Marwan Farouk on becoming a master traveler
Welcome to the Marwan Farouk blog. Marwan Farouk is a retired surgeon, a traveller and an adventure-seeker. Every industry has its own “best practices” — proven rules and standards but I have my own golden travel rules.
Over the past ten years, I’ve learned a lot of tips and tricks that have helped me thrive when I travel. But, over the years, I’ve developed a list of golden rules for travel. These guidelines help me save money, make friends, stay safe, and fit into the local culture.If you follow them, you’ll become a master traveler… all without breaking the bank so you can keep cutting a path forward through the world for longer:
Be adventurous – You only live once. You’re going to get chances to do wild things you’ve never dreamed of doing when you travel. Don’t hold back. There’s no one around to judge you. No one cares what you do. No rumors will be spread. Push yourself to do something new and daring at least one.
Always carry backups – Always carry a backup bank and credit card in case one is lost, stolen, or hacked. That way while you are fixing the issue, you still have access to your money. This has happened to me before and, I can ensure you, you’ll be thankful you followed this advice!
Only carry what you need – When you leave to go out for the day, only care the cash you need and one credit card. You don’t want to get robbed and lose everything!
Travel alone at least once – Few things are as liberating as solo travel. As a solo traveler, you’re free to do whatever you want. To me, it’s the purest sense of freedom there is and you’ll learn a ton about yourself in the process.
Learn basic phrases – Locals don’t expect you to be an expert in the local language, but learning a few basic phrases will go a long way to endearing you and making them go the extra mile for you. It will bring a smile to their face that you tried! “Hello,” “how are you?” and “thank you” go a long, long way no matter where you go.
Stay in hostels – They aren’t all the dirty party places you see in movies. Most hostels are very clean, offer breakfast, have comfy beds and Wi-Fi, organize events, and know the local area very well.
Be flexible with your plans – Travel is a series of happy accidents with way leading to way. Don’t skip going to that random city with the friends you just met because your itinerary says something different. You’ll regret it.
Get lost – Meander through a new city without a map. Get lost — because in the end, you aren’t really getting lost, you’re just discovering new experiences. So put down the map and wander. Eventually, you’ll find your way.
Travel slow – This isn’t a race or a competition.
Avoid taxis – They just cost a lot. Don’t use them unless you don’t have any other option.
Ignore all my tips and do whatever you want – It’s your trip. Go where you want, when you want, and for how long you want. Don’t worry about this or that. Make mistakes. Learn. Make more mistakes. So get out there and have some fun!You deserve it.
Marwan Farouk is a retired surgeon, a traveller, and an adventure-seeker. He has an insatiable thirst for travel and experiences that involve taking risks and learning about new cultures. He's basically a travel junkie who is always in the midst of planning his next trip! Discover more about Marwan Farouk here.Marwan Farouk also blogs money saving tips, travel, exciting destinations to visit, typical food to taste and modern nomads to meet on the Marwan Farouk Twitter page here.
