Month: August 2020

Egypt: Why You Must Visit The Pyramids

There is nothing more captivating than one of the seven wonders of the world. I have always admired the amazing culture and history surrounding the Egyptian Pyramids. With modern amenities right on the doorstep of the pyramids in Giza you will have no shortage of things to do. When I have been to Giza and the pyramids a few times myself and simply cannot get enough of it. Therefore, today I am going to go through some of the reasons why the Giza and their Pyramids are a must-see for anyone with a passion for adventure and mystery.

Amazing History

I have always found the history surrounding the Pyramids fascinating. The best part about it is that since the pyramids are so colossal in scale, you will always discover something new about them whenever you visit them. For instance, the first time I visited the pyramids I thought that it was an elaborate cemetery because it houses some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. But under closer inspection on my second visit there was so much more to the story.

All the intricately decorated tombs are records of a long-passed story of another way of life. A glimpse into what once was with art of the ancient farmers, religious rituals and what we would now consider brutal practices. I think there is not any else like in the world. For these monuments to stand the test of time is nothing short of astonishing. There is nothing quite like it, not many other cultures in the world have so much well-preserved literature. I could get such a powerful sense of their history identity and culture from all they left behind.

Delicious Food

If history is not your thing trust me there is so much more to experience in modern Egypt, in and around the pyramids. If you love food like I do, and I really love food, you are going to be spoiled for choice in Egypt. There are plenty of great eatery options near the pyramids that will satisfy a wide range of palates.

Many decide to enjoy a beautiful cruise along the Nile river, near the pyramids so they can take in the food and views at the same time. Personally, this is how I experienced it as well. The food went down even better with fantastic views all around.

In the inner city, you will be able to find a wide range of tastes, so you are bound to find something you like. They mostly take influence from Mediterranean cuisine, from countries like Greece, Turkey, and Levant. This is the focus in diverse urban areas around Giza. If you are the kind of person who prefers to taste rural local food, you will most likely be offered Kuftah, a type of spiced meatball served in a thick, gelatinous soup.

Diverse Culture

With Egypt as a country, being predominantly Islam with 90% of the population, it is a great opportunity to learn more about Islamic culture. From learning the difference between sunni compare to sufi, their individual rules and laws, and a lot more, one can get a detailed understanding of what Islam is. Also, because Giza is a popular international tourist spot, you can see a big international presence in the city. So, if you are a big fan of western comforts you will not be deprived of them. There is plenty of choice for whatever side of Egypt and the pyramids have to offer.

Make no mistake just because the city has international influences, it does not mean you will not get an authentic Egyptian experience. The amazing artwork from the template’s heavy influences modern art and culture in the local areas. There is plenty of artists impressions of what the Egyptian pharaoh’s teaching could translate too in a modern setting. With hieroglyphics being a focal point of a variety of modern Egyptian art.

To conclude, you will struggle to find place with more mystery, charm, and character than Giza and its pyramids. They have long been a focal point for Egyptian culture, catapulting their country to international renown. I know I would go back to those pyramids in a heartbeat if I could. I feel like there is so much left unexplored in those ancient temples.

Best Types of Accommodation for Solo Travelers

As a solo traveller, finding accommodation can be expensive. Single supplements can really eat away at your travel budget and therefore finding ways to keep your costs down is vital.

However, there are some wonderful and highly affordable accommodation options out there that are perfect for solo travellers. So, let us discover 5 of the best types of accommodation for solo travellers.

  1. Hotels

When travelling solo, booking a hotel room provides a little bit of luxury for you to retreat to after a long day exploring. That being said, it is no secret that the infamous single supplement can prove to be costly.

Nevertheless, there are some amazing hotels that now offer single occupancy rooms. Although much more common in Europe than in North America, single rooms might be small, but they usually offer all the same amenities as any other type of room.

Whereas sometimes a single room simply refers to a room with a single bed, there are some hotels that allow you to choose a double or queen-sized bed. Therefore, it is important to do your research so that you know exactly what to expect and for how much. You can either look online for mission bay hotels if that is your travel destination or consider asking friends and family for recommendations if they have visited the city before. Online exploration could also get you deals, offers, and discounts on hotels and resorts.

Some hotels even offer incentives for solo travellers like free breakfasts and snacks. This can help you to save money when compared to eating in cafes and restaurants.

  1. Hostels

A hostel is a type of shared accommodation. Hostels are inexpensive, social, decorated simply, and are usually located centrally.

Most hostels have a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and lockers. This ensures that you have somewhere to sleep, to freshen up, to prepare food, and to keep your belongings safe.

As with other forms of accommodation, some hostels are more luxurious than others, meaning that while some offer total privacy, others provide a more sociable experience. To ensure a decent stay experience in any type of hostel, it’s crucial that they maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Many hostels recognize this and choose to hire cleaning companies that offer commercial cleaning services in Maryland, or in their vicinity to provide thorough cleaning services. This commitment to cleanliness contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, regardless of their preferences for privacy or sociability. So, depending on whether you are travelling to relax or to party, there is sure to be a hostel that meets your needs.

  1. Airbnb

For solo travellers booking an Airbnb might just be the most affordable option. In case you were not aware, an Airbnb is a type of homestay that usually involves staying in the home of a local person for a short period of time. However, Airbnb has evolved to offer a wide range of accommodation types, from entire homes and apartments to private rooms, shared spaces, and even unique stays like treehouses, boats, and tiny homes. With thousands of listings across the globe, Airbnb provides a diverse array of options catering to different preferences and budgets.

