P’s List: 5 To-Do’s During Your Z Hostel Staycation

Last month, our friends at Z Hostel Philippines invited me to stay with them. I gladly accepted the invite & stayed for 4 days & 3 nights in their 4-bed dormitory room located on the Fun Floor. I wrote about my Z Hostel experience & shared it in the latest hostel of the day feature.

Ever since it opened in 2015, Z Hostel has become one of the go-to places in Poblacion. The hostel became famous because of its rooftop bar & the parties happening there every night. This early, you might think that Z Hostel is only a party hostel or destination. It’s not! The hostel is also a great place to have a solo staycation or a hostel weekend with friends.

Wondering what else you can do during a weekend with Z? Don’t worry, I got you. Here’s a list of what you & your friends can do during your Z Hostel staycation weekend:

Join Hostel Activities & Rooftop Parties

Z Hostel used to host walking tours, sunset sessions & traditional dinners before the pandemic. These activities are currently suspended due to health protocols; these will eventually be offered again once the local health officials allow them.

In the meantime, you & your friends can go to the roof deck & join the fun crowd every night. Don’t forget to check what type of event they have on the night of your stay. Thursdays are for house classics. Fridays are for 90’s music. Saturdays are for the iconic roof deck parties & Sundays are for slowdown sessions. Make sure to order their signature cocktails – particularly May Forever. You’ll love it!

Check Out The Apartment & The Green Door

If you’re not into the party scene & want a more chill environment, you & your friends can check out The Apartment & The Green Door. These are 2 Z Hostel-affiliated bars that feature live band sessions & vinyl DJ sets. Don’t forget to bring your Z Hostel RFID because you’ll need it to enter these 2 bars.

Hop From One Coffee Shop to the Other  

Calling all coffee lovers! You can go & check out a few coffee shops around Poblacion. You can start your morning or afternoon with a hot cup of coffee from the famous Commune Café + Bar along Polaris. If this café is full, you may also check out these smaller coffee shops – Coffee ARTea & Good Sh*t Coffee.

Eat, Walk Around & Repeat

You’ll never run out of restaurants to choose from during your Z Hostel staycation. Right outside the hostel, you’ll find Onlypans Taqueria – a Mexican restaurant. A few steps from the hostel’s doors are Ebi 10 PH (a Japanese restaurant), Alamat Filipino Cuisine (a Filipino restaurant & pub), Krapow MNL (a Thai restaurant), Wantusawa Oyster Bar & Jumong Korean Barbecue.

You can walk further & eat at Café Fleur, Hola Bombón, Mijo Comfort Food, UNWND Cafe, Lampara, Crying Tiger Street Kitchen, El Chupacabra & Filling Station Bar & Café. One weekend is indeed not enough to try all these restaurants.

Go For a Pub & Bar Crawl

Poblacion is a go-to place for partying. After partying at Z Hostel, I suggest you go for a pub & bar crawl & check out the following places: Secret Door, White Banana Manila, Almacen at Poblacion, Run Rabbit Run, Pura Vida Manila, The Spirits Library, Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar & Kitchen & Buccaneers Rum & Kitchen. Plenty of places to party, eh? Yes! But please drink & party responsibly.


Believe it or not, these are just some of the many places you can visit during your staycation at Z Hostel. One whole weekend, or even a long weekend, is not enough to go & visit all these places in Poblacion. Have you been to any of the restaurants, bars & pubs mentioned above? Which ones are your favorites? Feel free to share your experiences & recommendations in the comments section below. You may also send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s P’s List! Before you go, can you visit my social media channels –Facebook & Instagram – and like or follow them? Thank you & watch out for the next one!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

P’s List: 6 Asian Countries To Revisit After The Pandemic

7 months into the lockdown, we’re still stuck at our own homes. While some provinces have restarted tourism, leisure travel to most countries remain prohibited. I don’t know if restrictions will be eased soon but I hope you are coping well with the pandemic. Our health & well-being is far more important than anything today.

Last August, I shared with you the list of Philippine destinations I won’t get tired of visiting. I hope I can visit these destinations or at least go home to the province soon. While I’m still suck here in Manila, allow me to share with you these 6 Asian countries I plan to visit after the pandemic.

