6 Best Places in Scandinavia

1. Rosenborg Castle, Denmark

Rosenborg Castle is, for me, one of best tourist attractions in Scandinavia to see royal artifacts on display. Rosenborg Castle boasts an amazing collection of royal treasures located in the castle’s basement which include the famous crown that Christian IV wore during his coronation, and the crown jewels which are still worn by the queen on special occasions.

All three floors and rooms of the castle are also opened to visitors so you get to see the king’s study room, beautiful tapestries, portraits of the king as a boy, and the king’s throne.
 
2. Vigeland Park, Norway

Vigeland Park is one of the most visited attractions in Oslo boasting beautifully hand-crafted bronze and granite sculptures depicting human emotions. One of the most popular statues in the park is the famous 40 ft Monolith Statue which is surrounded by nude-posing statues.

The Monolith Statue itself was carved out of one single granite stone which really highlights the level of craftsmanship skill of Norwegian sculpture Gustav Vigeland.

3. Vasa Museum, Sweden

The Vasa Museum is without a doubt, one of the best museums in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in Scandinavia.

If you’re a fan of ships or are interested in 17th century naval warfare, you’ll enjoy spending a couple of hours at the Vasa museum learning about the famous wreckage of the 400 year-old Vasa wooden warship, which sank the first day it sailed. The ship has been restored to its former glory though considering its age the ship has remained in superb condition.

4. Tivoli Gardens, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Copenhagen and it’s also a great place to enjoy a fun day with family or friends. Tivoli Gardens is like a fairy-tale with one of the most stunning amusement park you’ll ever visit in the world particularly at night when the entire park (including the rides) are beautifully lit up.

Tivoli Gardens is essentially one of the oldest fairgrounds in the world boasting fun themed areas, old fashioned wooden coasters, beautiful floral gardens, fountains, concert halls, and dozens of restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner. 
 
5. Floyen Peak, Norway

Floyen Peak is one of the most memorable places I visited in Scandinavia, and it's one of the best spots in Norway to experience the outdoors. The top of Floyen boasts a huge heated observational platform with a staircase where you can sit for hours taking plenty of photos and soaking the views of Bergen and the area around.

You can get to the top of Floyen on the funicular or by hiking along the nature trails, though the hike to the top takes roughly 45 minutes compared to 10 minutes on the funicular, which costs around $6 each-way (or free with the Bergen Card).

6. Skansen Open-Air Museum, Stockholm

Skansen is another attraction in Stockholm that you wouldn’t want to miss for the world when visiting Scandinavia. First of all, Skansen is the oldest open air museum in the world and most of the buildings are originals that were built in the 1800’s. Skansen truly recreates the atmosphere of a 19th century Swedish village as it’s complete with horse-drawn carriages, a working bakery, blacksmith, and farms.

Skansen is great to visit all year long though if you really want to learn about Swedish traditions and culture, you’ll want to visit Skansen during one of its annual festivities such as the Midsommar Festival (June 21st-26th), Easter, the Norwegian National Day (May 17th), and Christmas to watch traditional Swedish folk dance performances.

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7 Best Beach Bars in Europe

1. Hula-Hula, Hvar

Hula-Hula is one of the best beach bars in Europe and it's located on the party town of Hvar which is one of the best party beaches in Europe during the summer season.

Hula-Hula bar is located on the stunning Hula Hula beach which is just a short walk from Hvar town center where the famous Carpe Diem nightclub is located. The great thing about Hula Hula beach bar is that during the afternoon you can enjoy a quite lunch, while in the evening you can enjoy Hula-Hula’s nice beach parties.

2. Buddha Beach, Puerto Banus

Buddha Beach is located on the glorious town of Marbella, which is one of the most glamorous beach destinations in Spain.

If you’re looking for an up-scale and relaxing spot to enjoy a meal and a cocktail pool-side while listening to soothing tunes, Buddha Beach is definitely one of the best beach bars in Europe. The bar boasts beds and cabanas by the beach, as well as a nice spa and lovely beach front restaurant.

