Flying Solo? Do's & Don'ts for when you travel alone!

If you're travelling alone this year being vigilant is of the upmost importance. So, before you fly off to your ideal destination check my list of do's and don'ts for travelling alone. 

DO pack a secure day-to-day travel bag. Bum bags/fanny packs are perfect for keeping your personal possessions close to you and in sight. Backpacks may seem practical however, you can't see who is trying to get into your bag.


DO make sure you have travel insurance before you leave. It is paramount that you secure yourself from any possible travel cancellations.

DO your research! Make sure before you visit a country or any tourist attractions you know what to expect and how to get there. 

DO take advantage of the hotel room's safe. Most rooms have them and putting your valuables and travel documents in them when you don't need them is always a good idea.

DON'T carry too much currency. When paying for things if onlookers can see you have plenty of cash you may become a victim of mugging.   



DON'T drink too much. Limit your alcohol intake when travelling alone to prevent yourself from getting in any danger or having anyone take advantage of you. 

DON'T forget the cultural dress code. More conservative cities such as Rome and Marrakech expect for tourists to respect their culture. This means not wearing tight or revealing clothing. 

DON'T make yourself a target by acting clueless. Acting confused whilst travelling alone is only going to make you at risk of getting mugged. 

DON'T risk staying at a hostel. You lack privacy and other tourists can prevent you from getting a good nights rest.

DON'T risk being ill. Nothing ruins your travels more than getting ill so take all the medicines you need. Plasters, paracetamol and sickness tablets are all necessities on your packing list.  

Day 4 in Marrakech: New Towns, Old Cultures and Big City Shopping

This morning we decided we wanted to discover the new town of Marrakech, so we took a taxi to the city centre. 

NOTE: If you ever take a taxi in Marrakech, give a written address to the driver to avoid any confusion if a language barrier occurs. 

The city centre was a  combination of old traditional Morocco and the new upcoming Marrakech. We first stopped off at a modern coffee shop/restaurant called Le Table du Marche where we enjoyed some very English afternoon tea. 

We later discovered the high street shops of Marrakech, as well as the city's market. 

It contained stalls of handmade jewellery, demonstrations of woodwork made with a chisel and a man's feet and a painter painting his art for his stall. This market was located right in the middle of the modern city centre. 

We then carried on to discover the more traditional elements of the new town. The inside market, Marrakech Cuir,  was a two story shop stocked with both intricate and eccentric goods. The market sold everything from delicate silverware to cast iron lion statues. I made sure to purchase some handmade pieces from the market as souvenirs.

That night we spent enjoying a mixture of moroccan and western world foods and acoustic music in the hotel. 

                                                               

    

Day 3 in Marrakech: Jemaa El Fna, Searching the Souks and Champagne Dinners

We had an early start this morning, ready to take on Jemaa El Fna and the souks of Marrakech. We took a free shuttle bus to the city centre arriving in the Sunday morning rush. 

Unlike the usual lazy Sundays in England, Marrakech played host to hundreds of busy market stalls and street sellers. They sold everything from tissues and cigarettes to horse and carriage rides. Although the main square was something I'd fantasized about and researched long before visiting it didn't stop it from being the most surreal experience of my life. 

Henna artists, monkeys and snake charmers turned Jemaa El Fna (the market square) into a carnival of colours and culture; almost unimaginable to anyone brought up in the western world. 

NOTE: Fixed prices on the market and in the souks DO NOT exist, don't settle for the first price they give you make sure to haggle!

We wondered directionless enjoying everything the souks had to offer, buying handmade jewellery and souvenirs. I spoke to a man who had his own handmade jewellery shop.

'I saved my money in the shop to take a holiday to Barcelona. I met a girlfriend and now I live there with her for some months of the year.' 

'Now she works in England at Primark but I cannot afford to visit London.'

He explained to us that although he cannot afford to travel to England him and his girlfriend plan to eventually settle down in  Marrakech. He lives in a small village in the Atlas Mountains, the money he earns from his shop meant he lived well in Marrakech. 

'Marrakech is where I always will want to live.'

As we travelled through the souks we spoke to many different locals with their own story that they were all willing to tell.

Agige was one of the government certified tour guides we met on the city's busy street.

He explained that it isn't just people from the west that come to Marrakech. People from the north of Morocco would save money for years to take the seven hour trip down to Marrakech for a holiday. 

He explained to us if there was one place to visit that showed the beauty of Morocco, it was the Atlas Mountains. Here, people lived simple lives and were content with the way they lived. 

We continued to travel through the souks and the market place where we bought little gifts and trinkets.

NOTE: Handmade gifts are delicate and made as cheaply as possibly so they can easily break. Look after your souvenirs.

After coming back to the hotel we enjoyed a champagne dinner in the hotels exclusive Italian restaurant. We then went to the hotel's salon bar to watch the live entertainment which consisted of Moroccan dancing and drinks at the pool bar. 

         

Day 2 in Marrakech: Raw Culture, Poolside Paradise and All Inclusive Experiences

The hotel deserves every one of it's four (plus) stars. The staff really make the hotel a relax, happy environment with their attentive and polite nature. 

Waking up in Morocco was something I'd been waiting to do for what seemed a lifetime. Walking onto my balcony in the morning heat of this African country was every bit as blissful as I'd imagined. 

In the morning we had a talk from the hotel reps who gave us the valuable knowledge we need to take on the beautiful city. They explained the two sides to Marrakech that we were able to explore. 

The old town of Marrakech was where the history, attraction and raw culture could be found, as well as the beautiful architecture and some of the most poverty stricken residential areas in the city. 

The new town was a thriving, upcoming modern commercialised district. European style shopping malls were at the centre of this area. 

