18-day trip to Israel, France, Czech Republic & UAE, total cost only NT$100,000

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The 18-day trip is over. It was my first time traveling for such a long period, and it made me realize that if you want to see the world, you really should go while you're young—otherwise, your physical strength just won’t hold up. During the trip, many friends asked about the costs, so I’ve compiled a summary of the daily itinerary and expenses.

Details about flights, accommodation, dining experiences, and the full travelogue will be shared in sequence later—I hope to finish writing them within half a year. This trip focused on experiencing local life, enjoying good food, and taking in beautiful scenery, so I didn’t buy any luxury items. The most I purchased were postcards and stamps as souvenirs.

For this Europe trip, I flew with Etihad Airways, an airline many recommend for its affordable fares. In Chinese, it’s translated as 阿堤哈德航空 (Etihad Airways). The flying experience was great—it’s truly an award-winning airline.

Outbound: Taipei > Tokyo (transit) > Abu Dhabi (transit) > Rome

Return: Paris > Abu Dhabi (entered and spent two days there) > Tokyo (transit) > Taipei

The airfare for this leg was NT$31,809. Since I entered the UAE, an additional NT$2,000 was added to the fare. If you don’t enter the UAE, you can save another NT$2,000. Then there were two intra-European flights: Rome to Prague, and Prague to Paris.

I chose the Czech low-cost airline Smart Wings. Treat it like a bus ride—just catch a little nap and you’re there. The only complaint is that the first flight from Rome to Prague was delayed by two hours, so don’t pack your itinerary too tightly—you need to account for possible delays.

The reason I chose this airline is that besides having good departure and arrival times, the ticket also includes one checked baggage (15 kg) and one carry-on (5 kg) (based on their 2013 official website baggage policy, reference link).

Rome > Prague for two people: €167.62, roughly NT$3,353 per person
(Based on the April 2013 exchange rate of approximately 1 euro = 40 NT$, all euros below are converted using this rate)

Prague > Paris for two people: 4,178 Czech koruna, roughly NT$3,165 per person
(Based on the April 2013 exchange rate, reference link. All koruna below are converted using this rate: divide Czech koruna by 0.66 to get NT$)

That’s the flight portion, totaling NT$38,327. For insurance, I got EU Schengen travel insurance for NT$2,130.

For accommodation, in Rome, Italy, I stayed at Sixbeds for three nights—NT$120 per person per night, including breakfast, about NT$4,800.

In Prague, Czech Republic, I stayed at Hostel Downtown for three nights—NT$2,400 koruna per person per night, no breakfast, about NT$3,636. In the Czech town of Český Krumlov, I stayed at Penzionek Olšakovský for two nights—NT$1,350 koruna per person per night, including breakfast, about NT$2,045. In Paris, France, I stayed at Auberge Internationale des Jeunes for five nights—NT$124 per person per night, including breakfast, about NT$4,960.

In Abu Dhabi, UAE, I stayed at Radisson Blu Yas Island for one night—NT$250 per person per night, including breakfast, about NT$2,000.

(Based on the April 2013 exchange rate, reference link. All UAE dirhams below are converted using this rate: multiply UAE dirham by 8 to get NT$. The UAE hotel was booked through a travel agency partnered with Etihad Airways to obtain a 96-hour free visa and stay at a four-star hotel.)

Total for accommodation: NT$17,441

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Here’s a brief itinerary:

04/16 China Airlines: Taipei > Tokyo; Etihad Airways: Tokyo > Abu Dhabi

　　　McDonald’s meal for two at Abu Dhabi Airport: NT$212, NT$106 per person

04/17 Etihad Airways (actually flew with ITA Airways): Abu Dhabi > Rome

　　　Spanish Steps > Twin Churches > Trevi Fountain > Piazza Bellini

Transportation:
Airport bus to central Rome: NT$5 per person, about NT$200; took the metro twice in the city, NT$3 per person, about NT$120