3. PK2, Ibiza
The island of Ibiza does boast many restaurants and party beach hang outs such as the legendary Bora in Playa d'en Bossa. Having said this, PK2 has to be one of the best beach bars in Europe because of its amazing location, as well as its paella which the bar is famously known for.

PK2 is located in the secluded cove (almost hard to find) of Playa S’Estanyol, which is a nice spot for a peaceful day at the beach without the large crowds. Saying this, PK2 beach bar is just 10 minutes drive from Ibiza Town so you’re never too far from the hustle and bustle!
 
4. Dimitrios Beach Bar, Zakynthos

Dimitrios Beach Bar is located in the town of Argassi and it’s a popular pool/ beach bar in the Ionian Islands of Greece.

Dimitrios Beach bar boasts beautiful views across the ocean, and it’s definitely one of the best beach bars in Europe for families with kids. Dimitrios Beach bar offers amenities such as a free pool table, swimming pool and tennis courts to keep kids occupied.

5. Buzz Beach Bar, Oludeniz

Buzz Beach Bar is located on the southern coast of Turkey (east of Antalya) and it’s without a doubt, one of the best beach bars in Europe because of the amazing views you can get of the sunset from the bar’s upper deck.

Buzz Beach Bar’s location and atmosphere are idyllic for enjoying a relaxing night out drinking cocktails and eating yummy kebabs.

6. Ray’s Lido, Malta

Ray’s Lido is found on the northern corner of the main island of Malta (on Little Armier Bay), and it’s one of the best beach bars in Europe as you can visit here even in winter.

Ray’s Lido bar is blessed by the lovely Maltese weather and it’s situated on a stunning stretch of golden sandy beach with amazing crystal clear waters where you can enjoy jet-ski safaris around the island of Malta, as well as other water sports such as paragliding, banana boat rides, and boat trips.

7. Blue Bar, Porthtowan

Blue Bar is located in the English county of Cornwall and it is another of the best beach bars in Europe because of the fantastic views the ocean waves and general vibe.

The town of Porthtowan is known as surfers paradise and Blue Bar is a definitely a surfers’ hang out, though families also visit Blue Bar to watch the surfers and waves rolling into the beach.

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6 Great Things to do in Reykjavik

Here it’s a few more cool stuff you can do while in Reykjavik:

1. Experience a hot pot soak in cold freezing weather

Iceland has its fair share of thermal pools areas and one of the must do things in Reykjavik is to go for a relaxing soak in the middle of freezing cold weather. The great thing about thermal pools in Reykjavik such as Laugardalslaug and Vesturbæjarlaug is that they’re fairly inexpensive.

However, the most unique place to go for hot pot soak has to be in the beach area of Nauthólsvík (next to Reykjavik Airport). The geothermal hot pots in Nauthólsvík beach are free to use and, best of all, they’re right in town!

2. Ride-back an Icelandic horse

Northern Light and snowmobiling tours are certainly some the most popular type of tours to book in Iceland. However, while in Reykjavik you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to ride on a beautiful Icelandic horse through the highland plateau of Reykjavik.

There are a handful of tour operators in the area around Reykjavik such as Laxnes Horse Farm, Eldhestar, and Viking Horses offering horse riding tours, although the nearest horse riding company to Reykjavik is The Icelandic Horse, which is located a few minutes outside of the city (on the way to Lake Rauthavatn). 

3. Take the ferry ride to Videy Island and pay respects to John Lennon

However long you plan to be in Reykjavik, you must take the five-minute ferry ride from Reykjavik Old Harbour to Videy and explore this beautiful island. You won’t only be rewarded by stunning views of Reykjavik but you may also be lucky enough to see the northern lights from there.

Besides soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning scenery of Videy, you’ll also be able to tour the John Lennon “Imagine Peace Tower” memorial, and see the fantastic beaming light, which is lit up between the 9 October (Lennon's day of birth) and 8 December (Lennon's day of death) and New Year’s Eve.
 
4. Climb Mount Esja

You can’t really say you’ve fully experienced Reykjavik without climbing the famous and glorious Mt Esja to enjoy panoramic views of Reykjavik's skyline. The hike to the top of Mt Esja is fairly easy, though it’s a good idea to hire a local guide or go with someone who knows the mountain to get a better experience. A couple places where you can go and arrange a guided tour of Mt Esja would be “Season Tours” and “Reykjavik Backpackers”.

