Music is an integral part of my life and travels. Some days I go out the door with my earphones snugly pressed on my ears and I feel like I’m in a movie and my life’s soundtrack is playing in the background as I strut out to the sunshine. I bet I’m not the only one who feels this way.

But this post is not about music. It’s about my Brazilian friend Gustavo, who is the lead singer and guitarist of the Brazilian band, Não Contém Glúten (Contains No Gluten). I hosted him for a few days in Stockholm during what I fondly call the Ice Age. I even eventually helped plan his itinerary on his trip to my home country, the Philippines, which he enjoyed thoroughly.

He used to live and travel around in Europe so I decided to interview him because he is quite an interesting character as well. He talks about tips and tricks on how to make your backpacking trip in Europe more affordable, why less luggage is really the way to travel and playing football with Russians who didn’t speak any English.

Plus I’ve got a few bonus stuff for you at the end of the interview care of Gustavo and his band!

Gustavo with his bandmates (Não Contém Glúten)

Gustavo is born in the south of Brazil, in a city called Florianópolis, where he is currently based. He really loves traveling which to him means meeting new people and seeing new places, having contact with different cultures and situations, feeling challenged, and further developing his self-knowledge. He has been to more than 40 countries so far. He is also passionate about music (listening or playing) and football (playing, specially).

My favorite website is Wikitravel and I get most of the information I need from this source. Besides that, I’ll have to admit that I am a voracious traveler, so I am always interested in visiting, whatever the place is like, so I don’t really plan my trips that much.

That is somehow a complicated question… I didn’t have problems with money at all, since I really like walking and rarely spend a lot of money in one single day. If you’re young and full of energy, you can definitely find solutions or alternatives in order to save money. Most of the costs, in my opinion are a result of a “comfort wish“.

watching the Stone Temple Pilots concert at the Hurricane Festival in Germany

I say walking a lot, always checking deals for 1-day train ticket or 10-trip ticket before buying a single trip ticket, checking the best rates when exchanging money because you can lose a lot of money with this! Sometimes a credit card will be the best option. Plus, I’d say Couchsurfing is also a very effective way of saving money, too. (DJ: So true with exchanging money! And yes to Couchsurfing although I recommend this less and less these days because it is turning into something else. For those doing road trips, check out Parking4less to compare cheap car parks and airport parking options.)

I wish I knew more about history. I’ve always been interested in history, but once I’m in Europe I found so many things I didn’t know and this was something I regretted.

I also wish I had a better camera.

And lastly, less luggage. This is an endless problem for travelers. I bring almost nothing with me and in the end I realize it was still too much! (DJ: So true. I’m still trying to be a good packer though.)

at the Red Square in Moscow

I can’t make a ranking so I am going to mention 5 places in no particular order:

Belgrade – Pretty, crazy for football (I love this sport!), very cultural, organized, clean, with a lively nightlife and safe from the big “tourist crowd”.

Riga – Gracious, delightful, cute, also safe from the tourist crowd, nice music and people.

Budapest – GREAT city. Can’t find any words for it. Complete. Amazing. I could never get tired of Budapest. (DJ: Super loved this as well. Highly recommended!)

Stockholm – The Nordic pearl. Imposing and at the same time delicate. Very charming. (DJ: My favorite city!)

Moscow – Huge, full of history. Amazing luxury, stunning central areas and obscure, non tourist-friendly suburbs. Very challenging for the traveler, with a treasure for the ones who decipher it.

Playing football (a match, with teams, not only passing the ball and smiling) with local people in Russia’s countryside without communicating (I couldn’t speak any Russian and they couldn’t understand any English!). What an unforgettable experience!!

early bird at Partizan’s Stadium in Belgrade

I’d try to go to places I haven’t been to yet such as Belarus, Iceland and the Caucasus (many countries to visit in there, I couldn’t choose one).

