How Can Malaysians Travel Europe on a Budget? Here’s what you need to know – Travel And Tour World

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Traveling abroad, especially to Europe, can be an expensive endeavor for Malaysians due to the stronger currencies in Europe compared to the Malaysian Ringgit. This financial challenge often deters many from pursuing their travel dreams. However, for those determined to explore the world, there are ways to make it more affordable.

The Solution: Backpacking

Backpacking offers a cost-effective and budget-friendly way to travel. By adopting this approach, travelers can turn their dream of exploring different countries into a reality. This method involves planning and resourcefulness, making international travel more accessible even on a limited 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. Remarkably, she managed to keep her total expenses to just RM7,000. Sharifah meticulously utilized various resources, such as books, maps, and the Internet, to plan her trip and make her dream destinations reachable.

Sharifah, who began her budget travels in 2006, highlighted the importance of thorough research. Initially, her resources were limited to books due to the lack of extensive online information. However, with the advent of the Internet, planning has become significantly easier.

Importance of Detailed Planning

Sharifah emphasized that careful planning, at least six months prior to departure, is crucial for a successful and economical trip. Gathering comprehensive information about the desired destinations and studying the best modes of transportation can save both time and money.

• Well-Structured Itineraries: Sharifah recommended planning detailed itineraries from one place to another to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Public Transportation: She utilized public transport such as 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, noting that Malaysians can obtain an international driving license from any Road Transport Department branch.

Flexibility and Independence

Sharifah finds traveling independently more relaxing as it allows her to avoid the rigid schedules set by travel agencies. The only constraint is adhering to public transport schedules to prevent any disruption in her plans.

Budget Travel Tips from Arisya Zamri

Arisya Zamri, a 24-year-old sales and marketing executive, also advocates for budget travel. She has visited 13 countries as a backpacker and prefers staying in hostels or dormitory-style accommodations to save money. According to Arisya, a two-week trip to Europe can cost around RM3,000 for two people when following a budget-friendly approach.

Key Tips from Arisya:

• Accommodation: Staying in hostels or dorms significantly reduces costs.
• Food: Bringing own food supplies or cooking meals can save a lot compared to eating out.
• Advance Booking: Booking entry tickets to attractions online in advance can prevent paying higher prices on-site. Similarly, booking flight tickets at least six months in advance can secure lower prices.
• Utilizing Online Platforms: Platforms like Facebook or Airbnb can offer good deals on accommodations and travel tips.

Embracing Budget Travel

Both Sharifah and Arisya exemplify how meticulous planning and resourcefulness can make international travel feasible 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 make their dream of traveling to Europe a reality without breaking the bank.