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In 2017, while still a student, Lan Anh had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at a university in Europe. During that time, she explored almost all the countries in the EU, from the ancient cities of Italy to the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands. However, there are still many countries she hasn't had the chance to visit, especially the Nordic countries with their pristine and mysterious beauty.
The journey of discovery of the world by Do Thi Lan Anh (28 years old, English teacher)
This winter, while exploring Egypt with two new friends, Lan Anh came up with the idea of returning to Europe in the summer. They decided to plan a 30-day trip together, using up all the days allowed by their visas.
As a teacher, Lan Anh has a fairly long summer vacation, so planning such a long trip is perfectly feasible. She spent a lot of time researching and creating a detailed itinerary, from booking flights and hotels to making a list of places she wanted to visit.
They decided to plan a 30-day trip together, using up all the days their visas allowed.
Your European travel essentials are within your reach.
Lan Anh had been preparing for this trip for six months. After getting her visa, she started building her itinerary. Because they chose a freestyle travel experience, they only planned for the countries, cities, and prominent destinations they wanted to explore within 30 days, without detailing every specific point in the city. Everything would depend on the actual situation and their inspiration at the time, without chasing any specific goals. After finalizing the itinerary, she bought plane tickets, booked accommodations, and arranged transportation. Summer makes everything more expensive, but thanks to booking well in advance, they got good prices.
Regarding luggage, Lan Anh prioritizes comfortable, cool outfits suitable for the European summer. Her secret is to choose clothes that can be mixed and matched in various ways to save suitcase space and create many different styles. Of course, a magical mini iron is indispensable to rescue wrinkled clothes after a long journey.
Lan Anh had been preparing for this trip for six months.
Financially, Lan Anh primarily uses credit cards because most places in Europe accept them. However, she still exchanges some euros in case she needs cash, especially for buying bus or train tickets in some smaller cities.
In terms of paperwork, visas and passports are two indispensable tools. Lan Anh keeps all her plane tickets, train tickets, and hotel booking confirmations on her phone for easy reference. In addition, travel insurance is absolutely essential, especially for long trips.
Freestyle experience
Europe through my lens
Lan Anh's 34-day trip to Europe and Egypt left a deep impression on her. There were times she felt lost and afraid when she got lost in a strange city, but there were also times she felt incredibly happy sharing beautiful moments with new friends. This trip taught her a great deal about perseverance, flexibility, and the importance of slowing down to enjoy life.
The 34-day trip to Europe and Egypt left a deep impression on Lan Anh.
Lan Anh's journey exploring eight European countries took her to legendary destinations such as the glamorous Paris, the ancient Rome, the historic Athens, and dreamy regions like Tuscany and the Dolomites. From the bustling streets of Paris to the idyllic beaches of Santorini, from the majestic mountains of the Dolomites to the romantic canals of Venice, this trip was a series of unforgettable experiences. She enjoyed diverse cuisines, discovered rich cultures, and appreciated breathtaking natural beauty.
Of all the memorable 30 days of their journey, perhaps the most challenging was conquering Tre Cime di Lavaredo. After nearly three hours of climbing, the group of three finally reached the area. The sight before them was magnificent, leaving them in awe. However, their joy was short-lived; a sudden downpour, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail, struck. They had to trek through the forest and cross streams in harsh weather conditions, hoping to find shelter. The slippery terrain and torrential rain made them want to give up at times. But with determination, they persevered and made it back to their starting point in time for the last bus. All three were soaked and freezing, but a triumphant smile was on everyone's face. Fortunately, no one fell ill after this challenging trip.
Lan Anh's journey exploring 8 European countries has taken her to legendary destinations.
Lan Anh's biggest worry upon arriving in Europe was theft. Immediately after landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport (Paris), she was shocked to find her luggage missing. However, she managed to remain calm and followed the airport staff's instructions to report the loss and request delivery to a friend's address. Thanks to her travel insurance, she received coverage for essential items while waiting for her luggage.
To ensure the safety of her luggage while traveling on public transport, Lan Anh equipped herself with a bicycle lock. This lock became her "savior," helping to securely fasten her suitcases together or to fixed points on the bike. In addition, she was very careful when carrying her bags, always keeping them diagonally in front and covering them well. Thanks to these measures, she was able to explore Europe with complete peace of mind, without worrying about losing her belongings.
Lan Anh had the opportunity to enjoy diverse cuisine, explore rich culture, and appreciate the stunning natural beauty.
A to Z guide to independent travel in Europe.
A long trip to Europe is sure to be a memorable experience, but to ensure a successful trip, you need thorough preparation. First, detailed planning is crucial. Even a small mistake in the itinerary can affect the entire trip. Second, you need to prepare a reasonable budget, especially when traveling in developed countries. The cost of living in Europe is quite high, so plan your spending carefully to avoid running out of money.
Third, health is a crucial factor in the success of your trip. You need to ensure you are in good physical condition to adapt to changes in weather, time zones, and travel intensity. Finally, but no less importantly, choosing the right travel companion also greatly affects the quality of your trip. A compatible travel companion who knows how to share and create fun moments will make your trip even more meaningful.
Some signature dishes
