Assalamualaikum. Greetings.
Now it is the time of the year, everyone is planning for holiday trips (well at least for us in Moscow). Since studying here (2011), i've travelled every winter holiday. Who gonna miss the chance to travel the Europe when it is right in front of your eyes kan.
So here i want to share some tips for travelling, specifically in the Europe. But i think these applies to all countries around the world too. These maybe are basic tips where you can find everywhere else. But i'm writing this post with my own experience.
PLAN YOUR BUDGET
Money is the most important thing, of course. This 'plan the budget' is not only the budget for your trip, but your whole budget in general. Calculate and minus all your payments including apartment, transport, daily expenses etc. Then you get the amount that you can spend for travelling. Well some of you may already got the tabung special for travelling. That's a great effort lah. But i always fail to fill up my coin bank huhu.
DEBIT CARD
Sticking to the topic of money, try to use a debit card. Either withdraw some amount of money in the particular country or just swipe your card. Buying the currency at the money changer can be a bit expensive. Besides, you don't have to carry that money all the way from home. It is risky too!
MAKE SOME RESEARCH
Get some info about the country you are going to. The currency, places of interests, reviews etc. It's easier than googling all that stuff at the moment you are already there. I have friends who did that way. Yes it is okay if you want some challenges but to me, i like everything to be organized coz i am an organized person hewhew.
CHEAP FLIGHTS
There are a lot of cheap airlines such as ryan air and easy jet(uk based). Book early, look for great deals from airlines from time to time, look for smaller carriers. I've seen some tips that say the flight tickets will be cheaper on tuesday night, and a lot more expensive on weekends. And my friends say so too. Another tips is try to be more flexible with your flight date. The same concept. Fly on weekdays, it is cheaper.
TRAVEL LIGHT
There is no reason to take your closet with you. Yes i am struggling with this problem too. #womensproblem I always wanna look good in photos with different outfits. But try to minimise the stuffs you're bringing. Try to mix and match outfits. Bring your basic needs only.
PUBLIC FACILITIES
Europe is well known for the efficient public transport. Trains and buses. As far as i travel in the Europe, transportation is not a problem. In Moscow, there are 3 types of public buses - autobus, trolleybus, tram. Hebat kan? So use them. Try to avoid private transport like taxi.
LUCKY STUDENTS
Being a student, you are so lucky! Bukan sekadar pas masuk university je. You can get discounts or even free entry tickets for some places. So don't forget to bring your student card or ISIC (International Student Identity Card). Once in Istanbul, Turkey i didn't bring the ISIC :( The normal ticket price and student price is like around 30 Turkish Lira(TL) and 5 TL. *if i'm not mistaken* What a difference! I am sure you don't wanna lose your opportunities kan. Use your student card.
BARGAIN HARD
I am a bargain hunter. Who doesn't love cheap things? But sometimes when you are a foreigner, the sellers tend to be a little bit tricky and put higher prices. Show off your bargain skills!
For now i think that's all. From time to time insyaAllah i'll try to write tips or experience specifically where i went.
Baiiiii.