Friday, March 27, 2009

Traveling Alone Across Syria



Introduction

Syria (Al-Jumhuriya al-`Arabiya as-Suriya), the Syrian Arab Republic is one of the larger states of the Middle East and has its capital in Damascus.

Geography

Although Syria is mainly a large dry area, consisting of deserts or desertlike landscapes, the country has some other areas that are remarkably fertile, especially along a small coastal zone in the northwest. Here, citrusfruits are grown. The coastal area is also the highest part of the country with a moutainrange as a backbone from north to south. The highest areas are along the border with Lebanon with the highest point over 2800 meters.

The agricultural heart lies between this coastal zone and the deserts more in the east and southeast of the country. In this agricultural zone are most cities, like Aleppo and Damascus. The Euphrates river is one of the most important rivers in Syria and a main supplier of irrigation water, compensating the lack of rain most of the year. The deserts in the (south)east are dry, flat and stony and apart from a few oasis, nothing really grows here and settlements are few and far between.

Syria has a population of 17.8 million people (UN, 2003), of which 6 million are concentrated in the capital Damascus. A moderately large country (185,180 sq km or 72,150 sq miles), and is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Israel to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. In addition, the country has a short coastline on the east Mediterranean Sea.

Climate / Weather

Summermonths in Syria are hot at most days and in most parts of the country. It is not comfortable visiting for example Palmyra when temperatures reach 45 degrees Celcius. Therefore, the months of June until early September are best avoided. All other months are comfortable enough for a visit and because of the dry air even a warmer day is bearable. Wintermonths can get a bit cold on the other hand and even snow occurs in the higher parts but also in Damascus and surroundings. Although freezing temperatures are not the norm for weeks in a row, it can be very cold sometimes at night. Also, in winter most rain falls although this is not much and won't give any problems while travelling around the country.

Only the coastal zone has a more temperate climate with warm but relatively humid summers and mild and relatively wet winters.

Religion and Ethnicity

The population of Syria is predominately Arab (90%), with large minorities from other ethnic groups: Kurds, Armenians, Circassians and Turks. The official language is Arabic, but other tongues that are occasionally understood include Kurdish, Armenian, Turkish, French and English. The Syrian Republic is officially secular, but in nonetheless greatly influenced by the majority religion of Islam (90% of the population, split between 74% Sunni Muslim and 16% other Muslim). There is a large Christian minority that amounts to about 10% of the population.

Politics

Politics of Syria takes place in a framework of a parliamentary republic, whereby the power is in the hands of the President of Syria and the ruling Ba'ath Party. Officially, Syria is a parliamentary republic. Since 1963 Emergency Law has been in effect, suspending most constitutional protections for Syrians

The President of Syria is Bashar al-Assad, who replaced his father Hafez al-Assad soon after his death on 10 June 2000. Assad's regime and the Baath Party own or control the vast majority of Syria's media. Criticism of the president and his family is not permitted and the press (both foreign and domestic) are heavily censored for material deemed threatening or embarrassing to the government.

More details are available by clicking the below links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Syria
http://countrystudies.us/syria/58.htm
http://tharwacommunity.typepad.com/amarji/the_assads/

Although, Syria has been listed by U.S. intelligence agencies as a drug trafficking, terrorist supporting country after September 11, this one-sided view of Syrians belies their friendliness, warmth and remarkable hospitality. Nonetheless, this anti-Western (or, rather, anti-American) sentiment is pretty heartfelt by some

History

History is at the core of Syria's attractions. Damascus, one of the world's oldest cities and Syria's largest, might be remembered by some Sunday-school attenders as one of the places Jesus visited. These days, it's a city whose main architectural influence is Islam and whose vibrancy is owing to a lively collection of bazaars and markets. Ruins and ancient castles dot the landscape, with Palmyra one of the finest sites in the Middle East (and it has some pretty formidable competition).

