Best Destinations for Solo Women Travelers

I have an American friend who loves traveling to the Middle East. Although she is of Pakistani descent with black hair and olive skin – she’s American through and through. Given her values and interests having grown up in the U.S., you’d think she might be put off by much of this region – but that’s not the case.

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Morocco - a Charming Country of Africa

While Morocco travel can be enjoyed year round, many tourists choose to show up during the peak months of July and August. In addition to being a popular month for travelers to take a Morocco vacation, August is also when many native Moroccans like to vacation. Many of the vacationing natives live and work in European countries like Spain and France, and most workers in Europe get a month off in the summer. Beach lovers who are wondering when to go to Morocco should know that the months of July and August are when the country's beaches are at their best. This has a lot to do with the fact that many travelers decide to take a summer Morocco trip.

Many travelers consider the weather more than anything else when trying to decide when to go to Morocco. The country enjoys relatively warm weather year round, though the mountains are very different from the coastal zones and desert regions. In the High Atlas Mountains especially, the winters are cold. When enough snow falls, a Morocco trip can revolve around skiing. There are actually some ski resorts in Morocco, and while one of them can be found in the Ourika Valley, the other is closer to Fes in the Middle Atlas Mountains. While snow falls in the mountains and the temperatures often drop below zero in the winter, the other seasons are milder and better suited for hiking. Many Morocco travelers escape from the lowland and interior heat by venturing into the mountains on a side trip during the summer.

The temperatures in the Morocco interior can easily top 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. As such, travelers who don't have beach time as a main priority will likely prefer a trip to Morocco during the spring or fall months. These months can be especially great for Morocco travel, as the temperatures are comfortable and the summer crowds are absent. Spring is widely considered to be the best time to travel to Morocco, as the heat of the summer can prove overbearing. During the winter months, the cold, especially at night, can make things uncomfortable. In destinations like Marrakech, for example, the winter nights can be very cold. Thankfully, the coastal destinations are usually refreshed by consistent trade winds during the hot summer months, which helps to make places such as Agadir so popular in July and August.

In addition to considering the weather when trying to decide when to go to Morocco, many visitors also take a look at the annual events and festivals calendar. The month-long fast of Ramadan is especially worth noting, as the locals are more focused on their religion than travelers on many occasions. Some restaurants and cafes will close during the day during Ramadan, and business hours in general are reduced. Nighttime is a different story, however. Things are often quite festive and happy, and it can be a magical thing to witness.

There are various things that travelers can concern themselves with when it comes to planning a Morocco trip. For those on a tight budget, deciding when to go to Morocco can have everything to do with travel deals. In the off-season, the winter especially, many of the country's hotels offer discounted rates. Cheap flights can also be easier to come by in the off season, as well as in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. These days, Morocco travel deals are easier than ever to come by, in which case discounted rates on things like accommodations and airfare aren't unheard of during the peak summer season. A Morocco vacation package will usually offer discounts, so travelers might keep them in mind when arranging their Arabian getaway.

Things to do

The list of things to do in Morocco is a long one, and travelers will find that the country's diverse landscape lends itself well to all kinds of outdoor adventures. In addition to a host of fun activities, visitors to this fascinating African country can also enjoy a range of great attractions. The Morocco attractions offer something for everyone, and word is spreading fast when it comes to how rewarding a Morocco visit can be. While a list of things to do in Morocco can include any number of things, there are some activities and attractions that figure among the best and most popular.

Medinas

Morocco's medinas, or old districts, are magical places to explore, and they easily figure among the most iconic Morocco tourist attractions. These walled districts with their maze-like streets function much like they have for centuries, and they can be ideal places to go shopping and explore. In Marrakech, for example, taking in the atmosphere at the large central square in the medina can make for memories to last a lifetime.
Jamaa el Fna Square

This large square in the Marrakech medina is one of the best places in Morocco to observe a unique slice of everyday life. During the day, various street performers wander the square entertaining passersby, and juice stalls offer refreshing beverages. As the day wears on, the atmosphere at this renowned square gets even more enticing, as more and more street performers arrive and the food stalls start sending savory scents into the air. Jamaa el Fna Square impresses on many different levels, and it's one of the Morocco attractions that travelers won't want to miss.