JAPAN

First in my list is the land of the rising sun, Japan. Well, Japan is Japan. I’ve visited this country more than any other country I’ve been to & I keep on coming back. Japan has a perfect mix of cultural preservation & societal development. The country is advanced in all aspects & at the same time has the most preserved culture & tradition. I can’t wait to go back to the bustling shopping street of Shinsaibashi-suji & Dōtonbori in Osaka, the peaceful town of Fujikawaguchiko & the busy Shibuya crossing in Tokyo. I also plan to visit for the first time the cities of Himeji, Kanazawa & Toyama.

Aside from Japan’s culture & advancements, the other reasons why I want to go back to Japan are because of their food, groceries & public transportation. I’ve always loved Japanese food; I am a big fan of it. I love eating out in authentic ramen restaurants, in popular wagyu places & even in small food stalls.

I miss going to Japanese supermarkets & buying my favorite 1-liter Lipton milk drink. I also miss going through the interesting food & non-food items I see & buying them because I found them nice. The country’s public transportation system is my favorite in the whole world. Their public transportation system is efficient, on time & clean. I normally don’t take buses outside the Philippines, but I don’t mind taking them all the time in Japan.

JAPAN Blog List:
The 2015 Japan Series | 1 of 3: TOKYO
The 2015 Japan Series | 2 of 3: KYOTO
The 2015 Japan Series | 3 of 3: OSAKA
How I enjoyed a 9-day 2015 Japan trip for less than ₱40,000 ALL IN!
2016 Going Solo in Japan Series: NAGOYA
2016 Going Solo in Japan Series: HIROSHIMA
2016 Going Solo in Japan Series: KYOTO & OSAKA
2016 Going Solo in Japan Series: NARA & KOBE
2016 Going Solo in Japan Series: FUKUOKA
2016 Going Solo in Japan: 13 days & 7 cities for less than ₱50,000
2017 Outside Popular Japan Cities: FUJIKAWAGUCHIKO – Mount Fuji In Its Glory
2017 Outside Popular Japan Cities: TAKAYAMA – Gifu Prefecture’s Little Kyoto
2017 Outside Popular Japan Cities: Fujikawaguchiko & Takayama On A Budget – 7 Days For Less Than ₱35,000
2018 Hokkaido Winter Series: SAPPORO – A Winter Paradise City
2018 Hokkaido Winter Series: OTARU – An Afternoon In The Nearby Historical Harbor City
2018 Hokkaido Winter Series: SAPPORO TEINE RESORT & HOHEIKYO ONSEN – Recommended Day Trips From Sapporo City
2018 Outside Popular Japan Cities: Fujikawaguchiko & Takayama On A Budget – 7 Days For Less Than ₱35,000
Japan Highlights 2019: TOKYO – 36 Hours In The Land Of The Rising Sun’s Most Famous Metropolis
Japan Highlights 2019: NAGANO – 48 Hours In The Inland Prefecture Of The Snow Monkeys
Japan Highlights 2019: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN – A Theme Park That Brings You Back To Being A ‘Kid’ Just For A Day
Japan Highlights 2019: KYOTO – Japan’s Ancient Capital In One Day
Japan Highlights 2019: NARA – A Morning Visit To The Deer Park
Japan Highlights 2019: MATSUMOTO & FUKUOKA Stopovers
Last-Minute 2019 Japan Weekend: 48 Hours in FUKUOKA For Less Than ₱12,500 – Flights & Hostel Included

TAIWAN

The second country in my list is Taiwan. I’ve been to this country thrice & I am still amazed by its beauty. The country has an amazing cities & countryside, an interesting history & a nice bunch of locals. One thing I enjoy about the Taiwan is their long list of street food & restaurants to try.

Once the pandemic is over, I will fly back to the country for a weekend only to eat – to have beef noodles, xiao long bao, pepper buns, bubble tea & a lot more. The country has extended their visa-free scheme to Filipinos until July 2021 so anyone can go. Who’s with me? Let’s go!

TAIWAN Blog List:
Throwback Thursday Treat: 2015 Yay Hey Taipei
2017 TAIPEI Revisited: 3-Day Weekend in the Heart of Asia (Less than ₱15,000 all in!!!)
2019 TAICHUNG Photo Blog: Picturesque Places Outside Taipei
2019 YEHLIU-JIUFEN-SHIFEN Klook Tour – Perfect & Hassle-Free Taiwan Northeast Coast Day Tour
2019 TAIWAN All Over Again – Family Long Weekend In Taipei
P’s List: 12 Taiwanese Treats Worth Lining Up For

SOUTH KOREA

I’ve been to South Korea twice (Seoul for 11 days in 2014 & Seoul & Busan for 13 days in 2015) & I feel like it’s time to go back to the country. I already miss walking along & shopping Myeong-dong’s retail street, hopping around Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung & Deoksugung Palaces & having my favorite gyeran-ppang (egg bread), odeng (fish cake), bibimbap, dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), pajeon (green onion pancake) & chicken & beer. We have nice many nice Korean restaurants here in the Philippines but we can’t beat the authentic experience when in the Land of Kimchi. Anyone fancy a spring or autumn shopping & food-trip weekend in Seoul?

