Once again, thanks to Gwen and her parents for hosting us, and Mr Teo for volunteering to share the cost of the pizzas with me, heh.
I will need your help to piece together the useful tips given by my friend Aidah for lone female backpackers in Europe:
After our gathering, I called my friend up to clarify some details:
if in Paris, stay in Hotel De Fourcy of the MIJE chain. The MIJE chain has 3 hostels but the Fourcy branch is the best located and the safest. there's another one but that is in a rather dodgy location.
The day-time receptionist is very good and speaks fluent English. The night-duty receptionist speaks French and is not so friendly.
Tips:
Planning for the trip
- If staying with friends, please make sure you KNOW them well and TRUST them. Don't stay with almost-strangers.
- Arrive at your destination in the day. Night-time can be confusing and you'll probably need to catch a cab at night if you arrive too late.
- Try not to travel overnight on rail if you are alone as you may get pickpocketed or robbed
- Budget airlines IN Europe can be way cheaper than the long-distance rail like Eurostar. Some airtickets are 10 pounds only. while the Eurostar without student discount is about 100 Euros
- A supplementary credit card is good for emergencies.
- If using travellers' cheques, get them in the currency you will be using. If you are intending to spend them in Euros, don't get the cheques in US dollars as there will be an additional charge
- Check on visa requirements FIRST. the requirements could differ even among EU members, e.g Germany and Finland.
- Read maps and get sense of direction in the hostel before setting out. Avoid reading maps in public--it's a dead giveaway that you are a tourist.
- If you are hostelling, it'll be good to carry a backpack. You can lock up your backpack with a metal mesh when you are checking in for the flight. The metal mesh can be bought from travellers' shops or backpacking shops
- Get a International Students' card for MANY discounts at many places of attraction
- Get a Youth Hostelling Association Card if you are staying at hostels all the way. The German-speaking countries like Germany and Switzerland have very good and clean hostels all across the country and getting a Hostel membership can save you quite a lot! While touring after the St. Gallen Symposium, one of my hostel rooms had this view of the Matterhorn :) It made waking up early really sweet. :)))
- Observe the locals in all the countries you go to and try to do what they do. E.g: Do not wave at the waiter in French cafes to catch their attention as the locals don't do that. Catch their eye with your gaze and nod at them for e.g.
- In Paris, layering of chic clothes helps you to blend in with the Parisians.
I had a great time today looking at the photos and I realised how much I have forgotten after looking at the photos. We had such fun during the trip! So plan your next trip well, with full attention to safety and I'm sure you'll have a super fun time. :)))
