Tuesday, July 9, 2024
PASSPORT INDEX | Know which countries you can easily travel depending on your passport
Us having 3rd world country passports always face the issue of applying for visa if we want to visit certain countries.
The pain of documentations, financial preparation months before the application in order to suffice the IMPRESSIVE PROOF OF FUNDS bank statement, employment salary certificate, recent photos, tons of forms to fill-up, declarations and all passport details. What's worse is if you are travelling as family, then the more documentation and proof of funds are required.
However, there are some countries that one can easily visit without going through the pain of all these preparations mentioned above.
This website >> PASSPORT INDEX >> provides most recent updates and reliable information with which countries you can easily visit or which ones you may go through e-visa, or the real visa application process.
Simply select your passport and voila! It will show up all the status of relations that your passport is entitled to any country. Make sure you filter the green (and blue) in order to see the list of countries that you can enjoy without the hassle.
In addition, some e-visas are easy to obtain but may require time and money. So, watch out for that.
Let me know which country are you from!
Happy travelling!
Friday, June 7, 2024
Travelling to Georgia (Country)? Here's my recommendations!
TBILISI ITINERARY June 2024
Instagram: Travelwithethel
Facts:
Currency is called: GEL (Georgian Lari). 1 GEL = 1.3QAR
Georgia used to be a prt of Russia long time ago. Elders speak Russians, but the younger ones and tour operators speaks English fluently.
Georgia is within top 10 safest country.
Can be a hot destination during summer.
Can be crowded during peak season.
Prices are not really that expensive compared to Qatar COLA, but watch out for the prices during peak season. Can be comparable to Qatar’s prices, but still manageable.
If you are a Qatar resident, visa upon arrival will be accepted.
Insurance will be required during check-in, better bring a print out of QLM insurance. Otherwise, the check-in counter will point you to an office at the airport where you can purchase the insurance for the duration of your travel.It’s also possible that this will not be asked based on recent travelers experience.
Source of trips: viator.com
Recommendations are as below, but search the link for more other options. You may also filter by TRAVELERS choice, or by LOWEST PRICE.
ETHEL’s recommendations:
Notes:
1- These trips usually offers pickup from hotel & return. Better check all details before confirming your booking.
2- There are also many other tour options available with your hotel reception. Likewise, outside the hotel there are many tour operators available that you can inquire. If budget is the concern, canvass before you confirm the booking.
3- You may also arrange pickup from airport to hotel & return via viator.com
Precaution:
Careful with the taxi that can ask for over charge. Make sure you only pay the agreed exact price, have exact amount available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q:What are the best tours in Tbilisi?
A:The best tours in Tbilisi according to Viator travelers are:
Day Trip to Kakheti Wine Region Including Seven Wine Tastings
Highlights of Caucasus Mountains-Jinvali,Ananuri,Gudauri,Kazbegi(Group tour)
Q:What tours in Tbilisi are good for avoiding crowds?
A:These hidden gems in Tbilisi may have limited interaction with crowds:
Friday, May 24, 2024
USA Visa INTERVIEW Strategy & Tips (Especially if you have tight bank statement)
My Dear Travel Besties,
Some of you have read about my Schengen Visa Requirements for Expats in the Middle East, especially the 3rd world class passport holder.
For that reason, I was asked why not share how I made it for the USA visa.
I've been FREELY coaching friends and colleagues over the past 10 years about the strategies that we have done and the possible questions, and most importantly, WHAT ARE THE CONSUL LOOKING FOR from you? Majority of these friends that I have coached have passed the USA 10-year visa, and I am certainly proud of that hard work LABOUR OF LOVE that has paid off.
The best way to explain how we manage to get the USA 10-year multiple entry visa (year 2010) even if we were holding a 3rd world class country passport (Philippines) with minimal bank account is to tell you the story.
New York, 2010If you can see in my Instagram Account: @travelwithethel, I had previous international travels prior to my USA visa application -- but all of them were budget travels. Back then from 2005, it was the start of my travel to the nearby countries next to Philippines. I had travelled to Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Thailand and some of them in repeated visits. It was still vivid to me up to this time how we stayed at the budget hotels just to avail of the travels. But as we travel, my mins was opened up to different values, perceptions, thinking mindset and all the possibilities in life.