SOUTH KOREA Blog: Tuesday Tip: 8 GO-TO PLACES in SEOUL during AUTUMN

THAILAND

I visited Bangkok, Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lipe, Phuket & Ayutthaya in the past & I can say I’ve had great memories in these cities. From cheap but really nice hostels, authentic 40-baht pad thai to crazy party nights around Khao San Road & Ao Nang, Thailand is the best place to have a good time. It also has beautiful sights such as the Grand Palace in Bangkok & the different temples in Ayutthaya. I’m dying to visit Wat Arun (yes, I haven’t been there), Chatuchak Weekend Market & Chao Praya River. I was supposed to visit Bangkok last August but the pandemic happened. I also want to take a side trip up north to Chiang Mai for some quiet time with nature.

THAILAND Blog List:
IT’S THE SHIP 2018 – 4 Days & 3 Nights Of Non-Stop Parties On Board Genting Dream Cruise
Throwback Thursday Treat: Bangkok Weekend – All About Reunions, New Friends & Unplanned Adventures
Throwback Thursday Treat: KOH LIPE – The Maldives of Thailand

SINGAPORE

Singapore is my second most-visited country Japan. I’ve been to this country many times & I still keep on coming back. I may not have stayed longer than my previous visits, but I make sure to have a quick hop around the city. A visit to Singapore won’t be complete without going to the Merlion statue, Marina Bay Sands complex, Gardens by the Bay, Haji Lane, Bugis & Orchard Road.

A weekend in Singapore is ideal after the pandemic – a time to visit some friends, to have some Hainanese chicken & chili crab & to experience some organized city chaos – if you know what I mean. I also fancy a visit & walk around their beautiful Changi Airport.

SINGAPORE Blog List:
Throwback Thursday Treat: 2016 New Year in Singapore
2018 SINGAPORE Stopover: Quick & Packed 24 Hours In The Lion City
IT’S THE SHIP 2018 – 4 Days & 3 Nights Of Non-Stop Parties On Board Genting Dream Cruise
Tuesday Tip: SINGAPORE Tipid Hits – 9 Ways to Explore On A Budget

VIETNAM

I may not have been to Vietnam as many times as the countries above but Vietnam is definitely on to-go list after the pandemic. My first & last visit to the country was a trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in May 2014. I fell in love with the people’s simple way of living & the country’s food. Vietnamese food is amazing – it’s tasty, affordable & good for the health! I can’t wait to have a hot bowl of phở and/or bún bò huế partnered with fresh or fried spring rolls & a bottle of Bia Saigon Lager.

My friends & I were supposed to fly to Saigon days before the lockdown last March but we were forced to cancel it last minute. I need to go back to Saigon to watch the water puppet show, to eat more Vietnamese food, to visit some friends & to visit Hoi An. I also plan to fly to the country’s capital city, Hanoi, to see what the northern city has to offer. I’ve heard some good stories about the city; I’m excited to experience them first hand.

VIETNAM Blog: Throwback Thursday Treat: 2014 N9 Weekend in Saigon


Do you also have these countries in your post-covid travel list? If yes, which one do you plan to visit first & why? Share your plans in the comments section below. Who knows, we might see each other in one of those countries above! Do you have questions about anything mentioned above? Don’t hesitate to send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Please please please also follow me on my social media pages – Facebook & Instagram.

Let’s do our part by going out only when needed & by wearing face masks when going out. I know we’re all stuck here but I believe we can all go back to travelling in the right time. For the meantime, stay indoors, safe & healthy! ❤️

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC One M8, HTC ReHTC U11.

P’s List: 5 Philippine Destinations I Won’t Get Tired of Visiting

Before I started flying to different international destinations, I’ve been going around different Philippine destinations. I remember in 2012, I had 4 trips in 4 consecutive weekends – I went to Cebu, then to Bacolod, Legaspi & Puerto Princesa. I may not have been to all 81 Philippine provinces, but I can say I’ve been to some of them.

