How To Travel Europe by Train if You’re a Filipino: A Digital Nomad’s Guide Starting in Paris with a 30-Day Eurail Global Pass

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How To Travel Europe by Train if You’re a Filipino: A Digital Nomad’s Guide Starting in Paris with a 30-Day Eurail Global Pass


Ever dreamed of crossing borders in Europe with out taking a single flight? Picture 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 Global Pass. Yes, even you probably have a Philippine passport.

If you’re touring on a price range, there are lots of methods to avoid wasting. Choose low cost locations to remain. Eat the place locals eat. Use low cost rail passes. These recommendations on saving whereas touring will stretch your price range. You can even go to visa-free locations earlier than or after your Schengen journey. Just double-check the entry guidelines for Filipinos.

Want to change into a digital nomad? Read the brand new TMTG eBook, The A-Z on Becoming a Digital Nomad. It’s made for Filipinos who wish to earn on-line and journey. The information is straightforward and clear. You’ll learn to dwell with extra freedom by yourself phrases.

Step 1: Start with the Schengen Visa

I’ll solely confer with the French embassy on this article as I’d assume you’d start your journey by flying from Manila to Paris.

Let’s discuss a very powerful 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 superb start line too.

What You Need to Apply on the French Embassy:

  • A passport legitimate for a minimum of 3 extra months
  • Proof of journey like flights, resort bookings, or your full itinerary
  • Travel insurance coverage with €30,000 protection (I used SafetyWing)
  • Proof of funds reminiscent of financial institution statements or screenshots of digital revenue
  • A canopy letter to elucidate your journey plans
  • Proof of robust ties to the Philippines (like a job, enterprise, or land possession)

Make positive to e-book your appointment through France-Visas. Submit your paperwork through VFS Global. Apply a minimum of one month earlier than your supposed departure.

Tips for Filipino Digital Nomads

  • If you freelance, present your corporation allow and consumer contracts.
  • Use PayPal or Wise fee information.
  • Book motels on Booking.com that enable free cancellations.
  • In your letter, clarify that you just work on-line. Say clearly you gained’t apply for a job in Europe.

Visa Fee

  • €90 or about PHP 5,700
  • Takes round 15–30 days to course of
  • Apply by France-Visas and submit at VFS Global

Tip: Say that France is your “main destination” in your cowl letter. This is vital in case you fly out and in of Paris.

Step 2: Buy the Eurail Global Pass (30 Days)

The Eurail Global Pass permits limitless journey on most European trains in 33 nations. That consists of the 7 in our itinerary. For Filipino vacationers, it’s a game-changer. No must e-book separate tickets, hop on and go. The quick ones often want a reservation.

It’s preferrred for spontaneous adventures, gradual journey, and border-hopping.

Recommended Pass:

  • Eurail Global Pass – 1st or 2nd class
  • Travel as a lot as you need for 30 days in a row
  • Cost (as of 2025):
    • 2nd class: €878 (round PHP 56,000)
    • 1st class: €1,175 (round PHP 74,500)

Tip: You can use the Eurail app to activate your cross. It additionally helps you discover trains, examine occasions, and e-book seats.

For Filipino vacationers, right here’s what to know:

  • Use the 30-day steady Eurail Global Pass
  • Cost: €878 for 2nd class or €1,175 for 1st class (as of 2025)
  • Where to purchase: www.eurail.com
  • Activate through the Eurail app: Easy and paperless

If you’re a digital nomad, I counsel going for 1st class – it affords quieter coaches, energy sockets, and extra snug workspaces. Pack a headset and a neck pillow for longer practice rides. They make the journey extra enjoyable.

Sample 30-Day Europe by Train Itinerary for Filipinos

Route: France → Italy → Austria → Germany → Netherlands → Luxembourg → Spain → France (loop)

Here’s an actual journey I took. It balances sightseeing and work. Great for digital nomads like us.

Day 1–5: Paris, France

  • Arrive in Paris. Pick up your Eurail cross.
  • Must-visit: Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Louvre, Seine River Cruise
  • Coworking spots: Anticafé, Hubsy Arts et Métiers

Accommodation Tip:

Budget hostel or Airbnb: €40–60/night time

Coworking: €5–€10/day

Tip: Don’t neglect your umbrella! Paris’ climate might be unpredictable.

Day 6–9: Milan & Venice, Italy

  • Take a direct high-speed practice Paris–Milan (~7 hrs)
  • Spend a day or two in Milan, then practice to Venice (~2.5 hrs)
  • Venice: A dream for content material! Water taxis, canals, gondolas.

