Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
Europe. It brings to mind a plethora of images, from towering castles, meandering canals, and fields of tulips, to ancient ruins and charming windmills. Backpacking in this enchanting continent is in every traveler’s bucket list, and while it’s a very realistic goal for Westerners, most of us in the Philippines have to make do with just dreaming about it. There are a lot of travelers like me who work 9-5 so that we can save up for our trips, and dreaming of Europe is as far as we can get.
Or at least, this is what I thought before. Now that I am in Europe for my 70-day solo backpacking trip, I’ve realized that it may not be as farfetched a dream as I had thought it was before for regular people like me. It can be cheap to travel in Europe! I’m certainly not a millionaire; I have a 30-year mortgage on a small house in the boondocks, and until recently, I’d worked for a nonprofit organization with a salary just enough for me to live on.
Manneken Pis is a famous landmark in Brussels.
What I did have was the belief that anything is possible, that I could achieve something if only I wanted it hard enough (this was what Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan told me years ago). For years, I saved up a lot, foregoing shopping for new clothes and buying only what I needed. I made do with jeans and shirts that I owned for years, ate cheaply (but nutritiously), and skipped malling and going to the cinemas. I also developed the skills I needed to help me become location independent in the future, something that can certainly help keep me on the road.
And with the help of a very good friend last year who became my sponsor in getting a Schengen visa, I am now living my dream: backpacking in Europe for 70 days. Because I could still earn from my online jobs while on the move, I don’t have to worry about running out of money or using up my savings while traveling. Being location independent, I can backpack in Europe for months without worrying about my finances.
These utterly delicious-looking Belgian waffles are a must when you´re in Brussels!
At the moment, I’m spending time in Belgium where my sponsor lives. I’m learning to love this small country (despite up to -20 deg C temperature!)—from its mussels and fries, to touristy waffles, snow, and the hundreds of varieties of beer that I had longed to savor.
I know I have to leave Belgium behind to discover what else Europe has to offer a backpacker like me—from the Netherlands and Denmark, to Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Greece—but strangely enough, I’m loathe to leave this small and beautiful country behind.
It could be the pastries and the other rich Belgian food, or perhaps the sights—what I’ve seen of it so far given the cold!—or maybe the people. Whatever the reason, I’m really finding it hard to leave. I’m consoled by the fact that I still have more than 2 months in Europe—plenty more time to go back to Belgium where I found my happiness again.
I would like to thank the people who have helped me in one way or another to make this trip possible: Meah See of Bahay Tsinoy and Jacqueline Dy for the winter clothes; Hazel Ilano, K, Nis Jensen, Ole Riis, Elma Laguna, and Saskia Hein-Schmidt for the friendship (and the accommodation) given to me; and the numerous Couchsurfing and Hospitality Club hosts who are very willing to show me the best of their culture and their country. Without you all, I would have had a harder time making this particular dream come true!
Do you dream of Europe yourself? Keep on dropping by my blog to learn that it really is possible to make it come true!
Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you! Share and Enjoy
Yan talaga ang beauty ng freelance jobs. Basta may decenteng internet connection… Gora na! Hehehe. Good luck Aleah! Aabangan ko mga susunod mong posts.
Renz Bulseco recently posted..My First Binondo Food Trip Experience
if you set foot in Italy, pumulot ka lang ng isa diyan, kahit snatcher or drug pusher — pakidoor to door nalang. tapos pasamahan ng isanggulong ng parmesan na din.:)
in any case, good luckan! ingat ingat!
Eileen/ Possibly Pinay recently posted..Top 10 Things To Do in Ilocos Norte: Drop by Batac City for Marcos
@ Renz: Yeah, I can’t live without wifi now! hehe
@ Eileen: Super daming cute din dito sa Belgium!
Aleah recently posted..Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
I’m happy for you Aleah! Go go go. Be safe and keep warm. I wasn’t able to drop by Belgium during my winter trip because of my extension in the US and an expired Schengen visa. I forgot I only requested for 33 days!Hmmm.
mheanne ojeda recently posted..143 Reasons Why Dating Is More Fun In The Philippines
This is indeed very inspiring. I hope to live the same dream someday pero ngayon, I need to work hard and save a lot of money.
Ryan Mach l Pinoy Wandering Boy recently posted..Why Solo Travel Rocks and Why It Sometimes Sucks
@ Mhe-Anne: Sayang naman. Gandang ganda ako dito sa Belgium. It’s a small country but very beautiful.
@ Ryan Mach: I’ve done it. You certainly can, too, if you plan for it
Aleah recently posted..Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
way to go girl.
