Ever dreamed of crossing borders in Europe with out taking a single flight? Image this: croissants in Paris for breakfast, pizza in Rome for lunch, and beer in Munich by dinner. All with out standing in airport strains. This dream is feasible with a Eurail International Cross. Sure, even when you have a Philippine passport.
If you happen to’re touring on a price range, there are numerous methods to avoid wasting. Select low cost locations to remain. Eat the place locals eat. Use low cost rail passes. These tips about saving whereas touring will stretch your price range. You too can go to visa-free locations earlier than or after your Schengen journey. Simply double-check the entry guidelines for Filipinos.
Wish to change into a digital nomad? Learn the brand new TMTG eBook, “The A-Z on Changing into a Digital Nomad“. It’s made for Filipinos who need to earn on-line and journey. The information is easy and clear. You’ll discover ways to stay with extra freedom by yourself phrases.
Step 1: Begin with the Schengen Visa
I’ll solely seek advice from the French embassy on this article as I’d assume you’d start your journey by flying from Manila to Paris.
Let’s discuss an important step — getting a visa. You want a Schengen Visa to go to most of Europe. France is a brilliant selection if it’s your first time making use of. Paris is a good place to begin too.
What You Must Apply on the French Embassy:
- A passport legitimate for no less than 3 extra months
- Proof of journey like flights, resort bookings, or your full itinerary
- Journey insurance coverage with €30,000 protection (I used SafetyWing)
- Proof of funds similar to financial institution statements or screenshots of digital earnings
- A canopy letter to elucidate your journey plans
- Proof of sturdy ties to the Philippines (like a job, enterprise, or land possession)
Make certain to guide your appointment by way of France-Visas. Submit your paperwork by way of VFS International. Apply no less than one month earlier than your supposed departure.
Suggestions for Filipino Digital Nomads
- If you happen to freelance, present your online business allow and consumer contracts.
- Use PayPal or Clever cost data.
- Guide motels on Reserving.com that permit free cancellations.
- In your letter, clarify that you simply work on-line. Say clearly you received’t apply for a job in Europe.
Visa Charge
- €90 or about PHP 5,700
- Takes round 15–30 days to course of
- Apply by means of France-Visas and submit at VFS International
Tip: Say that France is your “foremost vacation spot” in your cowl letter. That is necessary if you happen to fly out and in of Paris.
Step 2: Purchase the Eurail International Cross (30 Days)
The Eurail International Cross permits limitless journey on most European trains in 33 nations. That features the 7 in our itinerary. For Filipino vacationers, it’s a game-changer. No have to guide separate tickets, hop on and go. The quick ones normally want a reservation.
It’s ultimate for spontaneous adventures, sluggish journey, and border-hopping.
Really useful Cross:
- Eurail International Cross – 1st or 2nd class
- Journey as a lot as you need for 30 days in a row
- Value (as of 2025):
- 2nd class: €878 (round PHP 56,000)
- 1st class: €1,175 (round PHP 74,500)
Tip: You should utilize the Eurail app to activate your move. It additionally helps you discover trains, verify instances, and guide seats.
For Filipino vacationers, right here’s what to know:
- Use the 30-day steady Eurail International Cross
- Value: €878 for 2nd class or €1,175 for 1st class (as of 2025)
- The place to purchase: www.eurail.com
- Activate by way of the Eurail app: Simple and paperless
If you happen to’re a digital nomad, I recommend going for 1st class – it presents quieter coaches, energy sockets, and extra comfy workspaces. Pack a headset and a neck pillow for longer prepare rides. They make the journey extra stress-free.
Pattern 30-Day Europe by Prepare Itinerary for Filipinos
Route: France → Italy → Austria → Germany → Netherlands → Luxembourg → Spain → France (loop)
Right here’s an actual journey I took. It balances sightseeing and work. Nice for digital nomads like us.
Day 1–5: Paris, France
- Arrive in Paris. Choose up your Eurail move.
- Should-visit: Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Louvre, Seine River Cruise
- Coworking spots: Anticafé, Hubsy Arts et Métiers
Lodging Tip:
Funds hostel or Airbnb: €40–60/evening
Coworking: €5–€10/day
Tip: Don’t neglect your umbrella! Paris’ climate will be unpredictable.
Day 6–9: Milan & Venice, Italy
- Take a direct high-speed prepare Paris–Milan (~7 hrs)
- Spend a day or two in Milan, then prepare to Venice (~2.5 hrs)
- Venice: A dream for content material! Water taxis, canals, gondolas.
