BACKPACK EUROPE

Feel like taking a break to just go backpack europe?

2009-12-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

I was inspired last Oct'09 to backpack Europe on the spur.

This last minute inspiration was further encouraged by the low air fares offered by Malaysia Airline and Air Asia. It was difficult to find a travel friend on last minute notice so I decided to just go solo and travel backpacking through Europe. I have about a week of rough planning and packing, and then off, I flew to London.

(Just a little background; travel Europe, travel solo, travel last minute, travel backpacking, travel spontaneously, all I have never done before this trip. The furthest I have been was to Korea and Japan with family and friends, not last minute but well-planned. So in this blog, I like to share my personal insight on backpack Europe last minute, reviewing the journey, accommodation, transportation, local tours, food, people, budget, packing and security, all for the purpose of future travels)

The most exciting thing about backpacking Europe last minute was the fact that I have no idea how my trip will enfold, who will I meet and what travel adventure lies in store.

Backpacking across Europe (or perhaps more precisely flashpacking) for 3 weeks, I visited London, Paris, Costa Brava and Barcelona in Spain, Rome and Venice in Italy, Lucerne and Mount Titlis in Switzerland, Munich in Germany and Salzburg in Austria.

My Europe Itinerary

(Collection of postcards and mini calendars)

Recalling now, traveling Europe backpacking, almost every matters went smoothly except for the overnight train ordeal from Italy to Switzerland. At the end of the 3 weeks, I didn't feel like leaving Europe. I would have extended my Europe travel if I have not registered and paid for an important seminar in Malaysia.

On the whole, backpack Europe last minute has been an enriching experience for me. I realized now, I can really do without many materials attachment to life. Having less stuff and non rigid itinerary gave me a great liberating feeling of freedom to enjoy the beauty of life! My new motto in life now is “Towards simpler, healthier lifestyle! Explore and Discover!”

In short, I’m really glad I have done this last minute Europe travel. I have enjoyable times more than 80% of the trip, met many friendly and interesting people along the way and saw many beautiful creations of God and men.

My "KISS nugget" for those who feel like doing a last minute backpack travel to Europe:- “GO AHEAD, DO IT!”

(Just have a pre-allocated travel budget, choose your destination wisely, go with an open mind and be optimistic.)

The World Awaits: How to Travel Far and Well

Europe: A savvy girl's guide

Travel Personality Quiz

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Backpack Europe: New Year's Eve Celebrations in Europe

2009-12-29T22:45:00.000-08:00

A friend traveling in Europe recently asked me, “ Where to go for New Year Eve’s Countdown Celebration in Europe?” I really have no idea now since I have already come back to Malaysia from my backpack Europe trip early Nov'09.

So surfing around the web, I found an interesting article about the New Year’s Eve and the localized celebrations around the world. Is an informative read especially for those who are traveling abroad during the year end period. Since this blog is about backpack Europe, I have picked out some relevant information related to countries in Europe and pasted below for you to check out yourself. When you’re done, do come back up and check out this "super saver shipping deals to kick start your for 2010."

Have fun reading and exploring.

Background:

New Year's Eve or Old Year's Night is actually the final day of the Gregorian year. In modern Western practice, New Year's Eve is celebrated with parties and social gatherings spanning the transition of the year at midnight. Many cultures use fireworks and other forms of noise making in part of the celebration.

United Kingdom

London's firework celebrations centre around the London Eye. At the start of 2005, fireworks were launched from the wheel itself for the first time. The timing of the new year is usually indicated by the chimes on Big Ben.

In Edinburg, the cannon is fired at Edinburgh Castle at the stroke of midnight and is followed by a large fireworks display. Scotland celebrates New Year as Hogmanay.

Other cities such as Liverpool, Glasgow, Leeds,Cardiff, Manchester, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Birmingham all have celebrations during the evening. The celebrations have been televised from London over the last few years by the BBC in England and

Wales

Ireland

The Irish calls New Year's Eve in Irish - Oíche Chinn Bliana. Celebrations in major cities are modest. The beginning of 2009 was heralded only by the ringing of church bells. This is due to a ban on fireworks.

France

Popular countdown celebration and fireworks display, near the Eiffel Tower, Paris. The French calls New Year's Eve "la Saint-Sylvestre". It is usually celebrated with a feast called le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. This feast customarily includes special dishes like foie gras and drinks like champagne. The celebration can be a simple, intimate dinner with friends and family or a much fancier ball (une soirée dansante).

Spain

Spanish New Year's Eve (Nochevieja or Fin de Año in Spanish) celebrations usually begin with a family dinner, traditionally including shrimp and lamb or turkey. The actual countdown is primarily followed from the clock on top of the Casa de Correos building in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid.