We spent the afternoon around the gorgeous pool taking full advantage of the all inclusive food and drink!

In the evening we walked ten minutes out of the hotel to the local cash and carry, (similarly to a Costco store in England but much more diverse.) The store was a hub for families to shop for their weekly supplies. Fresh fish, fruit and spices on display brought colour and a fusion of Moroccan smells to the store. As expected the prices of products were cheap and so different to those in the UK. 

NOTE: We learnt alcohol is not sold in supermarkets after 8pm.

Our second night in Morocco had been just as serene as the first with wine and acoustic musicians carrying us into the early hours of the morning. 

Day 1 in Marrakech: Travelling, Tourism and The Riu Tikida Palmeraie

Morocco. Could a country and city that I had been dreaming about travelling to my whole life, live up to the expectations I had already made of it? 

I had already researched Morocco, to the extent of feeling like I had travelled there ten times over. So, when we finally arrived it was more surreal than I'd ever imagined. 

The first thing that struck me in Morocco was the beauty of my surroundings. Even the airport was an architectural haven. It is hard the describe such beauty in words. 

After collecting our bags at the airport, we used the toilets. A basic necessity that couldn't have appeared more confusing! Toilet attendants (or so they appeared to be) stood underneath the free toilets sign asking for money. I had no change to give but my guilt subsided quickly when I realised the toilets were yet to be attended to. Soap dispensers were empty and toilets blocked but I didn't let this ruin my excitement. 

As to be expected by Thomson/First Choice the transfer to the hotel was informative and tailored to our 'platinum' Thomson package.

When we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted by the staff with cocktails and guided to our first meal of the trip, a Moroccan style buffet. After having our bags carried to our room, we explored the hotel. 
The outside bar terrace that overlooked the pool, was made lively by a local duo, (and possibly the free bar.) 

We had arrived just after ten pm and the hotel staff had style pulled out all the stops, to ensure our first night in Marrakech was one to remember.

Travelling to Morocco: Places to Visit, Things to Do & What to Pack for Him & Her!

I am delighted to say this friday i will be going to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Morocco. From the moment i realised travelling was something i wanted to spend all my time doing i knew the place i had to visit was Morocco particularly Marrakech. This year i have been lucky enough to make that happen so before i take flight i thought i would do my research to find out where to go what to do and how to keep safe whilst abroad! 

  Jemaa el-Fna

Places to visit

Jemaa el-Fna
The main marketplace in Marrakech that have all the culture the city has to offer and a hotspot for all types of tourists. Food stalls display the delicacies of Marrakech in all their colour and beauty. Musicians, street artists and storytellers decorate the streets, offering a carnival of entertainment. If the marketplace isn't your style, retreat to a classy rooftop terrace for cocktails and traditional Moroccan dishes. If you venture further away from the square you can discover alleyways one after another encompassed by souks selling beautiful handmade pieces.  

Majorelle Garden
If the beauty of nature is what interests you then this is a must-do. A beautiful botanical garden located over 12 acres of Marrakech's greenery was created by a French painter who collaborated man-made sculpted beauty with the exotic beauty of nature. 

Menara gardens
Another hotspot for nature lovers. The views are the most spectacular part of these gardens. Known as the gate to the Atlas mountains, they make a beautiful backdrop and display a serene part of Marrakech. In for forefront sits a pavillion (man-made lake) that does not disappoint. Orchard and other gardens surround the Menara gardens also. 

Things to do

Camel Riding 
If you're up for trying something new then camel riding may be for you! Personally it's something i've always wanted to try and hopefully i can give it a go. Check it out here! 

Make a Splash
If you're going along with a group or family why not make a splash at Marrakech's very own water park. Oasiria Water Park is the perfect destination for those wanting to have fun in the waters of Morocco. 

Relax at the Spa
Sometimes when the vacation becomes more of an adventure and less of a holiday you can find the perfect place to relax at Marrakech's local spa.

Nightime Cocktails
After an eventful day why not finish the night off with a sunset view of the city surrounded by the best Moroccan culture and drinks on offer on a rooftop cocktail bar. 

Gambling 
Want something to do anytime of the day that is a little risky? Why not try your hand and test your luck at a some gambling in a Moroccan casino and spend some of your holiday money on spinning the wheel.

Before travelling

Remember its a strict Muslim country that do not accept low cut or revealing clothing for women, so be respectful and dress modestly.

Women travelling be cautious and aware of your surrounding because some male locals think it is acceptable to touch female tourists inappropriately when they are off-guard.

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency meaning you must exchange it when you are in Morocco. You can do this in airport banks or in the city centre, however be sensible when deciding how much to take out because the Dirham is considered a 'dead currency' so some foreign exchange bureaus may not accept the currency back. 

Be cautious of any wild cats or other animals although they may seem cute and cuddly touching them isn't worth the risk. In Morocco cats are wild and can been unpredictable and could carry diseases.

What to pack

Secure cross body bag: there are plenty of beggars and some pickpockets on the streets of Marrakech so be safe and aware when travelling in busy areas. 
Electrical plug adaptor: plug sockets differentiate wherever you go in the world so remember if you want to use your electricals you need the right adapters to do so!
Bug repellant: Getting bitten by mosquitoes and bugs is a given in humid places, so protect yourself with the right repellants.
Hat: when it's hot getting heat stroke or sunburn is risk so covering your head can prevent this as well as giving shade your face. 
Travel journal: this trip is one of a lifetime so it is important to document every memory you can.
Map: don't be afraid to use the most reliable source for getting a sense of direction, asking for directions from locals can be helpful but tricky due to the language barrier. Be safe get a map! 
Travel guide: for anything I might have missed, get yourself a travel guide (they often include maps) and are perfect for your pocket whilst on the road.