Thursday 25 May 2017

Euro Trip - Easter 2017: Reflections

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

One of the hot topics discussed among Malaysian social media users is overseas students' travels, especially those in the UK and Ireland. They were divided on this issue; some supporting it and others against it. While this issue has become a debatable topic, let's consider some of the key factors that explain the "behind the scenes" of their journeys before moving on to a few vital aspects that need to be considered before undertaking a Europe trip.

Behind the Scenes

  1. Visa-free access

    According to the Passport Index, holders of Malaysian passports are able to travel to 156 countries without the need to apply for any visa in advance, with 119 of them without any visa at all which include the European Union countries and the United Kingdom. In comparison with other ASEAN countries, only Singapore and Brunei have this privilege while Thai and Indonesian passport holders need to apply for a pre-arrival visa for travel to the EU.

    Once I posted a photo from my recent Europe trip on Snapchat, to which a fellow international student in my university replied: "Do you need a visa?". So I responded, "Well, Malaysians have visa-free access to the EU." - shows how strong a Malaysian passport is.
  2. Strong currency - compared to those coming from Malaysia
  3. Cheap flights and transportation
  4. Efforts to save $$$ for the trips
Budgeting For Amsterdam-Brussels-Paris trip (6 days 4 nights)
  1. Accommodation = 23.00 € per night X 4 = 92.00 €
  2. Food = 13.00 € per day X 5 = 75.00 €
  3. Transportation = 48 + 25 +  19 + 12 + 8 + 6 = 118.00 €
  4. Attractions = 50.00 € (varies according to plans)
  5. Miscellaneous = 100.00 €
Total = 435,00 EUR (approx £375.00)

Bonus Tips for Language Enthusiasts

Learn some basic French (A2 is highly recommended). Like seriously. French people tend to use their language a lot and are very proud of it.


On Pickpocketing and Europe Travel Scams

On a serious note, please take extra care when in public, use common sense and try to blend in with the locals (in terms of clothing).

Adios Amigos

Wan
27 Sha'aban 1438 (24/05/2017)
City of Westminster, London