Solo Globetrotter’s Guide: Must-Have To-Do’s For Traveling Alone

BY  Pijus Maity Jan 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia has a typical climate of a desert: hot, dry and intense. People visiting KSA often get fed up with the extremely hot weather conditions, especially in summer. Even in winter, the temperature doesn’t fall below 25 Degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is difficult for people to stay here, especially the ones traveling from cold climatic regions. Pilgrims of Umrah packages from UK and tourists often come here during winter as it offers pleasant weather. Yet, if you want to escape the desert heat, Saudi Arabia houses several cooler regions to your surprise. Here are 6 must-visit winter destinations in Saudi Arabia. Al Bujairi Heritage Park. Al Bujairi Heritage Park is a cultural oasis in Riyadh that comes to life in the winter season. Its traditional architectural style, lush greenery, and various tourist activities add to its significance. Spreading over an area of 60,000 square meters, it hosts various workshops and light shows for visitors. In addition, you can indulge yourself in the local culture through traditional and roadside food stalls.  There are also rides and play areas available for children to enjoy. Al Bujairi Heritage Park is your best choice for a day trip during winter in KSA. Plan a picnic with your family here and spend the day with your loved ones in this scenic and happening area.  Abha. Abha is the ‘City of Fog’ in Saudi Arabia. Present in the Asir region, Abha is famous for its lush green surroundings and misty peaks. The cherry on top, the winter season brings snowfall here as well. Therefore, if you are planning a visit to the Asir region, Abha is the destination you should not miss. Especially if you are a nature lover. Asir National Park here is also a popular tourist spot as it houses more than 300 species of birds. There are also various trails and hiking treks for you to cover and have a memorable stay. So if you are applying for a Ramadan Umrah Packages 2025 UK online plan a visit to Abha after Umrah rituals. Snowy mountains in Tabuk. Tabuk is one of the favorite winter destinations of locals and tourists alike in Saudi Arabia. Covering the northern region of KSA, Allous Mountain is the coldest peak of the Tabuk region. It often receives snowfall during the winter season. Therefore, becoming an ideal spot for skiing, ice skating and snow sledding.  There are more than 15 mountain ranges in the Tabuk region, each offering a unique landscape and cold temperatures. Jabal Al-Lawz (also called ‘Mountain of Almonds’) wears the crown for the tallest peak here. It has a height of 2,549 meters above sea level, present near the Saudi-Jordan border. As Tabuk is a popular tourist destination in winter, there are numerous luxury resorts and restaurants to facilitate them. You can enjoy various winter sports here as well. Such as hiking, camping, skiing, and picnics in the breath-taking scenery. Rawdat Khuraim. Rawdat Khuraim Oasis has its second name, ‘King Abdul Aziz Forest’. It is a serene oasis that possesses stunning lakes, lush green palm trees, and a number of walling trials. This particular tourist spot is popular throughout the year. Though spring is the ideal time to visit this oasis, winter is the second best choice.  Present near Riyadh, you can see diverse flora and fauna here during your visit in winter. Many rare flowers bloom here during the winter season that are not seen elsewhere in the kingdom. So make it a place worth visiting with cheap Umrah packages.  Edge of the World. Jabal Fihrayn (Edge of the World) holds the title of being the tallest peak of the Tuwaiq mountain range in KSA. This cliff suddenly falls off to the ground at a height of 1,131 meters. It’s a truly breathtaking yet thrilling experience.  There are various hiking trails that you can use for trekking to reach the top and have panoramic views of the surroundings. The winter season further adds to your comfort for trekking as pleasant weather conditions persist in the region. Yet, this destination is not for the weak of the heart.  Thumama Desert. A visit to the Thumama Desert is a must during your winter trip to KSA. Though the desert experiences intensely hot weather in the summers, winter brings lush green valleys covered in white snow here. It is the perfect place for traditional Bedouin-style camping and stargazing at night. When you apply for your Umrah visa UK online during winter, plan a visit to these 6 destinations necessarily. Weather In Saudi ArabiaWinter: Here, the winter season is very mild. The Average temperature ranges from 8-20°C (46-68°F).Spring: Saudi Arabia offers a warm and pleasant spring with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F).Summer: Summer feels very hot and dry in SA. The temperature can exceed 40°C (104°F).Fall: You may experience a very warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). Now Comes The Most Important Part: What To Pack! Knowing what to pack for a trip to the winter destinations in Saudi Arabia is the ultimate key to a successful holiday. When you are traveling to earnestly conservative countries, you would require a lot of pre-planning and, most importantly, an excellent packing list.  