14-day trip to 4 European countries: France - Switzerland - Italy - Vatican City

Pham Nhat Linh (22 years old, from Son La) is currently a student studying in the UK. Nhat Linh is a travel enthusiast who loves experiencing and learning from different cultures. "I really appreciate being able to visit the countries I love at the age of 22," Nhat Linh shared with Travellive. Her self-prepared trip has given her many experiences and helped her mature, and she will surely provide many useful travel tips for readers in this article.

RELAX IN FRANCE

"For Linh, France is an icon not only because of its famous historical architecture, but also because of how the French preserve their cultural traditions and promote tourism. Almost always, when planning a trip to Europe, France is at the top of the list of must-visit destinations," Linh shared.

To admire the panoramic view of the city and the daily life of its people, Nhat Linh chose to take a boat tour on the Seine River at sunset. Paris, in Linh's eyes, is the peaceful rhythm of Paris with people exercising, sitting along the riverbank and chatting in the late afternoon.

Regarding architectural landmarks, Linh believes that the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles are two must-see attractions. "I was truly impressed and overwhelmed by the luxury and power of the symbol of French feudalism - the Palace of Versailles. This ancient architectural heritage attracts millions of tourists every year, with long queues of visitors every day, so remember to buy tickets in advance to avoid long waits," Linh suggested.

When traveling to Paris, everyone will surely try pastries and croissants, but another famous local specialty you might consider trying is beef tartare (raw ground beef). A special tip for getting around Paris: buy your train tickets to the city center right at the airport to save money. Also, buying single tickets or weekly passes at train stations will be cheaper. Train tickets here are relatively small and easily misplaced, so be careful.

FALL IN LOVE WITH SWITZERLAND

"Switzerland is truly a dream for me; just strolling leisurely through the villages is amazing. Take the time to visit the dreamy villages of Grindelwald, LauterBrunnen, and Iseltwald to truly immerse yourself in the stunning scenery," Nhat Linh shared.

Besides sightseeing, Linh also suggests participating in activities in Switzerland. There are quite a few places to go paragliding, but Linh chose First Mountain because it's one of the best viewpoints. You should book your tickets in advance using the information on Paragliding First Mountain, and bring sunglasses to avoid glare because it's very sunny.

"Because prices in Switzerland are higher than in most other European countries, most tourists tend to shop at supermarkets and cook their own meals, which is both delicious and cost-effective. Transportation costs in Switzerland are also quite expensive, so plan your destinations carefully to choose the appropriate train pass," Linh noted.

WANDERING AROUND ITALY

"I've always loved Italy for the romance of Venice, the glamorous fashion capital Milan, and the historical charm of Rome, with its Trevi Fountain and the legend of the coin toss, and the Colosseum with its more than 2000-year history," Nhat Linh shared. This is also the country she has spent a lot of time exploring.

The Trevi Fountain is a must-see, a quintessential artistic landmark with its exquisite carvings and sculptures. Visitors often throw coins into the fountain as a promise to return to Rome in the future. "It's very crowded with tourists here, so be careful. However, don't worry too much because there are police officers on duty day and night," Nhat Linh noted.

When visiting Italy, you must see the Colosseum, a magnificent historical architectural masterpiece and the epitome of ancient architecture. You should also admire the Milan Duomo, one of the world's most important religious buildings – constructed over more than 600 years, a testament to human patience and creative engineering prowess.

Italy is not only a famous architectural destination, but also one of the countries with the most distinctive cuisines in Europe. "Take extra time to explore the food here: seafood pasta in Venice, gelato in Rome, and definitely try Italian pizza to complete your culinary journey," shared Nhat Linh.

VISIT THE VATICAN

Concluding her 14-day journey through four countries, Nhat Linh visited Vatican City, the world's smallest country, located in the heart of Rome. "Although I'm not religious, I was inspired by stories about the holy land of Vatican City – a sacred place that any Catholic would want to visit. The country is the official residence of the Pope and also a hub of Renaissance art," Nhat Linh shared.

SOME NOTES FOR THE TRIP

Book your sightseeing tickets in advance, perhaps through Klook for cheaper prices. Check the weather forecast for each area before your trip to pack appropriate clothing. Also, consider bringing some snacks in case you don't like the local cuisine. You'll likely be doing a lot of walking during your European trip, so be sure to prepare yourself physically before you go.

To ensure safety, one must be cautious when going to train stations, on public transport, or in public areas. "Although I had heard quite a lot about robberies in France and felt worried, I didn't let that information affect my mood or experience. I just stayed vigilant and took precautions by wearing my bag in front and in crowded places. Luckily, the trip was safe, even though I encountered many suspicious individuals, I proactively avoided them," Nhat Linh noted.

In addition, you also need to prepare suitable payment methods. "Linh uses a Revolut bank card because the exchange rate is quite good, and exchanges are done during the week because there are extra fees on weekends. It's also a good idea to prepare some cash in case of need. As for the SIM card, I use a Voxi roaming plan for 15 days," she suggests.

Bi Le