Popular Tourist Destinations
  • Crac des Chevaliers - The archetypal Crusader castle, magnificently preserved and not to be missed
  • Palmyra - Magnificent ruins of a Roman city, in the middle of the desert. It can be considered the main attraction in Syria.
  • Apamea – A former Roman city which once housed about half a million people. Apamea was hit by an earthquake in the 12th century and much of it was destroyed but it still boasts a long street lined with columns, some of which have twisted fluting.
  • Saladin's Castle - A quiet gem in a valley with pine trees about 37 kms inland from Lattakia.
  • The Dead Cities – A series of towns which once formed part of Antioch. They have long since been abandoned but make an interesting stop for tourists. Al Bara boasts pyramidal tombs and formerly grand archways set on modern farm land. Serjilla is another famous dead city.
  • Der Mar Musa - not a tourist site, but an active christian monastery actively promoting Islamic/Christian dialog. Welcomes Christians and followers of other religious traditions
Weather / Climate


Women Travelling in Syria

Men as well as women dress with careful modesty. You will never see anyone in shorts, even in the heat of summer. As a woman visiting this country, covering your head with a scarf is an option, but it isn't necessary (unless you're visiting a mosque). Take with you a few dark-colored, ankle-length cotton skirts, and knit blouses with collars and quarter-length sleeves, which were surprisingly cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Slacks for women are also fine. Most woman travellers wear sandals under their skirts which they feel is appropriate, although most Syrian women keep their feet completely covered with heavy stockings and closed-toe shoes.

Being a Muslim country, most woman travellers tend to dress conservatively, for example wearing long-sleeved, loose shirts which button to the collar and baggy pants. Some of them keep their hair tied back and use a scarf to cover their heads when they visit mosques or religious ceremonies. But none of them go for flashy colours or jewelry. However, women in the cities are in tune with the latest fashions and the teenage Syrian girls opt for tight jeans and latest in platform shoes. So a conservative approach is the best option, although most mosques have cloaks for women to wear if they don't have a headscarf.

Another problem is that prostitutes wear pants, so as a traveller you are likely to be treated better if you wear loose skirts. Whatever may be the situation, please avoid wearing shorts and exposing your bare shoulders in public places. Try to see that sleeves come down at least to the elbow. Just remember that most Syrian men tend to give that extra bit of respect towards women dressing modestly.

Visa/ Passport Requirements

For visa requirements, please visit below link

http://syria.visahq.com/requirements

Contact

Tourist Information Offices; Damascus: 2323953, Damascus Int'l Airport: 2248473, Aleppo: 2121228, Daraa (Jordanian-Syrian border gate): 239023, Lattakia: 216924, Palmyra (Tadmur): 910636, Deir-az-Zur: 358990

The international dialling code for Syria is +963.

Oher Helpful Links

More details about Syria are found in the below links..

  • http://wikitravel.org/en/Syria
  • http://www.travellerspoint.com/guide/Syria/
  • http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm
  • http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/Syria/
  • http://www.travellerspoint.com/search.cfm?q=Syria&area=forums
  • http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294010-Syria.html





    • Traveling Alone Across Egypt


      Introduction

      Egypt (Misr / Másr; more fully, the Arab Republic of Egypt) is perhaps best known as the home of the ancient Egyptian civilization, with its temples, hieroglyphs, mummies, and - visible above all - its pyramids. Indeed, it is testament to their brilliance that today, in a time of such modernity, visitors still flock to Egypt to marvel at the pyramids and the Sphinx.

      Less well-known is Egypt's medieval heritage, courtesy of Coptic Christianity and Islam - ancient churches, monasteries and mosques punctuate the Egyptian landscape.

      Geography

      Egypt is located in north-eastern Africa with its capital located in its largest city, Cairo. Egypt also extends into Asia by virtue of holding the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt stimulates the imagination of western tourists like few other countries and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations world-wide.

      Egyptian Food

      The variety of Egyptian recipes is endless. They go back a very long way. Thousands of years ago, ancient Egyptians left evidence of their love for food. Well-preserved wall paintings and carvings have been discovered on tombs and temples, depicting large feasts and a variety of foods. Many of these ancient foods are still eaten in Egyptian households today. Peas, beans, cucumbers, dates, figs, and grapes were popular fruits and vegetables in ancient times.

      Links to some popular recipes are give below;

      http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Egypt.html
      http://www.touregypt.net/recipes/

      Links to some popular Egyptian restaurants are give below;

      http://www.araboo.com/dir/egypt-restaurants-bars
      http://www.internationalcircuit.com/egypt/restaurants.php
      http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g294200-Egypt.html

      Weather / Climate

      Egypt is largely a desert, an extension of the great Sahara Desert that bands North Africa. Save for the thin strip of watered land along the Nile River, very little could survive here. Generally, dry and very hot summers with moderate winters - November through to March are definitely the most comfortable months for travel in Egypt. There is almost no rain in the Nile valley, so a traveller won't be needing wet weather gear!

      Religion and Ethnicity

      Approximately 90% of the population is Sunni Muslim, 10% Coptic Christian. The Egyptian people are an ethnic blend of many other cultures that include: Greek, Arab, Armenian, Turkish, African, Syrian, Palestinian, European, and those of Turkish heritage.