I’d say that there are various kinds of trip/traveler. If the person is looking for a comfortable relaxing trip, eating at good restaurants or having a honeymoon, it is clear to me that his itinerary, schedule, tours etc. will be completely different than the itinerary of someone who is looking for adventure or self knowledge should make. I think knowing what kind of trip you are looking for, what are your intentions and what kind of memories/souvenirs/achievements you want to bring back home from the trip is the first and most important step when planning your voyage.

riding the snow mobile in Lapland , Finland

As I’ve mentioned in the beginning of this post, I have some bonus for you care of Gustavo and his band. Below are videos of my favorite songs from their latest album, GNU, and here is a link to that album. It’s absolutely FREE. So get a copy if you love listening to good foreign music in your travels ;P

And if you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it to your friends, Brazilian or not ;P

When it comes to the theatre scene, you simply can’t beat London.  Nowhere else on earth boasts the rich theatre history associated with the city of London, and nowhere else has a theatre district as large as the city’s West End. With such rich quality, history, and variety, the London theatre scene is a must-see on any trip to England!

The term “West End Theatre” refers to the mainstream professional theatre that is staged in the bigger theaters in London’s West End, also known as “Theatreland”. It’s similar to the “Broadway” scene in New York City. One of the best qualities about the West End is its terrific variety of shows; the West End puts on plays ranging from Shakespeare to children’s shows, dances, musical, operas and more. If you’re travelling with children, consider catching one of the family-friendly shows, such as  “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Drury lane (opening in June 2013), “Matilda the Musical” at the Cambridge Theater, or “The Lion King” at the Lyceum Theater. Other successful shows being performed this year include “1984” (which will be finishing its run in June 2013), “And in the End- the Life and Death of John Lennon” (also closing up in June 2013), and the ever-popular “Billy Elliot: The Musical”.

If you’re looking for theatre that is slightly less mainstream than the West End scene, London offers many choices. The Southwest Playhouse on Newington Causeway frequently showcases new writers, focusing on the next generation of theatre makers. Other great bets include The Almedia in Islington, and The Orange Tree in Richmond (The Orange Tree is known for celebrating up-and-coming writers, and dealing with contemporary, relevant issues).

There is no theater more famous than London’s Globe Theater. In 1599, it was constructed by William Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 1613, leading to the construction of a second Globe Theater on the same site. The second Globe Theater closed down by the Puritans in 1642 (along with many other theaters in London. Over 300 years later, in 1997, a modern reconstruction of the theater (roughly based on the original design) was built a couple hundred meters from the original theater.  The new Globe Theater is the stage for top-notch theater productions; the 2013 season includes Shakespearean plays such as “The Tempest”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, and “MacBeth”, as well as new plays making their world-premiere, such as “Blue Stockings” by Jessica Swale (directed by John Dove) and “The Lightning Child” by Ché Walker (directed by Matthew Dunster).

There are many ways to get tickets to the theatre in London. Check out London Theater Breaks in 2013, and embrace first class performances all year round. They provide comprehensive hotel and theatre London packages so you can get better value for your money hassle-free.

Other options include the TKTS booth in Leicester Square that sells West End theatre tickets. The booth sells tickets for the day of the show, and up to a week in advance. It is open from 10am to 7pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.

Another good option is the Theatre Passport, which allows the bearer access to the best available seats in the house for participating shows and musicals; this is an especially sensible option for those who want to see a show, but aren’t sure which one to see. If you’re interested in getting tickets on a show held at the Globe Theater, information can be obtained on the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre website.

Image Credit

Paris is an exciting place to visit, especially for the first time. Everyone has different ideas on how to invade the city. I was overwhelmed myself on my first visit there during my epic backpacking Europe trip. What I normally do in big cities is visit the top tourist sites first and then just be spontaneous the rest of my days. To help you wing it on your first days in Paris, here are 5 of the most-loved sightseeing locations in Paris:

The top landmark and symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower is incredible from a distance and even more so when standing underneath it or taking the tour. The tower has 3 levels of observation decks. Options of an elevator or a stairway lead to and from the first 2 levels. Only an elevator is provided to and from the top level, and lines waiting at that lift can be long.