Mosques

Mosques figure among the most historical Morocco tourist attractions, and many can be found in the country's various medinas. These places of worship are generally off-limits to non-Muslims, though they are still worth checking out due to their architectural and historical appeal. There are two mosques that non-Muslims can enter—the Tin Mal Mosque and the Hassan II Mosque. The Tin Mal Mosque is an older mosque and can be found near Marrakech, while the Hassan II Mosque is a huge, newer mosque that is hard to miss on the Casablanca skyline.

Museums

Morocco boasts a rich history, and some of the country's best museums offer insight into the more interesting historical facts. The America Legation Museum is one of the top Morocco tourist attractions, and it offers the most comprehensive look at the country's history. Found in Tangier, this museum offers free guided tours in English. The arts are very much at the heart of many museum displays as well, which is the case at the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This museum in Marrakech displays interesting arts and crafts, including leatherwork, jewelry, and carpets.

Tours

One of the best ways to take in the many different Morocco attractions is through a tour. Guided tours of the country's medinas are popular, especially in cities with larger medinas, such as Fes. In addition to exploring a medina, those who are wondering what to do in Morocco can also go on a bird watching tour, a biking tour, and a bunch of other fun tours.

Camel treks figure among the most popular Morocco tours, as they allow visitors to get in touch with their inner Lawrence of Arabia. The most popular destination for Morocco camel treks is Merzouga, though there are a few other options worth considering. Merzouga offers access to the Erg Chebbi, which is a verifiable desert wonderland that is full of shifting dunes. These dunes can be up to 500 feet tall. Camel treks can last a few hours or a few weeks. There are camps and other retreats scattered across the desert for travelers who need food, water, or a place to stay for the night.

Mountains

Heading into the mountains for some highland fun is one of the most popular things to do in Morocco, especially during the hot summer months. The cooler, fresher mountain air can be very enticing in the summer months, though the Morocco mountains are inviting regardless of the season. It's possible to go skiing in Morocco, which can be a unique experience. There are a couple small ski resorts in the Morocco mountains, and one can be found in the dazzling Ourika Valley.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Morocco, and it can be enjoyed year round. Winter snowfalls can make for adverse conditions, in which case hiking enthusiasts might stick to the other seasons when planning a trip. Hiking tours are easy to book in cities like Fes and Marrakech, and travelers can always head out on their own to trek the country's trails. The mountains make for the best hiking terrain.

Beaches

Many of the Morocco attractions are natural ones, and such is the case with the beaches. Enticing strips of sand can be found along the country's long coastline, and while some front the Atlantic Ocean, others sit on the Mediterranean Sea. Agadir and the Tamuda Bay area figure among the best places to enjoy some time on the beach in Morocco, though they certainly aren't the only destinations of choice. Various watersports can be enjoyed at the Morocco beaches, and surfing is growing in popularity.

Dining

For all intents and purposes, restaurants figure among the best Morocco tourist attractions, as sampling the country's unique cuisine is one of the main joys to be had. Couscous is the national dish. Various stews, or tanjines, also feature prominently on the menu at the Moroccan restaurants, and fresh seafood is abundant on the coast.

- According to Destination360 -

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Vigilant things in Paris

Normally, we often share to each other or write the review about where to go - to eat - to play, and how to move; but we forget about sharing about the vigilant things that we have to pay attention - not only in Paris - but in the other places. I have just traveled to Paris, so I want to write about Paris; and if anybody have the review about the vigilant things in the other place, I hope that it can be posted.

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Journey Vietnam to Laos - A real Experience

Last 2nd September, 2010, I had a trip to Laos. Since it was my first time traveling alone without any detail information about Laos, I lost quite much money. However, what I got were real experiences that I want to share with you.

Guide Book 

- It is almost necessary for every backpacker. The most popular one is Lonely Planet

- You can buy it in any Ebook website (i.e. Amazon), or go directly to the book store and ask for it. You can also buy an old one with cheaper price (8-10$) with the title: Lonely Planet Laos, Vietnam - Cambodia - Laos & Greater Mekong, or Southeast Asia on a Shoestring.