So, that is my very first tip: Create an impression of being a traveler. Whether budget flight or not, it is not written anywhere in your passport if you had taken an economy seat, a budget travel of business class seat. All it leaves is an immigration stamp of the country/ies that you've been to 😉 Just travel.
Just to help you about hotel selection while considering your budget: I suggest that you try the hostel type. My favorite booking site is: BOOKING.COM, and throughout the years, I had made it a habit to review the most recent reviews of every hotel before I make any booking. Also, I usually choose the PAY LATER & FREE CANCELATION, just incase of any trip changes for whatsoever reason. You may also cross-check with Google about hotel reviews, but so far for me I am confident and happy with booking.com itself.
Second Tip: Do the research for the reason of your travel. During the interview, one cannot simply say, "I WANTED TO SEE THE USA, or give me the visa". You have to give a valid reason why the Visa consul should give you a visa. Bear in mind that you are applying as TOURIST VISA. It means that you are either a traveler or capable of traveling with sufficient funds -- and definitely has no intention of overstaying in their country should you are done with your travel duration.
I highly suggest that you google and type in the keyword: USA VISA possible visa interview questions" Go play with the keywords. Compile them in a file.
Thirdly, once you have compiled the possible Q&A's, you need to answer them in such a way that it is applicable to your case, a.k.a ANALYSIS / BRAIN STORM. It has to be smart & realistic. For example, you cannot say I wanted to celebrate my birthday at a Casino in New Jersey -- when you knew that your bank account is not even capable of buying a business class seat 😅. More hints later. It is also best if you have a buddy, or family that you can review these Q&A's with.
Also, research on famous destinations & the state it is located. The nearby states are also important in your research. This can help you to strengthen your reason.
Fourth tip, Once you are confident that you have successfully done the brain storming stage, it is also essential that YOU MEMORIZE & PRACTICE in front of the mirror. You might be given 30-60 seconds to explain yourself. This is what I call a "Miss Universe Q&A" part where you need to give your BEST ANSWER and you have to be CONFIDENT when giving in your answers.
Just remember that even the beauty pageants, they take time to prepare & practice everything before showing up at the final day. Unless you are a PRO, you don't have to do this. Not only to USA visa but for other matters as well -- a CONFIDENT Miss "U" answer works all the time.
HOW-TO-PRACTICE: Voice record all the possible questions and leave a pause between each questions for about a minute. Give yourself a chance to answer.
Once you have gathered all your Q&A, it is now time to practice in front of the mirror. Practice with a calm, confident face and answer with a light smile on your face.
-----
OUR STORY:
After doing the research at that time, there were a few articles that said it will be better to use the family as reason to travel. In our case, we said, WE PROMISED OUR DAUGHTER a trip to Disneyland on her 5th birthday. And voila! We were granted 10-years multiple entry USA visa.
(Note: Sometimes you will be asked, then why not visit the nearest Disneyland like HK?), so watch your ideas on that possibility, why insist on USA-Disneyland & not HK - when you don't have any previous travels.
SOME MORE TIPS:
You have to keep in mind that even before your interview day, since you already have submitted the application form & requirements, the consul has already assessed you and already have some judgment about you beforehand. Those questions that they will ask during the interview are just either revalidation to confirm if you are consistent with all the declarations that you wrote in the form, or they have some kind of doubt and they needed to cross-examine.
During the interview, this is your final chance for that MAKE OR BREAK DECISION to stand up for yourself. You might be given only 30-60 seconds to do this.
It is important that you research & familiarize yourself with the states before giving your reason to travel.
For example, if you say you waned to visit the Disney, bear in mind that there are 2 Disneys in the USA and they are at the 2 far away coasts. The Disneyworld is in Florida, while the Disneyland is in California. They are about 5-6 hours flights away and about 3-4hours timezone difference. So if you must say, I want to visit the Disneyworld and the Miami beach (they are close by to each other). But if you say I want to visit the Disneyland & Miami beach, they can ask you, how will you do that? by train or flight (which will require to prove more bank funds)...
Another example, one can say I want to visit the famous New York, the Empire State and the Niagara Falls. I also wanted to see the New Jersey. That can sound realistic because they are close to each other.