      History

      Home to one of the oldest known world civilisations, the state of Egypt was first founded around the start of the third millenium BC. It remained one of the strongest political powers of its time until its annexation by Rome in 30 BC. During this period many great cities were founded and monuments built. The wealth of ancient historical artifice, beautifully preserved by the desert, remains one of the main draws for the modern traveller.

      The Roman annexation was the first of a series of occupations amongst them the Arabs, Ottomans, French and British, all of which have left their mark on the country. Egypt was finally restored to full independence under the Presidency of Abdel Nasser in 1936

      Popular Tourist Destinations

      Highlights of any visit to Egypt include famous archaeological sites from both Lower (North) and Upper (South) Egypt. The most famous are:

      • The Pyramids
      • The Egyptian Museum
      • The Pyramids and temple complexes at Saqqara and Dashur
      • The Temples of Luxor and the West Bank across the Nile
      • The Valley of the Kings
      • Alexandria, and the stunning new Bibliotheca Alexandrina
      • The Temples of Abu Simbel
      When you're done with touring the historical sites above, don't miss:

      • The Red Sea resorts at Sinai peninsula, including Dahab, Hurghada, and Sharm el Sheikh. The Red Sea offers some of the best dive locations in the world.
        The sights of the Sinai peninsula, including Saint Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai
      • The western desert and the oases there, including Siwa,
        Memphis, with some relics of ancient Egypt - including a huge statue of Ramesses II, evoking the image which inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem Ozymandias
      Women Travelling Alone In Egypt

      Article Courtesy - Johanna Sinclair is a dedicated traveller and travel writer and regular contributor to the Journeywoman network. What follows is her female-friendly advice based on a month-long stay, in Egypt, with her mother.

      • Dress conservatively - Though Egyptian cities are very modern and local women may appear in public with makeup, jewelry and flowing black hair, they always dress conservatively. They do not show their shoulders or wear tight shirts. Their skirts are always just past their knees, or they wear slacks. It is rare to see an Egyptian woman or man in shorts. In the smaller towns of Egypt, many females will wear the traditional galabiyya (loose gowns) and most will cover their hair. When travelling in Egypt, my philosophy is to dress as the local women do. Bring shirts that cover your shoulders; T-shirts are fine. I always cover my legs with long, cool, cotton Indian skirts. And, in the evening, I wear long culottes that look like a skirt. If you follow this formula, it indicates a respect for the culture and, you won’t be approached or stared at as often by the local men.
      • Find a safe hotel - If travelling alone, American hotels have security checks at all entrances and are generally very safe. But you can also find interesting smaller, family-owned three-star Egyptian hotels where, once they get to know you, they look out for you. These can become your home-away-from-home.
      • Book local female guides - No matter how much you learn from reading travel books, having a personal tour guide is wonderful. Inquire at the front desk of your hotel or ask your travel agent about how to go about finding one. For very little money you can book a local guide (and a driver) who go through rigorous training and years of classes on Egyptology (some are even Ph.D. Egyptologists). If possible, it’s really nice to have the intimacy of a female guide. This way you can talk to her about such issues as marriage and family life. From past experience, I’ve found that these females enjoy the opportunity to talk with a foreign woman. Most of them have never travelled outside of Egypt.
      • A transportation secret for women - Cairo and Alexandria both share a secret pertaining to women. Alexandria has its streetcars. Cairo has a wonderful ‘Metro’ which is safe, clean and very cheap. Because Egypt is, to a large extent, a Muslim country, the front car (or two) on each train or streetcar is reserved for women only. It’s a wonderful experience just mingling exclusively with the local women. Many will come up and talk to you, while laughing shyly. However, women can also ride in the “mixed” compartments and you will invariably be offered a seat. Very few tourists use these systems and, personally, I felt that the locals were impressed to see a foreigner on their transit system.
      • Inexpensive local travel - Flying from one destination to another in Egypt is safe, quick, cheap and reliable. You can also use their rail system, very inexpensive (but also very crowded). The train ride through the Delta from Cairo to Alexandria is beautiful and it’s only $10 return-- first class! Train stations are bustling with thousands of people, so do take the precaution not to leave your luggage unattended and watch your purse or daypack. Get a porter to take you to the right platform. He will even position you at approximately the area where your car will stop.
      • Evening escapades - It’s nice to go out in the evening. While in Cairo, take advantage of attending local concerts or the opera. For as little as $10 you can attend the Opera or, as I did, an international Arab Music Festival. Again, very few tourists attend and because Egyptians are so friendly, many will come up during intermission to talk and even introduce you to their family. As in the evening in any large city, remember to arrange for a taxi to take you there and pick you up after the event (unless you are with a group of people and you feel that there is safety in numbers).
      • Always ask for help - Never be afraid to ask for help. Egyptians are amongst the most friendly people I have every met. “Tourist police” are stationed near all the busier tourist areas and will not only help, but they will file a report if there is a problem. If you are feeling tired or uncomfortable in any situation, need directions or simply do not understand the language, do not hesitate to ask a passing female for her assistance. They will generally graciously help you out. In fact, I found that many empathetic women would step in even before I realized that I needed help. Egyptian women definitely heightened my belief in the international sisterhood of females
      • Please Note - Egyptians will always greet you with a smile and a gracious inquiry as to your health. Do the same, and for heaven sake, don't act superior. Egypt is an Islamic country. Respect the religion and don't try to convert anyone to yours. A man who expresses himself physically in public to a woman (it doesn't matter if she is his wife) incurs the belief that she is, to put it politely, "loose". Holding hands in public is becoming more socially acceptable, but beyond that, restrain yourself. While it is inappropriate to touch a woman in public, don't be surprised to see men holding hands, with arms wrapped around each other or kissing each other on the cheek in greeting. Friendships between men are an important part of the culture and, because the assumption is that homosexuality and bisexuality don't exist, men are physical with each other.
      Contact

