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

2 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Svalbard (Longyearbyen)

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

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

Svalbard (Longyearbyen) is considered as my northernmost visit at 78°  latitude. My southernmost was in Cuverville Island, Antarctica (2019) at -65° latitude.

Winter Solitude beyond the Arctic circle #norway #Alaska #svalbard

Svalbard is the northernmost tip of Europe and, a few research bases aside, its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet. Located between the 76° and 81° parallels, they are far more northerly than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada's Arctic islands. Svalbard is a group of Norwegian islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The islands are directly North of continental Norway. Since 1920 they have been an integrated part of Norway.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Svalbard

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SVALBARD

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

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

01. The name Svalbard means ‘cold shores’

02. One night in Svalbard lasts for three months during the winter.

03. Svalbard is an excellent place to see the northern lights.

04. Svalbard is home to the four northernmost settlements in the world.

05. Longyearbyen is so far north it is just 814 miles from the north pole.

06. The Global Seed Vault is located in Svalbard.

07. You don’t need a visa or residency permit to live and work in Svalbard.

08. Svalbard is classified as an Arctic desert.

09. There are no trees in Svalbard.

10. Svalbard is home to some of the world’s northernmost airport, restaurant, church, hotel, settlement

11. In Svalbard there are more polar bears than people.

12. There are more snowmobiles than people in Svalbard.

2 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter Svalbard (Longyearbyen)

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)

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)

18 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter New Zealand (FIFA World Cup 2023)

First time Winter Experience in Southern Hemisphere and FIFA World Cup... Jul. 15 to Aug. 03, 2023

New Zealand is my 138th country visited on my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries.

From South Island (Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch) to North Island (Wellington, National Park, Hamilton, Auckland) with FIFA Women's World Cup as the highlight.

Thank you very much Winter New Zealand.  

#livealifeyouwillremember #newzealand #fifa #worldcup #pilipinas #filipino #filipinas #philippines #football #soccer #solobackpacker #winter #oceania #pinoytraveller 

New Zealand has been called "God's own country", the "Paradise of the Pacific" and sometimes known, both in the indigenous Māori language and by Pakeha, as "Aotearoa", translated as Long White Cloud. New Zealand islands are one of Earth's most peculiar bioregions, inhabited by flightless birds seen nowhere else such as a nocturnal, burrowing parrot called the kakapo and kiwi. Kiwi are not only one of the national symbols – the others being the silver fern leaf and koru – but also the name New Zealanders usually call themselves. New Zealand often adds an adventure twist to nature: it's the original home of jet-boating through shallow gorges, and bungy jumping off anything high enough to give a thrill.

https://wikitravel.org/en/New_Zealand

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEW ZEALAND

timezone - UTC +1200H   capital - Wellington    language - English    currency - Dollar (NZD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival (waived visa fee of 211 NZD / 7,300PHP).

1. There are 5 sheep per person in New Zealand, making it the highest ratio in the world.

2. With more than 400, New Zealand has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world.

3. The kiwi fruit is not native to New Zealand, it’s from China, but it was named after the kiwi bird.

4. Wellington is the southernmost capital in the world.

5. New Zealand is famous for its adrenaline adventures, especially bungee jumping! The first commercial bungee jump was made by AJ Hackett on the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown back in 1988.

18 Days Budget Solo Trip in Winter New Zealand (World Cup 2023)

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

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)

Extremely Cold (-36'C) Short Visit in Fairbanks, Alaska

5 Days Solo Trip in Winter United States

January 31 to February 04, 2020

Los Angeles, California Short Night Visit

This trip was supposedly aiming for the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) chase. Somehow it's a good thing that the Northern Lights did not come out as I cannot withstand the extreme coldness on 2 days I stayed here in Fairbanks. Alaska, United States is now officially holds my record as the COLDEST (-36'C), NORTHERNMOST and WESTERNMOST (UTC -0900H). Thank you Alaska! #fairbanks #alaska #unitedstates #livealifeyouwillremember