Seen from any viewpoint and at any time of day, the Eiffel Tower is beautiful. Note that the splendour of the view of Paris at sunset from the second and third levels is unmatched from any other place in the city. If you are taking the city bus to visit the tower, be sure to know the time of the last bus stopping at the landmark.

just another cliche Eiffel Tower photo at night

Opens at 9:00 AM every day of the week except Tuesday, this grand museum houses numerous collections and around 400,000 items on show. Days are needed to see everything in this venue, but you can choose sections that are of particular interest to you if your time is limited. On my first visit at the Louvre, I was only able to see a few sections of it. You don’t have to see everything inside but if you’re a museum freak then better allocate around a week for the Louvre alone. All exhibit descriptions and signs are in French, but you can purchase an audio guide in your preferred language.

Travel tip: bring your student ID! Entrance to the museum is free for students and young people among others. Check out the full list here.

view of the Louvre from one of its top chambers

How could you go to Paris and not visit Montmarte? Montmarte has a special place in my heart because one of my favorite films, Amelie, was shot here. I even did a DIY Amelie tour on my own when I was back in Paris last September. What’s in Montmarte? For a start, there’s the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmarte (pictured below) which is gorgeous and has a breathtaking view of Paris. You can also see Moulin Rouge here which I thought is overrated. There are also a lot of cool shops, cozy cafes and interesting nooks and crannies in Montmarte. I love it.

Me workin' it at the Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmarte

About the second most famous landmark in the city, the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral is a classic illustration of Gothic architecture. Built in the 1100s, this church is definitely worth a visit to see the interior, the architecture and the lovely stained glass art. Admission is free, but a fee is charged to climb the tower. An excellent time to visit is on Sunday morning during Mass when the gigantic organ is playing and the choir is singing.

Notre Dame Cathedral in the summer

Open daily from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening, the Catacombs are underground tombs where around 6 million people were laid to rest. A vast historic system of tunnels, this maize of routes under the city are fascinating and sobering. Self-tours let visitors see as much as they want to explore. Wearing walking shoes and bringing along drinking water are important for meandering through the passages viewing the arrangements of skulls, bones and other intriguing sites.

If you’re looking for budget accommodation in Paris check out the HostelBookers website. A good tip for visiting the main and popular attractions in the city is to come early. When arriving at least a half an hour before opening times, you avoid an hour or more wait at the entrance later in the day. Another thing to remember is that holidays like Easter find the main sites of the city so crowded that even early comers must wait 2 or 3 hours.

Did I miss anything in this list? What are your top attractions in Paris?

DJ in Gamla Stan, Stockholm

I still can’t believe that my relatively new eurotrip travel blog is nominated as one of the Best European Weblogs at the 13th Annual Weblog Awards aka 2013 Bloggies.

This is kind of major.

Well, to begin with, the Bloggies is the longest running blog awards on the Internet and every year they recognize amazing blogs in many different categories. There are many fantastic blogs on the Internet, and the Bloggies is here to honor them. So this is like the Oscars of the blogverse. It’s such an honor to be nominated.

I am quite flattered and happy since I really don’t know how I got there. There was a nomination process and then a voting process from the most-nominated blogs and then the top 5 best blogs of each category was revealed which is how I came to know about it.

I suddenly had a surge of traffic from the Bloggies website and only after a few days did I realize that my blog was nominated as top 5 Best European Weblog. *confetti confetti*

To those who nominated me, thank you thank you.

And here is where you come into the picture. The last step is voting for the best blog in each category. If my blog has helped you in anyway, please vote for me as Best European Weblog. You can do it in 3 easy steps in under 30 seconds! The last day of voting is on March 17, TOMORROW!

Step 1: Head over to the 2013 Bloggies website and tick off Dream Euro Trip.

Step 2: Scroll down at the bottom to enter your email and submit your nomination.

Step 3: Check your inbox and confirm your vote!

Thank you so much for voting!

P.S. 1 vote = 1 email, which means you can use all your other emails to vote and I will love you forever and send you amazing karma right now.

DJ

Audrey Hepburn once remarked that Paris is always a good idea. Judging by the millions of people who travel there every year, that statement is true.