Lunch:
Pastario: NT$15 per person, about NT$600

Desserts: Lorso blango ice cream for two at €5 (€2.5 per person, approx. NT$100); Bar Frattina ice cream for two at €1.8 (€0.9 per person, approx. NT$36)

Dinner:
Pizza at Palombimi near the Trevi Fountain, €5 per person, approx. NT$200

Other expenses:
Supermarket Drug store CONAD, €4 per person, approx. NT$160

Total: NT$1,522

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04/18　

St. Peter’s Square > St. Peter’s Basilica (dome climb) > Vatican Museums > Ponte Sant’Angelo > Piazza Venezia > Night photography of the Tiber River > Night photography of the Colosseum

Transportation:
Two metro rides, €3 per person, approx. NT$120

Entertainment:
Free entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, audio guide (Chinese), €5 for two (€2.5 per person, approx. NT$100). Dome climb at St. Peter’s Basilica, €7 per person (elevator available), approx. NT$280; Vatican Museums ticket €16 per person, approx. NT$640, audio guide for two €7 (€3.5 per person, approx. NT$140).

Lunch:
Pizza at Alice, €5 per person, approx. NT$200

Dinner:
Risorgimento caffe, €21 per person, approx. NT$840

Desserts:
Ice cream at Old brideg for two at €3 (€1.5 per person, approx. NT$60); Ice cream at Mariotti for two at €9 (€4.5 per person, approx. NT$180)

Other expenses:
Postcards €3, stamps €10, total €13, approx. NT$520

Total: NT$3,080
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04/19　

Ancient Roman Forum > Colosseum > Mouth of Truth > Piazza Venezia > Pantheon > Piazza Venezia

Transportation:
Two metro rides, €3, approx. NT$120

Entertainment:
Combo ticket for Ancient Roman Forum (includes Colosseum entry) €12 per person, Chinese guide for two €5 (€2.5 per person, total approx. NT$580); Colosseum Chinese guide for two €6 (€3 per person, approx. NT$120), photo fee at Mouth of Truth €0.5 per person, approx. NT$20

Lunch:
Panini sandwich from roadside food truck, €4 per person, approx. NT$160, lemon soda €4, approx. NT$160, cola €1.5, approx. NT$60

Dinner:
Again at Pastsrito, €22 per person, approx. NT$880

Desserts:
Ice cream loved by the Pope at Giolitti – 4.5 euros, about 180 TWD

Other expenses:
Church donation & candle lighting – 1 euro, about 40 TWD

Total: 2,320 TWD
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04/20　Final supermarket shopping > Rome to Prague flight

Transportation:
Metro ride – 1.5 euros, about 60 TWD; shuttle bus from Rome city to airport – 6 euros, about 240 TWD.

Lunch:
Airport restaurant Ciao for two – 27.4 euros, about 548 TWD; airport mineral water and espresso – 2.9 euros, about 116 TWD.

Desserts:
Ice cream at Tavola calda – 3 euros, about 120 TWD

Other expenses:
Supermarket shopping – 7.58 euros, about 303 TWD

---Arrival in Prague, Czech Republic---

Transportation:
Bus and metro to city center (including luggage ticket) – 48 CZK, about 73 TWD

Dinner:
SVE JK – Traditional Czech pork knuckle meal with beer – 308 CZK, about 467 TWD

Other expenses:
Prepaid Vodafone SIM card with 1GB data at airport – 200 CZK, about 303 TWD; supermarket spending – 59 CZK, about 89 TWD

Total: 2,319 TWD
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04/21　

Prague > Český Krumlov (Krumlov) town

Climb the Painted Tower > Český Krumlov Castle > Royal Garden (castle interior not visited – garden and castle area are free)

Transportation:
Student Agency bus round-trip Prague–Český Krumlov – 380 CZK, about 576 TWD; metro ticket – 32 CZK, about 48 TWD (this was overpriced, will explain Prague metro fare judgment in a dedicated post)

Activities:
Climbing the Painted Tower – 100 CZK per person, about 152 TWD; English guided tour of the castle – 250 CZK per person, about 379 TWD.

