European Backpacking: Money Saving Ideas!

We all know Europe is an expensive getaway but there are a lot of ways to cut cost and extend your budget in Europe. I made up these tips based on my recent 2-week trip.

These ideas may not work on people who have a different take on their travels. In my case, it’s a shoestring backpacking trip. Hence, cheapest possible or the value for money.

1.    Book your tickets in advance / Schedule your transfers

Aside from accommodation, plane tickets and train transfers are the biggest part of a trip. I suggest you decide on your route and how long you plan to stay in a city or country then book your airplane or train tickets in advance. Also, decide whether to take the plane or train. In my case, I decided on my country transfers even if I didn’t have my detailed itinerary per city yet. Yes, there may be instances that I wish I could’ve stayed longer or shorter but marking these dates is very important to get the cheapest ticket possible. I tell you, you can save a lot! You can even save time not queuing up for tickets! Just make sure you are not left by your train.

I regularly check tickets online to see if the flight tickets already changed. In my case, I got the cheapest deal for Lisbon – Paris (Beauvais) ticket from Ryanair. I booked my Ryanair ticket more than 2months in advance and it was worth it. I only paid 55Euros (Php 3,135) per person included the 20kg baggage allowance. Had I book it just a month earlier, I’m sure I would have paid more!

I got the best deals on our train rides. Since train fares are like plane tickets already, the earlier you book the flight, the cheaper you can get it. I booked all our trains online on the first day it was available online. Haha! I made sure to be the on the queue. Lol.

Just to give you an example, normally the bus ride from Madrid – Lisbon is cheaper than the overnight-sleeper train but since I booked it early, I got a cheaper ticket on the train. And yes, we were able to lie down on a full-flat bed. Yay!

In Italy, I got our Frecciarossa high-speed train tickets for only 29Euros (Php 1,653) per person for our Milano – Firenze and Firenze – Roma trip. By the way, it was business class! Haha! Had I gotten the ordinary seats, it would have just cost me 19Euros (Php 1,102). Like I said, I book it early. If I got my tickets on the travel day itself, the tickets were already 43Euros for ordinary and 63Euros  for the business class. I saved a lot! Now, you see what I mean for the value for money -- I paid 29Eu for business class rather than buying it on the spot for 43Euros and it’s just the ordinary seat.

2.    Get good hotel deals / Airbnb / Couchsurf / Overnight trains

The other major expense in a trip – a place to stay. It would be a big saving if you have a good friend to stay or find a couch. But if none, better plan this as well before your trip because it’s a big consideration.  Try checking out Airbnb or hotel website for good deals. Consider taking an overnight train as well to save on hotel costs, sleep on the train and once you arrive, you are already in a new country. Yay!

European Backpacking: The Summary

WOW! I made it and my mom survived! We're finally back after our 16-day European pilgrimage-backpacking trip. We visited 11 cities in 4 countries with 5 airplane rides, 2-overnight trains, 2-high speed trains and 2-regional trains.

My partner. Haha!

Our main purpose was to attend the beatification ceremony of Don Alvaro Del Portillo in Madrid, Spain. But since we were already in Europe, might as well visit other sites. It was already our chance!

So we visited famous pilgrimage sites such as Fatima and Avila, prayed in major Basilica like the Sacre-croix (Sacred Heart) in Paris, Milano Cathedral and St. Peter's Square in Rome, attended Papal Audience in Rome and of course other must-visit side trips -- Disneyland Paris, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Coloseo to name a few.

To summarize our trip:

Spain: Avila. Madrid. Segovia.

Portugal: Fatima. Lisbon.

France: Paris. Versailles.

Italy: Milan. Florence. Pisa. Rome.

Fuji-Q Highlands: Home of Roller Coasters

April 29, 2013

Another once-in-a-lifetime experience I had in 2013 was to visit the thrilling, breath taking, and home of roller coasters in Japan, Fuji-Q Highland.  From the entrance, you can  already see up close the famous Fuji-san or Mt. Fuji, where the name of the theme park came from.

Fuji-Q Highlands Entrance

Before going to the park, I was really excited to try all the rides and I’m up for all the challenges. But seeing the rides up close and personal, it seemed like I can’t make it especially if I take up the challenge alone. But if someone was willing to ride with me, will have definitely ridden all the coasters! In the end, I tried the King of All Coasters, Fujiyama and Dodonpa.

