe (Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour)

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Helsinki, Finland

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

Budget DIY Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

Finland is my 137th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Finland is a thoroughly modern welfare state with well-planned and comfortable small towns and cities, but still offers vast areas of unspoiled nature. Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes (about 10% of the country) and a similar number of islands. In the northernmost part of the country the Northern Lights can be seen in the winter and midnight sun in the summer. Finns also claim the mythical mountain of Korvatunturi as the home of Santa Claus, and a burgeoning tourist industry in Lapland caters to Santa fans. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Finland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FINLAND

timezone - UTC +0200H   capital - Helsinki    language - Finnish    currency - Euro (EUR)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Finns are the world's biggest coffee drinkers

2. There are 187,888 lakes in Finland.

3. 74% of the country is forested.

4. Angry Birds originated in Finland.

5. Finnish language is one of the ten most challenging languages in the world.

Finnish Basic Phrases:

Hei (hey) = hello          Joo / Ei (yow / ey) = yes / no

Hyvää päivää (huva payva) = good day          Hei hei (hey hey) = bye

Kiitos (kee-tos) = thank you          Anteeksi (an-tek-si) = sorry

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Helsinki, Finland

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway

Sweden is my 136th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Sweden (Sverige) is the largest of the Nordic countries, with a population of about 10 million. It borders Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark via the bridge of Öresund (Öresundsbron). The Baltic Sea lies to the east of Sweden, as well as the Gulf of Bothnia, which separates Sweden from most of Finland. The northernmost part of Sweden belongs to the Arctic.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Sweden

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SWEDEN

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Stockholm    language - Swedish    currency - Krona (SEK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Swedish music is one of the country’s biggest exports

2. More than half of Sweden is covered in forest.

3. Swedish art is all over the Stockholm metro stations.

4. Sweden has over 95,000 lakes.

5. Sweden is very good at recycling.

Swedish Basic Phrases:

Hallå (Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nej (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

God dag (gud dag) = good day          Hejdå (hay da) = bye

Tack (tak) = thank you          Förlåt (fur-lat) = sorry

Budget DIY Solo Day Trip in Winter Stockholm, Sweden

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway 2023

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

4 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Iceland

Norway is my 135th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Norway (Norge or Noreg) is the westernmost, northernmost—and in fact the easternmost—of the three Scandinavian countries. Best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast which stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland into the Arctic Ocean and has borders with Finland, Sweden and the northwestern tip of Russia.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Norway

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NORWAY

timezone - UTC +0100H   capital - Oslo    language - Norwegian    currency - Kroner (NOK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. The world's longest road tunnel is in Norway at 24.5km long.

2. Modern and ancient skiing were invented in Norway

3. Norway rocks the Winter Olympics.

4. Europe's biggest herd of wild reindeer lives in Norway.

5. Norway’s rail journeys are voted the best in Europe.

Norwegian Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

God dag (gud dag) = good day          Ha det (ha det) = bye

Takk (tak) = thank you          Unnskyld (un-shin) = sorry

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Oslo, Norway

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland 2023

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

Nordic Countries General Itinerary and Preparation

Iceland is my 134th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the north Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered European. The name of the country—Iceland—may not be that appropriate: although 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, it has a surprisingly mild climate and countless geothermal hot-spots and hot springs.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Iceland

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ICELAND

timezone - UTC +0000H   capital - Reykjavik    language - Icelandic    currency - Krona (ISK)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. More than 60% of the Icelandic population live in the capital city, Reykjavik

2. Iceland was the last place on earth to be settled by humans

3. Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls

4. Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world

5. Iceland has the longest workweeks in Europe

Icelandic Basic Phrases:

Hæ / Halló (Hi/ Hah-low) = hello          Já / Nei (y-ow / ney) = yes / no

Góðan daginn (go-thah-n die-in) = good day          Bless (bleh-s) = bye

Þakka þér / Takk (thah-kah th-yeh-<r> / tah-k) = thank you

Afsakið / Fyrirgefðu (af-sah-kith / fih-<r>-ih-<r>-gef-thu) = sorry

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Iceland

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

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

My 2023's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

“No matter how cautiously you live there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age. So then, better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.”

My 107th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my 4th visit in Europe Schengen States following the Spain (2018) and some Western/Southern parts, Germany (2015) and some Southern parts and France (2013) and some Central parts of Europe. Moreover, this trip served also my 2nd Adventure as jobless (retired Employee) following the Southern Caribbean Cruise (Nov. 2022).

Scandinavia (Nordic countries), is a European region north of the Baltic Sea. At almost 1.2 million square kilometres (463,000 square miles) it is the largest region in Europe, but home to only around 24 million people, accounting for a mere 4% of the population. Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Finland and Iceland are included when talking about the Nordic Countries. All countries share history and boundaries to a varying degree. Denmark, the smallest, flattest and most continental of the Scandinavian countries. Famous for having the best beaches of Northern Europe, a unique viking heritage. Norway, famous for deep fjords, steep mountains, and wooden churches. Has a rich and interesting culture with deep roots in farming and fishing. Sweden, Scandinavia's largest country by area and population with mountains in the north, woodlands in the center and plains in the south, also the Swedish Archipelago being the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Finland, hundreds of thousands of islands and lakes to explore in this bridge to the east. Finland is not technically part of Scandinavia as Finns are Uralic in origin. Iceland, spectacular scenery of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls on this North Atlantic island.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Scandinavia

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

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 Mountain Hikes in the Philippines

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