Like any city, some times of the year are better than others for visiting. One of those times is the month of May for a number of reasons.

Thanks to its reputation as one of the most romantic cities in the world, the month of February, specifically Valentine’s Day, sees an influx of visitors. In the summer months, when children are out of school and families take their annual vacations, the city is overrun by tourists angling for the best view of the Mona Lisa and the Eiffel Tower. While May marks the beginning of summer, and crowds increase throughout the month, on most days you’ll be able to enjoy the city sights without long waits or large crowds.

Parisian weather in May tends to be on the cooler side. The average temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s generally sunny. You might encounter a stray rain shower or two, but overall the days are sunny and mild with cooler nights. This means that when you are walking the streets or traipsing up the many stairs of the Metro, you’ll be comfortable.

France observes two national holidays in May. May 1 is Labor Day, honoring workers, and May 8 is Victory Day, marking the end of World War II. On these days most of the major tourist attractions and many businesses are closed, but visitors can still experience events and ceremonies commemorating the holidays. Paris is alive with activity throughout the month, hosting several major festivals and events. Tennis fans flock to Paris every May for the French Open tennis tournament and it’s possible to purchase same-day tickets to watch some of the world’s best tennis players.

Paris also celebrates Museum Night each May. On one night, all of the museums in the city are free to the public and offer special exhibits and events as well as extended hours, often well past midnight. Music lovers will enjoy the Saint-Germain-des-Pres Jazz Festival, a two-week celebration of jazz that takes place in clubs and venues around the city, with a number of free or low-cost concerts.

Paris is one of the more expensive European cities for tourists, but rates in the month of May tend to be lower than average. Flights and hotel prices are lower in the earlier part of the month than later, when the crowds start to build. Overall, May tends to be a cheaper month for travel. You can always find cheap flights to Paris during this month as well.

Paris is a beautiful city at any time of the year, but in May the landscape is truly spectacular. The gray and dreary days of winter give way bright sunshine, and the many parks and gardens burst with color. It’s possible to pack a picnic lunch — picking up a bottle of wine, some bread and cheese at one of the many markets — and spend an afternoon soaking up the atmosphere. In fact, a leisurely afternoon in one of Paris’ gardens is arguably Paris at its finest.

While a true Francophile can make a case for visiting Paris at any time, for a first-time visitor, it’s hard to beat Paris in May. From the pleasant temperatures and lower crowds to the festivals and flowers, it is an ideal time to visit and soak up the beauty, culture and romance that is distinctly Paris.

I just recently finished a 3-month eurotrip and went to Spain for a week as my first stop. I went to Valencia for 3 days, Albacete for 2 days and Madrid for 3 days. How much does it cost to travel in Spain for a week?

See all Europe Travel Cost Reports per city and country

How much does it cost to travel in Spain for 7 days? Mine came down to 163.70 euros or 23.38 euros per day. The detailed explanation follows:

How much does it cost to eat out in Spain? Around 10 euros. Good deals can be had at lunch if you eat the menu del dia or menu of the day. It can be higher if you eat more stuff. There are other cheaper options like buying ready-to-eat food in the supermarket or in the mercado or buying stuff and preparing your own food. For me, I spent 64.6 euros for food in my one-week trip in Spain. It’s not that expensive because I ate out and prepared my own food as well. There are so many amazing and delicious tapas and drinks in Spain.

You can also try going to the mercato (or the local market) to buy your jamon and cheeses!

Transportation in between cities by train in Spain can be quite expensive. Sometimes, it’s even cheaper to travel by plane. Other alternative way is to do carpooling in Spain. I’ve tried this on my trip to Valencia from Madrid and I’ve saved a lot of money. You can also check out the buses because they are usually cheaper than the train. But if you are pressed for time then choose between flying or taking the train.

As for city transport cost, you’re looking at 1 euro for a ride in the train. You can save a bit by buying the daily pass or 3-day pass tickets. If you’re in the center anyway, walk. It’s good for your health and your pocket.

I spent around 61.6 euros for my bus tickets and carpooling in between the cities and also for my city transport. It’s also important to note that I walked a lot that’s why I also didn’t spend more for transportation.