ClothingLong-sleeved shirtsLight sweater or fleeceWarm jacketComfortable trousers or jeansScarf and hat for cooler eveningsSocks and underwearModest swimwear for hotel poolsComfortable walking shoesToiletriesToothbrush and toothpasteDeodorantShampoo and conditionerBody washMoisturizerSunscreenLip balmShaving kitElectronicsSmartphone and chargerTravel adapter (Type G plug)Power bankCamera and memory cardHealth And SafetyFace masksHand sanitizerPersonal medicationBasic first aid kitMiscellaneousBooks or e-readerTravel journal and penReusable water bottleDocumentsPassport VisaTravel InsuranceFlight ticketsHotel reservationPhotocopies of important documentsTravel AccessoriesBooks or e-readerTravel journal and pensReusable water bottle Final Words!  Whether you are planning to go hiking to the edge of the world, enjoy the beautiful weather at Rawdat Khuraim, or maybe be escaping this bustling city life to look for a serene place like the snowy mountains in Tabuk, this guide will help you to choose your ultimate winter gateway!  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 11, 2023

All aboard, travelers! If you're looking forward to a scenic and relaxed journey on the rails, it's essential to know some key train travel packing tips. They’ll make your trip a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're taking off on an exciting transcontinental adventure or just a weekend getaway, preparation is key. The right packing and planning can set the tone for a smooth ride. So, review these essential packing tips and must-haves for your next train travel adventure. Train Travel Packing Tips 1. Bring A Spacious Single Carry-On When selecting luggage, your best bet is a spacious carry-on bag. They're ideal for day trips and even those train travel packages that span a week or two. Choose a bag specifically designed for travel. It often has waterproof material and anti-theft features to protect your things inside as you focus on your trip. If you need more room for your belongings, a lightweight wheeled bag is an excellent alternative. Not only is it easy to maneuver, but it’ll also fit into the usually constrained compartments of many trains. Packing light becomes crucial here since space on trains isn't as generous as in planes. 2. Use Organisational Packing Cubes As a traveler's best friend, packing cubes help you organize your belongings. Organizing your belongings into various compartments allows you to easily locate what you need without turning your bag upside down.  Get cubes in varying sizes to fit everything from large pieces of clothing to socks and undies. Not only will these organizers save you time, but they’ll also keep your packing tidy throughout your journey. 3. Pack Clothing You Can Layer Understanding the weather and climate of your train route is vital, even if you'll be inside the train for the most part. Packing layered clothing allows for easy adjustments to fluctuating temperatures. Start with light layers and add warmth as needed. That way, unexpected weather changes won't catch you off guard. 4. Consider Bringing Multi-Purpose Items The more versatile the items in your luggage, the lighter you can pack. Think of multi-purpose garments or accessories that can serve more than one function. Bringing along a scarf that can double as a blanket, for example, saves you the need to pack too much. Now that you know how to pack effectively for your trips, check out what you need to bring for your worry-free journey via train. Train Travel Must-Haves A. Travel Documents Remember to have your necessary travel documents like tickets, identification, and any required visas at hand. A small document holder can make managing these essentials a breeze.  Failing to bring your documents could delay your trip or deny you entry on the train. Before you leave for the train, double-check these items first and last to ensure you won't forget anything. B. Personal Toiletries Some trains may provide complementary toiletry kits, but it's always a good idea to bring your own, just in case. A small toiletry bag with travel-size items like toothpaste and face wash can keep you fresh and clean during the journey. Why not pack multi-purpose toiletries like petroleum jelly or moisturizer with SPF to save more space in your kit? These items can help you pack more efficiently. Consider transferring the contents into tiny travel bottles to avoid bringing the larger original containers with you. C. Sleeping Kit For overnight journeys, a sleeping kit including a blanket, sleeping mask, ear plugs, and neck pillow will make your trip more restful. Investing in a compact set ensures comfort without taking up too much room. Pack these items together in one compartment to grab them easily before sleeping. D. Insulated Water Bottle And Snacks Even if the train offers fresh food and beverages to first-class and economy passengers, it won't hurt to bring your own for the trip. An insulated water bottle will keep your drinks at the right temperature, and snacks will fill your stomach between meals. Store your food in resealable pouches to keep the contents from spilling out and making a mess. E. Electronics And Entertainment Don't forget your