Some insight to first-time adventure travellers looking to visit a European destination: maybe you want to head to Portugal or Spain!
When I think about travelling as an African around the world, a couple of things come to mind. On top of that mental list, I have safety bolded and double underlined. Well, I'm a little bit better off as a Black man. Of course, research shows that Black women are targeted more often for racial or general abuse, but we are high up there.
My history of travelling within Europe dates back to post-uni trips that had me finding my way through the streets of Aux-en-Provence in France or, a few years later, travelling as a couple to Italy, Spain, Portugal and all the countries I loved at my first visit.
But alas, a travel guide should talk about a few things to keep in mind. I will try my best to go through a few points in this, the first blog of a few.
Situational Awareness
In Italy in the summer you are living in crowded streets, crowded trains and crowded restaurants. Being aware of your surroundings is top of the list titled “how to travel smart”.
And yes, the usual is to watch your bag, your pockets or anyone who brushes up against you aggressively (pickpockets are rife in most European city hubs), but I personally had run in with other types of infringements on personal space or funds.
In Italy there is a common gift scam run; curio hawkers will offer you a free bracelet, even putting it right on your wrist, then adamantly but softly luring you in by informing you it's a gift from the deep kindness of their now lost entrepreneurial spirit. In my case, they got me with a quick scan up and down, and the sob story was already planned. compassion. "Oh my fellow African brother, I have a gift for you," I, being Kenyan, said, "thank you," and started walking away, but as I drew a few steps away, the interaction was opened up again. “Hey, look at my wife and child. "He said. My response: very nice family brother!. “They are hungry and haven't eaten.” In my head I'm thinking, 'Why are you giving out free gifts?' But that's the scam: the wristband isn't free, and the small curio isn't free but is a lure to get you to drop your guard and spend more than you would have. Or even buy something that you wouldn't have used initially.
I left with 2 bracelets and a small figurine of an elephant. I'm sure I overpaid for each one of those. Don't be like me; don't fall for it!
Booking.com rooming descriptions
Some places you visit may seem too good to be true, with a beautiful room and lovely compound at such a reasonable price! Well, welcome to always read the description carefully. I've been caught on shared homes where you only have a bedroom and share all the other common areas. These properties are so far out you need to catch a train and 2 buses just to get there.
In Milan we booked a house, thinking we will get the whole house, but it was an apartment that the renter had converted into a 3-bedroom hotel with a shared bathroom and everything.
In Verona I booked a beautiful Airbnb/hotel. It was en-suite, spacious, with a great view of the neighbours' vineyard and an amazing shower. Mind you, this was all an extension of the host's private home. But it was 15 min from the nearest bus or train stop with 2 large bags; that's a trek and a half.
When it boils down to travelling to a new destination, the number one complaint we hear in the travel industry is almost always related to accommodation. Is it what they expected or better, sometimes worse?
Always pay attention to your accommodation details; scroll down if you booked online for the house details. Is it the full house you get or just a room?
Is the stay a 15 min walk from the city centre or a 15 min drive on the highway?
All these little details make a difference in how your trip will pan out.
Follow these not-so-common common-sense tips and you may just survive your next solo adventure!
Or book with hippy safaris; nothing ever goes wrong when you trust us travel planners wink, wink