Day 2: February 1, 2020 Saturday / Alaska day trip
0000H ETA Los Angeles airport (sleep in airport)
0600H ETD Los Angeles; flight AS453
0900H ETA Seattle UTC -0800H (2hr transit)
1150H ETD Seattle; flight AS123
1450H ETA Fairbanks UTC -0900H; Uber to Hostel $16
Fairbanks night trip (2200H-0300H)
Billie's Backpackers Hostel $40; dinner $27; No Northern Lights appear :(
Subtotal: $83

Day 3: February 2, 2020 Sunday / Fairbanks Northern Lights
1000H ETD Hostel; Pad Thai & McDo $25; Uber to airport $13
1400H ETA Fairbanks airport; souvenir $2
1555H ETD Alaska UTC -0900H; flight AS132
2032H ETA Seattle UTC -0800H
Subtotal: $66

Extremely Cold Fairbanks, Alaska Short Visit

5 Days Solo Trip in Winter United States

2nd visit in United States (California, Washington and Alaska)

January 31 to February 04, 2020

6 Days Solo Trip in Summer United States (July 2019)

My 90th solo backpacking trip, 1st country to visit in North America continent (2nd visit in the United States, 1st visit was in July 2019), 112th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100 and of course and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

2020 Annual Leave 1st set 2nd leg; on my journey to visit all the States of USA and farthest place in the western part of the globe at GMT -0900H #livealifeyouwillremember #unitedstates #americandream #thankyouverymuch

The United States of America is a large country in North America is home to the world's third-largest population, with over 318 million people, it includes both densely populated cities with sprawling suburbs and vast, uninhabited natural areas. With its history of mass immigration dating from the 17th century, it is a "melting pot" of cultures from around the world and plays a dominant role in the world's cultural landscape. It's home to a wide array of popular tourist destinations, ranging from the skyscrapers of Manhattan and Chicago to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and Alaska, to the warm, sunny beaches of Florida and Hawaii and the deserts of Arizona.
https://wikitravel.org/en/United_States_of_America

5 Days Solo Trip in Winter United States

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Afghanistan

109th on my continuing saga beyond the #lakbay100 journey
December 20 to 21, 2019

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...” ― Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

My 87th solo backpacking trip, 44th country to visit in Asian continent, 107th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 7th continent on my list and of course and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

Afghanistan has been the center of many powerful empires for the past 2,000 years. However, in the last 40 years the country has been in chaos due to major wars -- from the Soviet invasion of 1979 to their withdrawal in 1989 and from warlordism to the removal of the Taliban in 2001 and the ensuing American and NATO invasion. Afghanistan has spent the last 3 decades in the news for all the wrong reasons. While it has much to offer to the intrepid traveler caution is advised and travel to Kabul is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Afghanistan

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Afghanistan

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Azerbaijan

108th on my continuing saga beyond the #lakbay100 journey
December 06 to 07, 2019

​Week-end "Boarding Gate Locked-up" Life in Baku Airport (May 2019)

My 86th solo backpacking trip, 43rd country to visit in Asian continent, 106th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 7th continent on my list and of course and usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus. The country lies on the Caspian Sea.  The majority of the population (over 90%) is composed of Azeris, who share a culture very similar to Turkey. History, with Russian and Persian influence, has left the Azeris of Azerbaijan and Iran with some moderate differences. The government is a kleptocracy run by the Aliyev family and their allies. Following independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has allowed western companies to develop its neglected, but extensive, oil fields, especially since the mid-2000s.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Azerbaijan
  

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Azerbaijan

El Calafate Perito Moreno Day Tour

11 Days Solo Backpacking in Summer Argentina

November 15 to 22 and November 30 to December 02, 2019

Argentina Patagonia Self-guided Day Hike (Laguna delos Tres)

Day 07: November 21, 2019 Thursday / Perito Moreno Day Trip

0400H ETD Hostel; Van to El Calafate

0630H ETA El Calafate Bus Terminal; Exchange $100 = 6,000 ARS; Perito Moreno Bus Tour 1,200

0745H ETD El Calafate Bus Terminal

0900H ETA Perito Moreno; admission fee 800; brunch 690; balcony walk and photo-ops

