The women, aged 27, from Sungai Besar, Selangor, have loved to travel since they were young.
Through meticulous planning and strict discipline, both successfully completed their mission to travel to 24 European countries on Nov 8 last year after embarking on their journey on Oct 7.
They covered major towns and interesting tourist locations in Switzerland, France, England, Spain, Iceland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.
They also went to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, Romania, Malta and Vatican City.
Hirza and Fasya each spent RM15,000 on their journey. The money was mostly spent on transportation and lodgings.
Hirza said their travel to Europe took five months to plan, using trains, buses and planes.
“We stayed longer than two days in popular European countries with lots of tourist attractions like France, Italy and Switzerland. We spent just one day in less popular countries like Malta.
“There were also side adventures to Estonia and Latvia,” she said, adding that their adventure also went viral and was shared by netizens on social media.
A human resources manager, she said the trip was their first to Europe.
“I have heard stories of the many interesting places to visit in Europe, so I decided to see them for myself. If another opportunity to go to Europe comes again, I’m ready.”
She said she loved the natural beauty found in these countries.
Fasya said she was upset when her iPhone was stolen while travelling from Italy to Switzerland while boarding a train in Milan. Although she managed to track down the location of the stolen iPhone, she decided not to pursue the matter and bought a new phone.
Another traveller, Maslinda Supandi, better known as Violet Biru, said the two friends were wise to make thorough travelling plans and to take up the challenge together.
“I am truly impressed to see more female travellers coming out of their comfort zone and learning to survive in a foreign country.
“Their work commitments have not prevented them from travelling and seeing the world.
“Other youngsters should follow their example and travel the world to open up their minds,” said Violet Biru, who has travelled to 42 countries.
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