FROM BEIJING WALLS TO ISLAND CALLS: MY ADVENTURE BEGINS

You know that feeling when your wanderlust gets so strong, not even Google Maps can contain it? Yeah, that was me, daydreaming about turquoise waters, crazy street food, and panda-level excitement. So what did I do? I booked a ticket… or five. This blog is your inside look at how I planned my epic trip from Budapest to Beijing, then all the way through the magical islands of the Philippines. Think: ancient wonders, tropical beaches, whale sharks, street snacks, and a whole lot of logistics (because hey, paradise requires paperwork). I’m spilling all the tea- from visa drama and accommodation hacks, to eSIM tips, packing tricks, and how I booked everything without losing my mind (or my budget). Whether you’re planning your own adventure or just living vicariously, welcome aboard! Let’s dive into the prep chaos, laugh through the to-do lists, and get one step closer to island life and Great Wall selfies.

Visa & Travel Docs – AKA The Not-So-Glam Part of Travel

Let’s talk about the least sexy part of planning a trip- paperwork. Yup, before I could live my best beach-bum life in the Philippines or pose like a warrior at the Great Wall in Beijing, I had to go full-on office mode: forms, emails, booking confirmations, you name it. But hey, that’s the price of adventure!

Philippines Visa- Bureaucracy, But Make It Tropical

So here’s the deal, the Philippines wasn’t just gonna let me stroll in with a backpack and a smile. Nope. As a North Macedonian citizen, I needed a visa and a fat stack of documents to prove I wasn’t secretly moving in forever.

Here’s what I had to hustle up:

• The usual form– easy peasy.
• A passport with enough time on it- they’re big on the whole “valid for 6 months after your trip” thing.
• Proof of every single accommodation– like, “here’s where I’ll sleep on May 18th” level specific.
• Domestic flights- yes, even the short hops from Cebu to Palawan had to be confirmed.
• My last three paychecks– so they know I can afford more than just coconuts and sunburn.
• Tour bookings– I’ll dive into this later, but it was a lifesaver for proving I actually have plans and am not just winging it (even if I kind of am).
• A personal letter to the embassy- Since I don’t have any friends or family in the Philippines to write me an invite, I had to put on my most charming voice and write a letter to the Philippine Embassy in Vienna (yep, that’s the closest one to Zagreb) explaining why I want to visit, what I’ll be doing, and promising not to overstay and become a permanent islander (tempting, though). It felt like applying for a job… except the job was lying on beaches, swimming with whale sharks, and eating street food. Totally worth it.

Beijing – No Visa, No Problem!

Here’s where the universe balanced things out: Beijing gave me a free pass. Literally.

As a North Macedonian, I don’t need a visa to visit China for up to 30 days- which means I can land, run straight to the Great Wall, and eat my body weight in dumplings with zero paperwork stress. Just need a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and enough cash to survive without selling my shoes. Honestly, this made planning so much easier- especially since I’ll just be there during my layovers.

Travel Insurance – Adulting Like a Pro

Now, I might feel invincible with my backpack and Google Maps, but let’s be real- stuff happens. That’s why I’ve got a full-year travel insurance plan with Wiener, which covers trips up to 30 days at a time. No last-minute panic-buying a policy at the airport or crossing fingers that nothing goes wrong. Whether it’s a flight delay, an unexpected visit to a clinic, or my luggage deciding to take its own vacation, I’m covered. It’s one of those grown-up things that gives me peace of mind, so I can focus on the important stuff- like chasing waterfalls and eating my 7th meal of the day.

How Booking Tours & Beds Helped Me Look Like I Totally Have My Life Together

Alright, confession time: I’m usually a last-minute kind of traveler. I love the thrill of winging it. But this time? Nope. I went full-on Type A planner- because applying for a Philippine visa without a local contact meant I had to prove I’m not just casually showing up to crash on someone’s hammock.

So I became the queen of bookings- tours, flights, hostels, hotels, the whole shebang. And honestly? I kind of loved it.

Tour Bookings – AKA My Golden Tickets

I booked most of my adventures through GetYourGuide- it’s easy, super organized, and the moment those confirmation emails landed in my inbox, I felt like an absolute travel boss.