      Egypt has a reasonably modern telephone service including three GSM mobile service providers. The three mobile phone providers are Mobinil, Vodafone and Etisalat. Principal centers are located at Alexandria, Cairo, Al Mansurah, Ismailia, Suez, and Tanta. Roaming services are provided, although you should check with your service provider. Also, it is possible to purchase tourist mobile phone lines for the duration of your stay, which usually costs around 30 LE.

      The International Dialling Code is (+20)(2)for Cairo

      Oher Helpful Links

      More details about Egypt are found in the below links..


    • http://wikitravel.org/en/Egypt
    • http://www.travellerspoint.com/guide/Egypt/
    • http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm
    • http://egypt.com/en/index.php
    • http://www.travellerspoint.com/search.cfm?q=Egypt&area=forums
    • http://www.jeannemeck.com/
    • http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-egypt
    • http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294200-Egypt.html

    • Traveling Alone In The Middle East



      Geography
      The Middle East is not a real continent, but rather contains part of at least two continents, tha largest part being officially part of Asia. This part of the world often is in the news, most notably unfortunately due to the war in Iraq and other civil unrest in countries like Israel, Lebanon and Yemen. The area has no consequent borders but usually includes at least the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Palestina. Sometimes also Egypt (or Sinai as part of Egypt) and/or Sudan and Libya are included. And even Turkey and Afghanistan sometimes join on the map. Still, most people roughly know which part of the world is meant.

      Despite having no consequent borders, there are huge similarities between many of the countries. Like mentioned above, huge parts are arid. But grasslands, fertile river beds and moutainous areas are not absent at all. The southern part of the Arabian Peninsula mainly consists of sandseas and mountains. Especially the southwest of Saudi Arabia and parts of Oman and Yemen have high moutains with possible snowfall in winter. More to the north, the mountains are lower and sand makes places for rocks and gravel and lowlying deserts like the Syrian desert and Dasht-e Lut can get extremely hot in summer and cold in winter. High mountains can be found in the west and north of Iran as well, with ski slopes just an hour away from Tehran. Many of the countries are bordered by waters. The Mediterrean Sea in the west, the Black Sea and Caspian Sea to the north and the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean to the south all form borders of the Middle East. Rivers like the Euphrates and Tigris form the backbone of Iraq and most people live along these rivers.

      Middle East Countries

    • Bahrain

    • Egypt

    • Iran

    • Iraq

    • Israel

    • Jordan

    • Kuwait

    • Lebanon

    • Oman

    • Qatar

    • Saudi Arabia

    • State of Palestine

    • Sudan

    • Syria

    • Turkey

    • United Arab Emirates

    • Yemen Arab Republic


    • Ethnic Groups
      Ethnically, the region is extremely mixed. Arabs, Jews, Persians and Turks are the largest groups, but there are several substantial minorities — Kurds, Armenians and others — with their own languages, customs and sometimes their own countries. Every invading army — from Alexander and the Romans through Genghis Khan to the 19th century colonial powers — has left descendants behind. There are also substantial numbers of workers from other countries coming to the region for higher pay — mainly Afghan, Pakistani for jobs like construction labourer, with Egyptians, Philipinos, more Pakistanis, and some westerners in the more skilled jobs.