Not to mention the breathtaking view!

Fuji-Q Grounds

Its famous roller coasters include the following:

Fujiyama: 79m high, top speed of 130km/hr and a total length of 2045m. It was once the 8^th tallest, 5^th longest and 10^th fastest roller coaster in 2007.

Crazy. This is one of the best roller coasters I’ve ridden. And I’m looking forward to try other coasters in the future. The lines were very long but it was all worth it to experience this one-of-a-kind roller coaster. The warm-up move was to climb the 71m and getting ready for the 1^st drop. While we were slowly moving up, my bones were shaking whether I could make it or not but there was no backing out! The thought of it was really crazy!

Universal Studios Japan: Experience the Movies

April 24, 2013

Touched down Osaka, Japan. Where to go? Universal Studios Japan ex- the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Unfortunately, I went there a year before the scheduled opening of the Harry Potter themed attractions.

Universal Globe

Seriously, we went directly to Universal Studios (USJ). Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, we immediately purchased bus tickets to USJ bringing with us my big luggage. I didn’t care what other people might think. Haha! Travel Tip: There is luggage storage at the entrance of the park. You may leave your things there for a fee (I forgot how much though).

Too bad the weather didn’t cooperate during my trip because it was raining. But it didn’t stop me to enjoy and maximize my day trip to the park. After all, I didn’t know when can I visit this park again? Not until they announced the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening soon! I’m not a die-hard harry potter fan but will surely be back there to see the attraction! HAHA!

Like my suggestion in all other theme parks, get a copy of the park map immediately and plan on how you maximize the place. Make sure to include in your schedule the park shows and performance. 

Universal Studios Japan:

Mandatory photo!

Itinerary: Kyoto

Before every trip, it is very important to research on the places you intend to visit.   It is equally important to plot everything so that you can maximize the little time you have bearing in mind the expenses you will incur.

Let’s face it, sometimes researching for your trip can consume most of your time before your dream vacation. Of course, if you are on a tour group, they prepare everything for you.

Sharing to you my 2-day itinerary in Kyoto, Japan.

Golden Pavilion

Day 1: April 26, 2013

06:05AM – Arrival at Kyoto Station via Overnight bus from Nagano Prefecture

06:05AM – 07:00AM – Travel to Cathedral of St.Francis Xavier (We arrived on a Sunday so we decided to attend mass before going around)

07:00AM – 07:30AM – Quick tour in the church and prepare for mass

07:30AM – 08:15AM – Holy Mass

08:15AM – 09:45AM – Travel to Kyoto ShuhokakuHotel (leisure morning walk)

09:45 AM – 10:20AM – Early registration and left our luggage

10:20AM – 1!:15AM – Breakfast near hotel

11:15AM – 12:00NN – Walk from hotel to Kiyomizu-dera (including the 20min from the city streets to the main entrance)

12:00NN – 01:00PM – Explore Kiyomizu-dera

01:00PM – 01:30PM – Walk to Kodaji Temple

01:30PM – 02:15PM – Explore  Kodaji Temple, Maruyama & Yasaka Park Shring

02:15PM – 03:00PM – Explore Kyoto downtown and Gion area

03:00PM – 03:30PM – Travel to Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel

03:30PM – 05:00PM – Check in and Rest (Eat snacks from convenience store)

05:00PM – 06:00PM – Travel to Kyoto University (I visited a place near the university)

06:00PM – 06:30PM – Met with the Director of the place

06:30PM – 07:30PM – Travel back to the Hotel

07:30PM – 08:30PM – Rest

08:30PM – 09:30PM – Special Kaiseki dinner at the Hotel

09:30PM – 10:30PM – Wash up! Prepare for tomorrow

Day 2: April 27, 2013

06:00AM – 07:00AM – Wake up! Prepare ~

07:00AM – 07:40AM – Hearty breakfast at the Hotel

07:40AM – 08:15AM – Pack things (We leave the hotel at night so we need to check-out early)

08:15AM – 09:00AM – Travel to Kinkakuji

09:00AM – 10:15AM – Explore Kinkakuji (GoldenPavilion)

10:15AM – 11:00AM – Travel to Ryoanji

11:00AM – 11:45AM – Explore Ryoanji

11:45AM – 12:30PM – Travel to Nijo-jo

12:30PM – 01:45PM – Explore Nijo-jo (Nijo Castle)

01:45PM – 03:00PM – Lunch and Rest! (We walked a lot!)