Here’s the highlight reel:

• May 13 – Beijing:

Layover? More like playover. I squeezed in a Great Wall + Summer Palace day tour like a total legend. Airport pickup, sightseeing, lunch, and back in time for my flight to Cebu. I felt like I hacked time.

• May 15 – Bohol:

I’ll be hopping over from Cebu for the day to chase Chocolate Hills, cuddle with wide-eyed tarsiers (okay, just look, no touching), and cruise down the Loboc River. Nature, weird geology, and floating buffets? Count me in.

• May 16 – Oslob:

Whale sharks, baby! I booked this bucket-list tour where I get to swim next to the biggest fish in the sea. I also secretly love how early the tour starts — it makes me feel like one of those productive sunrise people.

• May 18 – Puerto Princesa Underground River:

It’s one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. I’m going inside a cave… on a boat… through a river... that goes under the earth. If that’s not magical, I don’t know what is.

• May 21 & 22 – El Nido Island Hopping (Tours A & C):

Tour A has lagoons that look like screensavers. Tour C has secret beaches and snorkeling spots. I basically chose these with the logic of “what will make my Instagram feed explode?” Mission: accepted.

Accommodation – Booked & Beautiful

To keep everything smooth for the visa (and my own sanity), I booked all my accommodations in advance too. And no, it wasn’t all 5-star luxury- I’m a budget explorer with taste. Here’s where I’ll be laying my head:

• Cebu City (May 13–17)–Southpole Central Hotel:

Right in the heart of Cebu with a rooftop view. A good spot to recover from jet lag and prep for those early whale shark mornings.

• Puerto Princesa (May 17–19)–Mariafe Inn:

Super cute, chill vibes, and walking distance to some tasty eats. Also- free breakfast. Always a win.

• El Nido (May 19–23)–Inngo Tourist Inn:

Simple, clean, close to the beach, and honestly I’ll barely be there because island-hopping is life.

• Manila (May 23–25)–Red Planet Manila Binondo:

In the heart of Chinatown! I’m ready to eat my way through dim sum, hop between temples, and soak up some urban chaos before heading back to Europe. Booking everything in advance didn’t just help with the visa- it gave me a solid plan, a full inbox of confirmations (very satisfying), and zero stress about where I’ll sleep after a day of adventuring.

Packing Like a Pro (or at Least Faking It Really Well)

Packing for the Philippines (with a bonus China layover) felt like prepping for a tropical adventure, a mini city escape, and survival training — all rolled into one. Do I bring flip-flops or hiking shoes? A raincoat or a swimsuit? The answer is: yes. Bring both. And snacks. Always snacks. Here’s how I packed smart, stayed sane, and fit everything into a backpack that didn’t require a forklift.

The Essentials (aka the "Don’t Even Think About Leaving Without These")

• Passport + printed visa + ALL those tour/accommodation confirmations

I printed everything like it’s 2003 — because embassies and airport staff still love good old-fashioned paper.

• Travel Insurance documents

My annual plan from Wiener is great, but I still printed the proof and saved a digital copy too. Be that person.

• Credit card, debit card, and some USD/EUR cash

Because “the ATM is temporarily unavailable” is a phrase that haunts travelers in their sleep.

• Travel adapter

The Philippines uses Type A, B & C sockets. I brought a universal adapter and felt instantly powerful.

• Phone + charger + power bank

My power bank is basically my second heartbeat on long travel days.

Clothes That Made the Cut (Minimal but Mighty)

• 2 pairs of shorts(one beachy, one “I might hike in this”)

• 1 pair of comfy trousers for flights and temple visits

• 5 T-shirts (because laundry is a thing)

• 1 long-sleeve shirt for buses, sun protection, and pretending to be classy

• 2 swimsuits (you’ll need backups when the first one’s soggy)

• 1 rain jacket (hello tropical showers)

• 1 light hoodie(for air-conditioned buses that feel like Antarctica)

• 1 pair of sandals+ 1 pair of sneakers

• 7 pairs of underwear, and yes, I counted

• 1sarong= beach towel + scarf + blanket + privacy curtain + fashion statement

My Tiny But Mighty Toiletry Kit

• Solid shampoo bar (saves space & no liquid stress at the airport)

• Sunscreen (reef-safe, always!)

