Europe Backpacking 101 - Part 1

It had always been my dream to travel around Europe. I recall drooling over the photos that my jet-setter aunt had when they visited Madrid, Paris and Rome some time in 2005. Ever since that moment I have filed in the deep recesses of my mind that some day I would get to see the breathtaking architecture that I have seen in the photos.

When I asked my aunt how much they spent for the trip, her nonchalant reply made me choke. 1 million pesos!!! Wow "Saang kamay ng Diyos ko kukunin yan?" I muttered to myself.

Though the price seemed steep I just knew that I had to to be in Europe in one way or the other. It was only a question of time.

 Fast forward to 2011. Through sheer luck and determination, the universe did conspire to finally have me get what I have always wanted.  I was finally able to backpack across Europe (well at least 6 of its cities) in two 2 weeks. To say that the trip changed my perspective is an understatement, it altered my game plan in life. But that's jumping ahead of the story.

I was deeply moved by what I have seen. It has been my wish since if every one from this side of the globe could get to see what I have seen.

I know it's tough, seeming impossible even. Hell, it's unfair for us Pinoys actually. We could slave in our jobs for ten years and that could barely give us the amount for backpacking in Europe. But they- I refer to my friends from the US and Europe- on the other hand had it somewhat easy. They can get an extra job-baby sitting, bartending etc- for a year and readily afford to roam around Europe.

Ticking an item off my bucket list- Backpacking in Europe

I guess it's just the way it is.. But it should not dampen your spirit. If you have the will, you will always find a way.

I'm putting this series to provide tips on how an average-income Pinoy can experience European backpacking.

I spent about 150 T ( a far cry from what aunt quoted) for the entire trip including airfare. I realize on hindsight that I could have even spent much lower. So if you're dream is to visit Europe on a shoestring here is my attempt to share my experience as well as my booboos along the way.

It is my fervent hope that this would help you pursue that European backpacking dream.

Traveler's Tale

Wow I so envy this guy... He had his epiphany as young as 22..

Tale of a Nomad

The world awaits you

The Road Less Traveled

The lines diverged from my path... And I ..I took the one less travelled and that has made all the difference.. (With fond gratitude to Robert Frost for these lines)

I am about to embark on a journey where it runs contrary to the common expectations. The countdown has begun. Some might raised their eyebrows on my decision.. But I guess in the end, I must be accountable for my own life. I have to follow this inner voice and take the path less travelled.

Photo taken at one of the train stations in Vienna

How Steve Jobs convinced me to do another backpacking adventure

I just came from a backpacking adventure in Europe.

It had been a blast !

It was supposed to be my last hurrah as a single person.

In my part of the globe, there is a certain expectation that at a certain age you’re supposed to settle down, have kids, have a house- the whole nine yards..

But seeing Europe for the first time made me realize there so much more to discover about the world.

I guess am a wide-eyed explorer not yet willing to let go of the joy of aimless wandering.

The trip has changed my game plan in life.

And rather timely in a surreal way, the death of Steve Jobs reminded me of his words…

“Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

So here I am throwing caution to the wind and lookin forward to another adventure next year yeba

Yes I can

If these folks can do it, why can't I?

This is a website put up by a pair of spunky souls who quit their jobs and went on a six month backpacking adventure across Asia. And oh they funded their dream with this website. Ain't it neat?

Backpackers

I am geared up for my next European backpack adventure, and am hoping to partially fund this with this blog.. Yeba..

Biyaheng UP Ikot

Carpe Diem

I just capped off a 2-week amazing journey to Europe. An item is ticked off from my bucket list. Yeba.. I now long forward to another adventure some time next year... Of late I have been watching repeatedly the Dead Poets Society.. Something primal has been stirred in me when I went to Europe.

“I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, To put to rout all that was not life and not when I had come to die Discover that I had not lived.”