Saying this, you can easily get to Mt Esja independently by using public transport. You’ll need to catch two buses though: 1) The #15 bus from Hlemmur bus terminal (Reykjavik) to the town of Mosfellsbaer, and 2) take the #27 bus to Mt Esja (which will drop you right by the foot of the mountain).

5. Capture an unforgettable sunset from Nes

“Nes” (Seltjarnarnes) is one of the oldest settlements in Iceland and one of the most stunning locales in the country to snap-up some photos. Nes is located on the westernmost tip of the Greater Reykjavík Area and the town’s coastlines offer beautiful views of the ocean, seabird life and the sunsets.

In fact, photographing a sunset from Nes is one of the must do things in Reykjavik that will be definitely worth your while. Be sure though to bring a good camera to take nice shots like the above picture (preferably a full-frame digital SLR camera such as the Canon EOS 5D, the Nikon D700 or Sony DSLR-A900)


6. Sample Icelandic cuisine

Sampling a typical Icelandic dish is no doubt, one of the must do things in Reykjavik. The city of Reykjavik is home to superb restaurants where you can sample lamb and seafood dishes such as lobster soup, fish kebabs, caviar, dolphin and whale meat. You can even get fish & chips Icelandic style from an eatery called “Icelandic Fish & Chips”, which is located right by the harbor (near Life of Whales).

The Fish Company (near the Reykjavik Art Museum), the Seafood Cellar Restaurant and the Icelandic Bar (opposite Austurvöllur Square) are some other popular places to try traditional Icelandic dishes.

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10 Things to do in Greenland

If you’re the adventurous type you’ll love every bit of the land some nickname - Lady of Snow! Below it’s a neat list of top 10 things to do in Greenland. Hope you find it useful!

1. View the most spectacular ice region outside Antarctica

Greenland is certainly known for its stunning natural areas, though none are more stunning than the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, which is easily the most beautiful ice stream region in Greenland. The Icefjord boasts some of the most dramatic views of glaciers and iceberg formations outside of Antarctica.

The biggest glacier in the Icefjord is the Sermeq Kujalleq, which is roughly the size of Long Island New York. Even if you’ve seen an iceberg before you can still guarantee to be taken by the majesty of the Sermeq Kujalleq whose sheer size will quite literary take your breath away!

Best thing about viewing the Icefjord region is that it’s pretty accessible and doesn't require any particular mountaineering skills.

2. Learn about Greenland’s Danish heritage

If you’re interested in learning about Greenland’s colonial past, be sure to visit the towns located along the west coast of Greenland (ice-free coast). Places such as Nuuk (oldest town), Sisimiut (2nd largest town), Narsaq, Qaqortoq, Ilulissat (3rd largest town) and Paamiut boast colorful colonial buildings and cute wooden churches that offer a nice glimpse into Greenland’s Danish past.

Another place worth visiting is the capital Nuuk, which is probably the best place to go in Greenland to learn about the country’s history since it’s home to an interesting mummy exhibit displaying 500 year-old mummies.

3. See the amazing Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are often referred to as the “the biggest light show on earth” and during your visit to Greenland you certainly cannot miss experiencing this rare natural spectacle!

If you’re planning to travel to Greenland for the sole purpose of seeing the Aurora Borealis then, be sure you travel in winter. You can have a good chance to see the Northern Lights anytime between November and March, though December thru February are the best months to see the lights because nights are clearer.

You can see the Northern Lights from all across Greenland, though the best spots to see the lights are Qaqortoq (south Greenland), Ittoqqortoormiit (east Greenland) and Kangerlussuaq (west Greenland).

4. Visit one of the oldest ancient Eskimo settlements in the region

The Sermermiut settlement in Greenland boasts some of the best preserved remnants of Eskimo indigenous cultures in the Arctic region. The actual settlement is located right next to the Iceford (roughly a mile from the town of Ilulissat) and can be reached on an easy hour hike.