03:00PM – 03:30PM – Continue to stroll to Imperial Palace

03:30PM – 04:15PM – Explore Imperial Palace

04:15PM – 04:30PM – Travel to Gion area

04:30PM – 06:00PM – Explore Gion at night and bought some souvenirs

06:00PM – 06:20PM – Go back to Hotel

06:20PM – 06:30PM – Just grab our luggage!

06:30PM – 07:00PM – Travel to Kyoto Station

07:00PM – 07:40PM – Explore Kyoto Station

07:40PM – 08:30PM – Dinner at McDonalds in Kyoto Station

08:30PM – 09:30PM – Rest

09:30PM – 10:30PM – Went to the bus, board and rest again!

10:30PM – Departure!

That’s it for my Kyoto trip. It was very short so I just visited the major destinations in town.

This is just a simple guide to help you plan your Kyoto escapade. Feel free to modify my itinerary according to your interest and schedule.

If you have more time in Kyoto, you can explore other places: (not a complete list)

Ginkaku-ji – Silver Pavilion. Arashiyama.. Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Tenryu-ji. Kamigamo & Shimogamo Shrines. Mount. Kurama. Kyoto National Museum.

Enjoy your Kyoto trip!

Kyoto | Imperial Palace: The Emperor's Residence

April 27, 2013

To conclude our Kyoto trip, we went to Kyoto Imperial Palace, ‘just walking distance from Nijo-jo,’ according to many Japanese. But this doesn't mean 5min walk. Aha. Just like in other developed countries, a 20-30min walk is a norm for them. Just to make things clear, its around 2.8km from Nijo Castle. Now, it’s for you to decide if you want to walk.

In our case, we walked from the castle to the palace. I’m good with the walk given the cool weather and pleasant view, including traces of Cherry Blossoms. I also enjoyed observing Japanese lifestyle and culture.

Kyoto Imperial Palace was the home of the country’s Emperor until 1868, when they transferred to Tokyo Imperial Palace (been there in 2009). 

Imperial Palace Main Gate

Kyoto | Kinkaku-ji: Golden Pavilion in Nature

April 27, 2013

First thing on the list in our 2^nd and last day in Kyoto – my number 1 place to visit, Golden Pavilion – Kinkaku-ji. It’s arguably the most famous temple in Kyoto and even in the country.  Make sure to visit the place to understand its magnificent beauty. A perfect place for reflection of what you have done with your life. HAHA!

After freshening up and a hearty breakfast, we immediately went to Kinkaku-ji. I was very excited to see the temple that I woke up early and researched some fun facts to appreciate the structure more. Travel Tip: It’s good to read prior before visiting a place to know its value. Reminder to self: Read, and not just pure photos!

The entrance to the temple was already very inviting because it was perfectly maintained. You can already feel a serene ambiance leading to the main temple. The locals and tourists were also very disciplined. Who would dare throwing rubbish here?

Kyoto | Kiyomizu-dera: A Temple in Otowa Mountain

April 26, 2013

Exactly a year ago, I visited Kiyomizu-dera or Clear Water Temple in English. It is one of my top 5 places to visit in Kyoto. A beautiful temple at the East side of Kyoto and just walking distance from our hotel, Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel.

Kiyomizu-dera's main temple

Yes, striking distance but that doesn’t mean less than 10min of walk because the walk from city streets to the temple entrance is already 20min. Hence, from our hotel, it’s approximately a 35min stroll. Travel Tip: Consider wearing sneakers. The walking time might be easy for you! But how about the elevation and slopes! Take note, the temple is located in Otowa Mountain.

But it's a pleasant walk! Most people, including Japanese high school students in their school uniforms, heading to the temple would also walk to the entrance.  There's a wide array of shops too along the way. Travel Tip: Grab the green tea or sakura ice cream. It’s amazing! Buy some refreshments too!

Kyoto | Nijo-jo: Home of the Tokugawa Shogunate

April 27, 2013

"Not only did Nijo Castle witness the rise and fall of the Tokugawa, but the castle has also watched over changes in Japanese History."