Seat Reservations:
Excessive-speed trains in Italy require seat reservations (€10–€15)
Lodging Tip:
Venice Mestre (cheaper than staying on the island)
Day 10–13: Vienna & Salzburg, Austria
- Prepare Venice to Vienna (~7 hrs) by way of scenic routes
- Vienna: Elegant cafes, classical music, clear coworking areas
- Day journey or in a single day in Salzburg (residence of Mozart & The Sound of Music)
Coworking:
Affect Hub Vienna, Das Packhaus
Day 14–17: Munich & Berlin, Germany
- Prepare to Munich (~4 hrs), then Berlin (~4 hrs extra)
- Munich: Beer gardens and Bavarian tradition
- Berlin: City, edgy, digital nomad pleasant
Coworking:
Betahaus Berlin, Mindspace
Professional tip: Germany doesn’t require seat reservations for many ICE trains — simply hop on.
Day 18–21: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Direct prepare from Berlin to Amsterdam (~6 hrs)
- Bike-friendly, photogenic, laidback vibes
- Work in cafes or coworking hubs
Lodging Tip:
Keep in close by Utrecht or Haarlem to save cash
Day 22–23: Luxembourg
- Amsterdam to Luxembourg (~5 hrs)
- Small however charming nation — excellent for a two-day cease
Tip: Public transport is free all through Luxembourg!
Day 24–28: Barcelona & Madrid, Spain
- Luxembourg to Barcelona (by way of Paris, ~10 hrs whole with switch)
- Spain is cheaper for digital nomads — nice meals and co-living
- Prepare to Madrid for flamenco, tapas, and museums
Eurail Observe:
Spain trains usually want reservations (€10–€20)
Coworking:
La Vaca in Barcelona, Affect Hub in Madrid
Day 29–30: Return to Paris, France
- Madrid to Paris (~9 hrs by direct prepare)
- Wind down in Paris with ultimate museum visits or a picnic by the Eiffel Tower
Sensible Suggestions for Filipino Digital Nomads
1. Pack Sensible, Journey Gentle
You’ll be hopping on and off trains usually. Follow a carry-on backpack and a day bag. Belief me — brutal minimalism saves your again, vitality, and time.
2. Keep Linked
Get a European eSIM like Eskimo or Holafly. Or purchase a France SIM like Orange Vacation. Keep in locations with good Wi-Fi (Code: KATRIN8414).
3. Use Coworking Hubs
Many massive cities allow you to pay for a day move. These locations are nice for work and assembly others.
4. Grasp the Eurail App
Use it for:
- Prepare schedules
- Stay updates
- Seat reservations
- Activating your move
5. Leverage Content material Creation
Every metropolis offers you new content material alternatives: reels, blogs, YouTube, or perhaps a digital course. Doc your journey – even a 30-day Europe vlog sequence might assist offset your prices by means of monetization.
6. Security & Solo Journey
Europe is comparatively secure, however all the time keep alert. Preserve your valuables shut in massive stations and guide trains throughout the day.
Why Prepare Journey is Good for Filipino Nomads
- Time-efficient: No lengthy airport strains. Trains arrive in metropolis facilities.
- Eco-friendly: Trains pollute lower than planes.
- Scenic: Benefit from the views when you journey.
- Versatile: Missed a prepare? Simply anticipate the subsequent one.
Ultimate Phrases from the Tracks
Touring by means of Europe as a Filipino digital nomad isn’t just doable – it’s highly effective. It proves that your passport will not be a limitation, however a launching pad.
Additionally, don’t neglect to have your journey medical insurance with you. It should assist you really feel safe.
So pack your baggage, print your visa, seize your move, and meet me on the tracks – the world’s ready.
FAQ
The Eurail International Cross works in 33 nations and covers most trains. Some high-speed and evening trains might have reservations. Use the Eurail app to verify if you happen to want one earlier than boarding.
If the prepare doesn’t require a seat reservation, you may merely board the subsequent out there one. If it does require a reservation, you might have to guide once more and presumably pay a small charge. At all times double-check your choices within the app.
Sure, particularly if you happen to plan to go to a number of nations. It saves you time and stress from reserving many separate tickets. It’s additionally extra versatile, so you may change your plans simply with out dropping cash.
About The Author
I’m Cyrine, a 19-year-old Filipina author juggling faculty, freelance work, and the messy, thrilling path of turning into a digital nomad. I didn’t begin out with a full financial savings account or fancy gear. Only a borrowed laptop computer, a couple of writing gigs, and the choice to strive. On this column, I’ll share sincere tales, price range journey ideas, and classes I’m studying as a Gen Z from the Philippines chasing freedom by means of distant work. Whether or not you’re interested in freelance life, saving in your first solo journey, or determining how you can make journey greater than a one-time escape: that is your area, too.