The actual settlement is abandoned but you can still see artifacts from the various indigenous peoples that lived there more that 2,000 years ago.
5. See gigantic icebergs and whales up-close

Taking a whale watching tour and seeing floating icebergs are most certainly two of the top 10 things to do in Greenland, though you’ll need to travel during the Greenlandic summer (May thru September) for the best experience.

Most of the fjords normally melt by May so June/July is the best time for sailing among icebergs and doing whale watching along Greenland’s coasts. Whale watching and iceberg tours are offered by operators such as “Disko Line” and “World of Greenland” and sail out of coastal towns such as Nuuk, Qeqertarsuaq and Aasiaat.

6. Enjoy a relaxing soak in Greenland’s biggest hot spring

Greenland may not be known for its hot springs so you'll be surprised to learn that Greenland hundreds of hot springs where you can enjoy a warm relaxing soak. Again, the months of summer (June thru August) are the perfect time to enjoy Greenland’s hot springs, which on average heat up to a cool 38 degrees Celsius.

The most popular hot springs in Greenland are the Uunartoq hot springs in the island of Uunartoq (east Greenland) and Disko Island’s hot springs, which are just a short boat ride from the town of Ilulissat.

7. Viking sites in Greenland

Seeing the remnants of Eric the Red’s 1000 year old Norse colonies is another must do while exploring southern Greenland.

There are several Viking ruins found in the southern region of Greenland, which include the Hvalsey Fjord Church (oldest remnants in Greenland) and Brattahlid ruins located near the town of Qassiarsuk (20 minutes boat ride from Narsarsuaq international airport).

8. Experience Greenland’s Arctic wildlife on a sled or snowmobile

Exploring the wildlife is no doubt, one of the top 10 things to do in Greenland and the best way to experience Greenland's Arctic nature is on a sledding tour or snowmobiling excursion.

No matter the time of year, you’ll be able to spot wildlife in Greenland without much difficulty. Reindeer, musk oxen, polar bears and the white-tailed eagle are some of the most popular wildlife to be seen in Greenland.

Having said this, the best months for dog-sledding and snowmobiling in Greenland are January thru April. There are multiple tour operators all across Greenland offering a wide range of dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures to suit different budgets so it's worth inquiring around. Some of the most popular areas to explore in Greenland are Disko Bay, Tasiussaq fjord, Qaanaaq and Thule.

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7 Most Beautiful Towns in America

American towns are historic and nostalgic treasures full of charm and character. In one hand, you have beautiful beach towns of California on the west coast, and charming Midwestern towns of Iowa where you can experience the real America.

Then, you have colonial towns of New England on the east coast of the USA which are filled with history. We’ve picked the following American towns below, not just for their exceptional beauty but also because they’re great to visit any time of the year.

Hope you like our round up of the most beautiful towns in the US. If you have your own personal favorite American town that we haven’t included, you can always send us in your suggestions!

1. Bar Harbor Maine

Known for its lobster ice-cream, the little seaside town of Bar Harbor was in colonial times the town of choice for the wealthy, and it’s today a cozy place for all to enjoy a relaxing family vacation.

You can visit Bar Harbor Maine all year long, especially in autumn when weather is cool and scenery is most beautiful.


Bar Harbor boasts stunning natural beauty, as well a lovely waterfront, which is home to fine restaurants and museums, as well as a beautiful historic district filled with beautiful summer cottages.

2. Burlington Vermont

Burlington is a lively town located in a region that also boasts great natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities all year long.

Burlington is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in the US as it sits on a hill overlooking the majestic Lake Champlain where you can enjoy water based activities like boating and fishing.

Burlington Vermont also has a lovely college town feel being home to the University of Vermont right in town, and a beautiful pedestrian district, which is filled with historic buildings and lovely boutique shops.

3. Oshkosh Wisconsin

The town of Oshkosh is another beautiful American town which is located between Lake Butte Des Morts and Lake Winnebago where you can enjoy plenty of water activities like boating and fishing.

On the face of it, Oshkosh is a small Midwestern town but it boasts lots of historic places and historic homes that you can tour on the annual historic tour of Oshkosh Historic Buldings.

There are also lots of entertainment opportunities and things to do in Oshkosh Wisconsin such as attending the popular EAA’s annual air show.