      Religion
      Almost every country in the Middle East has a Muslim majority (with the notable exception of Israel which has a Jewish majority), with Iran, Iraq and Bahrain mainly Shia, other areas mainly Sunni, and both with minorities of the other — and the legal systems in most of these countries are influenced by Islamic Law; a few are entirely based on it.

      Language
      Arabic is the primary language of the region, and the main language in all Middle Eastern countries except Iran (where Persian predominates), Turkey (Turkish) and Israel (Hebrew). Even in those countries, Arabic is fairly common as a second language; in Israel, Arabic is a second official language. Yiddish, Kurdish, Azeri, Armenian and several other languages are also spoken in some regions.

      English is moderately common in tourist areas and generally rare elsewhere. In Turkey, some German is spoken because many Turks work in Germany.

      Visas, Documentation and Healthcare
      Before travelling it is essential to monitor the political situation in your chosen destination(s) by checking the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice site.

      For The Traveller
      Middle East may be one of the world's most politically volatile regions, but for adventure-thirsty travellers that makes the thrill all the more worthwhile. A trip to the enigmatic Middle East is one for the hardcore traveller and not something many westerners can put on their CVs...

      Unfortunately, much this region gets an unfairly bad press - tarred with the stigma that comes with the polemics of the modern age. Contrary to popular belief, the Middle East is surprisingly diverse and although sensitive, welcomes visitors with warmth and pride.

      Why?

      Added to the beautiful deserts, mountains, luscious oases and utopian stretches of coastline that make up the Middle East's natural landscape, is the insurmountable history of this area of the world. Commonly thought of as the birthplace of the first human civilisations - in Egypt and Mesopotamia - it was also the birthplace of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, among other religions, and has contributed much more to the modern world than we ever give it credit for

      Cultural Differences
      The trafficking of drugs or pornography are not the only crimes to carry the death sentence in extreme cases. Homosexuality is highly illegal in most of the Middle East and, although Christianity is tolerated in most countries, attempts to convert Muslims can also carry very serious consequences.

      But it's not all doom and gloom - Travellers who employ common sense and a large helping of respect and consideration for Islamic culture will enjoy a trouble-free trip. Below are some other basic pointers.

      Appropriate Dress
      It's a myth that western women have to wear headscarves, tourists are recognised as tourists and as such are generally exempt from any such obligations. Women should however, dress conservatively at all times, especially if travelling alone.

      The Sanctity of Marriage
      Unmarried women over the age of 25 tend to attract endless pity. If you'd prefer to avoid such attention, as well as excessive male attention, wear a wedding ring.

      Leave the Girls Alone
      Guys, it's not a good idea to even contemplate relieving a girl of her honour, even a carelessly long glance can be very risky.

      A Bit of Decorum
      Try not to swear or blaspheme, even in English - it tends to be dimly looked upon and considered disrespectful.

      Always Haggle
      That's the way of the Arab world - and never pay more than one third of the original asking price.

      Calling Home
      Get a prepaid international sim card rather than using the expensive local telephone networks.

      Important Links

      http://www.travelblog.org/Middle-East/latest.html

      Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone

      When traveling alone, women are more likely to become victims of violence than are men, so it is important to know how to stay safe. This doesn't mean that women need a male escort in order to travel alone; it simply means that you must be smart about where you go and what you do. Here are a few safety tips for women traveling alone.

      Schedule Stops for Gas
      When you are traveling alone by car, it is best to plan your route before you ever leave home. It can be dangerous to find yourself in the middle of an all-but-abandoned town and need to stop for gas. Although you can be assaulted or otherwise victimized at any time of day, in any area of the world, you'll be much better off stopping for gas at a lighted convenient store where many people are around. Carry an extra container of gas in your trunk just in case you have an emergency.

      Keep the Doors Locked
      Also, when traveling alone by car, you should keep your doors locked regardless of our location. The incidence of car jackings continues to rise, and if you stop at a light or a stop sign, an unlocked door is as good as an invitation. Although this isn't foolproof, it will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of carjacking.

      Don't Tell Strangers Where You're Staying
      Regardless of how nice the guy sitting next to you on the plane might seem, you should never disclose the place in which you will be staying, whether it be a hotel room or a relative's home. If you are asked, politely decline to answer, or tell the other person that you haven't finalized your arrangements yet.