One may also say, I want to see the Disneyland. It's every [Filipino's/your nationality] childhood dream. And from there I also wanted to see what the famous Las Vegas looks like.
So, in short, do your research and familiarize with the states. DO NOT BRAG to mention a lot of multiple states during your interview. JUST ANSWER ONLY WHAT YOU ARE ASKED ABOUT.
IMPRESSIVE BANK ACCOUNT can help you justify the visa application, this is a rule of thumb, not only for USA visa but to almost all countries that require visa, especially the first class ones. However, if IMPRESSIVE BANK FUNDS is not available, you may start with the small travels next to your home country -- where the visas are not required. The more stamps in your passport, the better. The goal is to CREATE THE TRAVELER IMAGE.
Also, while there is still time before your USA visa application, start living & spending frugally on a daily basis. Avoid those coffee shops, those impulsive buying, and the hang outs during weekdays and weekends. My favorite quote is, "STAY AWAY FROM THE CLIFF IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO FALL", for that deeply installed in my mind, I WOULD RATHER EXERCISE/HIT THE FREE GYM rather than hanging out with friends or going to the malls. Stay away from any temptation that may keep you far from achieving your goals.
I hope these tips help and I wish you all the best in your upcoming USA visa application.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
List of Schengen Visa Requirement for 3rd World Class Passport Holders
Hi there everyone!
It's been a long time, but I will make it up to you this time.
I have prepared a list of the Schengen Visa Requirements for a 3rd world class passport holder like me, most specifically to Filipinos like me based in the middle east.
However, if you are not a Filipino, but also coming from a developing country like mine, you may also pick-up the ideas for the success of achieving that dream Schengen Visa.
Attaining that trip to Europe with having a passport from a third class country seems to be tedious -- possible but requires a lot of documentation and preparation. Even building an impressive bank funds will require time. Not only that it is quite a lot of work, but the visa application fee itself is something that is needed to be prepared for -- especially if your application is as family. So, with this guide, it will be like your road map to success in seeing that dream country of yours.
In this list, I also personally made some FAQs which were raised to me and I would love to share my thoughts. Download: FREE SCHENGEN VISA GUIDE 2023/2024
My first Europe travel was back in January 2014, it was in Athens Greece. At that time, it was a late celebration of our 10th wedding anniversary and also hubby's 40th birthday. It was 2-in-1 celebration. It was a late anniversary celebration since I could not travel because of the 3rd mester of pregnancy with my 3rd child. We did not mind the Hellenic embassy giving us a single entry for 1-week validity (exact to our travel dates).
Then our 2nd travel was for the whole family back in Sept 2015. We applied thru France visa and landed in Frankfurt Germany. Yes, it was possible to apply for a visa in a different country of landing. I highly suggest that you read the FAQ part in the attached file as I have discussed it there in details. They gave us 6-months multiple entry. However, we did not go back within that span of time. But thanks to the France embassy for showing us how generous they are.
My 3rd Schengen visa attempt was in Netherlands, February 2020. Our target travel date was in April, to see the blossom of Tulips in the Keukonhof Gardens. They gave us a visa, valid for 2 weeks upon target date of landing. But because it was Covid period that time, the whole world has shut down its airports and travels, the visa just got expired.
In between the years, I travelled to Asia and USA in various times.
However, in late 2022, my interest in Europe had awaken. My husband and I applied through Switzerland embassy. They gave us 3 months validity, but who will travel to Switzerland between Oct-January -- cold months? 😅 But it was my most unforgettable travel since we went to Chamonix in France and it was my first time to climb the alps. Seeing it from the top was an unforgettable experience. We landed in Geneva then travelled to nearby France (Annemasse).
Mont Blanc, Chamonix France
Then, we went back to Geneva and started seeing the Switzerland for the first time. I remember that lake next to a petrol station. It was gorgeous, yet it was not yet a tourist spot. We moved to Montreux in the following days and I really admire the Chateau Du Chillon -- the very first medieval castle I ever went inside. I could still vividly remember the chills in my spine that time -- thinking how blessed I am to be born at this time and not during that time. That medieval time, there was a huge gap in the lifestyle between servants and rich. And if you happen to be born in a poor family, there is no way to change your life. You were born poor and you will die poor. Unlike our time today, women is empowered and respected in many countries. The poor can mingle with the can-afford people and there are a lot of budget travels available (that's the most important part for me).
