Realize dreams
Taking advantage of the opportunity to intern in Italy, Thu Ha hatched the idea for a journey of discovery around Europe. The student made a detailed and meticulous plan to be able to visit 5 countries and territories including the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, and the Vatican.
Dang Thu Ha (final year student at Hanoi University) traveled to 5 European countries in 14 days.
“This is my first time in Europe. Choosing these 5 countries is also very simple and random. In my mind, these are all unique countries with romantic and poetic features, suitable for my travel interests. I spent 4 months in Italy before starting the journey, so in terms of geographical location, these are not too far away, quite convenient for traveling,” Thu Ha confided.
As an explorer, Thu Ha has traveled many times with her family and friends in the past. However, for the 21-year-old girl, the experience in these new lands is extremely different, especially in terms of time and culture. Thu Ha shared that this journey is three or four times longer than her previous trips. Above all, Western culture is also completely different from Vietnam. Culinary culture or public transportation are the most obvious things that a tourist comes into contact with regularly.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to intern in Italy, Thu Ha hatched the idea for a journey of discovery around Europe.
The journey through 5 countries lasted 14 days when the student had only more than 1,000 euros in hand. So a cost-optimized plan with the desire to enjoy the dream lands was formed. Thu Ha spent a month searching for information, making a basic schedule that best suited her personal needs and then spent the next two to three months to complete it.
Talking to Travellive, Thu Ha said: “I still choose the most famous and typical places of each country to visit, and go to more places with the breath of nature, just like my preferences. Traveling is not only about sightseeing and sightseeing, but also about feeling the spirit of each destination. I love the small moments that make me realize the unique style of people in each region. I like the very 'real life' stories that the host tells me or the small stories with the locals of each country on a few train rides.”
The journey through 5 countries lasted 14 days when the female student had only more than 1,000 euros in hand.
14 days to explore new lands
Each country she has visited has left Thu Ha with different new emotions. Through the perspective of the Gen Z girl, the Netherlands is a modern, civilized, clean country and the beauty here is exactly like what she often imagines about Europe. Besides, France has a "beauty" feel with famous architectural and cultural works. In particular, the way French people dress in trendy clothes makes Thu Ha look at them endlessly.
For the student, beautiful Switzerland is like a fairy dream, a land "to love and remember" for any tourist. Peaceful, slow, gentle Switzerland anchors in people's hearts like falling petals. Italy evokes nostalgia with its beauty that is both romantic and ancient. In particular, Lake Como makes every heart flutter with its heavenly scenery sparkling in the sun.
“In general, each country has its own beauty, but there are always both good and bad things, not all are 'rosy' as I thought. I love to admire nature and love pure beauty, so for me, Switzerland, Lake Como and the Netherlands are the three destinations that I like and appreciate. Venice and Paris are the two cities that I find most disappointing because they are too noisy and crowded,” Thu Ha expressed.
The problem that Thu Ha worried about the most during the trip was probably the problem of theft in Europe. She went with two friends and all three had to prepare their belongings such as suitcase locks to deal with this situation. As it was a long-term independent trip, being vigilant and ensuring safety throughout the journey was extremely necessary.
“One of the reasons I had a bad impression of Venice was probably because I almost had my bag stolen while waiting for the bus. Before starting this 14-day European trip, I had heard a lot about robberies here. I was more cautious but I didn’t expect to encounter such a staged situation. Luckily, we discovered it in time and nothing was stolen,” the student said.
Each country she has visited leaves Thu Ha with different new emotions.
Pocket tips for cost-optimized European travel
Because she is still a student, Thu Ha's budget for the trip to 5 European countries is very small, only about 1,100 euros. For her, traveling independently on a long journey is not too difficult, the key is to come up with a schedule that suits you and prepare well both mentally and physically.
Regarding travel costs, the student chooses to travel by train or bus between countries and cities. In particular, Thu Ha often books night tickets to cut down on accommodation costs and the ticket price will also be cheaper.
Because she is still in school, Thu Ha's budget for the trip to 5 European countries is extremely limited.
Regarding travel costs, the student chooses to take the train or bus to travel between countries and cities.
Thu Ha booked most of her accommodation during her 14 days with Vietnamese hosts. This cost is lower than hotels, ranging from 25-35 euros/person/night. It was the warm welcome and friendly conversation that impressed her with the people here.
According to Thu Ha, the cost of food is very flexible but also easy to control. Because the main purpose of the trip is to experience seeing the world, she does not focus on food. The initial budget for food for 14 days is 200 euros. In fact, Thu Ha only used 3/4 of that amount because having an idea from the beginning about the budget will make it easier to control spending.
In addition, visitors can alsobook flights from Vietnam to Europefrom some airlines such as: Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Vietnam Airlines... Ticket prices range from 11 - 18 million VND/one way flight from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
To go to Europe you need to haveSchengen visa, this is a visa applicable to 26 member countries of the Schengen area, including 5 countries and territories: Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican. Visitors should apply for a visa in the country where they will stay the longest and should be the first destination on their trip to Europe.
Regarding accommodation, popular booking sites such asTraveloka, Hostelworld... has many types of motels, hostels, hotels from budget to 5-star. During peak season, room rates are also much higher than in low season.
Traveling on your own for a long time is not too difficult, the key is to come up with a schedule that suits you and prepare well both mentally and physically.
Traveloka is offering up to 50% off Tet flight tickets, hotels, sightseeing tickets, and Tet tours when booking from November 28, 2023 - February 25, 2024. See detailshere.