Correspondingly, if you love to meet people from different cultures and areas, then an Airbnb hosted by a local resident can be an excellent choice, allowing you to immerse yourself in their way of life and gain valuable cultural insights. However, for those seeking a more hands-off experience or additional services, there are properties managed by professional Air BNB Property Management companies. These companies specialize in overseeing and maintaining Airbnb listings, ensuring a seamless and consistent experience for guests. From handling check-in and check-out processes to providing regular cleaning and maintenance services, they aim to create a hassle-free stay for travelers.

  1. Cruise Ship

If you are travelling solo, then a cabin in a cruise ship could be the ideal solution to your accommodation needs. Cruises are incredibly convenient as they allow you to visit multiple countries, cities, and towns without needing to pack up your things and move on.

If relaxation and exploring at your own pace are important to you, then a trip on a cruise ship might just be calling your name. Plus, most cruise companies offer single cabins at a reduced rate so be sure to shop around to find a cabin that caters to a solo traveller.

Cruises provide plenty of opportunities to mingle with other guests such as dining halls and live entertainment. Comparatively, if you have come away to escape the business of everyday life for a while then you can also enjoy plenty of alone time in your cabin or in other areas of the ship.

  1. Couchsurfing

Do you have family and friends all over the world? If so, and if you are planning to travel alone, then why not consider couch-surfing?

Simply plan your trip around when your hosts are able to accommodate you and if you are really lucky, or if someone owns you a favour, you might not even have to pay your way. Just remember to be a respectful guest and never overstay your welcome.

Ultimately by taking your time to plan your next solo trip carefully, you can find the right accommodation for your needs at the best possible price. Above all, be sure to do your research and you should be able to enjoy your travels without having to worry too much about where you might be spending the night.

Best Budget Destinations for Solo Travelers

Solo travelling is something I enjoy so much that I wanted to share with you some of my favourite budget travel destinations. There are so many fantastic travel options for solo travellers that sometimes it can be a bit confusing knowing which destination is actually good value for money. Today, I hope to inspire you all to start planning your next solo adventure without absolutely destroying your bank balance.

Best Budget Asian Destination: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is such a beautiful city with such a rich culture and heritage. Seoul is one of the big tech cities of the world with some of the fastest internet anywhere in the world. With one of the first cities in the world to introduce 1 gbps internet speeds. If you are interested, Seoul is well-known for its strong and competitive esports scene. There are events where you can go and watch your favourite players, or participate in esports betting if you want a piece of the action yourself. For more active travellers among us, there are plenty of beaches, mountains, and other great physical activities to partake in.

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Anyway, talking about the city, this beautiful place is surprisingly affordable. 1 US dollar is about 1,100 South Korean Won (at the time of writing this). I find it easier to do the math by just thinking that the conversion rate is more like 1,000 Won to the dollar. It makes things a lot simpler for me anyway. In my experience, Seoul is about 10%-15% cheaper than Toronto (another awesome city worth visiting if you have the money) and 30%-35% less than New York City. There are tons of cheap accommodation as well so you will not struggle to find a comfortable place to stay during your visit.

Best Budget Caribbean Destination: Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a vibrant Caribbean destination that is in a sweet spot cost-wise, for those who are looking for an authentic Caribbean travel experience. With all the hot weather and beaches, you would expect from such an experience. It was recently hit by a nasty hurricane but currently it has rebuilt up enough to be back in business for tourists.

I am so glad that I get to share this location with the budget travelling community now because when I explored Puerto Rico it was magical. There is a great mix of Spanish, Indian and African influences which oozes out of everything the people of Puerto Rico do. It is a multiculturalists dream. So if your only remaining question is “do you need a passport to go to Puerto Rico?” – the answer is yes!

You will be even happier when you learn how cheap it is to enjoy as well. In my experience it is about 5%-10% cheaper than Toronto and 40% cheaper than New York City. There are a massive range of centrally situated hotels that you can find for around $90 (at the time of writing) so depending where you look you might be able to find a better deal. Which means you will get so much bang for your buck in this Caribbean adventure.

Best Budget European Destinations: Slovenia and Cumbria

Slovenia is one of my favourite places to visit full stop, but it just so happens to be cheap to visit as well. I think this is because I am a big lover of the Austrian, Italian cultural mix. That is how I would describe Slovenia. They have such emotive ballads; I remember listening to them last summer. Their music is mesmerising. They have wonderful lakes and mountains too that are perfect for hiking up and around with some of their lovely ballads playing in the distance. Or probably more likely on my phone.

Besides that, Cumbria is yet another of the top rural excursions that served as the basis for some of Beatrix Potter’s most well-known stories. The tallest mountains in England are located in the National Park, which is a designated world heritage site. Another option is to take a traditional riverboat tour, which is the ideal way to explore tranquil lakes. Adventure activities like off-ride driving, which are offered by companies like Graythwaite Adventure, are a good choice for adrenaline enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can engage in water sports at the second-largest lake in England, the Lake District National Park. Mountain biking through the national park is an additional option for a whole family vacation.

The US dollar is doing well again the Euro now with the conversion rating looking something like 1 Euro being equal to about $1.15 US. Back in 2013, it could easily cost you $1.50 for 1 Euro in some places. Judging from my time spent in England, it could cost around 30%-40% less to live in than Toronto. Accommodation lines up with that as well, with a ton of affordable options for those looking to stay in the city. You can expect to pay around $20 US a night in most budget hotels.

To conclude, there are so many great options for your fellow global trotters out there. Travelling does not have to be as expensive as some might think it is. I have been able to travel so much over the years by keeping an eye out for places that provide a lot of value for as little as possible. There is so much more to explore and I cannot wait to get out there and find more exciting budget travel destinations to visit.

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