It is traditional to eat twelve grapes, one on each chime of the clock. This tradition has its origins in 1909, when grape growers in Alicante thought of it as a way to cut down on the large production surplus they had had that year. Nowadays, the tradition is followed by almost every Spaniard, and the twelve grapes have become synonymous with the New Year. After the clock has finished striking twelve, people greet each other and toast with sparkling wine such as cava or champagne, or alternatively with cider. After the family dinner and the grapes, many young people attend New Year parties at pubs, discothèques and similar places.

Italy

Italians call New Year's Eve Capodanno (the "head of the year") or Notte di San Silvestro (the night of St. Silvestro). Traditionaly there are a set of rituals for the new year, such as wearing red underwear and getting rid of old or unused items by dropping them from the window. Dinner is often eaten with parents and friends. At half past eight pm, the President of the Republic reads a television message of greetings to Italians. At midnight, fireworks are displayed across Italy.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, New Year's Eve is typically celebrated at a residence with friends. Each commune has its own government-arranged countdown in a public space, accompanied with formal fireworks shows in larger cities. Alternatives are spending the time with family, or in a night club.

Germany

Germans call New Year's Eve Silvester. Since 1972, each New Year's Eve, several German television stations broadcast a short English theatrical performance titled Dinner for One. A punch line from the comedy sketch, "same procedure as every year", has become a catch phrase in

Germany

Every year Berlin hosts one of the largest New Year's Eve celebrations in all of Europe which is attended by over a million people. The focal point is the Brandenburg Gate and the fireworks at midnight centered around that location. Germans have a reputation of spending large amounts of money on firecrackers and fireworks.

Belgium

Belgian New Year's Eve celebrations are held in all large cities on 1 January. These celebrations are usually accompanied by fireworks.

Netherlands

New Year's Eve is called Oud en Nieuw ("Old and New") or simply oude jaar savond ("old year's evening"), and is usually celebrated as a cosy evening with family or friends. On television, the main feature is the oude jars conférence, a performance by one of the major Dutch cabaretiers. In Reformed Protestant families, Psalm 90 is read, although this tradition is now fading away.

Many people fire off their own fireworks, which are on sale from a few days before; towns don't organise a central fireworks display. Public transport shuts down completely between approximately 20:00 and 01:00.

Sweden

In Sweden, New Year's Eve is usually celebrated with families or with friends. A few hours before and after midnight, people usually party and eat a nicer dinner, often three courses.

New Year's Eve is celebrated with large fireworks displays throughout the country, especially in the cities. People over 18 are allowed to buy fireworks, which are sold by local stores or by private persons. While watching or lighting up fireworks at midnight, people usually drink champagne.

Iceland

In Iceland the biggest New Year events are usually in the greater Reykjavik area. Fireworks are very popular in Iceland. Bonfires are also set in several places throughout the country and are often accompanied with shows, musical events and sometimes food tables.

Turkey

Numerous decorations and customs traditionally associated with Christmas and Bayrams find a secular translation in Turkish New Year's Eve celebrations. Municipalities all around the country organize fundraising events for the poor, celebratory public concerts and traditional forms of entertainment such as the Karagöz and Hacivat shadow-theater .

Public and private parties with large public attendances are organised in a number of cities and towns, with the biggest celebrations taking place in Istanbul's Taksim, Beyoğlu, Nişantaşıand Kadıköy districts and Ankara's Kızılay Square, which generally feature dancing, concerts, laser and lightshows as well as the traditional countdown and fireworks display.

KISS Nuggets:
If you have some great places to recommend for New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration, we love to hear from you.

Wishing all a wonderful New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration and Happy New Year 2010!

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Backpack Europe: Travel Friends & Acquaintances

2009-12-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

One of the nicest thing traveling backpack Europe, was meeting and having good times with new friends in different places. Sometimes we get to exchange emails and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we parted unexpectedly before exchanging emails and sometimes we may have exchanged a wrong email spelling or address.

Nonetheless, some we keep in touch , some we hope to keep in touch and some we hope to get in touch again sometime, somewhere in the future.

Backpacking In Paris my dorm mates were a friendly free-spirited Spanish girl and 2 nice Brazilian girls. Thanks to the Spanish girl, I found my way around Paris more conveniently. We both went to watch the Moulin Rouge Show and had a great time.

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Cycling in Costa Brava, Spain, I was privileged to cycle with a team of 9 friendly, fun and warmth British.

There were also “cycling heroes” (hehe) in the team who taught me how to play with bike-gears and gave me some pushes as well as lift when I ran out of energy after cycling several hours especially on the first cycling trip.

Actually I felt rather embarrassed about my lack of stamina after not cycling for more than a decade! Also I got myself many colorful bruises knocking against the pedal and a scar too! We were covering around 40km per day each cycling trip. We were cycling on rock, mud, sand, uphill, against the wind, in the rain, in flood water, etc. etc.