4. Astoria Oregon

Know as the filming location for the movies Free Willy and The Goonies, Astoria is a charming town that boasts picturesque Victorian architecture and a historic column (Astoria Column) which offers memorable views of the town and the Columbia River.

If you enjoy walking tours, you’ll love exploring Astoria’s downtown core on foot as it is dotted with many historic homes, which pre-date the 20th century.

Astoria's downtown area is also home to many fine dining restaurants and hotels, and many specialty shops.

5. Port Townsend Washington State

Port Townsend isn’t just a pretty town! PT, as most people know it, it’s a wonderful and historic seaport town that boasts some of the best preserved Victorian homes in the US, and best vistas of the Olympic Peninsula.

Port Townsend is also home to the historic Fort Worden State Park, historic neighborhoods and a historic waterfront district, all of which you can explore on guided tours.

If you have the pleasure to visit Port Townsend Washington State you’ll understand why Port Townsend is one of the most beautiful towns in the US.

6. Monterey California

Monterey is another lovely seaside town located along the beautiful Californian coast that has to be included on our list of most beautiful towns in the US.

Monterey boasts a rich colonial heritage that translates today in beautiful architecture and many historic landmarks such as Fisherman’s Wharf, which is one of the best places in Monterey to spot sea lions.

Besides exploring this historic town, you can enjoy other fun attractions such as visiting the renown Monterey Bay Aquarium, which you simply can’t miss visiting when in town!



7. Taos New Mexico

Taos is a charming old town nestled on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

Taos isn’t just one of the smallest towns in the US, but it’s also one of the oldest settlements in the US being built in the 14th century by the indigenous peoples.

Taos New Mexico boasts lots of native culture and colonial heritage that blends beautifully and giving the town of Taos its distinctive and unique feel.

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5 Famous Places in Philippines

Here it's a nice list of beautiful places to go in the Philippines:

1.Chocolate Hills
Chocolate Hills are another wonderful natural attraction that we have to add to the list of beautiful places in Philippines. The Chocolate Hills are found in the Visaya islands and are spectacular pyramid-like grass formations scattered throughout Bohol that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

To get the best views of the Chocolate Hills, you’ll want to head to the town of Carmen. There, you’ll find the tourist resort of Chocolate Hills Complex, which has a climbable viewing deck that offers panoramic views of the hills.

2. Pagsanjan Falls
Pagsanjan Falls (Magdapio Falls) are located in Luzon and they’re no doubt one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Philippines because of the amazing scenery and water rapids.

Pagsanjan Falls is also one of the most beautiful places in Philippines to visit for a fun day trip from Manila since you'll be able to explore caves and shoot the rapids on a bamboo canoe. If you want to enjoy a ride of Pagsanjan Falls on a dugout canoe, you’ll need to book a Pagsanjan Falls tour from Manila with local hotels and tour companies such as Tripinas and Manila Stay.

3. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reefs Park is one of the most pristine places you can go in the Philippines to explore marine life. Tubbataha boasts stunning coral reefs that span over 14 miles long and offer plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving throughout the year, though diving conditions are best between March and June.

To get to Tubbataha Reefs, you’ll have to catch either a flight or ferry from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa (Palawan). The plane is definitely the quickest way (1 hour) to get there, though the super ferry is cheaper if you're on a budget since it only costs around $30. Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to book day trips to the reefs in Tubbataha with one of the many dive operators there.

4. Mount Pulag

If you’re looking for beautiful places to hike and climb in Philippines, you’ll find that Mount Pulag is one of the prettiest and most climbable mountains in the Philippines. Mt. Pulag is also one of the highest mountains in the country and the national park surrounding it it’s filled with beautiful gorges and lush forests teeming with rare species of plants and wildlife.

To get to Mt. Pulag national park from Manila, you’ll first need to catch a bus to Baguio City (taking around 6 hours) and from there catch a jeepney or bus ride to Ambangeg (which takes around 2 hours). Saying this, it’s best to book a jeepney ride in Ambangeg since public buses don’t take you all the way to the parks's ranger station.

