It is time

I've been fairly hardworking for the past year. I think it's time for a break. Planning for a trip to Europe again (this time central/east). Just a quick one with my wife and some other friends. I think it's perfect timing. I'm worn out, and MAS travel fair 2008 is back with cheap tickets.

The basic itinerary is:
Kuala Lumpur --> Rome -->(bus) Bari ---> (ferry) Dubrovnik ---> (flight) Zagreb ---> (bus) Vienna ---> (bus) Prague ---> (bus) Frankfurt ---> (train) Marburg. Then back to KL from Frankfurt.

Will post some research material here from time to time. I've a general idea of getting around on a budget. But there's probably more to it....

Lilly Proves Miss Teen USA 2007 Wrong

Miss Teen USA 2007 (Miss Carolina) says a fifth of Americans can't locate the US on a world map - because those American's don't have a map.



Well, Lilly (a toddler), the world map master proves her wrong

Cheap way to travel around Europe

So, if you're planning a trip around Europe, what would be the most fun and cheap way to travel? This is my friends advice...

"I'd say go by bus - it is more secure than Inter-railing, as a lone traveller,many of the journey's are overnight,and therefore,no accommodation costs. Also,many stations have bathroom (shower) facilities and I have found it to be a fun,and relaxed way to travel.

Checkout - www.eurolines.com,they offer 2 passes, one for 15 days and another for 30 days. You can travel between 30 cities all across Europe.Also, includes
going from England to France,so no extra ferry or tunnel costs,which is cool.

I have travelled from Ireland to Europe on this ticket a few times,and find it brilliant. Also, check out hostels in cities,you will always be able to find deals.

Another good thing,you would be able to get the youth ticket,which works out cheaper - under £250 for the bus travel.

If you want to travel via train, I have done this as well (both all over Europe and internally in Germany- eg.in Germany,you can buy tickets,as youth,for say 10 days,and you can travel as much as you like on that ticket.

Inter-railing can be fine,but there are problems with robberies on night trains - couchettes (bed) are extra,and everything adds up.If you are going to be travelling over night,be vigilant. I never had problems,but met plenty of people who had been robbed (even groups together).You know the drill,be friendly,and nice,but trust should not be a given.

(www.interrailnet.com/ - is the official site. But maybe if you know of a college/uni near you,they often have a travel office/or someone who can give you advice. Also, with the trains,you have to decide on how many zones or whether to get a global ticket,for 22 or 30 days,and of course its more expensive.

For accommodation - if you can prebook online, before arrival,you will get a cheaper fare. Try www.hostelworld.com or www.hostels.com and for specific countries,or areas,maybe google them.

If you are a student, be sure to bring and use the card,as many places offer reductions,eg.museums, transport in cities,even some hostels.

My advice,when eating out,be fugal.Eat where locals do,and you can generally be guaranteed good food, at a lower price.Anywhere on a "main square" or street,will be more expensive.Also,for food for travel,go to a hyper market or large store,rather than buying attrain/bus stations or stops.

budgettravel.about.com/library/weekly/aa052002a.htm
freephotooftheday.com/
www.geocities.com/caseallen/travel/tips.html -

these sites are good, and maybe you can get some ideas.

www.allthingsfrugal.com/library.htm - this really deals with stretching the pennies. I think you can have a great time,and not over spend.Lots of museums are free,or sights have discounts.Always ask. Dont forget to get your European Health Card (E111), as it entitles you to free medical within EU.

And before you go,get travel/personal insurance. Better to pay maybe £50 for the month,than find yourself in trouble.

Another tip - in stations,they usually have lockers, so you could leave your bags,and sightsee with ease.

Ok, I hope you find some of this info useful,and that your trip works out well."

International Cheap Flight Tips

Here's a collection of some cheap flights
from all around the world.

Between London and Hong Kong
www.oasishongkong.com/gb/en/home.aspx
flight from £100

and between Singapore and Australia
www.tigerairways.com/home/index.php
very cheap flight

Flights within South East Asia
www.airasia.com

You will find easily flight between Barcelona to London in
www.farecompare.com
www.easyjet.com

You can compare what you find, flights out of europe to
australia.

www.bestflights.com.au/

In Australia
www.qantas.com

Or for the other side:
Barcelona to Los Angeles
www.aa.com

Los Angeles To Sydney
www.airpacific.com

Good luck and good trip