Ultimate Guide to Planning a 12-Day Solo Trip from Delhi to Europe: An In-Depth Journey

Embarking on my first solo journey outside of India, this 12-day adventure took me across two beautiful European cities: Amsterdam and Paris. This in-depth guide will help you plan your own journey, from visa applications to activities and transportation.

VISA Application Process

The first step in any travel adventure is obtaining the necessary travel documents. Here’s how I navigated the visa application process:

Step 1: Prepare Required Documentation

Cover letter Visa application form, signed Passport (original and copy of first and last pages) Recent photographs Travel Itinerary (detailed day-wise) Proof of travel and lodging Employment proof: appointment letter, employment contract, NOC (No Objection Certificate) and leave sanction letter from employer Proof of financial means: bank account statement, income tax return acknowledgment, pay slips, fixed deposits Travel insurance

After submitting these documents to the Embassy of Netherlands in New Delhi via VFS Global, I received my Schengen visa with a 30-day stay duration. The entire process took around 10-12 days.

Flight Tickets and Transportation

Once I secured my visa, it was time to book my flights. The key was to choose a ticket type that allows for free cancellation, which I did with Vistara’s flexible economy tickets. These costed 46k INR for the one-way trip to Amsterdam.

Step 2: Transportation Within Europe

Transportation within Europe was economical and convenient:

Between Paris and Amsterdam: I used Flix Bus, which is highly cost-effective and allows for cheaper travel. Thalys train is another option if you can afford faster transportation. Within Amsterdam: The GVB pass offers free movement in all modes of transportation like buses, trams, ferries, metro, and also airport transport from Opera to CDG Airport. Within Paris: The Navigo Decouverte pass is perfect for navigating Paris, providing free access to all public transportation, including airport buses.

Public transportation is the best mode of transportation in both cities, offering great value, speed, and safety.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation and dining choices were carefully considered:

Step 4: Accommodation

For my stay in Amsterdam, I chose the Chasse Hotel, Motel One Amsterdam, and in Paris, I opted for the Campanile Paris Clichy Centre. Both provided breakfast buffets, which were not only important for my extensive sightseeing but also for exploring local cuisines.

In both destinations, I used the GetYourGuide app to book a variety of activities like museum tours, guided bike rides, and entrance tickets to attractions like Heineken experience and Madame Tussauds. This app offers great flexibility and support.

Step 7: Shopping and Tax Refund

Spending money on shopping was part of the trip. Here’s what I bought:

Amsterdam: Makeup kit from Galleries Lafayette and handbags from Mango. Paris: Dresses from HM and chocolates from Lindt.

To qualify for tax refunds, it’s important to spend a minimum of 100€ at each store. I received around 8€ as a tax refund at the airport after presenting the appropriate forms from Galleries Lafayette.

Summary of Travel Advantages and Tips

Overall, this solo trip from Delhi to Europe was an adventure marked by careful planning and enjoyment of cultural experiences. From visa applications to activities and transportation, each step was meticulously planned to ensure a smooth and memorable journey.