Falling in love to a place you’ve been to maybe a cliché but it really happens. I enjoy every single place I visit but I don’t necessarily fall in love with it. It takes jaw-dropping views, fun & exciting inland & island tours, great company & tasty food for me to fall in love with a place. Today’s P’s List will feature 5 Philippine destinations where I can say I fell in love with & I won’t get tired of going back again & again.

Boracay

It may be the most touristy & commercial island destination in the country but it is still Boracay. The island’s white sand beaches, spectacular sunset & relaxing holiday vibe make it a unique beach destination. The island isn’t famous for nothing. I’ve been to the island a couple of times & I keep on coming back. It’s one of those islands where you can fly in, lie down in the fine white sand & just relax thinking about nothing.

Related posts:
Hostel Of The Day: MAD MONKEY HOSTEL BORACAY – Paradise Island’s Hidden Party Hostel Gem
Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 905 – Manila to Caticlan (Boracay) – Short & Relatively Empty Flight To Paradise Island
Flight Report: CEBGO DG 6244 – Caticlan (Boracay) to Manila – Quick Turboprop Flight Back To The Metro

Palawan

Continuously hailed as one of the world’s best islands, Palawan stole my heart since I visited the island in 2012. I’ve been to Puerto Princesa once, Coron once, Port Barton twice & El Nido four times & I still look forward to visiting the island again. Palawan has pristine beaches, world-class islands, stunning views & rich marine life. My favorite spots / activities in Palawan include Iwahig firefly watching activity in Puerto Princesa, Malcapuya Island & Kayangan Lake in Coron, Nacpan Beach, Big Lagoon & Entalula Island in El Nido & Turtle Point, Twin Reef & Maxima Island in Port Barton. It has everything an island destination can have; it is hands down my favorite domestic destination next to home.

Related posts:
PORT BARTON: Palawan’s Secret Paradise
PORT BARTON Revisited – 48 Hours In Palawan’s Next Popular Destination
CORON – Paradise Beyond Words
Throwback Thursday Treat: They Call It El Nido, I Call It Paradise
Throwback Thursday Treat: 2014 Birthday in El Nido Photoblog
Throwback Thursday Treat: Third Time Fun in El Nido
Hostel Of The Day: OUTPOST BEACH HOSTEL – Social El Nido Hostel By The Beach
Hostel Of The Day: MAD MONKEY HOSTEL NACPAN BEACH – Beach & Party In One Place

Siquijor

I went on a spontaneous weekend trip to Siquijor with friends in July 2017. I feel in love with how simple & untouched everything is in the island. The island is relatively unknown compared to its neighbors but has the beautiful Paliton & Salagdoong Beaches, the one-of-a-kind Cambugahay Falls, the interesting Balete Tree & the old but preserved Lazi Church. I instantly feel in-love with the island on my first visit & I want to go back & explore it again.

Related post: Last-Minute SIQUIJOR Weekend (For Less Than ₱7,000 Including Airfare)

Siargao

I may not be a surfer but I surely fell in love with Siargao on my first visit. The beautiful tour locations (in the morning) & the crazy party vibes (at night) made this Siargao a great place to visit. I fell in love with Sugba Lagoon, enjoyed Magpupungko’s tidal & rock pool & liked the tour around Sohoton. The jellyfish sanctuary visit was really cool. I also loved Cloud 9’s island vibe. Ahh, I want to go back to Siargao soon!

Related posts:
4-Day Siargao Weekend: It’s All About Epic Tour Days & Crazy Party Nights
Resort Of The Day: BRAVO BEACH RESORT SIARGAO – Reasonably Priced Shared Luxury Accommodation in Paradise Island

Albay

Nothing beats a place called home; Albay will always be my favorite. You may find it biased but hey, you can’t blame me for being one. It’s where I grew up & where my family is. Add to it the spectacular view of Mayon Volcano, which I can see from our house’ gate. I miss home, I can’t wait to go back when this pandemic is over. Albay is the place which I’ll never get tired of visiting.

Related post: Flight Report: CEBU PACIFIC AIR 5J 328 – Legazpi to Manila – ₱600 ($11.50) Flight Back To Manila


I honestly can’t wait to visit these places again. I know international travel won’t be allowed in the next few months but I hope the government will allow domestic tourism as soon as it’s already safe for everyone. How about you? Which Philippine destinations do you always keep on visiting & why? Share your own list in the comments section below!

