Ever dreamed of crossing borders in Europe without taking a single flight? Picture this: croissants in Paris for breakfast, pizza in Rome for lunch, and beer in Munich by dinner. All without standing in airport lines. This dream is possible with a Eurail Global Pass. Yes, even if you have a Philippine passport.
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are many ways to save. Choose cheap places to stay. Eat where locals eat. Use discount rail passes. These tips on saving while traveling will stretch your budget. You can also visit visa-free destinations before or after your Schengen trip. Just double-check the entry rules for Filipinos.
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Step 1: Start with the Schengen Visa
I will only refer to the French embassy in this article as I would assume you’d begin your trip by flying from Manila to Paris.
Let’s talk about the most important step — getting a visa. You need a Schengen Visa to visit most of Europe. France is a smart choice if it’s your first time applying. Paris is a great starting point too.
What You Need to Apply at the French Embassy:
- A passport valid for at least 3 more months
- Proof of travel like flights, hotel bookings, or your full itinerary
- Travel insurance with €30,000 coverage (I used SafetyWing)
- Proof of funds such as bank statements or screenshots of digital income
- A cover letter to explain your travel plans
- Proof of strong ties to the Philippines (like a job, business, or land ownership)
Make sure to book your appointment via France-Visas. Submit your documents via VFS Global. Apply at least one month before your intended departure.
Tips for Filipino Digital Nomads
- If you freelance, show your business permit and client contracts.
- Use PayPal or Wise payment records.
- Book hotels on Booking.com that allow free cancellations.
- In your letter, explain that you work online. Say clearly you won’t apply for a job in Europe.
Visa Fee
- €90 or about PHP 5,700
- Takes around 15–30 days to process
- Apply through France-Visas and submit at VFS Global
Tip: Say that France is your “main destination” in your cover letter. This is important if you fly in and out of Paris.
Step 2: Buy the Eurail Global Pass (30 Days)
The Eurail Global Pass allows unlimited travel on most European trains in 33 countries. That includes the 7 in our itinerary. For Filipino travelers, it’s a game-changer. No need to book separate tickets, hop on and go. The fast ones usually need a reservation.
It’s ideal for spontaneous adventures, slow travel, and border-hopping.
Recommended Pass:
- Eurail Global Pass – 1st or 2nd class
- Travel as much as you want for 30 days in a row
- Cost (as of 2025):
- 2nd class: €878 (around PHP 56,000)
- 1st class: €1,175 (around PHP 74,500)
Tip: You can use the Eurail app to activate your pass. It also helps you find trains, check times, and book seats.
For Filipino travelers, here’s what to know:
- Use the 30-day continuous Eurail Global Pass
- Cost: €878 for 2nd class or €1,175 for 1st class (as of 2025)
- Where to buy: www.eurail.com
- Activate via the Eurail app: Easy and paperless
If you’re a digital nomad, I suggest going for 1st class – it offers quieter coaches, power sockets, and more comfortable workspaces. Pack a headset and a neck pillow for longer train rides. They make the journey more relaxing.
Sample 30-Day Europe by Train Itinerary for Filipinos
Route: France → Italy → Austria → Germany → Netherlands → Luxembourg → Spain → France (loop)
Here’s a real trip 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 pass.
- 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
Coworking: €5–€10/day
Tip: Don’t forget your umbrella! Paris’ weather can be unpredictable.
Day 6–9: Milan & Venice, Italy
- Take a direct high-speed train Paris–Milan (~7 hrs)
- Spend a day or two in Milan, then train to Venice (~2.5 hrs)
- Venice: A dream for content! 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) via scenic routes
- Vienna: Elegant cafes, classical music, clean coworking spaces
- Day trip or overnight in Salzburg (home 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 more)
- Munich: Beer gardens and Bavarian culture
- Berlin: Urban, edgy, digital nomad friendly
Coworking:
Betahaus Berlin, Mindspace
Pro tip: Germany doesn’t require seat reservations for most ICE trains — just hop on.
Day 18–21: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Direct train from Berlin to Amsterdam (~6 hrs)
- Bike-friendly, photogenic, laidback vibes
- Work in cafes or coworking hubs
Accommodation Tip:
Stay in nearby Utrecht or Haarlem to save money
Day 22–23: Luxembourg
- Amsterdam to Luxembourg (~5 hrs)
- Small but charming country — perfect for a two-day stop
Tip: Public transport is free throughout Luxembourg!
Day 24–28: Barcelona & Madrid, Spain
- Luxembourg to Barcelona (via Paris, ~10 hrs total with transfer)
- Spain is cheaper for digital nomads — great food and co-living
- Train to Madrid for flamenco, tapas, and museums
Eurail Note:
Spain trains often need 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 train)
- Wind down in Paris with final 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 often. Stick to a carry-on backpack and a day bag. Trust me — brutal minimalism saves your back, energy, and time.
2. Stay Connected
Get a European eSIM like Eskimo or Holafly. Or buy a France SIM like Orange Holiday. Stay in places with good Wi-Fi (Code: KATRIN8414).
3. Use Coworking Hubs
Many big cities let you pay for a day pass. These places are great for work and meeting others.
4. Master the Eurail App
Use it for:
- Train schedules
- Live updates
- Seat reservations
- Activating your pass
5. Leverage Content Creation
Each city gives you new content opportunities: reels, blogs, YouTube, or even a digital course. Document your journey – even a 30-day Europe vlog series could help offset your costs through monetization.
6. Safety & Solo Travel
Europe is relatively safe, but always stay alert. Keep your valuables close in big stations and book trains during the day.
Why Train Travel is Perfect for Filipino Nomads
- Time-efficient: No long airport lines. Trains arrive in city centers.
- Eco-friendly: Trains pollute less than planes.
- Scenic: Enjoy the views while you travel.
- Flexible: Missed a train? Just wait for the next one.
Final Words from the Tracks
Traveling through Europe as a Filipino digital nomad is not just possible – it’s powerful. It proves that your passport is not a limitation, but a launching pad.
Also, don’t forget to have your travel health insurance with you. It will help you feel secure.
So pack your bags, print your visa, grab your pass, and meet me on the tracks – the world’s waiting.
FAQ
The Eurail Global Pass works in 33 countries and covers most trains. Some high-speed and night trains may need reservations. Use the Eurail app to check if you need one before boarding.
If the train does not require a seat reservation, you can simply board the next available one. If it does require a reservation, you may need to book again and possibly pay a small fee. Always double-check your options in the app.
Yes, especially if you plan to visit multiple countries. It saves you time and stress from booking many separate tickets. It’s also more flexible, so you can change your plans easily without losing money.
About The Writer
I’m Cyrine, a 19-year-old Filipina writer juggling college, freelance work, and the messy, exciting path of becoming a digital nomad. I didn’t start out with a full savings account or fancy gear. Just a borrowed laptop, a few writing gigs, and the decision to try. In this column, I’ll share honest stories, budget travel tips, and lessons I’m learning as a Gen Z from the Philippines chasing freedom through remote work. Whether you’re curious about freelance life, saving for your first solo trip, or figuring out how to make travel more than a one-time escape: this is your space, too.
