Friday August 2, 2024
Reading time: 3 minutes
Travelling abroad, especially to Europe, can be expensive for Malaysians due to the strength of European currencies against the Malaysian ringgit. This financial challenge often deters many people from pursuing their travel dreams. However, for those who are determined to explore the world, there are ways to make their trip more affordable.
The solution: hiking
Backpacking is a cost-effective and budget-friendly way to travel. By adopting this approach, travelers can make their dreams of exploring different countries come true. This method involves planning and ingenuity, making international travel more accessible even on a budget.
Sharifah Sakinah Nadia's experience
Last year, Sharifah Sakinah Nadia Syed Shahir, a part-time baker and mother of three, embarked on a 14-day trip to three European countries: Germany, Switzerland and Italy. She managed to limit her total expenses to just RM7,000. Sharifah meticulously used various resources, such as books, maps and the internet, to plan her trip and make her dream destinations accessible.
Sharifah, who started budget travel in 2006, stressed the importance of doing thorough research. Initially, her resources were limited to books due to the lack of comprehensive information online. However, with the advent of the internet, planning has become much easier.
Importance of detailed planning
Sharifah stressed that careful planning, at least six months before departure, is essential for a successful and economical trip. Gathering comprehensive information about desired destinations and studying the best modes of transportation can save time and money.
- Well-structured itineraries: Sharifah recommended planning detailed routes from one location to another to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
- Public transport: She used public transport like buses, trams and trains within cities to avoid the hassle and expense of parking private vehicles. For long-distance travel between cities like Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich, she opted for rental cars, knowing that Malaysians can get an international driving permit at any branch of the Road Transport Department.
Flexibility and independence
Sharifah finds independent travel more relaxing as it allows her to avoid the rigid schedules imposed by travel agencies. The only constraint is to adhere to public transport schedules to avoid any disruption to her plans.
Budget Travel Tips from Arisya Zamri
Arisya Zamri, a 24-year-old sales and marketing manager, is also a big proponent of budget travel. She has visited 13 countries as a backpacker and prefers to stay in hostels or dormitories to save money. According to Arisya, a two-week trip to Europe can cost around RM3,000 for two people if one follows a budget approach.
Arisya's Key Tips:
- Accommodation: Staying in hostels or dorms cuts costs significantly.
- Food: Bringing your own groceries or cooking your own meals can save you a lot of money compared to eating out.
- Advance booking: Booking attraction tickets online can save you from paying higher prices on-site. Similarly, booking airline tickets at least six months in advance can help you get lower prices.
- Use of online platforms: Platforms like Facebook or Airbnb can offer great accommodation deals and travel tips.
Embrace budget travel
Both Sharifah and Arisya exemplify how careful planning and ingenuity can make international travel achievable on a budget. Their experiences highlight the importance of using available resources, planning well in advance, and opting for budget-friendly options such as public transport and hostels. By following their advice, more Malaysians can achieve their dream of travelling to Europe without breaking the bank.