Dinner:
Cellar Restaurant KRČMA V SATLAVSKE for two – 700 CZK, or 350 CZK per person, about 530 TWD.

Desserts:
One 50g Czech traditional pastry roll costs 50 CZK (~NT$38), 25 CZK (~NT$19) per person.

Other expenses:
Homestay drinks: 40 CZK (~NT$61); postcards and stamps: 185 CZK (~NT$280); breakfast bought on the Student Agency bus: 42 CZK (~NT$64)

Total: NT$2,128
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04/22　

Wandering and shopping in Český Krumlov town

Lunch:
Pizzeria for two: 425 CZK (~NT$322), 212.5 CZK (~NT$161) per person

Dinner:
Cellar restaurant KRMA V SATLAVSKE for two: 790 CZK (~NT$598), 395 CZK (~NT$299) per person

Desserts:
Ice cream at PASAZ: 55 CZK (~NT$83)

Other expenses:
Mineral water: 10 CZK (~NT$15); hedgehog pen holder: 599 CZK (~NT$908); supermarket for two: 115 CZK (~NT$87), 57.5 CZK (~NT$87) per person

Total: NT$2,013
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04/23　

Return to Prague

Old Town Square > Astronomical Clock > Climb the Astronomical Tower > Havelské Tržnice > Black Light Theatre

Transportation:
One metro ride: 32 CZK (~NT$48)

Entertainment:
Black Light Theatre: 480 CZK (~NT$727); climbing the Astronomical Tower: 100 CZK (~NT$151)

Lunch:
Food stalls near the Old Town Square: one chicken skewer burger for 100 CZK (~NT$76), 50 CZK (~NT$38) per person; one sausage burger for 60 CZK (~NT$45), 30 CZK (~NT$23) per person

Dinner:
BOHEMIA BAGEL for two: 383 CZK (~NT$290), 191.5 CZK (~NT$145) per person

Desserts:
Fresh strawberries: one weighed box for 85 CZK (~NT$64), 42.5 CZK (~NT$32) per person; ice cream: 50 CZK (~NT$76)

Other expenses:
Astronomical Clock info toilet use: 3 CZK (~NT$5); postcards: 35 CZK (~NT$53); hand-painted mug: 100 CZK (~NT$151); supermarket for two: 153 CZK (~NT$116), 76.5 CZK (~NT$58) per person

Total: 1,802 TWD
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04/24

Café Louvre > Prague Castle District > St. Vitus Cathedral > Old Royal Palace > Waldstein Palace > Municipal House Smetana Hall Afternoon Tea > Powder Tower > Botanicus Flagship Store > Albert Hypermarket > Municipal House Smetana Music Hall Concert

Transportation:
Four metro rides for two people: 128 CZK total, 64 CZK per person, approx. 97 TWD

Entertainment:
Castle sightseeing combo ticket: 250 CZK per person, approx. 379 TWD; photo fee inside the Castle District: 50 CZK per camera, approx. 76 TWD; concert: 730 CZK per person, approx. 1,106 TWD

Breakfast:
Café Louvre: 399 CZK for two, 199.5 CZK per person, approx. 302 TWD

Lunch:
Hot dog from street vendor: 50 CZK per person, approx. 76 TWD; drinks for two: 105 CZK, 52.5 CZK per person, approx. 80 TWD

Afternoon tea:
Café at Municipal House Kavarna Obecní dům: 550 CZK for two, 275 CZK per person, approx. 417 TWD

Dinner:
KEBAB STAR PIZZA wrap and pizza: 144 CZK, approx. 218 TWD; SVE JK for two: 334 CZK, 167 CZK per person, approx. 253 TWD