Chateau De Chillon, Montreux Switzerland
Then we moved to Bern, Switzerland's capital. That time was Autumn season, so the leaves has 4 colors. It made itself so unforgettable to me until this time. I loved its old town, how gorgeous! Then, we went to Interlaken.. OMG!!!! I could not even express its beauty! The lake was so clean and the houses around it were pleasant. We went to Harder Kulm to view the Interlaken from the top, but it was foggy that we did not succeed to achieve our goal. We went to Luzern, another gorgeous old town, as expected 😍. Then we moved to Zurich and finally experienced the Lindt Chocolate Museum Factory tour. It was one of the most unforgettable experience I ever had. We also went to Rapperswil-jona, south of Zurich, I even took off my shoes and dipped my feet there just to really feel the icy water of Zurich! Another unforgettable experience for me. We also explored the Old town in Zurich and again, another gorgeous place in Switzerland. To me, Switzerland is a gorgeous country 360 degrees, I could not find any unlikely corner. I even felt safe the whole time of our travel there.
Zurich, SwitzerlandAgain in 2023 we travelled to USA as family, but we also travelled to Switzerland in Oct 2023. We applied our visa to France (again) and was given 6 months visa*. We landed in Geneva. During our arrival, there wasn't any single question given to us to whether why our visa was France yet we landed in Switzerland. Probably because my husband and I had good records in the system already 😀. That time, we moved to Annecy on our first night. It is another medieval city and the lake is like that of the one that you see in the Fairy Tale. Annecy is just about 30-40 minutes from Geneva and is worth visiting.
Lake Annecy, France
Then we started to move to Yvoire, another famous medieval city (infact quoted as one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France, according to Google). I also highly recommend this place. Then, we wanted to show the Montreux to our children, the Chateau De Chillon. After then, we visited the Callier Chocolate Factory. It's so much bigger than Lindt in Zurich.
Callier Choco Factory, Switzerland
We also spent a night at the Interlaken and the villa that we have booked exceeded our expectation. It was so close to Interlaken. We also managed to go to Mt Eigger (foggy that time so we did not go to Jungfraujoch), but we also stayed one night in Lauterbrunnen and we also get to see the famous Grindelwald. Those 2 places were like in the fairytales. Then, we moved to Zurich as well and visited the Lindt Chocolate Museum Factory -- this time with all our children. To me, I prefer the experience in Lindt than in Callier, if I were to choose one.
Zurich Old Town, SwitzerlandFebruary 2024, using the same France visa, my husband and I landed in Rome. We enjoyed the Rome & Vatican (world's smallest country).
Rome, Italy
Then we moved up to see the Leaning tower of Pisa, spent a night nearby Pisa Tower. Then we moved to Milan. It was my first time. And I was again impressed to see the outfit of the ladies there. Of course, it is the World's Fashion Center. I did my research before the travel -- that Italians were fashionable so I consciously selected my daily outfit and these can be seen in my vlogs. Models were just everywhere. The details of the Duomo Di Milano was also very captivating like I spent almost a halfday there just adoring its details. Then we walked to the nearby attractions. It is worth spending a day and night in Milan. Then we moved to Lake Garda. We visited Desenzano side and slept in Sirmione. The medieval village there was huge and world class. It is worth visiting it. We even got a budget hotel, with Lake view. I slept the whole night with our door slightly opened and listened to the waves all night. What a relief to my insomnia! Then we moved to Venice. Ah, that unique huge medieval town surrounded by body of water.... ah that was another unforgettable experience. Next time I would go back there I will make sure that I will get a night sleep in that vicinity. You could enjoy a whole day of walking there in Venice. Then, we drove back to Milan Bergamo for our departure. We spent half day going around before we checked in at the airport. I'd say Bergamo is worth the visit as well.
Venice, ItalyApril 2024, on the same France visa from Oct-2023, I travelled to Nice France with my eldest daughter. Close by to Nice is Monaco, another small country that is worth to visit. We also moved to Marseille and went back to Nice by bus for our departure. It was my first time strolling around Mediterranean via public transportation and I don't even speak French 😅 so our travel was a bit of challenge.
