Travel Tips | @ieattravelwrite

Travel Tips to Make Your Trip Unforgettable

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As humbling of an experience as it is to see different parts of the world, traveling is a huge expense and things add up faster than expected. Let me share some ways you can save (and that has worked for me).

SEVEN WAYS TO SAVE ON TRAVEL

One of my goals is to spend as little time as possible at home. It wasn't until I recently tried to look back and count the days I've been away that I realized I managed to be out of the country for more than half of the year last year.

HOW TO AFFORD TRAVEL: WHAT WORKED FOR ME

Once upon a time, before the pandemic hit and when traveling was still allowed, I would take every opportunity I can to just go.

After traveling at least once a month for months in a row, I had a lot of coworkers raising eyebrows and asking me "how do you afford to travel so much?". A lot of people have also reached out to me on my DMs and asked the same question.

There is no magic or right/wrong answer to it. I would simply say to find what works best for you.

It's possible to visit some of the most expensive destinations portrayed on social media networks. That is if you plan it well and travel smart.

A TASTE OF LUXURY FOR LESS - HOW TO VISIT EXPENSIVE DESTINATIONS ON A BUDGET

When I first saw pictures of Bora Bora years ago, I never thought it would be a place I'd ever get to explore. In fact, I found myself adding new destinations and experiences to my bucket list.

The problem with the mass influence of social media is that a lot of times people are promoting things that may be unrealistic or impossible for the average person.

But what if there was a way to get around it and still be able to have a memorable time, despite not being able to get the same experience?

It brings so much tranquility. Direct exposure to mosques challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam, promoting a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the religion and its followers.

A GUIDE TO VISITING MOSQUES AROUND THE WORLD (FOR NON-MUSLIMS)

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is visiting and praying at different mosques around the world. I love admiring the architecture of the buildings and seeing how each one is so different, yet beautifully crafted. Even if you are not a Muslim, I highly encourage you to visit if you can.

I am still traveling to places where I know I will stand out. Seeing people who they can relate to and/or find a connection with makes them feel excited. It brings back that feeling of home.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING OPEN-MINDED ABOUT TRAVEL AS A VISIBLE MINORITY

I spent years traveling. Most of the time, my curiosity led me to places I would have never imagined. My passion for adventure makes me crave the unknown. I want to see remote places. I prefer to visit destinations that are less known or harder to get to because they are untouched, yet still, hold so much beauty.

I was burned out from traveling somewhere along the way, but I am thankful to be able to cross many things off my list, the number one being: spending as little time as I can in Canada 🇨🇦.

Looking back, I also found it interesting how everything came in full circle when I ended the year on the ship that describes me perfectly: world traveler.

22 LESSONS FROM MY TRAVELS IN 2022

Out of 12 months in 2022, I spent more than half the year traveling. Before covid, my trips used to be more quick and short. Go, get it done, and come back. But in 2022, I changed the way I traveled. Instead of going for 4-5 days as I usually do, I decided to take off for a week or more every time.

Do not let fear get in the way of being you, do not let fear get in the way of stopping you from following your dreams. Do not let fear get in the way of experiencing life and all it has to offer - from the joys to the discomforts.

A GUIDE TO SOLO TRAVEL FOR MUSLIMAHS

I have lost count of the number of times I looked around on a flight or at the boarding area at the airport and found myself to be the only one with a headscarf. There are destinations I have been to where I felt that I was not only the only Muslim but also the only one who didn’t fit in. I don’t mind it, and standing out doesn’t scare me, even if it means I could easily be a target.

How do you enjoy yourself, while also ensuring to make the most of your time? Below are some of my top tips and tricks, that have helped me throughout my travels.

HOW TO BE PRODUCTIVE WHEN TRAVELING

One of the misconceptions people have about travel is that they think travel means going away for a vacation only. There are many reasons why travel and sometimes it is not by choice. Being in a different place may also make it harder to get work done, as you are in another space in your mind.

I like to wander and allow myself to purposely get lost as well, since it has been the best way for me to discover hidden gems in a place and places that I could never find via a Google search. Please note that it is important to exercise extreme caution if you do decide to purposely get lost. You do not want to wander off too far off or to an area where you may put yourself in danger. Additionally, ensure to always be mindful of your surroundings and trust your gut. If something feels wrong, do not ignore the thought.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A SPONTANEOUS TRIP

A few years ago, I decided to make a bucket list of things I wanted to accomplish before I die. One of the goals I had written down was to go on a spontaneous trip. I specified that I wanted to go to the airport one day and just get on a plane to wherever. Little did I know that this list would someday become a reality. The goal of trying to cross off this wish at least once, turned out to be my lifestyle for about 16 months - until the pandemic hit.

While beaches in Mauritius are beyond beautiful, there is just something about the island life that makes a vacation different.

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A TRIP TO AN ISLAND

It was not until this year started that I actually started considering adding islands to my itinerary when traveling. Since I am originally from an island (Mauritius), going elsewhere for the beach was out of the question in my family. We always believed we have the best beaches.

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”

THE KEY TO ENJOYING AN UNPLANNED TRIP: STRANDED IN DUBAI

The beauty of daring and being spontaneous is that you don’t know where you’ll end up, but you have the will to go anywhere anyway. Unplanned vacations are not only a learning process for me, but also one of my favorite hobbies. When I was a child, I always loved to research about the place I’m going. I loved looking in depth at the things to do and create a detailed itinerary for the entire duration of my trips (even for our family road trips).

Do you usually add connections to your flight(s) when you travel or do you prefer to fly direct?

For me personally, direct is the way to go. Not only does flying direct save time, but sometimes layovers are long and tiring.

THE LAYOVER LIFE: WHAT I LEARNED IN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE

I’ve concluded that connections make you realize that you need to come to the country someday and explore all they have to offer.

Although direct flights save time (but costs more), layovers aren’t so bad of an option.

What’s the better options for you? Do you have any other ideas of how to make time go by faster?