The home of the 1^st Shogun of the Edo period (1603-1867), Nijo Castle is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Kyoto that you should not miss out. From the entrance of the castle, you can already see the grandeur of the structure.

Ninomaru Palace

Near the gate, we paid for the castle tickets then went immediately to the castle.  And we didn’t get the English voice guide system because its additional cost. By the way, I saw a Filipino family in the entrance who must have went here through a tour group. I should have followed them to have a free tour explanation of the castle. lol. Travel Tip: It's not allowed to snap photos inside. Make sure to take photos while you are still outside! And the Japanese religiously follow rules :)

Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel: A Japanese traditional living

Thousands of hotels, guesthouses, inns bed & breakfast to choose from in this must-visit city of Kyoto, but we opted to stay in a Japanese inn known as Ryokan. This type of room feature tatami-matted rooms where guests rest and sleep.

Kyoto Shuhokaku Hotel is a traditional inn that offers a perfect Japanese traditional experience from the rooms to the food they served, from the lounge to the common bath area.

Hotel Entrance

Once you enter the hotel, you will immediately find a small souvenir shop selling traditional products. Just go straight a little further to find the check-in desks and the staffs would gladly help you. They were very helpful and accommodating. In fact, they provided us with a map and suggested routes on how to go around Kyoto.

Japanese wearing Yukata

Even in the hallways, you would realize the traditional feel of the hotel. Travel Tip: You have private showers in the room you can go to a public bath for everyone (onsen). Likewise, if you want a public bath experience exclusive to your family (people you are with), you can ask a staff to reserve a public bath for you. 

Kyoto Catholic Church: Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier

Wherever I am, I always make sure to attend Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation. I may just be in town without any plans, attend seminars abroad, backpack in SouthEastAsia, or whatever, mass on Holy Days  of Obligation is always part of my schedule.

This time, I’m in Kyoto, Japan.

I attended mass in the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier (Kawaramachi Church). It is one of the oldest churches in Japan.

Kawaramachi Church

Mandatory photo. HAHA!

Mass Schedule:

Sunday	7:00 AM 10:30 AM 12:00 NN (English Mass)
Monday	6:30 AM
Tuesday	6:30 AM 6:30 PM
Wednesday	6:30 AM 6:30 PM
Thursday	6:30 AM
Friday	6:30 AM 6:30 PM
Saturday	6:30 AM 6:30 PM (Anticipated Mass)

Kyoto Downtown: A Museum Itself

April 26, 2013

When you talk about Japan, it’s about skyscrapers, technologically-advanced equipment, high-tech gadgets, heavy industries, famous cars and appliances, gaming consoles, etc., but outside the busy-streets and work-driven Tokyo city is a culturally-rich, laidback lifestyle, a museum itself in the central part of Honshu Island, KYOTO! It shouldn't be missed out.

Kyoto is the home of the country’s Emperor for more than 1000years (794-1868), UNESCO World Heritage Site, roughly 2000 temples and shrines, museums, castles and the famous Maiko (Geisha) entertainers in Gion Street.

It is located 458km from the capital Tokyo but the fastest Shinkansen bullet train (Nozomi train) can reach your destination in 2hrs and 20min. Needless to say, the speed and convenience of the train would equate to its price at around ¥14,000 for a one-way ride (Php6,000 or US$140). From Osaka, cultural city of Japan is just 55km, and its connected by several transport services – Shinkansen, Rapid trains, Subway lines, Buses, and taxes. There should be no problem connecting between these 2 cities because transportation is very convenient in Japan. Just be cautious in choosing your mode of transportation, it might just cost you few hundred bucks! For more information on transportation to Kyoto: Access to Kyoto

In our case, however, we came from Nagano prefecture and to save few bucks, we opted for the 7 hrs  16min overnight bus to Kyoto. But like what I said, its hassle-free! The bus left Nagano at 22:49H and arrived at Kyoto Station at exactly 06:05H. Travel Tip: Make sure to be in the station minutes before your scheduled trip since public transportation leaves on the dot. Consider the walking time to the platform/exact bus location. Not even a minute of late is tolerated there J

Kyoto Station Bus Stop

Tokyo Tower 東京タワ: Japan's Iconic Tower

July 8, 2012

Since we were not able to go up the observation deck of Tokyo Sky Tree, we decided to go to Tokyo Tower instead and made sure to reach the skies. So, we went straight to Tokyo Tower without any second thoughts! Or honestly, it was part of our itinerary! HAHA.