“I also developed the skills I needed to help me become location independent in the future, something that can certainly help keep me on the road.”
true. i think this is important for travelers who’ve been bitten by the perpetual wanderlust. how about writing a post on it in the future? i’m sure a lot would learn from you
Shawi | CheapTravelForWomen recently posted..Jeju: Here are 9 Reasons to Visit These Natural Wonders
That’s cool. I’ve traveled to Europe too and for me, It is the best place on earth.
@ Shawi: Will certainly do! It’s so much easier to travel when you’re location independent.
@ Regin: I agree, though I still would want to live in the tropics. I miss the heat and the beaches.
Aleah recently posted..Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
Hi, wow goodluck to your travel I travel a lot myself but not a blogger though lol… I currently live in Austria in a small town called Attnang… Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruckt are worth checking. The best way to travel from city to city here Austria is via Westbahn train… it cost 9 euro during weekend from end to end of the line which is Vienna to Salzburg hope this info helps…
Remember your camera care tips when going out to the subzero degree from a warm room!
@ Bhety: I’ll be in Vienna for 4 days. I think there’s not enough time to go somewhere else in Austria
@ Ace: Thanks for the reminder! Shucks, I wish I’d read your comment sooner hehe
Aleah recently posted..Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
Uy sarap naman jan. Hope you write a post on your expenses para maestimate kung keri din mageurope tour.
backpacking europe! backpacking europe! backpacking europe! wow!
patingin din ng expenses ha? baka sakali lang na kaya ko rin gawin to in the future
Christian | Lakad Pilipinas recently posted..CALAMBA CITY | Calamba Church
@ BPS: Yep, definitely!
@ Christian: I’m really enjoying it here
Aleah recently posted..Living the Dream: Backpacking Solo in Europe for 70 Days
abangan ko yung mga susunod pang posts
Christian | Lakad Pilipinas recently posted..PASAY CITY | The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition
congrats! pangarap ko rin yan.you mentioned something about a good friend na “sponsor in getting a visa”.ibig ba sabihin you didnt have to submit bank certificate?
melvin recently posted..Bangkok : Manila’s Fraternal Twin City
@ Melvin: I still submitted bank statements and credit card statements. This is to prove to the embassy that I’m financially stable as well.
Aleah recently posted..Belgium: The 3 Copper Pots of Olen
a very nice post indeed. you have just proven that travelling has no limits.
So proud of you! Happy that you are making your dream come true!
Grace recently posted..Travel Hero: Get to know the adventurous couple from GQ trippin
Ah, here’s a bit on Belgium then. But I wanna read more posts!
Man, check out those strawberries! Are they as sweet as they look?
wow! i salute and envy you! u r living the dream indeed!
my friend and i are planning to visit europe as well but for an
unfortunate reason (work related) e we’ve stop the preparation
until maging ok. just in case, d sya matuloy i am planning
to go by my own.. but since i have not travelled by myself before, lagi akong may kasama, im having doubts esp sa mga lugar na kasing laki ng europe..
and for 70days!? wow! and you really got a nice working setup!
am surely gonna be reading ur prev posts and look forward sa mga isusulat mo p lng..
goodluck and enjoy!
@ Alfred: We are only limited in our minds
@ Grace: Thanks! Sorry for the late reply hehe
@ SLF: Yup, they were sweet! Made sweeter with the cream!
@ SHP: Thanks for dropping by. Let us know when you push through with your own Euro trip!
Aleah recently posted..Santorini Hostel—The Amazing Caveland
I had a blast with my Euro trip last October. You must plan a side trip to Paris though. It’s just a train ride away from Belgium!
I love your blog!!!! I dream of Europe alot and for me, there is no better way to do it than backpak and travel like a local. Best way to see any place in my opinion. I hope to do this some day!
i’ve read almost everything of your blog… you have a very nice stories and i like it
jealous
keep it up
@ Maletapacker: Unfortunately I got sick and didn’t push through with Paris
Hoping to go back!
@ Rhoda Gachui: Thank you. I believe you can do it, when you set your mind to it!
@ Geera Alquisalas: Thanks. Please keep on dropping by my blog!
Aleah recently posted..My Interview with Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor
Hey. I’m Edward from Malaysia.
Glad to read that you are backpacking in Europe for 70 days.
I just did mine last October, 30 days in 21cities/10 European countries. Haha. From London > Paris > Belgium > Holland > Germany > Austria > Italy > Vatican City > Greece > Spain
Well as you said, it’s truly a dream for everyone to travel around Europe, a big dream, constrained by expense. And to my country, traveling for 30 days is also something crazy. Hahaha
Cheers
70 days! Wow. And in Europe!
You’re killing me with envy but you also inspired me to do the same.
