Savvy Angel's Guide to Travelling Alone

By Zehra Fattah

May it inspire you to keep discovering the wonders of the world...

Pre flight:

1. Trip Advisor, my number one website for for hotel reviews. I have downloaded this app on my IPad, Smartphone and laptop. It's become an absolute must when it comes to reading the reviews before choosing the hotel. So far it has been absolutely reliable...As for accommodation book it on booking.com. In my experience it is always cheaper than booking it on Trip Advisor.

2. Check the departure airports website for flight schedules.
This will give you the chance to see all airlines that fly to the destination so you will make sure not to let slip away a good deal and you can compare. Afterwards simply go on the websites of the chosen airline and book.

Airport and in flight:

1. Get yourself an approved cabin size trolley. This will save you a lot of hustle when checking in as you can take it inside the cabin with you. Precious time I never felt like wasting at the baggage claim, which can take a very long time depending on the country you travel to. Also this way your luggage can't get lost.

2. Always be last when standing in line to enter the aircraft:. the plane won't leave without you and the later you reach your seat the more settled everyone will be. If you reach too early you may witness people fighting over seats or other irrelevant things. Better to avoid it. This way also the chances are better than you end up changing your seat to a more comfortable one.

3. Online check it is a must- this will save you at least 45 minutes in line which you can utilise with so many other activities. My favorite- laying on the beach. :-)

4. Never stress too much about buying items such as sun lotion, mosquito spray, etc. beforehand if you don't have it. Usually there is so much time to spend on your own before check in and most airports these days has a drug store, plus it's duty free.

Finally arrived:

5. Depending on your flight timings always ask for an early check in and late check out at the hotel you are stay in. Hotels usually do this free of charge and this will give you the chance to maximise your time. (Being a member of a hotel loyalty program will also increase your chances of receiving early/late check-out).

6. Not being a fan of selfies a great alternative is to ask a stranger to take a picture of you (chances are that you will make sure to set the camera in the right angle beforehand). Not everyone is passionate in taking pictures and has the talent - so if you want to ensure to have a great picture of yourself this is the best way to ensure that you will capture your unique memories.

7. Take a book or iPad. When dining alone in hotels this is a great way to enjoy the time alone. When strolling through the city I usually don't take anything but my camera and purse. Not having any distraction will allow you to talk to strangers. (I have met the most interesting people this way).

8. Get lost! Literally don't take a guide with you. This is the greatest way to explore a new place. This depends on the safety of the countries of course. Rely solely on this and recommendations of locals or friends that have been there before. Make sure to blend in by dress and behave according to local customs. This will not only keep you safe but also give you a real feeling of the culture you are experiencing.

9. Last but not least share your experiences in the forms of a blog or pictures on social networking sites. This will not only serve in sharing valuable information with fellow travellers but it will also give people that are not fortunate enough to see a certain place a glimpse.

"Travelling: First it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller..."
(Ibn Battuta)

Happy landings! :-)