• Bug spray (the Philippine mosquitoes are bold)

• Toothbrush/paste, deodorant, razor, etc.

• Mini first-aid kit with plasters, painkillers, Imodium (you know why)

• Hand sanitizer + tissues = your survival tools in some public toilets

My Travel “Extras” I Swear By

• Dry bag– for island hopping, boat tours, and “why is everything suddenly wet” moments

• Waterproof phone case– for kayaking selfies and snorkeling without regrets

• Refillable water bottle– eco-friendly and keeps you from turning into a raisin

• Packing cubes– I laughed at them once. I’m not laughing now.

• Snorkel mask– optional, but I love having my own

• Earplugs + sleep mask– for planes, hostels, and loud roosters at sunrise

• Mini laundry soap sheets– yes, I did hand-wash my socks in a sink in Cebu, and I have no regrets

Pro Tips I Wish I Knew Earlier

• Don’t overpack! You’ll end up wearing the same 4 outfits anyway.

• Bring a small daypack for day tours. Lugging around a giant bag on a beach is not the move.

• Keep one outfit “clean and nice” for the flight home or a spontaneous dinner out.

• Leave room for souvenirs — or at least snacks from 7-Eleven.

• Keep all important docs in a zippered pouch or folder— it makes you look suspiciously organized.

Packing doesn’t have to be stressful — it can actually be part of the fun (or at least feel like a mini puzzle game). With this list, I’m ready for island life, city hustle, and anything in between… all while keeping it under 10kg. Probably.

Staying Connected Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Euros)

We all want to post our beach pics, message our moms that we’re alive, and Google “best Filipino snacks near me” at any moment. But staying connected abroad can be either super easy… or a total nightmare. Lucky for me (and future you reading this), I planned ahead — because no one wants to be that person desperately searching for signal outside a random 7-Eleven.

eSIM: My New Favorite Travel Hack

This trip, I skipped the “find a SIM card at the airport” chaos and went full digital nomad with eSIMs— and let me tell you, I’m never going back.

• I used the Nomad app (because they had a sweet sale), and got data packages for both China and the Philippines ahead of time.

• Setup was super easy: scan a QR code, install the eSIM, and boom — I was connected the moment I landed.

Pro tip: Install your eSIMsbeforeyou get on the plane. You’ll thank yourself when you touch down and your phone already knows what’s up.

How Much Data Did I Get?

• For China: I picked a package with enough data for maps, translation apps, and a quick selfie at the Great Wall (because priorities).

• For the Philippines: I went bigger, because island hopping = lots of Instagram stories, Google Maps, and booking tricycles like a boss.

But Wait — What About the Great Firewall in China?

• Don’t worry, my China eSIM came with VPN access built-in, which is basically magic. I could access Instagram, Gmail, Google Maps — all the essentials.

• If yours doesn’t include it, I highly recommend downloading a VPN app before you arrive. ExpressVPN and NordVPN work like a charm over there.

Wi-Fi in the Wild

Here’s the tea on Wi-Fi in both countries:

• Philippines: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafés, and hostels — but don’t expect lightning speed, especially on the islands. It’s good for scrolling, not streaming.

• China: Hotels have decent Wi-Fi, but remember: without a VPN, you’ll be locked out of most Western apps. Also, don't rely on public Wi-Fi for important stuff — it's not the most secure.

My App Arsenal (Download These Before You Go!)

• Google Translate (with offline languages downloaded)

• Maps.me or Google Maps offline (especially for Palawan areas with weak signal)

• Grab app (like Uber in the Philippines — lifesaver in Cebu and Manila!)

• WeChat (for China — kind of a must, even for travelers)

• Nomad app (to top up or check eSIM data usage)

Tips for the Data-Savvy Traveler:

• Turn off auto-play for videos and app updates unless on Wi-Fi

• Always carry a power bank– because Google Maps drains battery faster than a karaoke night in Manila

• If you’re using eSIM only, set your data roaming ON (don’t panic — it’s not “roaming charges,” it’s how eSIM works)

• Enable low-data mode to stretch your MBs further

• Download Google Maps areas offline ahead of time for places like El Nido or Oslob

So now I’m ready to post, stream, navigate, and flex my foodie finds wherever I go — without hunting down a shady kiosk for a SIM card or crying in front of an airport vending machine. Internet, conquered.

