Managing money isn’t just about saving every peso and investing wisely for the future; it’s also about enjoying life to the fullest in the present. One of the most fulfilling ways to do this is through travel. Experiencing new cultures, visiting historic landmarks, and exploring different parts of the world can enrich your life in ways that go beyond financial returns. And if you’re a Filipino living in France with a temporary or residence permit, you have an incredible opportunity at your fingertips: the chance to travel across Europe without needing a visa.

Before you start planning your European adventures, it’s important to ensure that your finances are in good order. Make sure you’ve paid off all your debts (except your mortgage, if you have one), saved up 3-6 months of living expenses as an emergency fund, and are investing at least 15% of your household income. With these financial foundations in place, you can budget and save specifically for travel, allowing you to explore Europe without compromising your financial stability.

Now that you’re ready to travel, let’s dive into how you can take advantage of your residence status in France to explore Europe. With France being a part of the Schengen Area, your residence permit opens up a world of travel opportunities across 26 European countries, all without the need for a separate visa.

Understanding the Schengen Area

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, allowing for passport-free travel across much of the continent. If you hold a temporary or residence permit in France, you can travel freely to other Schengen countries without needing a visa. This is one of the greatest benefits of living in France as a Filipino, as it makes exploring Europe much easier and more convenient.

Schengen Countries	Travel Ideas	Budget for a Couple (2-3 Days)	People and Culture	Local Cuisine
Austria	Explore Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, take a scenic drive through the Austrian Alps, and visit Salzburg’s historic sites.	€500-€700	Austrians are known for their politeness and formality. Vienna is rich in culture with classical music and coffeehouse traditions.	Try Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Sacher Torte.
Belgium	Discover medieval Bruges, enjoy Belgian waffles in Brussels, and visit the Atomium.	€400-€600	Belgians are friendly, multilingual (Dutch, French, German), and value good food.	Must-try dishes include Belgian fries, mussels, and chocolates.
Czech Republic	Wander through Prague’s old town, visit Prague Castle, and enjoy the town of Český Krumlov.	€350-€500	Czechs are warm and enjoy beer culture. Prague is known for its historical charm and vibrant arts scene.	Sample Svíčková, goulash, and Czech beer.
Denmark	Visit Copenhagen’s Nyhavn harbor, the Little Mermaid statue, and Tivoli Gardens.	€500-€750	Danes are known for their design sense, happiness (hygge), and social equality.	Enjoy Smørrebrød, Danish pastries, and herring.
Estonia	Explore Tallinn’s medieval old town and the scenic islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.	€300-€450	Estonians are reserved but welcoming, valuing independence and nature.	Taste traditional dishes like black bread, elk soup, and kama.
Finland	Experience the Northern Lights in Lapland, visit Helsinki, and explore Turku’s archipelago.	€600-€800	Finns value privacy, nature, and are reserved but helpful.	Enjoy Karelian pasty, reindeer meat, and Finnish salmon soup.
France	Explore beyond Paris—visit Provence’s lavender fields, Bordeaux’s vineyards, and the Loire Valley’s castles.	€400-€700 (outside Paris)	The French are proud of their culture, with a strong emphasis on cuisine, art, and fashion.	Indulge in croissants, coq au vin, and regional cheeses.
Germany	Tour Berlin’s historical sites, drive along the Romantic Road, and visit Neuschwanstein Castle.	€450-€700	Germans are punctual, efficient, and value their rich history.	Try Bratwurst, pretzels, and German beer.
Greece	Visit Athens’ Parthenon, relax on Santorini’s beaches, and explore Crete’s ancient ruins.	€450-€650	Greeks are known for their hospitality (philoxenia) and strong family values.	Enjoy Moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek yogurt.
Hungary	Explore Budapest’s thermal baths, cruise the Danube River, and visit Buda Castle.	€300-€500	Hungarians are proud of their history, with a love for music and hearty cuisine.	Taste Goulash, Lángos, and Tokaji wine.
Iceland	Explore the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and chase the Northern Lights.	€600-€900	Icelanders are laid-back, nature-loving, and have a strong literary tradition.	Try Icelandic lamb, skyr, and seafood dishes.
Italy	Visit Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s art museums, and Venice’s canals.	€500-€800	Italians are passionate about food, family, and art. Each region has its own unique culture.	Savor pasta, pizza, and gelato.
Latvia	Explore Riga’s UNESCO-listed old town and the seaside town of Jūrmala.	€250-€400	Latvians are nature-oriented, reserved, and proud of their folk traditions.	Sample grey peas with bacon, rye bread, and Laima chocolates.
Liechtenstein	Visit Vaduz, explore Vaduz Castle, and hike in the Alps.	€400-€600	Liechtensteiners are friendly, with a strong sense of community and tradition.	Enjoy Käsknöpfle (cheese dumplings) and Ribel (cornmeal dish).
Lithuania	Discover Vilnius’ baroque architecture and Trakai Island Castle.	€250-€400	Lithuanians are reserved but warm, with a rich cultural heritage.	Try Cepelinai (potato dumplings) and Šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
Luxembourg	Explore Vianden Castle, Luxembourg City’s old town, and Mullerthal trails.	€400-€600	Luxembourgers are multilingual, polite, and value their cultural mix.	Taste Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork) and Riesling wine.
Malta	Visit Valletta, explore ancient temples, and relax on Gozo’s beaches.	€350-€500	Maltese are friendly, with a mix of Italian and Arabic influences.	Enjoy pastizzi (pastry snacks) and rabbit stew.
Netherlands	Cruise Amsterdam’s canals, visit the Van Gogh Museum, and explore Keukenhof.	€500-€750	The Dutch are direct, tolerant, and have a strong sense of community.	Try Stroopwafels, herring, and Dutch cheese.
Norway	Experience the fjords, visit Bergen, and see the Northern Lights.	€600-€900	Norwegians are nature-loving, egalitarian, and reserved but friendly.	Sample Norwegian salmon, brown cheese, and reindeer meat.
Poland	Explore Kraków, visit Auschwitz, and wander Warsaw’s Old Town.	€300-€450	Poles are resilient, family-oriented, and proud of their history.	Enjoy Pierogi, bigos (hunter’s stew), and Polish vodka.
Portugal	Discover Lisbon, relax on Algarve’s beaches, and explore Porto’s wine region.	€350-€550	Portuguese are warm, hospitable, and have a deep connection to the sea.	Taste Pastel de Nata, bacalhau (salted cod), and port wine.
Slovakia	Visit Bratislava’s old town and castle, explore the High Tatras, and Banská Štiavnica.	€250-€400	Slovaks are friendly, enjoy outdoor activities, and have strong traditions.	Try Bryndzové Halušky (potato dumplings) and Slovak wines.
Slovenia	Explore Lake Bled, visit Postojna Cave, and wander through Ljubljana.	€300-€450	Slovenians are environmentally conscious, proud of their natural beauty.	Enjoy Kranjska klobasa (sausage) and Bled cream cake.
Spain	Experience Barcelona’s Gaudí architecture, visit the Alhambra in Granada, and relax on Costa del Sol.	€450-€700	Spaniards are social, enjoy long meals, and have diverse regional cultures.	Savor tapas, paella, and churros.
Sweden	Visit Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, explore Lapland, and enjoy the archipelago.	€500-€750	Swedes are reserved, environmentally aware, and value equality.	Try Swedish meatballs, gravlax, and cinnamon buns.
Switzerland	Enjoy the Alps, visit Zurich and Lucerne, and take the Glacier Express train.	€600-€900	Swiss are punctual, polite, and enjoy outdoor activities.	Indulge in Swiss chocolate, cheese fondue, and Rösti.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Europe

