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Showing posts with label Jeju island. Show all posts

Thursday, July 13, 2017

10 Countries Filipinos Can Visit and Experience Snow Without Visa

Many of us want to experience snow. But since the Philippines is a tropical country, we will never experience this, unless we go to another part of the world.

If you want to experience snow this coming December and celebrate your white Christmas abroad, here are 10 places you can visit visa-free. Just prepare your passport, and of course money.

1. Jeju Island, South Korea

With Koreanovela in our televisions, Korea is now loved by Filipinos. Even in our high school education, the Korean language is now part of it. Don't just dream of South Korea, because you have now a chance to visit the country without applying for a visa.

Jeju Island offers breathtaking natural beauty all year round with a winter climate comparatively warmer than Seoul and the rest of Korea.

2. Mongolia

If you are planning to visit Mongolia, you have to be very prepared, especially for the weather. Winter in the country is dreamlike with its vast and open countryside.

Although it doesn't snow much in the country, there are places where snow stays even until summer months due to a temperature that stays below zero.

Winters here are long and harsh, with temperatures here typically ranging from -20°C to – 45°C degrees. Most tourists flock here in summer to enjoy the comfortable temperatures and see the vast landscapes of wide open country and nomadic culture.

Ice sculptures are one way the Mongolians celebrate the winter.

3. Israel

During December, January, and February, Israel can be cold and rainy, but it can also be warm and sunny.

There are many Christian tourists, including Filipinos who visits Israel every December to experience different climate zone.

You can visit Bethlehem and Jerusalem and celebrates Christmas in Holy Land, where Jesus Christ was born. Israel has so many different climate zones every tourist can enjoy such as hiking in the snow.

4. Morocco

If you are holding a Philippine passport, you can visit and experience snow in Morroco without a visa. This is a country in North Africa. Its rich culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

There are a lot of resorts in mountainous regions of this country that offers skiing activities.

5. Colombia

Los Nevados or the snow-capped Mountains is the only place you can celebrate your white Christmas. If there is a lot of snow, you can go skiing. Aside from snow you can experience a different kind of outdoor adventures in Colombia like diving, climbing, rafting, trekking and soar.

Colombia has a diverse climate, so if you want to visit, bring a different kind of clothes if you want to travel more.

Bogota and Boyaca reach temperatures below 0° Celsius, so a coat is needed. Some mountains are also covered in snow year-long. Cities along the Caribbean coast like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are hot and humid, while some cities at mid-altitude in the Andes like Medellín (the City of Eternal Spring), Manizales, and other cities in the Coffee Triangle region have beautiful temperate weather

6. Peru

Aside from Machu Picchu in Andes Mountain in Peru, this country can be one option for Filipinos who want to experience snow without applying for a visa.

If you are dying to see snow in Peru, you must visit Huaraz, near the capital Lima where you can enjoy skiing. You can also ski down the slopes of Huascaran if you are brave enough.

7. Ecuador

If you love mountain climbing in snow, this place is for you. Because in Ecuador, your have to climb as high as 6,000 meters or more for a peak covered with snow. The Ecuador Andes’ highest point is the Cayambe Volcano. It is permanently covered in snow so you can visit any time of the year.

8. Bolivia

You can experience snow in Bolivia in mountains surrounding La Paz. All you need is a certain level of fitness and energy to climb to the top of the glaciers. Even if you are beginners, you can climb because slopes are average and having no experience is not important.

9. Brazil

There is a lot of cities in Brazil that are located in higher altitudes in the southern region that have a snow every year. You can visit the Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, and Santa Catarina.

10. Vietnam

Much closer to the Philippines, since it is located, Southeast Asia. But don't your know that there's a snow in Vietnam? Yes and you can found it in Sapa. Sapa is widely known as the most wonderful snowfall scene in Vietnam.

Snow practically falls at the end of December which is a great time for a Christmas holiday and New Year vacation. This place is considered to be ideal for tourist to experience a snowy winter in a tropical climate nation.

Other areas in the country such as Tam Dao, Dong Van, and Mau Son Mountain also experience snow during the later part of the year.

But before going we advise that you check personally the consular website of each country you would like to visit since they are changing policy without prior notice.

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

Filipinos to Benefit 5 Days Visa-Free Entry to South Korea starting May 2017

This good news is confirmed by Rhee Kangil, chief marketing manager of Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO).

The five-days visa-free access is also open to Indonesian and Vietnamese to explore the land of Hallyu and kimchi. This rule applies to Chinese tourist too, but the JTO is now eyeing visitors from Southeast Asian nations.

"The Korean government, they [authorities] have allowed Filipinos, Vietnamese, Indonesians to come to Korea using package tours," Rhee said, adding that the policy will be implemented in May.

(Temple on Jeju Island, South Korea)

"The [visa-free] system [being offered] is when tourists using a package come to Korea and if there's Jeju [island] on the itinerary. It only applies to package tours but there has to be designated travel agencies. It cannot be any travel agency selling Korean packages," Rhee explained.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez, the Philippines is included in the plan of the Korean government to issue electronic visas and allow a visa-free stay in mainland Korea for five days in order to boost its tourism industry.

Currently, if you are a holder of a Philippine passport, you may enter Jeju-island visa free but must obtain a visa if traveling to mainland Korea.

There are no direct flights to Jeju but Philippine Airlines has chartered flights, via Rakso Travel.

But Hernandez clarified that only selected tour agencies are included in the program.

Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) said it “It is true that at the moment, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia among the Southeast Asian countries are being considered to be included in the electronic visa program.”

Under the electronic visa program, the MCST said, “group tourists will not have to go to the Korean Embassy to get a visa if your country is eligible for an electronic visa since it can be issued through the accredited travel agency.”

The following are 40 most beautiful places in South Korea according to CNN Travel;