LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Getting Started
Untitled Document
A trip to Hungary actually requires very little advance planning. Free tourist literature abounds, maps are excellent and readily available, and staff at tourist offices, travel agencies, hotels, train stations and so on are generally helpful and knowledgeable. In fact, almost anything can be arranged after you’ve arrived. And as most experienced travellers know, the problems that occurred to you at home usually turn out to be irrelevant or sort themselves out once you’re on the road.
But all this applies only if you have unlimited time and budget, you don’t have an interest in a particular activity, type of architecture or kind of music, and you’ll eat or drink anything set down in front of you. If you have to watch what you spend or want better value for your money while travelling, you will benefit greatly from careful planning. And if you have specific interests, you’ll certainly want to make sure that the things you came to see and do will be possible when you visit.
DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT...
There are no particular items of clothing to remember when packing – an umbrella in spring and autumn, perhaps, and a warm hat in winter – unless you plan to do some serious hiking or other sport. In general, Hungarians dress very casually – their summer fashions and beachwear are daringly brief, even by Continental European standards – and many attend even the opera in denim. Men needn’t bother bringing a tie; it will never be used.
A swimsuit for use in the mixed-sex thermal spas and pools is a good idea as are plastic sandals or thongs (flip-flops). If you plan to stay in hostels, pack a towel and soap. Bedclothes are usually provided, though you might want to bring your own sleeping sheet, as well as a padlock for storage lockers.
Other items you might need include:
- a compass to help orient yourself while rambling (or even while driving)
- a torch/flashlight if you intend on camping or visiting caves
- an adaptor plug for electrical appliances that don’t have a standard two-pin European plug (eg, an immersion water heater or small kettle for an - impromptu cup of tea or coffee)
- a universal bath/sink plug (a plastic film canister sometimes works)
- sunglasses and sun block, even in the cooler months these days
- premoistened towelettes or a large cotton handkerchief to soak in fountains and use to cool off in the hot summer months
- a Swiss Army knife (or equivalent), with such essentials as a bottle opener and strong corkscrew (don’t forget to pack it with your check-on luggage, though)
- binoculars for trekking, bird-watching or viewing detail on churches and other buildings
- photocopies of important documents (passport data page, credit cards, travel insurance policy, air/bus/train tickets, driving licence etc), with a copy left with someone at home
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
