I have been to many countries and I am planning to focus on those long-way journey in Europe. The reasons are: 1. I see people go traveling in Asia may have even experienced more than me. 2. Europe is the thing you need more pre-research and work prior the journey.
For the backpackers, the first thing to decide is to which airport is the most economic and efficient for your trip. The most popular places to visit in Europe are: London(UK), Paris(FR), Rome(IT)..ect. and they all got cheap flight fly from/to 4 different major airports in London. Since I was based in London while travelling and I strongly suggest if you are a international traveller, fly to Heathrow and spend a few days in London then continue your journey to other neighbor countries. This blog is going to introduce the pros and cons between these airports.
Here is the location map of them (Photo Credit: Airports Guides)
As you see above, they are fairly located in 4 directions in London.
I'd imply point out a few things I have experienced in these 4 airports:
Stansted: The easiest one to reach, took the airport express train (Stansted Express)
from London Liverpool Station. It took less than 1 hour but the it seems to be the most expensive one as well. (cost £23.40 per ticket). If you are not short of time and could have alternative choices to fly to your destination, I'd suggest you to choose Gatwick for saving more for your journey. Gatwick: My personal favourite, if you are located in South East London, it only takes you less than 40 mins to reach Gatwick by train. EasyJet and Ryanair both serves in Gatwick. (no all the locations in Stansted). However, I have experienced delayed in Gatwick twice. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour prior the departure or keep on track of the flight update just in case of any unexpectation.
Luton: The furthest but cheapest. You can find really cheap tickets which the flight departs/arrives at Luton. If you got flexible time and are not back off by the long distance journey to the airport, you could choose to fly from Luton. But, do notice the departure and arrival time. If you have the very early morning or midnight flight, it won't be a smart idea to sleep over nearby the airport just for saving a couple bucks.
City: To be honest, I have never fly from city airport. It seems to have the least destinations fly through this airport. and it takes about 45 mins from the central London to this airport by coach.
