Saturday, November 26, 2011

Planning for Europe Trip?

Some friends were asking about my Europe Trip. A lot of questions. Hmmm, why don't I write about it here. Easy for someone else to refer to without me for repeating the same answer, all over again. Hehe. By the way, sharing is caring, ha? ;)

Though, my Europe trip was over a year ago, I'll try to recall as much information that would helpful as for your guidance. It might not so complete, but feel free to ask if you have further queries. 

Here we go. Will try to make it simple in words but hopefully it worth for your understanding/information. Stay tune, ya!

First of all:
i) List down of all your dream places to visit.
   >> Let's check from this website: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe
   >> it tells you what's the best attractions at those countries which you're looking/interested for

You might need to read a lot from websites to gather related information. 
No excuses for self planning trip, unless you pay for travel agency to do it for you. Enjoy surfing! Hehe. 
 
The best is, they recommend you of the top picks for Europe's best travel destination

ii) Let's check what is the best weather season to visit those places. 
   >> This might helps you to decide on your flights (booking) departure/arrival, itinerary etc.
  >> Bear on mind, some places may not available during certain season. Eg: Tulips' largest park in Holland, it only open during spring (Mar to May) every year, otherwise you'll miss the visit.

iii) Once you've decided on your list of places to visit, then let's check on the accommodation (transportation and hostel/budget hotel) offers.

Transportation:
  >> Each places have their own preferred public transport; some might convenient to use cheap flights, trains or even by bus. It depending on your budget allocation ($$) of how much the costs will incur.
   >> This site will help to get your choices of transportation: http://www.backpackeurope.com/trans/

    >> I would like to recommend these well known public transports in Europe, pls check at their websites for more details on connecting routes:
         a) Cheap flights:
              - ryanair: http://www.ryanair.com/en
              - easyjet: http://www.easyjet.com/EN
             Note: ryanair offers the most routes compared to easyjet, and the price is also slightly 
           cheaper. Their promo always in 3 months prior departure date. Do check more often to get the 
           best price! 
           But, please do double checking on the hidden charges especially on additional luggage 
           cost. Pls check also for departure/arrival airport. Mostly, the cheaper prices are contributed by 
           the location of the airport, where are outskirts from the city center. There will be additional 
           transport costs for bus/train from airport to city center.
           Ryanair is extremely particular on your cabin luggage's weight. Pls ensure it's not exceeding the 
           maximum limit, or else they'll charge you for EUR40/kg extra. Wah!


         b) Train:
             - RailEurope: http://www.raileurope.com.sg/
             Note: The prices may varies between high speed trains, night & hotel trains & scenic trains. 
           Do check for details; routes, availability etc. Some budget travelers would prefer to travel via   
           night trains to save money on accommodation (hostel/hotel). I'd suggest you to get EuRail 
           pass for cost savings, this available for non Europe citizen.

Accomodation:
Here are some referral for your consideration. You may check on several websites to compare on prices, locations, availability during your stay, facilities provided, transportation if well connected to travel/walk around, security/safety for yourself & belongings, payment method & flexibility of payment cancellation, and most importantly is check in/check out time. Read through from trip advisor, reviews from other travelers whom might/not recommend you to stay, as to ensure you won't regret it later.

Budget hotels:
     i) Agoda: http://www.agoda.com
     ii) Eurobookings: http://www.eurobookings.com/
     iii) Booking: http://www.booking.com/
     iv)Hotels & Discounts: http://www.hotels-and-discounts.com

Backpackers/Hostel:
     i) HostelWorld: http://www.hostelworld.com/
     ii) BackpackingEurope: http://www.backpackingeurope.com/
     iii) BackpackingLife: http://www.backpackinglife.com/
     iv) Euro Backpacker: http://www.euro-backpacker.com/

     Note: Some hotels/hostels owner may require you to provide copy of your passport during check in.    
     Read carefully on their Terms & Conditions, before you proceedings with full payment/bookings.

iv) Once, you've completed on above checklist items, then you can check with your budgets and period of stay needed as to prepare your Europe Trip Itinerary.

v) Once, you've finalized on your itinerary, now let's think of your cloths to wear, things to bring; don't forget for your aid kit (emergency purposes), maps, money, credit cards, camera (extra batteries for backup) etc. Pack your things inside hand luggage or backpack? All will be decided depending on your itinerary.

Need some tips? Click these links:
i) Planning_your_Trip_to_Europe?


Hope, this little info will help you. I'll share about travel tips for each Europe countries which I've been so far.

Enjoy reading!

1 comment:

Azizan Zolkipli said...

Great info. Thanks for sharing !