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


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

Thursday, August 05, 2021

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

living my dream as Solo Backpacker during Covid-19 Pandemic, the #newnormal of tourism
November 26, 2020 to June 19, 2021 (205 days)

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

Coronavirus has changed the way we travel, this pandemic has brought significant challenges to global travel industry. My Covid-19 travel adventure begun from the moment it was gradually spreading from Asia. My first pandemic journey (January to February 2020) was in Chile, Uruguay, United States and Philippines. Surprisingly, the itinerary I created on this trip was my first around the World, 360 degrees tour (circumnavigated the Earth from Middle East to America back to Asia). Then, while most of the countries worldwide was on the beginning of 1st wave, my second pandemic journey (September to October 2020) was in Philippines, United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Ukraine. Like most of other employees worldwide, I lost my beloved job also due to huge effect to aviation industry (business re-structuring). Even so, I am forever grateful and proud of my four years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Finally, while the surge of the 1st wave continuous, my third pandemic journey (November 2020 to June 2021) was this Latin America trip. Based on this, I traveled to 23 countries across 4 continents with more than 25 sets of Covid-19 Test (mostly nasal swab PCR) ALL NEGATIVE RESULT.

Despite the challenge of #newnormal, I accomplished my itinerary beyond my expectation. I just finished seven months of solo backpacking to these wonderful countries of American Continent (Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021) with Covid19 vaccine Sinopharm (Aug. 2020 in Abu Dhabi, UAE) and J&J  Janssen (May 2021 in Boston, US). Another proud bucket list achievement; having a Philippine passport on a tight budget, all first time visits traveled from United States down to South America, language barrier, currency exchange, changing airport/land border entry/exit requirements, sudden flight cancellations and of course, the pandemic protocol on tourism and transportation.

Some of my top accomplishment on this journey are Completed the World's Seven New Wonders, all-DIY budget solo hikes (World's youngest volcano, Central America highest peaks and some Ecuador's top mountain), visited every country's signature landmarks, elusive Ecuador visa application using my mobile phone only, pandemic travel techniques and having all negative result for more than 25 sets of Covid-19 PCR Nasal Swab Test.

205 days, 15 countries, 20 Covid19 Tests.
Traveled from Abu Dhabi to Mexico then Central America, South America, United States and Manila. 
MARAMING SALAMAT, MUCHAS GRACIAS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! 
MEXICO, BELIZE, GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, BOLIVIA, PARAGUAY, PERU, ECUADOR, GUYANA AND UNITED STATES #opentheeconomy #newnormal #pandemictraveling #goodvibes #lakbay100 #mexico #belize #guatemala #elsalvador #honduras #nicaragua #costarica #panama #colombia #bolivia #paraguay #peru #ecuador #guyana #unitedstates #philippines #northamerica #centralamerica #southamerica #america #pinoytraveler #backpacking #bucketlist 

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

Tuesday, July 27, 2021

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Panama

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 30 to Febuary 04, 2021

My 121st country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 11th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Panama served also as the eight country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Panama is a country in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, with Colombia (and South America) to the southeast and Costa Rica (and North America) to the northwest. It's strategically located on the isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America and controls the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea with the North Pacific Ocean, one of the most important shipping routes in the world.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Panama

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Panama

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Costa Rica

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 25 to January 30, 2021

My 120th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 10th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Costa Rica served also as the seventh country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Costa Rica became a popular nature travel destination, and its main competitive advantage is its well-established system of national parks and protected areas, covering around 23.4% of the country's land area, the largest in the world as a percentage of the country's territory, and home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, in a country that has only 0.03% of the world's landmass, but that is estimated to contain 5% of the world's biodiversity. The country also has plenty of world renowned beaches, both in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, within short travel distances between both coasts both by air and land, and also several active volcanoes that can be visited with safety.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Costa_Rica

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Costa Rica

Monday, July 26, 2021

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Nicaragua

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 20 to January 25, 2021

My 119th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 9th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Nicaragua served also as the sixth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Nicaragua has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea, in the east, and the North Pacific Ocean, in the west, and has Costa Rica to the southeast and Honduras to the northwest. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with an area of 130,373km² and contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua) or Cocibolca. Roughly one quarter of the nation's population lives in the Nicaraguan capital, making it the second largest city and metropolitan area in Central America.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Nicaragua

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Nicaragua

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Honduras

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 17 to January 20, 2021

My 118th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 8th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Honduras served also as the fifth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Honduras is the second biggest and second most populous country in Central America. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Maya ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), and a Pacific and Caribbean coastline and the Bay Islands, with great beaches and coral reefs where snorkelling and diving are exceptional by any standard. The country is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, El Salvador to the south and Nicaragua to the southeast and has one of the worlds highest murder rates due mostly to rampant gangs.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Honduras

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Honduras

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in El Salvador

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 12 to January 17, 2021

My 117th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 7th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. El Salvador served also as the fourth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

El Salvador is a country in Central America and, geographically, is part of continental North America. It is bordered on the southwest by the Pacific Ocean, and lies between Guatemala and Honduras. El Salvador covers an area of about 21,040 square kilometres (the smallest country in Central America), although it is the most densely populated. El Salvador is home to more than 6,500,000 people. It is divided into 14 sections called Departments. It has 25 volcanoes, 14 lakes, and three large cities and is divided in to East, Central and West with the the capital San Salvador in the central region, Santa Ana in the west and San Miguel the largest city in the east.
https://wikitravel.org/en/El_Salvador

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

Sunday, July 25, 2021

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guatemala

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America
January 04 to January 12, 2021

My 116th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 6th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Guatemala served also as the third country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Guatemala is a small country in the Central America region. It has borders to Mexico in the north/northwest, to Belize in the northeast, to Honduras in the southeast, to El Salvador in the south. It has a Pacific coastline to the southwest, and a tiny piece of Caribbean coastline to the east. Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Guatemala

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guatemala

Friday, July 23, 2021

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip
December 27, 2020 to February 04, 2021

Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival with visa fee gratis for these 8 countries (Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) if using a valid US B2 visa. Despite the strict entry immigration requirements and danger of Covid19 pandemic challenge, I visited them all successfully as a Filipino Solo Backpacker on budget DIY basis using Philippine passport only. 

Central America is the thin section of land that links the North American continent with the South American continent. Geographically part of North America, it is made up of seven small, mostly tropical countries that have much more in common with South America and Mexico than the more affluent north. Mexico is occasionally considered part of Central America due to the language and cultural heritage it shares with several of the countries in the region.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Central_America

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America