Do you have any questions about the destinations mentioned above? If yes, you may send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Feel free to follow me on my social media channels for more information on cheap fares, thrift hacks & fun lists & itineraries – Facebook & Instagram. Thank you for joining me in today’s list. Until the next one!

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11 & HTC Re.

A Dream Come True: 19 DAYS Around NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, CZECH REPUBLIC & DENMARK for Less Than ₱120,000 – Airfare, Accommodation & 12-Hour Singapore Stopover Included

Last October to November 2019, I flew to Europe all by myself for 19 days & went around Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic & Denmark. I never thought this trip that took 7 years to plan would finally happen & that I would do everything alone & DIY – no help from any travel agency, consultant or whatsoever. If you’ve been following me the last few months, I’ve shared every single detail of this Euro trip from city itineraries, flight reports, to hostels & even local food. You can find all posts under the Going Solo in Europe category.

Going to Europe for a long trip like this is not a cheap trip to do. Some people spend hundreds of thousands on airfare & accommodation & add probably another hundred for food, pocket money & tours. I didn’t have that much savings for this kind of expensive trip so I did a lot of research to make it happen in a relatively affordable budget. AND I DID IT! I flew to Europe for 19 days around 4 countries including airfare, accommodation & a 12-hour Singapore stopover for less than ₱120,000 all in. Let me share with you how I made this trip of a lifetime possible.

Disclaimer: There are ways to make this trip even cheaper than what I spent – staying in cheaper hostels, taking low-cost carriers / buses with cutting trips, etc. – but I wanted to make it special (as a first time) & splurged a bit on some parts like food (& beers), high-rated hostels & better transportation options. Also, I only chose to visit 4 countries instead of hopping on from one country to the other after a day or two to have a better appreciation of every country / city. I am not a fan of rushed trips; I enjoy staying longer in one place or country.

In case you missed it last week, I posted an article on 11 Europe thrift hacks that I did on this trip. These thrift hacks helped me save on some expenses like food & tours. Check out that article here.

Air Tickets

I took the risk & booked a return ticket to Europe with Singapore Airlines during their January promotion with BPI Credit Cards. I got the economy class ticket from Manila to Amsterdam via Singapore & Copenhagen to Manila via Singapore for only 719.23 USD. The ticket includes 30-kilogram baggage allowance on all sectors, in-flight meals & snacks, personal entertainment screens & their 5-star Singaporean hospitality. My BPI credit card charged me ₱37,669.40 including foreign transaction fees. Not bad for a ticket to Europe considering it’s with Singapore Airlines, right?

Months before the trip, I figured out the route I’ll take & the countries I’ll visit. Then, I booked air tickets for my inter-European transfers. Train tickets were more expensive & would take a few changes while bus trips, even if cheap, will take ages & a few transfers before you reach the next city / country. I paid €67,40 for a plane ticket from Brussels, Belgium to Prague, Czech Republic on Brussels Airlines. I booked another ticket from Prague, Czech Republic to Copenhagen, Denmark on Czech Airlines for 1,588 Kč. Both tickets include 23-kilogram check in baggage. I got charged ₱4,000.85 & ₱3,658.88, respectively for these 2 tickets.

I booked these 3 tickets without a Schengen tourist visa. Some people don’t recommend this, but I took the risk & did it. I was confident that time that I will be granted visa for this trip & luckily, I got one.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Europe is not cheap. A dormitory bed in a hostel costs about €30 to €40 a night, depending on the room configuration & location. Hotels & private rooms are more expensive. I can’t afford them. I booked my hostels 4 months into the trip. All these hostel bookings had free cancellation options if I don’t push through. I became picky with the hostels I’ll stay with since it was my first time in Europe. I stayed in popular & high-rated hostels found in central & well-recommended locations.

I stayed with Generator Hostel in Amsterdam (₱8,885.82 for 4 nights – paid in Philippine Peso), Sleep Well Youth Hostel in Brussels (€122 for 4 nights – paid during check-in), DREAM Hostel in Prague (1,790 Kč for 4 nights – paid via credit card on check-in) & Steel House in Copenhagen (US$ 116.24 for 4 nights – paid via Agoda). I paid ₱26,117.54 for 16 nights in these 4 countries – roughly ₱1,632.25 per night in Philippine Peso or €28,49 per night in Euros. I think I still got a good deal from these hostels! It would’ve been cheaper if booked my stay at least 8-10 months before.