Seat Reservations:

High-speed trains in Italy require seat reservations (€10–€15)

Accommodation Tip:

Venice Mestre (cheaper than staying on the island)

Day 10–13: Vienna & Salzburg, Austria

  • Train Venice to Vienna (~7 hrs) through scenic routes
  • Vienna: Elegant cafes, classical music, clear coworking areas
  • Day journey or in a single day in Salzburg (house of Mozart & The Sound of Music)

Coworking:

Impact Hub Vienna, Das Packhaus

Day 14–17: Munich & Berlin, Germany

  • Train to Munich (~4 hrs), then Berlin (~4 hrs extra)
  • Munich: Beer gardens and Bavarian tradition
  • Berlin: Urban, edgy, digital nomad pleasant

Coworking:

Betahaus Berlin, Mindspace

Pro tip: Germany doesn’t require seat reservations for many ICE trains — simply hop on.

Day 18–21: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Direct practice from Berlin to Amsterdam (~6 hrs)
  • Bike-friendly, photogenic, laidback vibes
  • Work in cafes or coworking hubs

Accommodation Tip:

Stay 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 (through Paris, ~10 hrs complete with switch)
  • Spain is cheaper for digital nomads — nice meals and co-living
  • Train to Madrid for flamenco, tapas, and museums

Eurail Note:

Spain trains typically want reservations (€10–€20)

Coworking:

La Vaca in Barcelona, Impact Hub in Madrid

Day 29–30: Return to Paris, France

  • Madrid to Paris (~9 hrs by direct practice)
  • Wind down in Paris with remaining museum visits or a picnic by the Eiffel Tower

Practical Tips for Filipino Digital Nomads

1. Pack Smart, Travel Light

You’ll be hopping on and off trains typically. Stick to a carry-on backpack and a day bag. Trust me — brutal minimalism saves your again, power, and time.

2. Stay Connected

Get a European eSIM like Eskimo or Holafly. Or purchase a France SIM like Orange Holiday. Stay in locations with good Wi-Fi (Code: KATRIN8414).

3. Use Coworking Hubs

Many huge cities allow you to pay for a day cross. These locations are nice for work and assembly others.

4. Master the Eurail App

Use it for:

  • Train schedules
  • Live updates
  • Seat reservations
  • Activating your cross

5. Leverage Content Creation

Each metropolis offers you new content material alternatives: reels, blogs, YouTube, or perhaps a digital course. Document your journey – even a 30-day Europe vlog sequence may assist offset your prices by monetization.

6. Safety & Solo Travel

Europe is comparatively protected, however all the time keep alert. Keep your valuables shut in huge stations and e-book trains throughout the day.

Why Train Travel is Perfect for Filipino Nomads

  • Time-efficient: No lengthy airport strains. Trains arrive in metropolis facilities.
  • Eco-friendly: Trains pollute lower than planes.
  • Scenic: Enjoy the views when you journey.
  • Flexible: Missed a practice? Just anticipate the following one.

Final Words from the Tracks

Traveling by Europe as a Filipino digital nomad isn’t just attainable – it’s highly effective. It proves that your passport shouldn’t be a limitation, however a launching pad.

Also, don’t neglect to have your journey medical health insurance with you. It will enable you really feel safe.

So pack your baggage, print your visa, seize your cross, and meet me on the tracks – the world’s ready.

FAQ

Can I exploit the Eurail Global Pass on all trains in Europe?

The Eurail Global Pass works in 33 nations and covers most trains. Some high-speed and night time trains may have reservations. Use the Eurail app to examine in case you want one earlier than boarding.

What if I miss my scheduled practice?

If the practice doesn’t require a seat reservation, you may merely board the following obtainable one. If it does require a reservation, you might must e-book once more and probably pay a small charge. Always double-check your choices within the app.

Is the Eurail Pass price it for Filipino vacationers?

Yes, particularly in case you 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 Writer

I’m Cyrine, a 19-year-old Filipina author juggling faculty, freelance work, and the messy, thrilling path of changing into a digital nomad. I didn’t begin out with a full financial savings account or fancy gear. Just a borrowed laptop computer, a number of writing gigs, and the choice to attempt. In this column, I’ll share trustworthy tales, price range journey ideas, and classes I’m studying as a Gen Z from the Philippines chasing freedom by distant work. Whether you’re interested in freelance life, saving in your first solo journey, or determining the way to make journey greater than a one-time escape: that is your area, too.

Monkey Dividers

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