charger, headphones, and favourite book or e-reader. A relaxing train journey is perfect for unwinding with a good read or movie. If possible, store your electronics, phone, and wallet in the same small bag, as these items are often considered valuables. F. Portable Clothesline A portable clothesline can be handy if you plan to freshen up some clothes during extended travel. It's light, practical, and easy to use. This train travel must-have is ideal for drying wet towels or using it as a makeshift bunk divider. Though, remember to ask for permission first before using it. G. Rubbish Bag The train may have several rubbish bins you can walk over to, but there'll be times when you just want to remain seated. A small rubbish bag comes in handy for these occasions since all you need to do is take it out and toss your waste inside. It helps keep your space clean and organized during long-haul journeys, whether luxury travels or trips planned at the last minute. Conclusion Embarking on a train journey doesn't need to be a puzzle. By following these train travel packing tips, you can have a stress-free ride anytime. From versatile carry-on choices to must-have comfort items, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. So, grab your ticket, pack wisely, and enjoy the scenic vistas through the window. The train route is waiting, and your seat is reserved!

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 8, 2019

Planning a trip is not only overwhelming but sometimes it might be time-consuming as well. It is always much harder to plan a trip, especially when traveling overseas and with some family members or even your kids gave all the things that you may have to put into consideration. Nonetheless, planning a trip is therefore very essential if you wish to travel. The plan you make for your trip will guide you appropriately on what to do where and how. You will be able to put almost everything that you will do while on the trip into consideration.  Therefore, planning a trip will help you to estimate the total cost of your vacation. One thing you need to understand is that different trips come with different plans. If you are planning to go on vacation with your family, you will require a different strategy compared to the person who is traveling to attend to his or her business duties. One thing that is clear is that whatever the purpose of the trip, you will need to plan to help you sort out everything properly. If you are planning to go on a trip but are stuck at the crossroads with regards to what to do, then a plan will be essential. The tips below should be able to guide you effectively when planning a trip to whatever destination and for whatever purpose. It is good to follow them if you are looking for a memorable trip experience. 10 Useful Tips for Planning a Trip: Do You Know These? The tips for planning a trip are exhaustive. So, let’s get into the thick of it directly. 1. Select the Right Destination for Your Trip: The first thing you may need to do when planning a trip will be to select a destination for your trip. You will have to ensure that the destination you choose will not only meet your preferences but also be friendly to your budget. Another important thing you have to consider will be the duration of your trip. The length of your journey will help you to choose where to visit. If you have about four weeks or more, then you will be able to travel overseas for your trip. If you have little time, a domestic trip will be reasonable. However, you will have to ensure that the destination that you choose for your trip will offer you an opportunity to enjoy and have fun to the fullest. It will not be a good idea for you to plan a trip to a place where you will not be able to enjoy and have fun. That will be a total wastage of your time and other valuable resources. If you are convinced that your travel destination is right for you, you will now have to consider your travel companions. Will you be traveling alone, with your family (including your children) or with your colleagues? You need to put into consideration the aspect of diverse interest. Consequently, if you are bringing some people along with you on your trip, you should also consider their tests and preferences. It is a crucial element to consider when planning a trip. It might be essential for you to sit down with them and discuss their travel preferences and later on agree on a common destination. Lastly, you may have to choose a destination that will allow you to fully enjoy and even remember your trip for days to come. 2. Plan for Your Flight: Immediately after choosing the destination, the next thing you have to do is a plan for your flight. It is essential for you to try and explore the number of options with regards to the available flights and select the cheaper one. Choosing a cheaper flight when planning a trip will help you to reduce your budget when significantly. If you choose to travel with your family, it is advisable to pick a flight that will get you to your destination within the shortest time possible. You also have to ensure the flight offers you and your family maximum comfort. If you are traveling for the first time, then it will be essential for you to go for premium