Tokyo Tower was the main broadcasting and communication tower of Japan from 1958 to 2012  (yes, 54years!) when Tokyo Sky Tree was built. Despite its 333m height, it cannot provide clear signals to TV and radio network these days due to the skyscrapers around the area (before, absolutely yes!).

We went there around 4pm, just in time to see the city before dark and before the city lights and the tower itself was lit. While walking to the tower, I can’t help but take a lot of photos just to get the perfect angle of the picturesque tower in front of me. I don’t look at the streets while walking. LOL!

Walking to the tower

Mandatory photo!

Tokyo Sky Tree: World's Tallest Tower

July 8, 2012

An itinerary to Tokyo Sky Tree is a must for a trip to Japan! However, we went to the world's tallest tower accepting the reality that we won’t be able to go up at least  350m (higher deck @ 450m) above the ground to the observation decks. We went there last July 8 and the tower opened in May 22, 2012 (less than 2months of operation). However, the observation decks were already reserved until July 11. Yes,  just 3 days, we were just ahead for 3days..

Tokyo Sky Tree (634m):

It is the tallest broadcasting tower in the world and the 2^nd tallest structure after Burj Khalifa (828.9m) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Aside from its observation deck at the 350^th flr & 450^th flr., it is also a broadcasting and communication tower for TV and radio companies in Japan.

Tokyo Sky Tree from the shops

Mandatory photo! yay!

As mentioned, we weren't able to go up but, nonetheless, we still enjoyed our trip there:

THE Sky Tree

Another mandatory shot. HAHA!

Tokyo DisneySea: Where Imagination and Adventure Set Sail

July 15, 2012.

Disney changed people’s lives. And age doesn’t matter when you’re heading to a Disney Resort. This time, it’s Tokyo Disney Sea.

Like our 22hr trip back in January 2012, we again travelled all the way from Nagano to Tokyo to visit this one-of-a-kind resort. But this time, we are staying overnight to visit both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Yay! Brace up for another adventure! This is bigger than Tokyo Disneyland!

We arrived at the resort before the park opened so we went straight to Hilton Tokyo Bay to park our things (we can’t check-in yet). My host family also decided to park the car there and take the Disney Monorail from the hotel to the resort for another experience.

At Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel

Tokyo Disney Resort Monorail:
It’s the same with the HongKong Disneyland Rail – with Mickey windows, Mickey handles, and all the other Disney designs -- but this one is way more expensive.

Look at the ticket prices!

Tokyo Disney Sea Map:

Familiarize yourself with the entire DisneySea resort.  It has 7 main themes: Mediterranean Harbor. Mysterious Island. Mermaid Lagoon. Arabian Coast. Lost River Delta. Port Discovery. American Waterfront. Travel Tip: Make sure to get your map at hand and plan your route inside the park. You may want to take an unconventional route by starting in the 3^rd or 4^th theme. Normally, when people arrived in the park, they just do clockwise or counter-clock wise route. Start in the middle when there are still less people. Make sure to consider live performances as well!

Familiarizing myself with the park

Entrance:

Once you entered the park, you will be welcomed by the DisneySea SquaSphere , showing the model of the earth, helping you realize the body of water that surrounds us.  From this place onwards, seems like everything is a fantasy.

Welcome to Tokyo Disney Sea!

Where's the Philippines?

Spring Season: It's Sakura ~

Hello to my BLOG! HAHA! After more than a year of hiatus ;]


Last May 2013, I was in Japan for a short but a very memorable trip. One of the many experiences I had that made it memorable was the 'Sakuras' or Cherry Blossoms in english and 벚곷 in Korean sightseeing.


Once a sakura blossoms, it takes a week or even less until it withers. And since my trip was on the latter part of Spring, I didn't expect to see a parade of sakura anymore. Good thing we made a trip to Southern Nagano and saw a strip of Sakuras while plying the expressway. However, it was not our real destination..

Superhighway to Southern Nagano

And soo.. the following day, Sunday, we decided to get up early and purposely visit this parade of Sakura before heading to the 11AM Sunday Mass (Yes, wherever I go, I try my best to attend Holy Days of Obligation -- I just skip once, I think?). 

Here's the awesome place:

Sakura Heaven I

Sakura Heaven II