|
Varsity's Choice Tips for backpacking trips: Europe by Vivian Lee Backpacking – budget travelling with a rucksack – is a popular holiday choice for young people and for those who want to optimise their trips. The best thing about backpacking is its flexibility, according to experienced backpacker Sally Cheung Shui-yi. "You get to know a country more by talking to the local people, instead of taking a few pictures on famous tourist spots and get back on the sightseeing shuttle bus," said Cheung, a 32-year-old piano teacher, who has gone backpacking in more than 15 countries. Preparations are essential for a safe and enjoyable trip in Europe. Cheung said research about the destinations, including information on visa requirements, air tickets, transport, accommodation, weather and currency, should be done before one started off. Air fares usually take up a major part of the travel expenses. Oasis Hong Kong provides cheap flights from Hong Kong to Gatwick Airport in London, which starts at HK$1,000 for a single trip. Budget transit flights to other European countries are available at Ryanair and EasyJet. Cheung, who has been to Europe for three times, advised backpackers who wanted to purchase the European Rail passes at Hong Kong Student Travel Limited or any large travel agencies to buy in advance. "Travelling by air is less time-consuming and may be cheaper than by train, but you certainly miss the striking scenery," she said. "A night journey on train saves you the expense of a night in hostel," she added. For budget accommodation, backpackers can go to youth hostels run by Hostelling International, which is known for its blue triangle logo and has operations in more than 80 countries across the world. Cheung's friend, Tammy Chiu Wing-shan, who has stayed at youth hostels in Finland, said backpackers should bring along their sleeping bags or sheets, which usually were not provided in the hostels for hygienic reason. Another backpacking fan, Bonnie Leung Kiu-man, suggested backpackers to bring enough stock of instant noodles and biscuits, as dining in Europe was expensive. "You wouldn't want to spend HK$70 on a McDonald's meal," said Leung, an office lady. |
OTHER STORIES IN VARSITY'S CHOICE |