Nice, FranceOverall, I love the France embassy for always giving us long duration and multiple entries. Definitely I will apply again through them because based on my experience, processing the Schengen visa application is already too much of work and time and money, so if you are given multiple entry for longer period, that somehow saves you from all the effort and money.
Feel free to browse my guide and I wish you success in your Europe travel. Ciao! Salute!
Download the free guide here for the SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENTS LIST & FAQS
Monday, April 15, 2024
Travel Pack-Up Quick List
My Dear Travel Besties!
As some of you might be already travelling by now, let me share a cheatsheet of travel list -- which I have personally prepared based on my experience.
Download here: Travel Pack-Up Quick List
To a busy person who does not have much time to prepare the packing up days before the travel, this quick list comes handy and will help you with most of the important things that you might need in your travel.
So, download it now and save onto your phone for your next travel.
Until next time.
Much love from your Budget Travel Buddy,
Ethel
Saturday, April 13, 2024
The Beginning of the Travel Journey
Let me share with you how did I start with this frequent & sustainable international travel journey of mine, considering that I have a passport from a third world country.
👉It started when I was a young child, at about 9 years old whenever we go to the houses and places of family friends seeing photos of their travels in the albums that are commonly available in the coffee table of every house hold back in the 80's. Coming from a poor family, we did not travel by plane, nor could afford such travels. All I could do was just to look at those photos, feel it with my senses and imagine myself being in those places as well.
I never felt envious being inferior to them, but rather I had a grateful heart at such a young age thanking them at the deepest part of my heart for sharing those photos with us. Otherwise, I would never have an idea about other places and the possibilities that life can bring.
Me back in 1997 (wearing beige hat) with family and friends and we could only afford to travel this touristy place in the Philippines through public bus transportation.
Not only with the environment that I was mesmerized, but even the outfits as well! Oh how lovely those scarves, gloves and boots were! They looked fashionable when put together! And those layers of clothes, thick jackets and beanies! How I loved to imagine myself back then how would I look like if I wear those? Living in a hot and humid climate, I had no choice but to wear only those cotton and thin fabric clothes. Not even think about layering or otherwise I will sweat to my death.
I could also imagine back then their faces, how they sweetly smiled altogether in all their photos. To me, they looked very happy and fulfilled. They had fulfilled every Filipino's dream which is to travel and see the other side of the world.
And I had carried this dream with me although out my life. Until I got married at the age of 25, and my very first journey was outside my home country, we flew to Hongkong for our honeymoon! It was a dream come true and since then I started to ask myself, how about the other countries? I'd like to see and experience them too in the future. I'd always wanted to see and feel the snow, the spring and the autumn.
I kept asking myself with series of questions about how the other parts of the world looked like, felt like and what was it like to be there. I have always known in my heart that I will never stop until I get all the answers to my thousands of questions.
So my dear travel buddies, your travel journey starts here ... with me.
You just need to fill your mind with thousands of questions about anything related to travel and possibilities. It does not necessarily mean that you have to live there or stay there or even think about spending huge amount of money just to be able to travel. You just need to have a CURIOUS MIND, yes! Fill your mind with curiosity and slowly, the universe will slowly unfold its answers right before your eyes.
And in this blog, I will be sharing how I did my frequent travels, in different countries while having a third world country passport. I will be sharing my proven techniques on how I managed to apply for visas, how I outsmarted them and some lessons that I have learned as well with the failures I encountered along the way in this journey.
So, my dear travel buddies, if you want a sustainable travel budget and still saving your savings, tag along with me in this journey.
Until next time ;-) Ciao!
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PASSPORT INDEX | Know which countries you can easily travel depending on your passport
Us having 3rd world country passports always face the issue of applying for visa if we want to visit certain countries. The pain of document...
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Us having 3rd world country passports always face the issue of applying for visa if we want to visit certain countries. The pain of document... -
My Dear Travel Besties, Some of you have read about my Schengen Visa Requirements for Expats in the Middle East, especially the 3rd world c... -
TBILISI ITINERARY June 2024 Instagram: Travelwithethel Facts: Currency is called: GEL (Georgian Lari). 1 GEL = 1.3QAR Georgia used to be a...