Accommodation in Spain would cost you around 20-50 euros if you’re staying in backpacker hostels. If hotels is your thing then be ready to pay more. I was visiting friends during my entire trip so I didn’t really spend anything for accommodation.

It’s not that expensive to go out in Spain. A glass of beer with tapas would cost you between 1.5 – 2.5 euros. Spanish people also love to have a botellon which is basically a group of people drinking outside in public, usually in parks. It’s cheap because you get to buy your drinks from the supermarket or beer store. People then head out to the bars and club around 2am or so.

Parties usually start late in Spain. I recommend you to go out around 1am or 2am. In some places that’s even early! I spent 31.50 for going out and drinking when I was in Spain. It’s mostly hanging out in bars and parks with my friends. No crazy partying for me in this trip.

For me this includes the cost of using my phone to contact my friends which cost me around 6 euros. This can also include your travel insurance and shopping. You can compare prices of travel insurance at insurance town. Shopping cost, meanwhile, will vary person to person.

See all the travel budget reports.

Next up, budget expenses for a week in Norway!

Happy travels!

DJ

One of the things I love about Europe is the beautiful twilights in autumn. The sun sets earlier than usual and the cities are cloaked in a nice hue, the buildings and shops all lighted in warm yellow.

Twilights in Warsaw, Poland during the fall is no exception. It feels great to walk around the Old Town (Stare Miasto in Polish) with the crisp autumn chill on your face and then drinking some home-brewed beer in places like Browarnia. Or pig out on Polish pierogi and hearty zurek soup at Zapiekanka restaurant in the corner.

But I digress.

It’s all fake! If you didn’t know, Warsaw was one of the most destroyed cities in Europe during World War II. The city was almost flat and bombed into nothingness. So the Old Town you’re looking at right now is just a post-war reconstruction…of a painting of the original Old Town by this Italian dude better known in this parts as Canaletto. Crazy no? But it’s true!

And look how beautiful it is!

Europe has an undeniable reputation for being a backpacker’s paradise. Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the culture of the region, gaze upon historical artefacts or embark on the party of a lifetime, you’ll find it all in the cities and countries of Europe. For some great inspiration, when planning your next backpacking adventure, be sure to check out these four top European destinations.

One of my favorite cities in Europe. It has everything you’ll ever need: rich history, vibrant culture, amazing parties, local and international cuisine, and interesting residents. If you really want to visit a city that just won’t tell you when to sleep, head to Berlin. The city is big, beautifully scruffy and unbelievably cheap. It is super hyped up but for good reasons. So go and have your own adventures in one of the coolest cities in Europe.

For backpackers who are looking to immerse themselves into the rich culture and history of Europe, Rome will be your chosen destination. A day tour to the Colosseum will see you embarking on a journey of discovery, as you gaze down into the chambers where ancient warriors prepared for battle. St Peter’s Basilica is another major point of interest for many travellers, with the unique architecture of this Roman Catholic Church enabling you to take a step back in time to the early 1500s.

Amsterdam is the place to go when you want to party all day and all night – there is no rest for the wicked in this city. Famed around the world for being the destination where ‘anything goes’, backpackers will be thrown into a world of all things elicit and out of the ordinary. Party goers will find that Amsterdam is like heaven, with some of the world’s best DJs calling the clubs and bars home. If you are looking for a holiday to remember, find flights to Amsterdam and get the party started today!

While it may be a little more on the pricey side for some backpackers, Paris is the epicentre for culture in Europe. From a day at the Louvre to discovering the Arc de Triomphe and everything in between, your money is well spent in this captivating city. Photo opportunities are endless with the Eiffel Tower being visible from most areas of the city, whilst dining on delectable pastries is sure to be a treat from the regular backpacking food.

It’s easy to see that Europe truly is one of the best places for backpackers to visit. Whether you are travelling on a shoestring budget or have a little extra cash to spend, there is an abundance of free sightseeing options available, that will truly take your breath away.