Travel Insurance

Schengen tourist visa applications require a travel insurance with up to €30,000 medical coverage for the duration of the trip, some even up to 15 to 30 days after the trip. I got my travel insurance coverage online from Standard Insurance; I got their Travel Protect Policy which covers up to €37,500 medical coverage for 19 days. I paid ₱1,918 for the 19-day coverage.

Tourist Visa

I applied for my own Schengen tourist visa with VFS Netherlands. The visa fee cost €60 (₱3,420) + ₱901 VFS handling fee. I opted for the passport delivery service instead of picking up my passport in the VFS office. I paid a small fee for the courier service. I previously shared in this website how I got my Schengen tourist visa without the help of any tour agency. Check out that Tuesday Tip post here.

Internet Sim Card

Traveling around Europe alone isn’t easy. I made sure I was connected to the internet for the whole duration of the trip. I bought an internet sim card from Pinoy Traveler’s Unlimited Data Sim Card on Facebook. The sim card was operated by Three UK & it included 12 GB of 3G/4G data & unlimited call & text in Europe & UK & 9 GB of 3G/4G data outside Europe & UK for 30 days. The sim card cost ₱1,600 with free shipping. The data, call & text services worked well during my stay in Singapore, Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic & Denmark.

Travel Tax

All Philippine passport holders are required to pay a travel tax of ₱1,620 before going out the country for holiday. I paid the travel tax right before I checked in for my flight from Manila to Singapore.

Daily Budget & Unexpected Expenses

I mentioned in my Europe thrift hacks post that I set a daily budget of €40 for food, transportation & entrance fees. I spent more in some days but I was traveling on a €30-€35 per day budget. There were days where I had to buy last-minute museum tickets (Heineken Experience & Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam), join guided tours (Canal Tour in Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken in Holland & Kutná Hora in Czech Republic) & go on side trips (Utrecht, Bruges, Ghent & Český Krumlov) which cost me more. I also bought last-minute train & bus tickets in Belgium & Czech Republic – the downsides of not following an itinerary.

I splurged on beers in all 4 countries; I paid more for food in Denmark (food there is expensive) but I’m happy I still had about €120 cash left at the end of the trip. I counted all my expenses from pocket money, to credit & debit card transactions & debit card withdrawals for 19 days. I spent ₱34,327.78 (around €600) for 17 full days (travel days not included) on food, transportation, walking tours, entry tickets, guided tours & beers – about €35 per day on average.

Singapore Stopover

My flight from Manila to Amsterdam had a 12-hour layover in Singapore. I took this time to meet 2 friends – one for lunch + milk tea & one for early dinner. I also used this time to walk around the beautiful city, check out a city library & walk around The Jewel at Changi Airport. I spent around S$50 (₱1,859.4 conversion that time) on this 12-hour stop – food, drinks & transportation included.

Summary of Expenses

After all the costs & numbers mentioned above, let’s see how much I actually spent for the trip.

Exchange rate at the time of trip: €1 = ₱57.3 Exchange rates of purchases & withdrawals vary. There you go! I spent ₱117,092.85 pesos for a 19-day trip around 4 European Countries – Netherlands, Belgium, Czech Republic & Denmark – with air tickets, accommodation costs & a 12-hour Singapore stopover included. If you’ll include the transportation expenses during the visa application process, to & from the airport when I left & arrived, it’ll be somewhere around ₱118,500 – still less than ₱120,000!

Don’t get me wrong, ₱117,092.85 is a very big amount but we’re talking about a 19-day trip to Europe here flying with one of the world’s premium airlines – Singapore Airlines & visiting first world & expensive countries like Netherlands, Belgium & Denmark. I couldn’t believe this when I listed all my expenses after the trip. I wanted this trip to be fun, memorable & spontaneous & I’m happy it turned out to be a trip of a lifetime. This solo trip to Europe is so far my longest, most expensive & most memorable experience I’ve had in my life. Every single peso spent was worth it!

Blog List

In case you’re interested in the posts about this trip, check out the blog list below.