Travel Smart, Stay Safe & Healthy

Sure, I’m all about the adventure — snorkeling in El Nido, stuffing my face with street food in Manila, dodging scooters in Cebu — but I also don’t want to end up sun-fried, pickpocketed, or stuck in a hotel bathroom for 12 hours (you know what I mean). So here’s how I’m making sure I stay happy, healthy, and headache-free on this trip.

1. Sunscreen, Bug Spray & Coconut Water

The Philippines is all about beaches, but that tropical sun? It's no joke.

• I packed a high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen (we protect the coral while protecting our nose).

• And let’s talk bugs —mosquitoes love tourists, especially at dusk. I packed repellent with DEET and also brought a tiny mosquito net, just in case.

• Hydration tip: Coconut water is life. It’s cheap, everywhere, and perfect if you overheat or get the “I walked too much in 35°C” dizziness.

2. First Aid = Freedom

Instead of relying on luck, I made my own little travel pharmacy:

• Electrolytes & charcoal pills (for just in case moments after adventurous meals)

• Painkillers, plasters, antihistamines

• Hand sanitizer + wet wipes (aka travel MVPs)

• Prescription meds in their original packaging (don’t mess with customs, friends!)

Bonus: I even threw in a tiny sewing kit — because a broken flip-flop on an island is no one’s vibe.

3. Trust Your Gut (and your Google Maps)

• I downloaded offline maps and marked all my accommodations, embassies, and hospitals — just in case.

• I trust people, but I also trust my instincts more. If something feels off, I bounce.

• I avoid super quiet streets after dark and always keep an eye on my bag — especially in busy places like markets or ferry terminals.

4. Scams? Not Today.

Filipinos are incredibly warm and helpful, but like anywhere in the world, there are a few scams floating around:

• Always check official prices for tricycles or taxis — or better yet, use Grab.

• Be careful with your belongings on public transport and in crowded places.

• Don’t give in to pressure sales (especially from “friendly strangers” who want to take you to a special place you just have to see).

5. Insurance = Peace of Mind

No one plans to twist an ankle chasing a sunset or get food poisoning from mystery meat on a stick (RIP judgment), but travel insurance is my safety net.

I’ve got a full-year plan with Wiener, which covers trips up to 30 days — and that means less stress if I get sick, lose my bag, or need emergency help.

6. Don’t Forget Your Body’s Basics

• Jet lag is real: I’m adjusting slowly with short walks and light meals on arrival.

• Sleep is sacred: Eye mask, earplugs, and melatonin packed.

• I’m walking tons, so comfy shoes = essential.

• Oh — and never say no to a bathroom break. You never know when the next one’s coming.

So yeah — it’s not the most glamorous prep, but it’s the one that lets you actually enjoy your trip instead of Googling “hospital near me” while sweating in a tuk-tuk.

Dreams, Details & a Passport Full of Plans

As I zip up my backpack and triple-check my documents for the tenth time (yes, again), I can’t help but smile. This whole trip — from the visa applications to booking tiny island flights, from packing lists to eSIM codes — has been so much more than just travel prep. It’s been a reminder of how much joy there is in chasing your dreams, even when the journey starts with paperwork and stress.

Planning this adventure has made me realize that travel doesn’t start at the airport — it starts with a decision. A spark. A feeling deep in your gut that says, “I want more.” More sunsets. More flavors. More stories. And that’s exactly what I’m going after. If you’re reading this and dreaming of your own trip — big or small — know that it’s all possible. It takes courage, sure. A bit of research (okay,a lot), some patience, and a good sense of humor. But it’s so worth it. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about where we go — it's about who we become while getting there.

So here's to stepping out of comfort zones, chasing the unknown, and collecting moments over things.

Next stop: adventure.

With love and way too many screenshots saved,

Ivana

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