Here is my travel expenses breakdown for my 3-day trip in Madrid, Spain in my 3-month summer eurotrip adventure. I hope the information helps in budgetting your trip to Madrid! I also keep a record of my actual travel costs in various European cities. Click the link below to see all the other reports.

See All Europe Travel Cost Reports

How much does it cost to travel in Madrid for 3 days? Mine came down to 65.85 euros or 21.95 euros per day. The detailed explanation follows:

Most of my cost of food in Madrid was spent in the supermarket where I bought most of the stuff I ate in Madrid. I was visiting my Brazilian friend, Fabio, who is based in Madrid so he prepared dinner for me and I’ve also prepared dinner for him. My travel partner, Michael, came to Madrid to meet me before we headed to Norway. Sharing the cost of food definitely lowered down this part of my travel expenses. Eating out in Madrid would cost you around 10 euros. Menu del dia (menu of the day) is a cheaper, popular option at lunch in restaurants and would save you significant amount of money.

This cost includes the cost of going from Madrid Barajas Airport to the center of Madrid (4.50 euros), bus tickets from Albacete to Madrid (17.85 euros) and all the single metro tickets I used in the city which cost 1.50 euros each. I walked alot in Madrid so I didn’t spend much on transportation cost in the city.

I was visiting my friend Fabio who hosted us in Madrid so I didn’t really spend anything for accommodation. But I don’t have friends in Madrid, you say. You can compare prices and find cheap hotels in Madrid instead. There are many accommodation options to choose from. You can budget between 20-100 euros per day for your accommodation cost depending on where you stay.

We watched Spain versus France in Marca sports bar in the city center and paid 5 euros for the entrance. The cost also includes our beers and our expenses when we were out having botellon (Spanish culture wherein people drink outside in groups) in the park which was actually forbidden or something. Fabio was saying that we should hide our beer every time we see police coming. It was funny because it was so obvious that 90% of the people in the park where drinking and all the cans and bottles disappear once a policeman was in sight. Haha. Fun times!

This is mostly the prepaid cost of my cellphone which I used to communicate with Michael and Fabio. I didn’t spend money when we went to the amazing Musel del Prado because students are free (although I’m not a student anymore haha but it worked when I showed my student ID).

See All Europe Travel Cost Reports

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Next budgeting post will be my total travel expenses from my one-week trip in Spain. Watch out for that!

Want to know how much your backpacking trip in Europe would cost? Use the free online EuroTrip calculator found at the sidebar.

Have questions? Feel free to post a comment or email me.

Happy travels!

DJ

There are many ways to get a Schengen visa and there are definitely different offices where you can apply for one. I have previously written how to apply for a tourist Schengen visa at the German Embassy and French Embassy.

To continue this Visa Series, I interviewed one of my good friends, Angel, who is now based in the Netherlands to help us out on the intricacies of applying for a tourist Schengen visa at the Dutch Embassy in Manila for Philippine passport holders. If you’re not a Filipino, no worries, the process is pretty much almost the same wherever you apply so read on.

NOTE: This article will focus only on tourist Schengen visa application. If you’re going to the Netherlands to study or marry, you need to prepare a set of other documents. Please check the Dutch embassy website for more info.

You can apply as early as 3 months before your planned entry.

You need to make an appointment through a call centre before applying for a visa at the Embassy in Manila. An appointment can be arranged not earlier than 3 months before your planned date of departure. Make sure to allot some time for gathering and preparing the required documents, this requires some planning in advance.

Phone numbers:

For PFF or PLDT/digitel/smart subscribers 1-909-101-3456

For Globe/Innove/Touchmobile subcribers 1-900-101-3456

For Bayantel subscribers 1-903-101-3456

You can contact the call centre between 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from Monday thru Saturday. See the Dutch Embassy website for all important information.

Be yourself but the best, “most respectable” version of you. Perhaps think of the visa interview as a job interview, but skip the stiff tie and the formal blazer! Wear something that makes you feel confident about yourself. You should be relaxed on that day. Usually, wearing something that you particularly like (your favorite dress or your lucky shirt) makes you feel more confident.