FLIGHT REPORTS ✈️

SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ 915 – Manila to Singapore – 5-Star Economy Class Experience In A New Generation Boeing Dreamliner
SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ 324 – Singapore to Amsterdam – My First Ever 13-Hour Flight That Didn’t Feel Like One
BRUSSELS AIRLINES SN 2811 – Brussels to Prague – Belgium’s Flag Carrier & My First Ever European Airline Experience
CZECH AIRLINES OK 502 – Prague to Copenhagen – Czech Republic’s National Carrier & World’s Fifth Oldest Operating Airline
SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ 351 – Copenhagen to Singapore – Cozy & Enjoyable 12-Hour Window Seat Economy Class Flight Back to Asia
SINGAPORE AIRLINES SQ 912 – Singapore to Manila – 3-Hour Remarkable Economy Class Experience Aboard A 15-Year Old Aircraft

HOSTEL FEATURES 🏨

GENERATOR AMSTERDAM – An Old University Building Turned Award-Winning Economy Accommodation
SLEEP WELL YOUTH HOSTEL BRUSSELS – Eco-Friendly City Center Hostel with Excellent Free Buffet Breakfast
DREAM HOSTEL PRAGUE – Stylish & Budget-Friendly Backpacker Hostel in New Town
STEEL HOUSE COPENHAGEN – 4 Nights in Danish Capital’s New York-Inspired Industrial Style Luxury Accommodation

VISA APPLICATION & TIPS ✍️

Do-It-Yourself SCHENGEN TOURIST VISA Application With VFS NETHERLANDS
11 EUROPE THRIFT HACKS You Should Know
10 THINGS TO KNOW Before Traveling To Europe

NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱

AMSTERDAM – Beautiful Canals, Colorful Houses & Interesting Museums In A Bustling City
UTRECHT- Unplanned Afternoon Visit To Netherlands’ Underrated Canal City
NORTH HOLLAND COUNTRYSIDE – A Day Trip To The Cheese Farm & Clogs Factory, Windmills & Waterlands
6 Dutch Delis I Enjoyed

BELGIUM 🇧🇪

BRUSSELS – Belgium’s Center, Europe’s Capital & Most Boring City?
BRUGES – Cobbled Alleys, Gingerbread Houses & Pretty Canals in Belgium’s Picture-Perfect City
GHENT – Belgium’s Underrated Port City
5 Must Try Belgian Treats

CZECH REPUBLIC 🇨🇿

PRAGUE – Europe’s Most Beautiful Capital City
KUTNÁ HORA – Day Trip To Central Bohemia’s Medieval Silver Mining Town
ČESKÝ KRUMLOV – Czechia’s Quaint Fairy Tale Town
4 Czech Eats To Savor

DENMARK 🇩🇰

COPENHAGEN – Walking Around Denmark’s Wonderful Capital City
7 Danish Delicacies Not To Miss
7 Interesting Observations About Denmark


Thank you for joining me in today’s Euro trip summary. I’ve made use of the pandemic to finish all the posts about this trip. It’s a shame that my next planned trip to Europe this October won’t push through, but it won’t stop me from planning my next trip to this beautiful continent. We may all be stuck in our own homes but we’ll surely go back to the time when travelling is safe & sound. It’s never too late to give up on your dream trips to Europe! Make use of this downtime to research about the cities & countries you want to visit & plan out the route you’ll take.

Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Is there anything you want to ask how I planned the trip in general? Or maybe how I did it? Feel free to post your questions in the comments section below. You can also send it via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Feel free to follow me on my social media channels for more information on cheap fares, thrift hacks & fun itineraries – Facebook & Instagram. I’ll finish the post with this.. I DID IT – 19 DAYS AROUND NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, CZECH REPUBLIC & DENMARK FOR LESS THAN ₱120,000 ALL IN & I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.

P’s List: 7 Interesting Observations About Denmark

Going around Copenhagen with a friend made my Denmark experience a unique one. I learn a lot from walking tour guides, hostel staff & co-travelers but I believe nothing beats learning from someone who actually lives in the same city or country, showing around their own culture from his or her personal experiences. I spent 2 full days around Copenhagen with my Danish friend, Mads. This good friend is based in Aalborg, one of the smaller cities up north of Copenhagen but he flew all the way to the capital to show me around.

In case you missed it, I also wrote about the places I saw in Copenhagen, the 7 Danish delicacies one must not miss & the luxury hostel I stayed with during my stay – Steel House Copenhagen.

Today’s P’s List will show 7 interesting observations or learning I had about Danish people, Copenhagen & Denmark during my stay in the country. Please note that these are all personal observations & learning & that they not reflect or represent anyone.

Danish people use bicycle a lot.