1400H ETD Perito Moreno

1545H ETA El Calafate Bus Bus Terminal; taxi to Airport 1,000

1700H ETA El Calafate Airport

1715H ETD El Calafate; flight AR 1824

1835H ETA Ushuaia; taxi to hostel 280; Ushuaia Town 1st Night; Torre Al Sur 3N 900 / day

1900H Antarctica briefing in pub 320

Subtotal: 5,190 ARS

Glaciation is a period of long-term reduction in the temperature of the earth's surface and atmosphere, resulting in the expansion of continental and polar ice sheets and glaciers. After Antarctica, the Southern Andes lodge the largest area covered by ice in this hemisphere. Within this vast area, an ice field of 12,500 sq. km. shared by Argentina and Chile stands out. the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, starting point for many of the glaciers in the National Park. The Southern Patagonia Ice Field is the third largest ice field in our planet after Antarctica and Greenland.

El Calafate Perito Moreno Day Tour

19 Days Solo Trip in Summer Argentina and Antarctica

Seventh Continent on my Bucket List and the 107th beyond the #lakbay100 journey

November 15 to December 03, 2019

2019 final set of annual leave; Argentina Electronic Visa Authorization (EVA) multiple entry Tourist Visa for 3 months using the US B2 Visa for Philippine passport holder #argentina #visa

2019 final set of annual leave; backpack is all set :) back to South America and farthest place to reach in Southern Hemisphere of the globe... soon :) #livealifeyouwillrember #southamerica #antarctica #argentina

2019 final set of annual leave; ALMOST 24 HOURS FLIGHT ESCAPADE! (halos buong araw nasa ere). Longest non-stop flight I had was from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles for 16.5 hours last July 2019. Longest 1-stop flight will be having is from Dubai to Buenos Aires for 20 hours #buenosaires #argentina #livealifeyouwillremember

2019 final set of annual leave; Finalizing the Journey to Earth's Seven Continent :)
(1) Asia 2010, (2) Africa 2012, (3) Europe 2013, (4) Australia 2018, (5) South America 2018, (6) North America 2019, (7) Antarctica 2019 #lakbay7continents #livealifeyouwillremember #antarctica

November 15 to 22, 2019 - Argentina
November 22 to 30, 2019 - Antarctica
November 30 to December 02, 2019 - Back to Argentina

19 Days Solo Trip in Summer Argentina and Antarctica

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Tunisia

91st on my continuing saga to accomplish the #lakbay100 journey
January 04 to 05, 2019

My 71st solo backpacking trip, 13th country to visit in African continent, 91st country visited on my journey #lakbay100, 5th continent on my list and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research that much for this country due also on limited time and laziness.

Tunisia has a rich cultural history, ever since Antiquity. The Carthaginian Empire, Rome's arch enemy, was centred in Tunisia. Its capital, Carthage, is now a suburb of Tunis. Founded by Phoenician settlers from Tyre and Sidon (modern day Lebanon), Carthage was an ancient Mediterranean powerhouse. Three wars between Rome and Carthage (known as the Punic wars) were waged in the first few centuries before the birth of Christ. 
https://wikitravel.org/en/Tunisia 

Budget Solo Week-end Trip in Winter Tunisia (National Bardo Museum)

4 Days Solo Trip in Winter Australia (Melbourne & Sydney)

sightseeing Melbourne and Sydney's best tourist attraction

June 08 to 11, 2018

"That might have a lot to do with it, but you know, I probably don't show fear, but I suffer from fear like everyone else. - Steve Irwin"

My 58th solo backpacking trip, 67th countries visited so far, 4th continent on my list and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. I did not research much for this country as I planned to concentrate on sightseeing the cities by foot only.

Australia is sixth-largest country by land area and world famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, "the bush", and "the Outback". As Australia is in the southern hemisphere the winter is June-August while December-February is summer. The winter is the dry season in the tropics, and the summer is the wet. Australia has strict quarantine requirements regarding importing animal and vegetable derived products (any food, wooden products, seeds, etc). 
https://wikitravel.org/en/Australia

timezone - UTC +0800H to +1000H      capital - Canberra      
language - English                                currency - Dollar (AUD) 1 USD = 1.35 AUD
visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply first before travel

4 Days Solo Trip in Winter Australia (Melbourne & Sydney)