KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — Travelling abroad, especially to Europe, can be costly for Malaysians because of the strength of their currency.
However, backpacking makes the dream of traveling around the world more achievable as it is a more economical and cost-effective trip.
Last year, part-time baker Sharifah Sakinah Nadia Syed Shahir explored three European countries – Germany, Switzerland and Italy – for 14 days, with the entire trip costing her just RM7,000.
To make her dream destinations accessible, the 43-year-old mother of three made full use of available resources such as books, maps and the internet to research the countries she wanted to visit.
“I started budget travelling in 2006 and back then, internet research was quite limited so I would buy books on the countries I wanted to visit. But now it is easier because all the information is at my fingertips,” says Sharifah Sakinah Nadia, who has visited 15 countries including Japan, the UK and Australia without using a travel agent.
She said travellers should plan carefully at least six months before departure to gather information and research the places they want to visit and the best modes of transport available.
“Travel plans should be well structured with detailed itineraries planned from one place to another to save time and money.
“For example, when I planned my visit to Europe, I checked on the map which countries were close to each other and did not require crossing the sea. Public transport or rental cars can be used to reach the destinations we have in mind,” she said.
Another important thing to consider when planning a budget trip is knowing the distance between the accommodation and the public transport hub “so that it doesn't take us a long time to reach our destination.”
“When visiting a country, transportation is essential. In Germany, for example, I used public transportation such as the bus, tram or train to get around the city, as it can be difficult to find a parking space for those using their own vehicle.
“To travel long distances to cities like Frankfurt, Berlin or Munich (in Germany), I rented a car,” she said, adding that Malaysians can obtain an international driving permit at any branch of the Road Transport Department.
Sharifah Sakinah Nadia said she found it more relaxing to travel alone as she was not tied to a fixed itinerary set by a travel agency.
“The only thing we have to pay attention to is the public transport timetables to avoid missing our bus or train and disrupting our plans,” she added.
Arisya Zamri, 24, a sales and marketing manager, also prefers budget travel and has stayed in hostels or dormitory-style accommodation in Europe to cut costs.
“When I travel to expensive countries, I usually stay in hostels or dormitories. A two-week trip to Europe can cost around RM3,000 for two people,” says Arisya, who has visited 13 countries as a backpacker.
She also advised people looking to travel on a budget to seek travel advice and check out platforms like Facebook or Airbnb to find good deals.
Arisya added that she usually brings her own food supplies or cooks during her travels, as eating out can be expensive.
Since no trip abroad is complete without visiting local attractions, she would book tickets to the relevant places in advance.
“Make sure to buy your entry tickets online in advance as prices will double if purchased on site. Also, book your flight tickets at least six months in advance to get cheaper prices,” she advised. — Bernama