The cycling lead-guide was a nice humorous soul, telling us all kind of funny stuff. Thumbs up for the 2 assistant-guides too for being very understanding and supportive throughout the cycling trips.

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Backpacking in Rome, upon arrival at the hostel that I have booked online, I found out that the females dorms were full and has left only one night availability. Tired of moving hostel, after the first night, I ended up sharing mixed-dorm with an American-Chinese girl, a Canadian man and an Argentina man.

On the first night , I shared dorm with 2 Brazilian girls, one of them was a friendly open minded girl who walked around naked in the room. (Something Asians are not so used to! I’m speaking for myself only :). Anyway not much chance to get to know any of my Rome dorm mates since we were on separate itineraries.

I signed up for walking tour in Rome and met a nice Aussie couple and 2 American girls.

We ended up walking as a small group almost every famous spots in Rome for 2 days!

In the train, on my way backpacking to Venice, I chanced to meet a few warm and friendly passengers. Two I will not forget. One is this warm hearted and trendy looking senior Italian lady who was traveling on her own. I thought she was around the age of 60 but in the course of our conversation, found out she was actually 80+!

The other is the photographer of this picture. He was a nice rugged-looking Italian man who taught me quite a bit of casual Italian words in the train. (Too bad, didn't get to snap a photo of him.)

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Backpacking In Lucerne, I chanced to meet many Asians. My dorm mates were 2 adventurous girls from Korea and a Chinese girl from Geneva.

Going up Mount Titlis to try out the exciting Ice-Flyer and Snow-ride. I met a beautiful looking Syrian couple, a pleasant Australian couple and a Greek solo traveler who loves having his photos taken, much more than me! Haha.Needless to say, we have great fun posting and snapping each other photos on top of Mount Titlis. Unfortunately, the ice flyer and the snow park was closed for repair.

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Traveling to Salzburg, I joined my 2 Malaysian friends who went there 2 days earlier. On the whole, I enjoyed Salzburg a lot, partially due to the guide, partially due to the mesmerizing sceneries and mainly due to the fun companionship from my 2 friends.

In Salzburg, I chanced to meet up with four of my long lost
siblings traveling with their spouses!. Hehe just kidding… because so happened all 5 of us shared the same surname as me and all from Malaysia! What a small world!

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I met this very friendly lady in my flight traveling to London. Chit chatting with her in between naps seemed to have shortened the flight journey.

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A german girl from Munich whom I met on the Tetravision bus from Stansted to London. Thanks to her I managed to find my way from Liverpool street to my hotel in Warren Street on my first day in London.

Footnote on Backpack Europe Oct'09:
If you happened to spot yourself in some of the above photos, leave me a comment to let me know if you like me to increase the size and resolution of your picture here in this blog... ;) hehe

Backpack Europe: A Myth to Ponder

2009-12-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

FONTANA DI TREVI, ROME

Italy was the 4th country I visited during my backpack Europe trip.

The guide for my Rome walking tour, told us the famous myth, that this huge fountain is a whimsical rendition of mythical sea creatures amid cascades of splashing water. This Trevi fountain is the world’s most spectacular wishing well.

The legend has it that you can ensure your return to Rome by tossing a coin into the fountain and if you toss 2 coins, it will lead to new romance with an Italian lover. So after hearing the legend from the guide, I threw 'one' coin into the fountain :).

2days later, I was separated from the 4 friends I was traveling with in Rome. We were near the Trevi Fountain again. After waiting and searching in vain for them almost half an hour in the midst of crowd, out of frustration, I threw my second coin into the fountain and tried to find my way back to the hostel myself.

Then…. some twilight-zone romantic stuff started to happen to me in Italy. (He He)

First encounter, asking for direction back to the hostel, a helpful tour guide offered me a lift in his coach back to the street where I stayed.

Later that night, second encounter, after dining in an Italian restaurant, I met a Sicilian who took me walking the Colosseum at night.

Then, the third and last twilight encounter was on my way from Rome to Venice. In the train, I met a rugged-good looking Italian man. He spoke little English and I spoke no Italian. Since we were stuck in the same train-cabin for 5-6 hours, we have some fun-time communicating with hands mostly and I ended up learning quite a bit of the Italian language

K.I.S.S. Nugget:-

.... hmmm… still wondering, anything to do with my second coin in the Trevi Fountain?!? :P

Backpack Europe: Budget Review and Insight

2009-12-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

In my opinion, one of the main budget challenge in backpacking Europe last minute and spontaneously was minimizing traveling expense since everything was about 5 times more expensive in Europe. (In Oct’09 the currency exchange rate was around 1Pound = RM5.60 and 1euro = RM5.05).