Other expenses:
Albert supermarket: 316 CZK, approx. 479 TWD; Botanicus flagship store: 394 CZK, approx. 597 TWD

Total: 4,080 TWD
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04/25　

Final shopping at Tesco, flight from Prague to Paris

Breakfast:
Tesco shopping and breakfast for two: 400 CZK, 200 CZK per person, approx. 303 TWD

Lunch:
Chicken burger at Prague Airport: 90 CZK, approx. 136 TWD; airport chocolate vending machine, two drinks: 52 CZK, approx. 79 TWD; one bottle of cola on the plane, approx. 50 CZK, approx. 76 TWD

---Arrived in Paris---

Transportation:
Weekly NAVIGO metro pass (zones 1–5): 39.4 EUR per person, approx. 1,576 TWD

Entertainment:
Museum Pass (hereafter MP) 4-day pass: 54 EUR per person, approx. 2,160 TWD; Eiffel Tower summit (TOP) access: 14.5 EUR per person, approx. 580 TWD

Other expenses:
MONOPRIX supermarket: 14.5 EUR (includes afternoon tea, dinner, drinks), approx. 580 TWD　

Total: 5,490 TWD
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04/26　

Notre-Dame Cathedral (climb to the top - MP available) > Seine River Cruise BATOBUS > Place de la Concorde > Musée de l'Orangerie (MP available) > Jardin des Tuileries

Transportation:
BATOBUS one-day cruise ticket (original price 15 euros), discounted with NAVIGO card to 9 euros per person, about 360 TWD

Lunch:
Roadside ham burger, 4.5 euros for two, 2.25 euros per person, about 90 TWD

Afternoon tea:
BOULANGERIE bakery, 9.9 euros, about 396 TWD

Dessert:
Berthillon ice cream, 3 euros per person, about 120 TWD; Amorino ice cream, 5.5 euros for two, 2.75 euros per person, about 110 TWD

Dinner:
BREIZH Café crêpes, 36.9 euros for two, 18.45 euros per person, about 738 TWD

Other expenses:
MONOPRIX supermarket 4.91 euros, about 196 TWD; G20 supermarket, 16.54 euros for two, 8.27 euros per person, about 331 TWD; magnets 4.5 euros, about 180 TWD; postcards 2.1 euros, about 84 TWD

Total: 2605 TWD
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04/27　

Palace of Versailles (MP available, garden excluded) > Arc de Triomphe (climb to the top - MP available)

Activities:
Versailles Palace Gardens 8.5 euros, about 340 TWD

Lunch:
Supermarket shopping 8 euros, about 320 TWD

Afternoon tea:
Tiramisu from supermarket 1.68 euros, about 67 TWD

Dinner:
McDonald’s (one set meal for two) 7.8 euros for two, 3.7 euros per person, about 148 TWD

Total: 875 TWD

04/28　Bastille Open-Air Market > Sacré-Cœur Basilica > Montmartre stroll > Les Deux Moulins Café > Moulin Rouge > Musée d'Orsay (MP available) > Café de Flore > Night photography at the Louvre

Morning tea:
Open-air market crêpes, 2.5 euros for two, 1.25 euros per person, about 50 TWD; open-air market seafood rice, 5.64 euros for two, 2.82 euros per person, about 113 TWD; open-air market handmade desserts, 4.6 euros for two, 2.3 euros per person, about 92 TWD

Lunch:
Café des Deux Moulins, two people €18.2, one person €9.1, about NT$364

Desserts:
Macarons from Christophe Roussel duo creatif avec Julie, two people €6, one person €3, about NT$120; Bread from Le Grenier à Pain bakery, two people €8, one person €4, about NT$160

Other expenses:
Juice purchased at supermarket, two people €2.29, one person €1.145, about NT$46; Lemon soda purchased at supermarket (actually meant to buy water but bought wrong), two people €1.7, one person €0.85, about NT$34