Danish people are like Dutch people – they use bicycle a lot. They use it to go to work, to go to the supermarket, to go to the park or to go wherever they need to go. Most roads in Copenhagen & in the other cities have dedicated bicycle lanes.

Danish architecture is unique & beautiful.

Danish architecture evolved from its Viking-inspired style to the usual baroque, gothic & renaissance styles to functionalism & then now to its contemporary unique style. Their neo-futuristic style taps more on the proper use of natural elements, sustainable energy & people comfort.

Copenhill from afar – a cheese wedge-like building that serves as a power plant & a ski slope! 🧀

Copenhagen has notable buildings like Copenhill, a cheese-like structure which operates as a power plant & an artificial ski slope designed by Bjarke Ingels Group & the ‘toaster-like’ Copenhagen Opera House designed by Henning Larsen. Denmark produced architects that has worked on many iconic & world-famous architectural masterpieces including the Sydney Opera House designed by Jørn Utzon.

Axel Towers Copenhagen is a mixed-use building designed by Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects 🇩🇰
Closer look at Axel Towers Copenhagen. Look at the curvy design – unique & beautiful element! 😍
You can go out in a day without bringing cash.

Yes, majority of the stores in Denmark accept mobile or cards as form of payment. My friend Mads even said that the locals know if the person buying is a tourist if they pay their goods in cash. Almost all establishments, including hotdog stands & food stalls, use a cashless mode of payment. Train stations don’t have ‘cash counters’ – all tickets must be paid by card.

Tap water in Denmark is safe to drink.

Tap water is Denmark is potable. It has one of the world’s cleanest tap water. Their tap water undergoes strict quality controls up to the point where it is as safe as the bottled water you buy from the stores. The canals & rivers in Copenhagen also has clear & very clean waters. Impressive!

Steel House Copenhagen had this water-refilling section in the hostel common area. Free water!!!
Danish people like getting cozy.

Danish people love being cozy, comfortable & contented. This ‘hygge’ culture is popular among Danes where they slow down a certain time of the day or week, feel contented about life & enjoy the simple things it has to offer.

Look at how cozy these couches are. Perfect places in Steel House Copenhagen to practice hygge 🥰
Danish people value equality.

Like other Scandinavian countries, Denmark values equality in all aspects. Danish people follow the Law of Jante where they don’t think they’re better than the other. The government does everything to lessen the gap between men & women in jobs, wages & societal benefits. Danish people also don’t care about people’s sexuality. They respect people regardless of their preference.

Denmark is a happy country with happy people.

Denmark is a consistent placer in the yearly world’s happiest countries list. Why? The Danish welfare state works. Danish people pay higher taxes than most in the world & get more social services (free healthcare, free education & unemployment subsidy) out of it. As mentioned above, Danish people respect each other & value equality. They also have work-life balance. I remember Mads told me they only work less than 35 hours a week; while in the Philippines, we work 40 hours a week on a regular job. Their ‘hygge’ culture also plays a big part in making them happy & contented.

Denmark is a safe country to visit.

Never have I felt unsecured in those 4 days of walking around in Denmark, be it in day time or late at night. Copenhagen, in particular, felt to safe at any time of the day. Danish people are nice & friendly. People respect each other. Neighborhoods are clean & quiet. It just feels like a perfect place to visit.


Denmark is a wonderful country to visit. It may be more expensive than the other ones I’ve been to but it’s a country that I easily fell in love with. It may not have the stunning canal houses of Amsterdam, the beautiful Grote Markt of Brussels or the picturesque buildings of Prague but it surely has the most modern & unique buildings & the warmest & happiest people. Everything about Copenhagen felt right at the moment. I didn’t regret spending the last days of my Going Solo in Europe 2019 trip in this happy country. I know most Filipinos first go to France, Italy, Spain & Netherlands but I hope people start visiting Denmark too.

Which of the 7 interesting observations above hit you the most? Have you been to Copenhagen or any other Danish city before? How did you find it? If you haven’t been to Denmark, what’s that one thing you look forward to seeing in the country? Share your responses in the comment section below. Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above, about Copenhagen or Denmark in general? You may send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thank you for joining in me today’s P’s List! Check out my Going Solo in Europe 2019 series where I talk everything about my first ever solo trip to Europe – from flights, to hostels to day trips. Also, be on alert for cheap fares & fun posts like this by following by my social media pages – Facebook & Instagram.

PS. Photos were taken using my HTC U11.