How to get to Laos from Vietnam?

To travel between Vietnam and Laos, you can go by land and airway. I am not sure if we can go by shipping line on Mekong river or not, because Laos does not have sea.

a. Airway from Vietnam to Laos

Although you can find the cheap flights from Vietnam to Laos of cheap airline such as Air Asia or Jetstar, you can still find some cheap flight ticket of Vietnam Airline with the routes:

- Sai Gon - Vientiane (transit at Phnom Penh)

- Hanoi - Vientiane

- Hanoi - Luang Prabang

b. Overland

- Between Vietnam and Laos, there are six international overland border gates (try to search on Google or Wikipedia), they are:

+ Pờ Y - Phou Keua
+ Lao Bảo - Daen Savanh
+ Cha Lo - Na Phao
+ Cầu Treo - Nam Phao
+ Nậm Cắn - Nậm Khan
+ Na Mèo - Nậm Xôi
+ Tây Trang - Sop Hun

- The border gates working time is from 7.00 AM - 5.00 PM. If you come to those gates not at this time, you have to wait.

- Buses to Laos are mostly at 2 border gates: Lao Bảo - Daen Savanh; and Cầu Treo - Nam Phao

+ Start in Saigon, Da Nang, Hue,Quang Tri, Vinh, Hanoi

+ To: Paksé, Savannakhet, Vientiane, Luang Prabang

- The information of these buses can be found in Hanoi, Vinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang. You can go to the tour agents or to the bus station to find it. However, if you start in Sai Gon, it is a little bit difficult to find.

- In Saigon, there is bus route: Saigon - Vientiane, but it is mostly for purchasers. Route: Sai Gon - Da Nang - Hue - Dong Ha - Lao Bao (Road no 9 Southern Laos). I do not know if there is any different route, or if it go through Po Y border gate or not.

- In Da Nang, there are a bus to Laos per day: start at 8.00 AM every morning. Route: Da Nang - Hue - Dong Ha - Lao Bao (Road no 9 Southern Laos). It stops at some location listed below, only in Vientiane, it will stop at the international bus station (9 km far from the city center).

+ Pakse (not sure it if is on the route)

+ Savannakhet

+ Vientaine: ticket price 250.000 - 270.000 VND (13$ - 14$), stop in Vientaine at 1.00 AM the next morning (duration: 18 hours including the waiting time at border gate)

You can buy the ticket directly at Da Nang bus station or contact to these bus stations:

+ Yen Hai: 0084 937 479 647 (Vietnam) - 0084 905 37 86 37 (Vietnam) - 0206 96 77 97 (Laos) -0205 03 04 05 (Laos) - 0207 47 02 47 (Laos). Bus from Da Nang starts at 8.00 AM every Monday. Bus from Vientiane back to Vietnam start at 6.00 PM every Wednesday. The license number: UN-2711; UN-5679. Sometimes, there an intensified bus on Sunday.

+ Huong Son: 0511 3652 227 (Vietnam) - 0084 194 081 105 (Vietnam) - 0084 905 677 700 (Vietnam) - 00856 205 694 378 (Laos). Start from Da Nang at 8.00 AM every Friday. Start from Vientaine back to Da Nang at 6.00 PM every Sunday. License number: UN-3789.

If your starting date is not suit to those bus station, you can call them before the starting date and ask them to book ticket for them. The price is not very different; or you can go directly to Da Nang bus station. I do not know how the other bus stations are, but in Yen Hai bus station, they have FREE service of pick up right at your place.

- In Hue: there are 3 buses to Laos like following:

+ Start at 6.00 AM every morning: you can have a chance to visit the non-military area DMZ (Hien Luong Bridge - Quang Tri - Dong Ha...). At Dong Ha - Quang Tri, you have to transit to another bus (Quang Tri - Laos). Time and ticket price can be founded at the tour agents in Hue. The price is around 18$ - 20$.