Dinner:
Café de Flore, two people €51, one person €25.5, about NT$1020

Total: NT$1999
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04/29　

Café Angelina > Louvre (can use MP) > Champs-Élysées

Transportation:
Metro tickets, 10-ticket pack, two people €13.3, one person €6.65, about NT$266

Morning tea:
Café Angelina (ANGELINA), two people €45.5, one person €22.75, about NT$910

Desserts:
Macarons from PIERRE HERMÉ, two people €7.8, one person €3.9, about NT$156; Croissant from PAUL €1.1, about NT$44; Macarons from LADURÉE, two people €9.25, one person €4.625, about NT$185

Dinner:
AU VIEUX COLOMBIER restaurant, two people €47, one person €23.5, about NT$940

Other expenses:
Water, two people €1.5, one person €0.75, about NT$30; Cola, two people €2.5, one person €1.25, about NT$50; Bottle of Angelina chocolate syrup, €10, about NT$400

Total: NT$2981
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04/30　

Galeries Lafayette > Printemps > L'ESCARGOT snail specialty shop

Transportation:
Single metro ride €1.7, about NT$68; Bus from Lyon station to airport €17, about NT$680

Morning tea:
Au Fin delicatessen, two people €4.6, one person €2.3, about NT$92

Lunch:
L'ESCARGOT snail specialty shop, two people €80.5, one person €40.25, about NT$1610

Desserts:
Macarons from LADURÉE, two people €2.775, about NT$111

Other expenses:
L'Occitane shea butter hand cream 150ml, €19.5 (~NT$780); final supermarket purchase at €19.4 (~NT$776); printing documents €1.7 (~NT$68); bought an Eiffel Tower candy jar at the airport for €10 (~NT$400); bought FAUCHON macarons at the airport for €3.4 for two (€1.7 each), ~NT$68; bought ham bread with cola and cola gummies at the airport for €9.2 for two (€4.6 each), ~NT$184

Total: NT$4,837
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05/01　

Arrive in Abu Dhabi

Arrived in Abu Dhabi

Free bus to Dubai > Old Souk > Spice Souk > Gold Souk > Dubai Mall
Transportation:

Dubai Metro one-day pass, AED 16 (~NT$128); taxi from Abu Dhabi Airport to hotel, AED 30 total (AED 15 each), ~NT$120; two rides on the water bus, total AED 2 (~NT$16)
Lunch:

Dubai Mall food court, Arabic spiced rice and chicken burger, total AED 77 (~NT$616)
Dinner:

DEAN&DELUCA CAFE (Dubai Fountain front-row view restaurant), AED 140 for two (AED 70 each), ~NT$560
Other expenses:

Orange juice and lemon juice each AED 1 (~NT$16); water AED 3 (~NT$24); Pepsi AED 2 (~NT$16); Starbucks strawberry vanilla Frappuccino, AED 26 for two (AED 13 each), ~NT$104; 7 postcards, AED 25 (~NT$200, got overcharged)
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05/02　

Total: NT$1,800

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
Transportation:

Hotel to mosque, AED 42.5 for two (AED 21.25 each), ~NT$170; mosque to hotel, remembered as AED 35 for two (AED 17.5 each), ~NT$140; hotel to airport, AED 20 for two (AED 10 each), ~NT$80
Breakfast:

Room Service Arabic sunrise breakfast, AED 99 for two (AED 49.5 each), ~NT$396
Dinner:

Hotel buffet, AED 144.5 per person, ~NT$1,156
Other expenses:

Postage stamps, AED 38.5 for two (AED 19.25 each), ~NT$154
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Total: NT$2,096　

05/03

Arrived in Tokyo, connecting flight back to Taipei

Spent JPY 558 on card at the airport, ~NT$168 (exchange rate May 2013: NT$1 = JPY 0.3)
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Total: NT$168

Therefore, the total cost is NT$100,013

Report complete!!! If you spot any calculation errors, please leave a message and let me know—I spent ages working this out～Let's go—time to travel!　
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