Best of luck!
i believed you are having a great time in your adventures..keep sharing..ingat always!
Ruby Travelling recently posted..Go Travel and See Alhambra in Granada, Spain
@ Edward Chew: That’s a lot to cover in just 30 days! Must have been a whirlwind trip hehe Yeah, it’s difficult for us to travel there. Good thing we know our way around those challenges
@ Ian: Thanks, thanks. Good luck on your plans too!
@ Ruby Travelling: Yeah, I had a great time! Thanks!
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
Hi Aleah! I just stumbled upon your blog when someone posted the article “Date a woman who travels” in FB. I’ve been to Europe too, but only in Brussels and Paris. Reading your post makes me want to go back there. I agree that though Belgium is a small country, its a very lovable place and you won’t feel lonely there. There is a site in every city like Antwerp, Ghent, Brugges and others. Keep traveling girl!
[...] halfway done with my 70-day solo backpacking in Europe, and although now I neither look forward nor dread going home, I’m at peace with myself. The [...]
Congrats on a dream come true, Aleah. More travels and dreams to achieve.
Leann Zarah recently posted..A Look into the Influence of Media: Human Sexuality, Human Culture, Gender Issues, and Same-Sex Marriage
[...] for your trip in advance. I prepared for my backpacking trip in Europe for years, buffing up my savings, building my skills, and building my network in Couchsurfing. But [...]
[...] Traveling 12 April 2012 2 views No Comment Tweet ShareI was nearing the end of my 70-day backpacking trip in Europe, and was just chilling out in a friend’s home in Belgium. I had over a week left, so I was [...]
[...] And when you go visit during spring when there are not so many people, the villages of Oia and Fira are a study of serenity. There are no hordes of tourists taking turns making a jump shot. It’s just you and the occasional wanderers walking around Oia and Fira’s sharp corners and meandering alleys. It was the perfect place for me to take a rest on my 7th week of solo backpacking in Europe. [...]
[...] Sunday—The Leaning Tower of Pisa 6 May 2012 1 views No Comment Tweet ShareDuring my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, I only allotted three days in Tuscany, a region in Italy best known for its wonderful landscapes [...]
@ Grace: I miss Belgium already
But yeah, I’ll keep on traveling. The world is soo big!
@ Leann: Thanks, Nette. Good luck in your plans too.
Aleah recently posted..5 Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
[...] was almost at the end of my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe when I went to Verona. My primary reason was simple; the cheapest flight I could get from Italy to [...]
[...] my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, however, I never had a massage. Not once! I couldn’t afford it! Here in the Philippines, I [...]
This is super inspiring Aleah!
Take care on your trips.. I look forward to reading your next adventures! *wink*
@ Annie: Thanks for the message
Keep on dropping by my blog and feel free to share!
Aleah recently posted..Snapshot Sunday—Graffiti Art in Mauerpark, Berlin
Inspiring yung sinabi sayo ni Eugene Cernan. Nakakakilig even. Biglang bumukas ang floodgates ng adventure imagination ko. Hope to do the same, scrimp scrimp scrimp para matupad ang travel dreams.
BPS recently posted..I know What I Did Last Holyweek….
[...] I went to Verona for a day as part of my solo backpacking trip in Europe, I opted not to use Couchsurfing. Just one day will not give me a chance to interact much with my [...]
Hello po. Ask ko lang po, which is more convincing sa consul, is it your ITR showing you earn big, or your savings account po? Hingi po ako ng advise kasi I’m planning to tour with my dad who has not much to show in his ITR but has savings kasi he has online shop as well as ako rin po. Hope you can help me on this dilemma.
@ BPS: Kayang-kaya mo yan, gurl
@ Xenia: Show the consul you have enough reason to come back to the Philippines and you’ll be given a visa. A savings account alone won’t work, as the embassy knows show money can be borrowed.
Aleah recently posted..Budget Trip Ideas—Wawa Dam and Avilon Zoo in Montalban, Rizal
[...] also got to share some of my unforgettable experiences during my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, particularly my loneliness in Berlin, the juicy offer of a Berliner guy to give me 300 [...]
hi aleah,
your blogs have been really helpful, thank you. was wondering about those microfibre towels they talk about, was that what you used too? where to buy them in manila, saw some in powerplant but were really pricey :p also the moneybelt? will head out to sm today, hope i find something useful there. suggestions would be appreciated, thanks
@ France: I bought mine in Bombproof, in Galleria. I’m using Towelite, which is less expensive. It’s also very useful! I bring it always on my trips. I think it was around P300. Have fun in your travels!
Aleah recently posted..3 Days in Nha Trang, Vietnam
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