While traveling in Europe as a Filipino with a residence permit in France is relatively straightforward, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:

Carry Your Residence Permit and Passport

Always carry your residence permit and passport when traveling between countries in the Schengen Area. While border checks are rare, you may be asked to present these documents.

Check Local COVID-19 Guidelines

As the pandemic continues to affect travel, it’s essential to check the latest COVID-19 guidelines and entry requirements for each country you plan to visit. Some countries may have restrictions or require proof of vaccination or a negative test.

Plan Your Itinerary

Europe offers a wealth of travel options, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary in advance. Whether you’re traveling by train, plane, or car, make sure to research the best routes and transportation options.

Budget Wisely

While many European countries can be expensive, it’s possible to travel on a budget. Look for affordable accommodation options like hostels or Airbnb, take advantage of free attractions and walking tours, and enjoy local street food.

Learn Basic Phrases

While English is widely spoken in many European countries, learning a few basic phrases in the local language can enhance your travel experience and make it easier to interact with locals.

Conclusion: Your European Adventure Awaits

Traveling around Europe is one of the greatest perks of living in France with a temporary or residence permit. With access to the entire Schengen Area, you can explore some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations without the hassle of obtaining additional visas.

Whether you’re interested in history, nature, beaches, or vibrant city life, Europe has something for everyone. By ensuring that your finances are in order and planning your trips carefully, you can make the most of your time in France and create unforgettable memories as you explore the continent.

So, where will your next European adventure take you? The possibilities are endless, and with your residence permit in hand, you have the freedom to explore them all. Bon voyage!