It costs around $16 to enter Mt. Pulag national park, and once inside the park you’ll have to hire a local tour guide for your duration of your stay in the park. To give an idea of prices, a local tour guide for up to seven people costs roughly $12 (500 Philippine pesos) for 2 days and 1 night, which is fairly inexpensive but you can only stay in the park for a maximum of 4 days and 3 nights.

5. Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is easily one of the most beautiful spots in the Philippines to enjoy a beach vacation. Bantayan Island is home to pretty beach resorts such as Santa Fe which boasts shallow turquoise waters and a gorgeous white sand shoreline.

Bantayan Island is without a question the place to go in the Philippines for soaking and relaxing under the sun during the day; while in the evening you can catch some of the most romantic views of the sunset.

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4 World's Cheapest Places for Backpackers

1.Thailand
When it comes to backpacking around the world, Thailand has to be the ‘numero uno’ destination in Southeast Asia for anyone traveling abroad, particularly backpackers. Thailand’s popularity among the backpacker community isn't surprising since Thailand is cheap, exotic, and offers something for everyone.

If you’re a backpacker that loves to party and pamper yourself, you’ll want to head to Patong Beach or Haad Rin Beach for the Full Moon Party, which is one of the most famous beach parties in Asia. Thai massage parlors are also some of the cheap places to go for backpackers in Thailand since for as little as a few bucks you can get that million dollar feeling!

If you are the outdoors type backpacker who wants to mingle with locals and discover nature, you’ll fall in love with Thailand’s glorious forests, beaches, festivals, and food markets such as the Songkran festival (April) and Chiang Mai’s weekend markets.

By the way, Thai people also love their elephants, and the elephant conservation parks in Chiang Mai offer a fantastic opportunity to hit the outdoors while getting to know these beautiful creatures up-close.

2.Malaysia
Malaysia is close second with Thailand for the title of cheap places to go for backpackers in Asia, even though Malaysia may not be as cheap as Thailand. However, Malaysia serves as an ideal stop-over point for trips to other Southeast Asian places such as Singapore, Indonesia and even the Philippines.

Besides its great location, Malaysia is such a marvelous destination for backpackers because of East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo), which is home to memorable beaches such as Perhentian Kecil and South Beach; and stunning national parks such as Gunung Mulu and Kinabalu where you can enjoy plenty of trekking excursions.

Kuala Lumpur's many attractions are also a heaven for backpackers and the best thing of KL is its large community of expats and cheap areas to stay such as Petaling Street in Chinatown where a few bucks there gets you a long way.

3. Southeast Europe
There is no doubt that when backpacking around the world, Europe is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers because of places such as Amsterdam and Rome, which boast some of the coolest sites in Europe. However, as most travelers will tell you Southeast Europe is the last frontier for backpacking in Europe, why?

Southeast Europe is cheapest region at the moment and it's a fantastic region to explore on a shoestring. Also, Southeast Europe is home to some of the prettiest scenery and sights such as the spectacular fortresses town in Maglic Serbia, which is one of the best unknown cities in Europe.

You’ll find plenty of good and affordable hostels in Southeast Europe in places such as Slovenia and Bosnia, which contrary to what you might have heard in the news it isn’t a battleground with tanks and burning wreckage. There are, of course, reminders of the past war but Sarajevo and Mostar in Bosnia are some of the most welcoming, multicultural and beautiful places you can visit in Europe.
 
 4.Australia
Australia is, no doubt, a backpackers’ delight and one hell of a destination for anyone that’s into serious adventurous traveling. If you want to feel like a explorer, the Northern Territory and Tasmania will have you sorted, particularly the island of Tasmania, which boasts some of the most dramatic scenery and wildlife anywhere in the world.

The national parks of Uluru and Kakadu in the Northern Territory are great places to explore because of the really spectacular rock formations such as Ayers Rock (located in Australia’s famous Red Centre), which is one of the most iconic natural formations of Australia.

Then, you have Australia’s lively cities such as Perth (Western Australia), Cairns (Queensland), Sydney (New South Wales), and Adelaide (South Australia) which are home to some of the most popular backpackers’ destinations such as Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Cairns Esplanade, Surfers’ Paradise, and the Whitsundays.

All of these destinations are home to many hostels, great nightlife, and plenty of opportunities for beach camping, four-wheel driving, whale watching, surfing and, of course, scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef.

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8 Solo or Single Travel Tips

There is a general consensus amongst travelers that Western Europe and the United States are some of the safest regions to be for a solo traveler, and to a certain degree this is true, although from experience places such as Paraguay, Japan, Hong Kong, Cairo are great destinations to experience on your own.

However, as any seasoned solo traveler would tell you, no matter where in the world you go, you need to look out for scammers and pickpockets. Therefore, on this note, the first and the most important of all traveling solo tips will be to:

1) Watch out for scam artists
Scam artists come in all shapes and sizes, and know the oldest tricks in the book to con people (see picture), so you won’t be able to always tell who is and who isn’t one, and whether they're tricking you!

In some cases, you can normally spot a scam artist a mile away, but in most instances you won’t be able to tell, especially when they seem to offer you a helping hand.

2) Research the destination before you go.
As the saying goes…” knowledge is power”. If you do your home work and find out things like how much a taxi ride normally cost, local customs and laws in the area, you won’t run into unwanted troubles.

Can you imagine yourself in a jail abroad, or being pulled over by the local police for speeding? I rest my case!

3) Trust your gut instinct

This may sound like an old cliché, but as another old saying goes…”if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is”.

This last tip is one of the best traveling solo tips that anyone can give you since you'll be approached a lot by locals, especially if you stand out somewhat. Depending on how well or not you can blend in; you're bound to be approached on the street by someone claiming that they can offer you a better currency exchange rate.

Of course, this an old scam, but it's truly a never-dying scam, which still works, especially when it’s a female scam artists using her charms!

4) Blend In
By blend in, I mean stay on the tourist trail, and avoid looking like a tourist the best you can (that means no flashy t-shirts, cameras, fishing hats, advertising billboards, etc)

There is no doubt that one of the trills of traveling solo is the independence and liberating feel of breaking-free from the tourist path. However, if you truly don’t know much about the country, or city you’re venturing off to that’s when you can run into trouble.

5) Plan your itinerary out of sight

Plan your itinerary of things you want to see and do, either before you travel, somewhere indoors or in your hotel room.

If you don’t plan ahead, you'll just wonder off anywhere, so you’ll be therefore looking at maps on the street, and appearing to be lost, which is an easy give-away sign scam artists look for in people walking on the streets.

If you do have to take a peep at a map, or your guide book, you ‘d be better off doing this out of the public eye.

6) Be nice
Yes, I’ll say it again, be nice. The last thing you need when you’re traveling solo anywhere is to wrong a local the wrong way!

This is another of the best traveling solo tips out there. Be polite, respect the local customs and learn the local lingo, or language. Believe it or not, knowing more than the basics will help you tremendously in your travels, especially if you happen to run into unforeseen circumstances (i.e. speeding with your brand new rental car!).

7) Join a solo traveler’s network

Join a solo traveler’s network is another of the top traveling solo tips since you’ll be able to hook up with other solo-like minded travelers.

Another advantage of joining a solo traveler’s network and hook up with other travelers is avoiding the dreaded single traveler supplement!

You may be wondering right now why I added this last tip to list of solo traveling tips since this would defy the whole point of solo traveling.

Well, this is true to some extent, but when you think about it, having to pay twice the price for a room or activity simply because you’re traveling alone, you'll realise that joining a solo traveler’s network might not be such a bad idea after all!

8) Carry extra Identification

Besides your passport, do carry a driver’s license (if you drive back home), or other form of identification.

Imagine this scenario: you lose your passport or it gets stolen, you don not have any other form of identification on you, and you are traveling by yourself in a foreign country.

Not an ideal situation to be in, right? This is why it’s also a good idea to make photocopies of your travel documents, passport, etc, just in case.

In Closing

I hope this post hasn’t put you off traveling solo at all! All of these traveling solo tips I have just outlined above are designed to inform you and get you thinking, that’s all.

The experience of traveling solo around the world is like no other and, it's an experience which I can only describe as an adrenaline-like rush similar to jumping off a plane (with a parachute of course!).

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