Go Solo UK and EU Adventures: An Overview of Itinerary and Expenses

The years 2017 and 2018 are the years full of travels. The travels are both work-related and for leisure. But the travels in the UK and Europe are dedicated only for family and friend visits and leisure.

My stay in the UK was from 10 December 2017 to 10 January 2018. The plane itinerary was arranged by Gifto Travels Limited. The trip is from Manila International Airport Terminal 1 in the Philippines to Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar to Heathrow International Airport in London, England, and back. The round-trip itinerary was 647.67 GBP.

Sandwiched within my stay in the UK is also a trip to Europe from 14 to 18 December 2017. I visited the cities of Paris, Brussels, and Ghent. My plane itinerary, Schengen travel insurance, and tour package were arranged by Trip Hub Travel Services – a travel agency based in Quezon City, Philippines. The insurance, which is a requirement for travel to any Schengen country, was 52 EUROS under the Pacific Cross Insurance, Inc. The airplane itinerary, including the tour package, was at 710 USD. The EU plane itinerary was from Heathrow International Airport to Charles De Gaul International Airport, Paris, France and from Brussels International Airport, Belgium to Heathrow International Airport. I also purchased an online bus ticket on Eurolines for my Paris-Brussels trip. It was 10 EUROS. 

In my trip to Europe, I visited Paris for two days and 2 nights staying at Hotel France Albion. With it was a package tour consisting of a city bus tour and a Seine River Cruise. On the third day, I traveled to from Paris to Brussels via Eurolines bus. In Brussels, I stayed at Midi Station Hotel for 2 days and 1 night. It was nice having a city walking tour, dining at a Muslim restaurant, and nightlife there. The following day is a day of exploration to Ghent via train ride from the Brussels Central Station to Gent Sint Pieters Station. I spent 2 days and 1 night in Ibis Hotel near St. Baafs Cathedral. With a friend living there, I had a city walking tour during the days and just enjoyed my bed in the single night. I had also met a friend from Central America. He works at the hotel.

In my UK adventures, I stayed in Epsom town of Surrey in England. We visited the following places: Sutton, a town near Epsom which is less than 30 minutes train ride. We also visited Epsom Downs, a nearby hill from our residence. I frequently visited London via train ride with a day pass ticket, 13 GBP, purchased in Epsom Station. It is cheaper as compared to purchasing an individual trip ticket for each ride. The day pass can also be used to ride buses in the London area. In London, I met friends and relatives and they gave a treat for dinner, rides, and entrance to famous places.

Among the places visited in London are: the London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Queen’s Teater, Harrods, Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, M&M Factory, Hyde Park with Winter Wonderland, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Kensington Palace, British Museum, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Underground tube stations, the Clock Tower which was under renovation, the National Arts Gallery, Rome, and the famous streets of London. Outside London, we also visited Brighton to meet a brother, stayed at the Hilton Hotel, and visited the Royal Pavilion.

Table of some major expenses which are either shared expenses or given as a treat

Itinerary	Price	PHP (est)
Tour package with Triphub Travel Services, Hotel, flight tickets, tours	710 USD	35,565 (2017 rate)
Schengen Travel Insurance	52 EU	3,121
Eurolines bus ride Paris to Brussels	10 EU	600
Train ride from Brussels to Ghent	11 EU	660
Ibis Ghent Centrum Kathedral	62 EU	3,700
Gifto Travels Ltd. plane tickets Round trip from Manila to London via Doha	647.67 GBP	43,500
Day Pass – Epsom to London	13 GBP x 10	8,700
London Eye	30 GBP	2,000
Westminster Abbey	18 GBP	1,200
Les Miserables Musicale Queen’s Theatre	32 GBP	2,100
Tower Bridge	Free at the base. 9.80 GBP when going up the tower	650
Rome	18 GBPx2	2,400
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton	12.50 GBP	839
British Museum	Free entrance but generous people give much more
The Clock Tower	Under renovation (Dec 2017)
National Arts Gallery	Free entrance but generous people give much more
TOTAL (estimate)		105,035 PHP

* Prices were purchased in December of 2017. Some are estimated based on current rates. Expect current changes.

** Many places here were visited for free. With generous sponsors my expenses are only less than half of the price indicated here.