In general traveling spontaneously do incur higher expenses. If money or budget is of main concern, then is better to plan in detail, way in advance.

Nonetheless, it is "not impossible" to do spontaneous travel without spending too much. However, it comes with experience or at least knowledge from the experience of others.

Also, nowadays there are many accommodation and transport aggregators as well as tour agencies offering many promotional deals for last minute travelers and spontaneous travelers.

For my last minute backpack Europe trip,I found that it was easier to forecast rough budget online for accommodation and flights but not trains and local city tours. Most of the public transport ticket-prices increase on a daily basis. (For me, since I did not buy Euro Rail Pass, expensive last minute train tickets have contributed substantially to my travel expenses.)

It was also not that easy to forecast for minor forms of ground transportation such bus fares, entrance fees to museum, guides’ fees and other miscellaneous fees such as toilet entrance fee. ( I can’t remember clearly which place but I remembered paying 1.5euro (RM 7.50) just to go toilet… )

Regarding food and drinks expenses, that depends very much on individual’s appetite, preference, mood, chance encounters and the preferences of travel friends.

K.I.S.S. Nugget:-

In general, I would say, to do last minute spontaneous travel backpack Europe, I think it is a safe practice to have 20% -30% extra buffer on top of any pre-allocated travel budget.

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Backpack Europe: Travel Insurance and Security Review and Insight

2009-12-11T10:16:00.000-08:00

(Backpack Europe Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

Travel Insurance

Since I was traveling several countries, I did not pay for insurance offered by airlines and bought my own personal travel insurance. Found out, if I was traveling 21 days or less, the insurance fee is one category lower which is quite a substantial amount in term of ratio.
(I traveled 23 days!)

Travel Money
Regarding the safety of money, I was very glad I had this thin waist pouch that could be worn inside my jeans, where I kept my extra cash, ATM card and sometimes passport too.

Another favorite item of mine was a feminine looking, multi-compartments traveling mini handbag that could be sling over my shower , where I kept cash for the day, a credit card, my camera and a lip-balm . Really light and convenient!

Oversea ATM and Credit Card

Oversea ATM was the most convenient way to withdraw cash direct from saving account with relatively lower currency exchange rate.

However I was using a credit card that has linked to my saving account and upon returned to Malaysia, I found out that all my intended cash withdrawals from my saving account were transacted as cash advance fees from my credit card account.

Travel Security locks

The lock of my my netbook-bag was jammed half way through my journey during my backpack Europe trip! Luckily it did not happen at the airport check-in point since all airports required passengers to take out their electronic gadgets for scanning purpose. Also, I did not bring an extra lock for my locker in hostel dorm.

K.I.S.S Nugget:-

If traveling to several countries, just flight-insurance may not be sufficient. Getting appropriate travel insurance to cover the whole journey is important to prevent any unexpected major expenses.

For travel security, is important to get very good quality locks for luggage, backpack and locker.

Remember to bring a separate ATM card and Credit Card . Otherwise, the pre-allocated travel budget may be exceeded by many small but accumulatively substantial expenses.

For more tips on travel security, check out the book as follow:-

Backpack Europe: Packing Review and Insight

2009-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

Backpack Europe last minute, I was still packing when the taxi arrived to pick me up to the airport. Luckily no traffic jam and still managed to arrive early with some time to refine my packing at the airport (hehe).

As a result of last minute packing, I had with me an almost 15kg luggage. I had also with me another 10kg backpack, mainly for my laptop, camera and handphone accessories, travel and language books, essential toiletries, one change of clothes, some snacks and vitamins supplement.

Unpacking and packing, decompressing and compressing clothes for my luggage were extremely troublesome especially when I was sharing dorm in hostels with limited space.

Since my luggage was already almost full at the beginning of the journey, after 1 week, in Spain, I left behind 2-3kg of my luggage clothes and some other stuff in the hotel room before I went to Rome.

Some of the heaviest stuff I was carrying around were travel books such as Fodor’s Essential Europe and Frommer’s Travel better, cheaper and smarter as well as the Berlitz Phrase Books (3 copies: 1 general, 1 French and 1 Italian). I hardly touched these books except when I was really bored stuck in long train journey.

Post Travel Insight

During my backpack Europe travel, I brought too many clothes and stuff. It was tiring pulling my luggage looking for accommodation and carrying the luggage up and down the staircases of train stations and some hostels. Luckily I met a few good Samaritans that offered a helping hand.

Think I used only 40% of the clothes I brought and only 10% of the emergency standby items that I thought I might need. (However, the one standby thing that I was really glad I brought, was the flu medicine!)

I found out, travel books and language books are not a necessity to carry around. Local tours and sight-seeing information are everywhere. The two most important words to know in most languages are: : "Where is...." and "Thank you" . Simplest and fastest way to get translation is to use the online Google Translator.