      Be Vigilant on Your Way to Your Hotel Room
      When staying in a hotel, be on the lookout for anyone who seems to be following you to your room. If this might be the case, walk right past your room and find the nearest exit. You can have a member of hotel management escort you to your room if you are worried. Once you've opened the door, it is easy for a would-be predator to force his way in behind you, leaving you at his mercy. Be careful, as well, when leaving your room for ice or the vending machines. Just be aware of your surroundings.

      Plan Your Itinerary
      Before you go on vacation or on a business trip, have every step of your itinerary planned. Know where you'll be staying, how you'll rent a car and when you'll need to arrive at meetings. Arrange in advance for a rental car and make sure that you have back-up options should anything go wrong. One of the most dangerous aspects of traveling alone is the possibility for sudden changes or to become stranded.

      Pack Light
      Another opportunity for a would-be predator occurs when you have too much baggage. Only pack what you can easily carry on your own, and never overload yourself. In all situations, you'll need to be able to move quickly and agilely to avoid potential threats.

      Article Coutesy : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/85936/safety_tips_for_women_traveling_alone.html

      Tips While Traveling Alone

      Traveling in group is fun but have you tried travelling alone ?

      Traveling alone can be equally adventurous and exciting if you know well that how to plan your journey and make proper arrangements keeping the safety in mind. If you haven't tried it then it will be a new experience for you. Some people have the experience of short trips and never realized how it feels when you travel alone on long journey.

      Traveling alone need not be lonely. It could be fun in more ways than one. Don’t be reluctant to travel just because your on your own. Just remember these things:

      Following tips may prove fruitful for traveling alone:
      1. Plan ahead - Research and read about the place you’re heading to. Search about it on the Internet or read the travel magazines. You can even join the forums to discuss your views. One of the better forums is - http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm - After that great research keep all the important things in your bags. Know where’s the nearest hotel, restaurant, and such. Make reservations too, if possible. That way, your travel is on a good start
      2. Take a city map - You better study how to read maps. Needless to say, these can guide you where you are going, especially if it’s the first time you’re going to that place. Relying too much on the cab driver is not a good idea
      3. Learn the language - Just study the basics, and the most common things you’re likely to ask a local. Also get yourself a basic dictionary and learn the language before you arrive
      4. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions - It would be okay to ask someone for directions, but be sure you are going to choose who to ask. You can ask a waiter in restaurant, or the receptionist in your hotel. Just be sure you get all information. Asking from a complete stranger outside is not advisable
      5. Pack your baggage carefully to avoid any kind of problems during the journey. List of all requirements should be made so that you don't miss anything. Lock in luggage is necessary to avoid the thefts. Over weight of your luggage can become hurdle in your smooth traveling.
      6. Hide your valuables and don’t also wear too much jewelry outside the streets.
      7. Keep all your medicines and also few medicines for precaution because you cannot rely on anyone for the help during emergency. Travel insurance policy can provide a great help when you don't have enough money to spend on the medical treatment and expenses on hospital bills.
      8. You can also contact to the travel agents to make your trip comfortable. You can book your tickets online by visiting the websites of airlines.
      9. Lodging in hotels and resorts sometimes cost a lot for single person. You should book the room in advance which can help you in taking the proper rest when you reach the place. Online booking of accommodation is a good option for single travelers.
      10. Books are the best companion of loneliness. If you don't like reading novels then magazines are other choice. You can carry the reading material and can keep yourself busy during the journey. It's better to avoid relying on strangers from the safety point of view and reading habit can make your boring journey interesting. Listening music can also be a good option.
      11. No need to carry cash, alternative is to use electronic money for transaction. Credit cards and debit cards can be used for shopping purpose. Never buy heavy things which you can't carry. Basically, take just enough cash. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are good, and it could be your primary mode of payment, but you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local money.
      12. To make your traveling interesting you can indulge in exciting things like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving etc. Activities which give you pleasure should never be missed. Skiing on the snow covered landscape is usually enjoyed by the people traveling alone.
      13. Lastly, enjoy your self - Well, you are traveling, so make the most of it. Make friends with a local. Talk to somebody over lunch in a café. Get the addresses of the friends you make to send them a thank you card. Maybe next time, you’d be their host. Always keep your confidence up and boost your morale before starting your journey alone.


      With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. It can also be fun..

      Try it - traveling alone can be one of your best experiences.