+ Start at 9.30 AM every day: you will follow the route Hue - Hanoi (with bed provided). In Ha Tinh, you will transit to another bus (Hanoi - Vientiane - seat provided). You will get to Vientiane at 4.00 PM the next day (duration: 23 hours including waiting time at border gate). Only at this route, you will follow the route: Hue - Dong Ha - Ha Tinh - Hanging Bridge (Cau Treo) - Vientiane/ Road no 8). Ticket price: 18$ - 20$.

Currency

When getting to Laos, you have to think about currency. The monetary unit of Laos is Kips (LAK), besides, they still accept purchasing using USD and Baht (Thailand currency). You can go to http://www.xe.com/ to find more information about the currency in Laos. If you have Vietnamese currency, you can exchange it at the border gate because I think it has the best price; but if you bring USD, it is ok in everywhere (1 USD - 8500 LAK)

Transportation

Within the city: in Laos, the popular vehicle is tuk tuk. However, you should know how to bargain. I have some experiences: the more people, the cheaper it is. Always ask for the price before you go. From international bus station to city center: 10.000 Kips. From Luang Prabang station to city center: 5.000 - 8.000 LAK.

- Inter-provincial or International: At some tour agent or hotel, hostels, they often sell ticket to the neighborhood places. You should check all the information in all agents before you start in order to know which one is the cheapest. Do not book round ticket because it will be more expensive. You can book for minibus or tuk tuk.Seat arrangement is depended on the ticket agent. If you check-in sooner, you will have better seat; if you come late, you can negotiate with them. There are 3 kinds of bus: VIP (include: breakfast, there is toilet on the bus), normal bus (no breakfast, no toilet on bus), and local bus: I do not recommend it but it is the cheapest. You can check the price in "Lonely Planet Laos"; but you can also refer to this information:

+ Vientiane - Luang Praband: 18 - 19 USD / 150.000 - 160.000 LAK (VIP); 110.000 - 130.000 LAK(normal bus)

+ Vientiane - Vang Vieng: 50.000 LAK (VIP bus)

+ Vientiane - Da Nang/ Hue: 130.000 LAK (normal bus)

Accommodation

If you want to stay in the city center, you can look for in Lonely Planet Laos book guide. Guest house is around 15 - 20$ for double room (including air-condition, hot water, separated bathroom). If you choose room without air-condition and use fan, the price is 10USD. If share bathroom, it is cheaper.

Eating

- Follow the guide in "Lonely Planet - Laos" 

- If you like to eat street food, you can go to the city center, along Mekong river, there are some restaurants. Here, you can eat while watching the beautiful sunset on Mekong river.However, be careful of your stomach.

- Translated from Du Lich Phuot -

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Journey to the Holy Land

2 years ago, in the cultural exchange program of South-East Asia youth (SSEAYP), I had a chance to experience the life with Muslim and Christian families; and now, I have more opportunities to explore the lives of the Jews.

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Denmark - When and Where to go ??

Denmark might not be your first guess if you were asked what the oldest kingdom in the world is, but there seems to be plenty that people don’t know about this Scandinavian country—popular itineraries detailing a whirlwind tour of Europe rarely include Denmark travel, or at best it may suggest spending a day or two in Copenhagen only. However, there is much to see 450 or so islands that make up this beautiful country; there are certainly too many to visit during a single Denmark vacation. Those that stop only in Copenhagen are also missing out on a great number of tourist attractions in Denmark that are spread across its archipelago. From Odense to Aarhus, from Sonderborg to Skagen, a Denmark vacation will not be one you soon forget.

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Coming to Washington DC to see Cherry Blossom

It is said that the ideal season for traveling to the capital Washington D.C of the USA is Spring (from March to May), or Autumn (from September to November).

However, to have the most wonderful and memorable trip to America, you should go in the beginning of Spring, when thousand of cherry blossom tree blooming. At that time, the weather is warmer by the sunglight. It is believed that the atmosphere in Washington DC is full of Spring with thousands of flower fragrancy, especially at the sunrise.

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Review: Singapore - Fresh Dawn and Wandering Parties

I have been to Singapore several times, and until this time, I still have the feeling of surprise and excitement about this little Lion Island.

Overcoming the limitation of the area as well as natural resources, Singapore has always been a land full of amazing discoveries and experiences for your family to arrive as guests in this country.

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