K.I.S.S. Nuggets:-

I will definitely travel light and will make sure half of my luggage is empty at the start of my trip, especially if I travel backpacking. I will only bring essential items and would not bring any standby items that I can buy oversea!
When packing, the most important thing to keep in mind is personal travel convenience and travel security.

Backpack Europe: Food Review & Insight

2009-12-11T09:49:00.000-08:00

(Backpack Europe Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

Traveling Europe, an average meal cost around 5-6euros, for me. For 10euros and more, I can get relatively good meals in a restaurant. For 2-3euros, I can get good and huge looking sandwiches. (In fact, all food portions looked huge to me in Europe.)

The wine is such a favorite and common drink in Europe, especially among the British. It is also not expensive. One of the dorm mate I met in Italy, drank wine for mineral water everyday. Traveling solo in Europe, on several occasions, I had the privileged of being offered a glass of free wine as compliment to my meal in restaurant.

In Italy, I had pizza and ice-cream almost every day. I can get really good, delicious and sumptuous pizza around 3-4euros. Mmmm… the Rome and Venice ice-creams were yummy especially in cold weather....

I ate McDonald’s a couple of times in Europe. I really like the Ceasar Salad and Crispy crumbs yogurt which are not available in Malaysia McDonald.

Actually I’m not really a food-person…I like junk food, snacks and can eat at odd times, anytime. So I don’t have much to comment about food.

Mineral water is very expensive in Europe. The most expensive I drank was 5euros per bottle. I only realized quite late that most of the tap water were drinkable in most places in Europe especially in Lucerne and Salzburg.

K.I.S.S Nuggets:-

Backpack Europe for 3 weeks, I was really glad, my last minute packing had included some multi-vitamin tablets, nutritional supplement sachets and some cereal bars that have kept me going at times when I didn’t get a good night rest. Also kept me healthy enough to avoid H1N1 :).

Backpack Europe: Ground Transport Review and Insight

2009-12-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

(Backpack Europe Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

Last minute train ticket purchased in Europe was very expensive especially since I did not have any Rail pass. I tried ordering it online before leaving Malaysia but they could not deliver to me before I flew. I found out too late that I could have requested delivery to my London hotel.

I learned the importance of verifying train tickets information before making payment. Due to differences in language, miscommunication can easily arise.

Also, is good to arrive early in train station and check out the location of the particular train platform number. In most station, there are notice boards with manually printed train schedules stating the departure platform for each train according to time, throughout the day. However, it is subject to change. Therefore, is important to listen for the announcement and check for latest update on the digital screen.

When traveling solo as a female, if possible, do not take any public transportation with late night departure time or arrival time.

Recalling now.....

Review on London Underground Trains

I think the signage and information system for London Underground/Tube stations were really clear and user-friendly even for first time visitor. I normally have rather poor sense of direction, yet I did not get lost taking London underground trains.

Review on Train from London to Paris:

I paid slightly more than 100euros for the Eurostar train to Paris because I bought it the night before departure. Found out if I have bought it online few days earlier it was about 70-80 euros only. And if I have euro rail pass, was even cheaper !

Review on Train from Venice to Lucerne:

From Rome I wanted to buy an overnight express train (with sleeping bed) from Venice to Lucerne. However, due to language barrier, the Trenitalia ticket counter staff sold me non-sleeping cabin trains all the way from Venice to Lucerne with 4 stops.

Total travel time was more than 12 hours. Moreover, it cost me a total of 130euros.

1)Venice to Bologana: 11.30pm to 2.17am. (Napped in the train station for 2 hours!)

2)Bologna to Milano : 4.12am to 7.05am

3)Milano to Bellinzona : 8am to 9.50am

4)Bellinzona to Lucerne: 10.06am to 12.41pm

This was the least enjoyable part of my Europe trip! (ok ok I was being too optimistic. This was the torturing part of my trip!) When I arrived at Lucerne, I was like a walking zombie and slept like log the whole day. I caught the flu too upon arrival in Lucerne. (Thank God I have recovered now, I was worried it could be H1N1).

Review on Train from Lucern to Munich

I can’t recall much about this train?!?

Review on Train from Munich to Salzburg

I missed my train twice in Munich!

First time because I arrived late at the station. Second time because I assumed it was the same rail platform but then found out too late that the line was changed to another far away platform. Together with 5 other passengers, we run like mad and was just late by 30 seconds. But the train did not stop for us. Then, to our dismay, the next train was delay ~3 hours! I ended up in Salzburg station almost midnight.

Kind of scary, arriving alone in an unfamiliar quiet train station middle of the night.... especially if the tourist info counter is closed!