direct flights. This decision will help you to avoid long hours that come with connecting flights. If you are unable to find a cheaper flight, then you can try out some online sites that offer useful information regarding flights. The information will help you to get a cheaper flight that will save you costs in the long run. 3. Book Your Accommodation: It is advisable to choose a suitable accommodation for yourself when planning a trip. However, you need to be so keen not to overspend on accommodation while on your trip. Go for the most affordable accommodation options. Choosing affordable accommodation options will help you to save some money for other activities while on your trip. The length of your trip will also be a significant aspect when planning for your accommodation. If you intend to stay for a shorter period, then you can reward yourself a fantastic moment in prestigious accommodation centers. If you want to stay for a more extended period, then it will only be right that you settle for cheaper accommodation options. If you wish to travel to a country that you are not familiar with, you need to go online and explore some of the cheaper accommodation options available. However, don’t compromise your comfort by choosing the cheapest hotels. Usually, online sites will provide you with a broad range of accommodation options from the most expensive to cheaper options. You can also get privately owned accommodation centers being the best options. 4. Planning for Transportation: After choosing your destination, you need to plan on how you will have fun in different areas. This factor implies that you may have to move around. Therefore, it is vital to start making arrangements on how you will be able to move around your travel destination when planning a trip to ensure that you don’t get stranded at some points. Try and research on the existing travel options in your travel destination and see which one fits you best. You can either choose to use taxis or opt for commuter buses. You will have to be a bit vigilant in some destinations when planning a trip due to insecurity or even avoiding getting conned. Try to avoid rental car companies from the airport since some of them might charge you highly hence reducing your budget. However, there could be some other car rental companies that charge reasonably well. The only problem will be that you may not be able to get them due to the higher demand they face. If you intend to make use of such transportation options, then you need to make an earlier booking. If you manage to catch a vehicle from the company, it will help you to save money and other resources. This is because the vehicles will transport you to and from your destination without making stopovers that tend to waste time. 5. Things to See and Do on the Vacation: It is very much essential for you to determine the place you will have to visit without failure when planning a trip, and possibly the kind of things to do in those places. Also, look around and see if there are other fun things you can do free of charge. If you choose to travel at a peak season, you will be able to catch up with more fun, and more people who are having fun as well. Through having fun, you may find yourself creating new friends in the process. However, traveling during the peak season may force you to make prior bookings to accommodation centers and tourist’s sites. This earlier booking is advisable since there may be many people visiting the sites as well hence making the accommodation options scarce. The research will be fundamental when planning a trip, and more particularly on the kind of things, you will intend to do while on your journey. Some countries offer online booking options to zoos and theme parks. You should make use of these options to avoid last-minute rushes while planning a trip. If you are not so sure of the kind of activities to engage in when planning a trip, you may have to enquire for a guide. The guide will take you through all the events in your selected tour destination, though at a smaller fee. You can also go online and try to research your selected tourist destination. The research will help you to see if there are some things you will need to give priority to while on your trip. The only thing you need to look for will be an exceptional experience in whatever activity you will choose to engage. Ensure the activities present you with an opportunity of enjoying optimally. 6. Places To Drink and Eat While on the Trip: Some travel destinations are famous because of the drinks and foods they offer. If you are a big fan of beverages and foods, then you need to consider such destinations. If you are a fan of testing new things, probably new cafes and drinks, these destinations should have your priority any time you will be planning a trip. If you are traveling with family, it will be vital for you to consider destinations that provide excellent eating places. If you visit these excellent places then you will have an opportunity to sit with your family and enjoy excellent delicious meals. The good thing about such travel destinations is that they come with multiple locations where you will be able to enjoy meals. If you are concerned about budgets, you should find a place where you will be able to enjoy a meal and a drink at relatively lower prices. You need to do a lot of research when planning a trip while on a budget. 