K.I.S.S. Nugget:-

The good thing about the long train journey during my backpack Europe trip was, it provided me with some free time to update my travel journal, read a little from the travel books I brought and also learned up a little basic of the French, Spain and Italian languages.

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for the RVer, motorhomer, caravanner, 4WD or other vehicle based traveler.

Books Highlight

Backpack Europe: Airlines, Airfares and Airports Review and Insight

2009-12-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight and Tip

I used to check schedules and prices of flight tickets, airline by airline until I came to know about aggregators. Some of the effective and international online flight tickets aggregators that I came to know during this backpack Europe trip were Mobissimo, Kayak, Orbitz Travel, Expedia Travel and Travelocity. Booking airline-tickets with these aggregators are so much more convenient and you can conveniently select budget airfares among many available airlines internationally.

Review on AirAsia X Flights

1) KL-LONDON

The seat was comfortable and the food was okay. However, the helpfulness of its air crew was below my expectation. I asked for help to remove my heavy backpack from the overhead compartment. She said she will ask an air steward to help but she forgot about it. Later I asked an air steward to help and he said wait awhile and then, he too forgot about it! I ended up asking a passenger to help me!

2) LONDON-KL

On my return flight to Malaysia, there was a baby who cried almost none stop throughout the 14-15 hours flight. I did not see any form of responsive action taken by any of the air crew to improve the situation. Perhaps AirAsia should send some of its air stewardess for some child-care training.

There were many passengers having flu and coughing away. AirAsia could have provided free masks to passengers or at least to those who were not well.

Review on Ryanair Flights

1) Beauvais to Girona, 2) Girona to Rome, 3) Salzburg to London

The interior and seats of all 3 planes were rather old. Other than that, it was okay, I have no complaint since the air fares were economical. Even cheaper than some of my train fares.

Review on Beauvais Airport, Paris

Wow this air port was really far from Paris. Think is about 80km and I have to sit in a bus for an hour and a half to reach the airport. The check-in point at Beauvais airport was very strict, only allowed 1 hand-carried bag. However small a second handbag, it was not allowed!

Review on Girona Airport, Spain

My flight from Girona to Rome was delayed due to some public transportation strike in Rome. We have to wait for an indefinite 3 hours in the small airport. Luckily there was internet access in the airport.

The K.I.S.S Nugget:-
Backpack Europe, the international aggregator I like most and used often to check and book most of my flights was Mobissimo.com.
In Europe, very often one can get really cheap airfares from budget airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, etc. (At times, much cheaper than traveling by train or other forms of ground transportation.)

Backpack Europe: Accommodation Review and Insight

2009-12-11T08:21:00.000-08:00

(Backpack Europe Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight
Backpacking Europe, I have learned some simple and convenient ways to book accommodation traveling abroad.

For non peak season:-

1) If flying, check-out the recommended accommodation upon receiving the airline ticket confirmation email. Just choose one with good reviews.

2) If taking ground transport, go to any tourist information counter and asked for advice according to your preference.

For all seasons:-
Just book on-line through popular travel aggregators. The two travel aggregators that I found very user-friendly and credible during my Europe trip were Hotelscombined.com and Hostelworld.com.

Accommodation review on Fitzroy Hotel, London

The main entrance signage and door are way too small!. It took me more than half an hour of pulling my heavy luggage, walking up and down Fitzroy Street and asking several people before finding the hotel. Also, I have to climb down 5 floors to get to the toilet! Other than that, I’m happy with my small clean little room. This hotel was recommended by Easybooking.com through AirAsia ticket-confirmation email.

Accommodation review on Vintage Hostel, Paris

Friendly, helpful and informative help-desk service. This hostel has a nice and spacious common area for guests to interact but very poor breakfast food.This hostel was recommended by Hostelworld.com through Ryanair ticket-confirmation email.

Accommodation review on Hottel Monterrey, Costa Brava, Spain

This hotel has a beautiful beach. However it has extremely poor customer service at the counter. The hotel lady-managers were really rigid, money oriented and not helpful. I have to pay her 5euros to print my Ryanair boarding pass but instead she printed me an email notice of my boarding pass. She then refused to print the correct copy again!! This hotel was booked through Adventura.com

Accommodation review on Allesandro Palace Hostel, Rome
A very happening hostel. Guests range from all ages. Have a nice indoor bar. Very friendly counter staff. This hostel was also recommended by Hostelworld.com through Ryanair ticket-confirmation email. Oops! I forgot to take a pic of this hostel!

Accommodation review on Backpackers Hostel, Lucerne

Very clean and spacious. Each dorm has working desks and chairs. Nice scenery, near the lake. However, breakfast not provided. This hostel was recommended by the Tourist-Info staff at Lucerne Train Station.

Accommodation review on Hotel Drei Kruz, Salzburg
Great customer service at front desk! Very comfortable and cosy room decoration with attached bathroom. Good choice of breakfast food too. This hotel was recommended by a London friend.

The K.I.S.S Nugget :-
On the whole, I was satisfied with almost all the online recommended accomodations during my spontaneous backpack Europe travel.

Backpack Europe - Journey and Local Tours Review

2009-12-11T01:40:00.000-08:00

Oct'09)

Post Travel Insight

Backpack Europe last minute seemed a little stressful at first but in reality, it turned out quite the exact opposite! I have had an enriching journey and have returned home safe. (I believe partially thanks also to the prayers of my parents). I’m happy that I have finally done something that I have put aside for many years.

The really nice part was, the journey has turned out ‘quite’ perfect even though I did not waste time and effort into planning a perfect trip. The sheer joy of following my heart! Also I’m glad I have joined a group adventure tour in the middle of my travel which gave me a good feel of enjoying solo travel adventure and group travel adventure.

The not so nice part was, I was not a good photographer.... so didn't manage to take good pictures in spite of so many great sights! (So pardon me if I upload some lousy photos in this blog, due to lack of choices (hehe).

Travel London, First Day

Upon touched down in London after a 14-15 hrs flight, I went to a cafe in Stansted airport to relax. A waiter broke a plate quite far from where I sat. The manager immediately gave me a fresh cup of coffee. Excellent customer service!

My first day in Europe was spent taking underground trains, looking for hotel, searching where to buy Europe Rail Pass and how to go Paris. Then I went night-walking the areas of Trafalgar Square before retiring to bed early. The next morning, I took the Eurostar to Paris.

Travel Paris, France

I saw Paris hopping on and off tourist buses, stopping extra long at the Louvre and NotreDame. Most areas of Paris have indeed a charming atmosphere except for Paris Gare du Nord. This area reminded me of Chow Kit Street in

Malaysia

but the more elegant version hehe.

Regarding Eiffel Tower, my previous romantic dream is now being replaced by just a mechanical memory, after I came down from the top of this tower.

The most memorable attraction for me in Paris was the Moulin Rouge Show. Very impressive costumes and stage production especially the part where a dancer performed with a huge snake in a gradually raised water tank. Also all the 50 or more lady-dancers were topless!

Travel Adventure in Costa Brava and Barcelona, Spain
I signed up with Adventura.com for Catalonia Cycling along Costa Brava. I ended up cycling with a group of British men and women. We cycled around 40km per day , mostly through medieval villages around the natural park, vineyards, olive groves, along the beach and also in the rain as well as flood water!

In between cycling, we had a day at leisure to relax and explore on our own. I visited Barcelona. Saw this radiant and vibrant city on tour buses. Most impressive for me were the Gaudi’s creative works. Also, I wanted to visit the Picasso Museum in Barcelona but the queue was just too long.

On another leisure day, I enjoyed a relaxing trip to Figueres with a British friend. The atmosphere of this town is just the direct opposite of Barcelona. The centre of attraction here was no doubt the Dali Museum.

Travel Rome, Italy
I saw Rome by walking more than 10 hours per day for 2 days. It was tiring but well worth it. Rome has so many beautiful ancient arts and buildings for the eyes such as the Colosseum, Vatican Museum, Trevi Fountain, Basilica St. Peter, Marcello’s Theatre, Roman Forum, Pantheon, PiazzaVenezia, Piazza Navona, etc., etc.
I found my jaw dropping all the time in Rome!

In Rome, sight-specific tour guides are popular with tourists. My walking tour guide was a really good story teller. The Colosseum tour was a "ripped-off". The guide lost part of his group inside the arena. The Roman Forum guide was well worth the money and the Vatican Museum guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic but I have problem understanding his english. Talking about Vatican, gosh the queue was unbelievably long at 8am!

Travel Venice, Italy

Venice is such a unique and romantic city. Is interesting to watch how most activities centered along the river canal with water buses and boats as the main public transport. It was refreshing to sailed along the river viewing the many novel sights. Is kind of easy to get lost walking in Venice (maybe is just me) especially if one ventured away from the river looking for the many attraction sites.

My favorite sights were around Piazza San Marco such as the Basilica San Marco and Palazzo Ducale. However, the boring part about Venice was, most shops in Venice are selling the same handcrafted glass products. Beautiful yet expensive, attractive yet fragile. Oh, almost forgot, Venice gelato! Love the ice-cream! I ate four, one after another!

Travel Lucerne, Switzerland

I experienced the best customer service in Europe from the staff at the Lucerne tourist-info counter. I ended up staying near the beautiful Lake Lucerne, 15-20 minutes walk from the train station and famous sights such as the Jesuitenkirche, Kapellbrucke and the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre. The boat ride along the lake to Weggis was filled with beautiful scenery of serenity and peace everywhere.

Mount Titlis in central

Switzerland

was another beautiful place. To reach the top of the snow-capped mountain, we experienced 4 stages of cable cars, the last being the popular rotating cable cars (The ROTAIR).

Coming down from Mt. Titlis, the friendly guide took us to a popular souvenir shop in Lucerne. I got a SWATCH, which strap came off after just 1 day!.... hmmm.....

Travel Munich,

Germany

One of the eye-catching sight in Munich was the handsome cars that parade the streets. BMWs and Mercedes were like Protons in

Malaysia

, seen everywhere! In my opinion, the most magnificent sight was the grand huge monotonous looking Munich Castle . (Think the architectural design of the building is just too symmetrically aligned).

When I was in Munich, the attraction of seeing new places didn’t entice me much. Maybe because I was not feeling well due to flu and felt missed home then. Also I think this city dulls in comparison to the previous cities I have been.

Travel Salzburg, Austria

In Salzburg, I met up with my Malaysian friends. We joined the “Sound of Music” Bus Tour which turned out very entertaining. I would rate the charming tour guide, the best in my Europe trip. Besides those lovely spots filmed in the movie, my other favorite spots were the Fortress Hohensalzburg and the Mozart Square.

Travel back to London, Last Few Days

Returning to London, we went shopping at Braintree Designers’ Village and savored some good Chinese food. I stayed at my friend’s place at Southend-on-sea. It is a nice and pleasant residential town near the sea with 3 casinos nearby. Heard that the next Olympic Stadium would be built in this area.

Before flying back to

Malaysia

, I met up with a London friend to sight-see the areas of Westminster, Royal London, Kensington, London Eye, etc, walking in the rain! :) London was still “cool” and majestic in spite of gloomy sky! I especially like the Hyde Park . Overall, I had an interesting and enjoyable London-walk, thanks to good company.

KISS Nugget:-
If any of you feel like taking a break from your daily routinized lifestyle, I say, just go backpack Europe, explore and discover the wonders of traveling spontaneously !

Backpack Europe: Itinerary Review and Insight

2009-12-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

(Oct'09)

Traveling Europe for 3 weeks, I spent a day in London; 3 days in Paris; 7 days in Costa Brava and Barcelona, Spain; 3 & half days Rome and half day Venice, Italy; 3 days Lucerne and Mount Titlis, Switzerland; half day Munich Germany; 1 and half days Salzburg, Austria; and the last 3 days back in London again.

Post Travel Insight

Backpack Europe last minute and spontaneously without a rigid itinerary gave me the freedom to stay and go wherever and whenever I like. Overall, I had enjoyed an exciting adventure and enriching experience in spite of some minor hiccups.

However, think I was a bit too ambitious in my goal of traveling to at least 7 countries in Europe within 3 weeks. It would have been more relaxingly enjoyable if I have just covered 4-5 countries.

Staying 1-2 days at one place didn’t leave much opportunity for fellowshipping and to get to know the culture and people better. Also, I ended up spending a bit too many hours sitting in planes, trains and buses every 2-3 days.Unpacking and re-packing every few days were troublesome. (I really dislike working the compression bag without a vacuum cleaner.)

Realized now, some of my pre-travel concerns were a waste of mental energy. For example, if I don’t book hotels or transportation tickets in advance, I may be stranded. Tourist information counters are readily available at all air and ground stations to give advice on accommodation, public transport, city tours, etc. Also most hotel-counter staff were more than happy to help guests’ requesting travel and local tour info.

KISS Nuggets for future travel:-

Central Europe is beautiful, I would love to backpack Europe again covering more of the eastern countries in the near future. However, next trip, I would spend at least 4-5 days in each country or major city. (1 day for arrival, 1 day for departure, at least 2-3 days for sight-seeing and some local adventure.)

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Introducing 1 Backpack Europe - The KISS Nuggets

2009-11-29T23:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

You are welcome to leave your comments in the various postings in this blog especially, if you have some KISS nuggets to share on backpacking or traveling in Europe. I hope my personal insights act as an initiator and provide an avenue for readers and travelers to share travel reviews, insights and tips for the purpose of improving future travels.

Did you just ask, what is KISS nuggets? Keeping Insight Short and Simple! ;)

Last Oct'09, I took a break to do something I have always wanted to do... to go solo, travel backpack Europe spontaneously! Travel Europe, travel on my own, travel last minute, travel backpacking, all I have never done before this trip.

So in this blog, I like to share my personal review and insight as an
in-experienced traveler on backpack Europe last minute, reviewing the itinerary, journey and local tours, accommodation, flights and ground transportation, food, packing and security, budget, people, myth, etc, all for the purpose of improving future travels.

Thank you for reading.