7. Check Your Passport: It will just be unreasonable for you to carry on with your trip plans overseas without a visa. If you don’t have a passport, you will need to give yourself enough time to apply for one before eventually carrying on with your trip plans. You have to acquire a passport first before eventually carrying on with the booking of your accommodation and even getting your flight tickets. You also need to check the expiry date of your passport. If the expiry date of your passport is after six months, then you have to fit your travel and vacation plans within the same period.  Some countries or travel destinations will even require you to have a passport with the validity of six months beyond your vocational stay. 8. Understand the Visa Requirements for Your Preferred Destination: You will need to know and understand the visa requirements of your travel destination before eventually setting sail. You also need to know how exactly you will be able to get a specific visa when you need it. Usually, when it comes to visas, different countries provide different rules for nationalities. Therefore, it is essential you to carefully study the kind of rules and regulations that pertains to the Visa of the country you intend to travel to before eventually acquiring one. If you manage to access the rules and regulations regarding the visa, you will have to move with speed and acquire a permit. This speed will help you to avoid the last-minute rushes which might in some cases, end up delaying you. If you are not so sure about overseas travel and what such visas entail, you can gather some information on the same from online sites. 9. Plan To Get Immunized if You Will be Going Oversees: Some travel destinations may cause a risk to your health. Therefore, it is vital for you to ensure you get the necessary immunization before proceeding to visit your preferred travel destination. Most countries give priority to health, and you may even find yourself unable to travel due to the lack of vaccination documents. To stay on the right side of things, ensure you talk to a doctor about the right travel vaccines for you and have yourself vaccinated before eventually traveling. 10. Prepare Copies of Essential Travel Documents: It is a normal thing for people to misplace copies of essential papers when planning a trip. Some companies may even lose your booking reservation. If not so, you could also find yourself encountering a communication breakdown with your company. This breakdown could be due to the amount of money paid and the expected service or possibly many other things. With all these possibilities in mind, it is vital for you to ensure you keep copies of all the essential documents. These documents include passports, visas, flight tickets, and other necessary and relevant records. The copies will help you to confirm your details in case of any misunderstanding. Practical Tips For Writing A Trip Itinerary  Now, let’s focus on the more crucial part of planning a trip. Once you have ticked all the ten points on your checklist, you must draft an itinerary. If you have a travel management company onboard, it will set everything for you. However, if it’s a self-guided tour, you have to create a draft of the stops, time, attractions, and many other things. A good itinerary plan is detailed, with proper time and budget allocations.  Let me share a travel itinerary template with you. Travel ItineraryPurpose: Friends’ ReunionDestination:Travel Start Date:Travel End Date: Departure Flight Details DateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport NameCar Rental from the AirportDateTime of Pickup from the AirportCar NumberContact Number of the DriverArrival Destination (Hotel) and TimeAccommodation Name and AddressContact PersonRoom NumberBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Options and TimingCheck-in and Check-out DateDay 1 to 5Destinations to VisitTime of Trip StartActivities throughout the DayLunch and Refreshment DetailsThings to CarrySafety Instructions (if any)Departure Flight DetailsDateTime Of DepartureAirport NameGate NumberArrival TimeAirport Name If you are uncomfortable making an Itinerary, you can check out the templates available online. However, when organizing solo, family, and friends trips, you will be more aware of your preferences. So, there will be a lot of customization.  In fact, you can use travel guide apps to plan trips to a different country and have a workable itinerary.  These tips for planning a trip should be a perfect guide for you. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Bon voyage!  Conclusion: If you are planning a trip, then the tips mentioned above should act as a perfect guide for you to ensure that you end up with a journey that you will love. Whether you will be traveling with your family or alone, these tips will give you the right guidance. Read Also: Top 10 Best Travel Apps To Use In 2019 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun Top Places To Visit In Italy On Your Next Travel Escapade 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip