• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Hangry Backpacker

Go Alone. Get Lost. Eat.

  • Go Alone
    • Go Alone
    • Facing Fears as a Solo Backpacker
  • Get Lost
    • Get Lost
    • The Best Places to Travel in Southeast Asia
    • Do Tourists Ruin the World’s Most Famous Attractions?
    • City Guides
  • Eat
    • Eat
      • Eat
      • And Drink
        • Beer in Southeast Asia
    • Time is Food
    • The Ultimate Guide to Pizza in Portland
  • Lagniappe
    • Lagniappe
    • Hangry Backpacker Travel Gear
    • Pack Light, Pack Right!
    • Starting a Travel Blog
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Southeast Asia
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Africa
  • Hostels
  • Tours

Lagniappe

Granada vs. Seville: Full Travel Comparison

August 27, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Granada vs. Seville – it’s not a simple comparison. This isn’t a debate of choosing Granada or Seville in a soccer game. Which Andalusian city should you visit on your trip to Spain?

Granada vs Seville the Hangry Backpacker

If possible and time permits, Granada and Seville (Sevilla) are both excellent places to travel in Spain. When time is not on your side, choosing a travel destination can be more complicated.

These two Spanish cities are both popular with tourists for a reason. Before you choose – if you have to choose – compare Granada vs. Seville in this analysis. Decide which one is the better place to travel for you.

Seville vs. Granada – The Main Attractions

Granada and Seville both have fantastic attractions that draw tourists. What about the top attractions? Does Granada or Seville have the better landmark travel highlight?

Granada:

The Alhambra complex is the major tourist draw in Granada. The grounds consist of palaces, a ruined fortress, extravagant gardens and even an art museum. All of this comes with great views over the city of Granada.

Hilltop view of Alhambra in Granada Spain

Alhambra is an enormous source of tourism. Millions of tourists visit each year, and it is a place that I could easily spend half a day wandering around (again).

Seville:

The famous Cathedral of Seville is the most prominent and popular tourist attraction in Seville. This massive church, one of the largest in the world, draws thousands of tourists and religious pilgrims on a daily basis. Seville Cathedral has tons of history, jaw-dropping interior decor and even the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

Seville city center from cathedral bell tower

Seville Cathedral also has the best view in the city. The bell tower, a former minaret, provides marvelous views of the city center in Sevilla.

Granada vs. Seville – which has the better major tourist attraction? Both of these sites are stunning, picturesque and full of history. The Alhambra is more difficult to visit and more expensive, but it is the clear winner here.

Seville Cathedral is cool, but there are a lot of massive churches in Europe. That’s not a bad thing; Seville Cathedral is different from other large European churches, but the Alhambra is definitely the more unique attraction.

Other Tourist Attractions

Aside from the major attractions in each city, which place is better for a variety of tourist attractions?

There are plenty of interesting things to do in Granada. Granada has big beautiful churches, too, and the hilly city also has several fantastic view points. But, truthfully, there aren’t that many significant, landmark tourist attractions in Granada aside from Alhambra. It is a city to visit for other reasons, which we’ll cover below.

On the other hand, Seville has tons of noteworthy tourist attractions. Aside from the imposing cathedral, Seville has the beautiful Plaza de Espana, Roman ruins scattered in and around the area, a famous royal palace (alcazar), modern architectural curiosities and a host of several impressive museums.

Plaza de Espana in Seville on a sunny afternoon

As far as significant, “noteworthy” tourist attractions, Seville is the clear winner versus Granada. Seville’s larger size and greater historical importance are the reason there are so many notable attractions in the city.

Seville vs. Granada – Where is the Better Food?

The Granada vs. Seville battle for best food is a terribly difficult and complicated contest to judge. Picking a clear winner will surely anger someone from one of these places. Both of these cities have phenomenal cuisine that represents everything travelers love about Andalusia.

First off, I want to make it clear that neither Seville nor Granada has explicitly better food. In fact, I genuinely want to return to both of these cities for no other reason than to eat. Of course, I’ll squeeze in other tourist activities, but food is my primary motivation.

However, despite each city having delicious cuisine, that doesn’t mean they’re equal. Both cities might be in Andalusia, and both are known for a culture of tapas, but there are significant differences that can tip the scales in one direction for hungry travelers.

Granada is known for tapas. Eating tapas in Granada is not just about filling your belly. It is an experience. There are few instances where tourists dine with locals in an authentic environment like the tapas scene in Granada.

busy dark bar local in Granada

It doesn’t matter whether a restaurant in Granada is popular with tourists. That’s not enough to scare locals away. Locals dominate the clientele at good tapas hotspots, and tourists are welcome to join.

The best part of the lively tapas culture in Granada is that it’s free. Patrons pay for a drink and, moments later, a plate of food comes out. In the less-touristic places, the small plates are bigger and better.

Eating in Seville is every bit as enjoyable as in Granada. Tapas in Seville are a big deal, too, though slightly different than Granada. For starters, they aren’t free, but tapas in Seville are cheap and usually larger portions.

Pringa serranito tapas Sevilla

As a larger city, there are more options for eating in Seville. And the city has several notable local specialties. However, with its larger size and greater number of tourists, there are also a lot of tourist restaurants crowding the plate in Seville.

Granada vs. Seville in terms of food is a draw. There may be no clear winner, but there is, more importantly, no loser. Each city has delicious eats and a lively tapas scene.

Personally, I want to go back and eat in Granada more than Seville. Eating in Granada is one of my all-time favorite travel experiences. That being said, I would probably head to Seville shortly after a few days of eating in Granada.

Granada or Seville – Which City is More Touristy?

The unfortunate truth is that both Seville and Granada are very touristic cities. Spain, in general, is a popular destination for tourists with Andalusia being one of the more popular regions within the country.

The deep history of these cities means that there are a lot of attractions. A lot of tourist attractions means, obviously, a lot of tourists.

Tourist crowds in Seville Spain

The center of Seville may be incredibly lovely, but it is extremely touristic. Between the charm and beauty are tour groups, souvenir shops and thousands upon thousands of tourists sprawling out from the center.

Tourism in Granada is more concentrated. The Alhambra’s position perched atop a hill surrounded by a park means that other tourist activities are down below in the city itself. Some of these streets are flooded with tourists, but the “tourist sprawl” in Granada is significantly more contained.

Tourist street in Granada with souvenir shops and trinkets

The larger size of Seville makes it easy to lose crowds and escape touristy scenes. Large chunks of the city are especially touristy, though. Granada may have some serious tourist business, but the city is less touristy than Seville.

Keep in mind, though, that comparing Granada versus Seville in regard to which city is more touristic is a bleary comparison. It is easy enough to escape tourist crowds in each city, but each also has more than its fair share of visitors.

Which City is Better for Wandering

Words like “beautiful” and “charming” and “picturesque” are more commonly associated with Seville than Granada. Part of this is due to the fact that the buildings are a little more colorful. Another reason is simply the greater volume of tourists visiting Seville.

Seville is not inherently more attractive than Granada. The two cities are just different. Though they are both in Andalusia, the differences of these two cities are significant. Granada is hilly and nestled next to a mountain range, whereas Seville is mostly flat. Both of these cities are pretty and places where it’s difficult for tourists to put the camera down.

So which city is better for a casual stroll of getting lost and wandering around?

Narrow empty street in Seville Spain

Seville is larger, so it has that going for it. It is also one of those cities where you’ll turn a corner and, seemingly out of nowhere, there is a postcard scene or striking piece of architecture. Seville’s popularity also means more crowds.

Granada is hilly, meaning that there are a lot of unique views. The hills also deter lazy travelers. Aside from the most popular viewpoints, most are not crowded. The central, popular area of Granada is beautiful but busy. The farther you wander from Alhambra, the less likely it is that you’ll see many other tourists.

Viewpoint in Granada looking down and out over the city

Granada is an ideal city for aimless wandering, but Seville has the edge. Ultimately, it comes down to size. Seville is larger, and most tourists congregate in and around the center of the city.

Wandering around Seville is a treat. Whether it’s on the tiny side streets near the center or across the river in Triana, the labyrinthine nature of the city makes it the perfect place to get lost and lose the crowds.

Travel Costs – Is Granada or Seville Cheaper?

Depending on the season, Spain can be a fairly cheap travel destination. The weather dictates a lot of the costs. Rainy, colder times of year stifle demand for the most part. The exception is something like holidays or festivals. These can cause demand (and prices) to skyrocket regardless of weather.

Granada vs. Seville in terms of travel costs is pretty clear: Granada is cheaper. The big city effect, the same factor that influences popularity and food, also causes Sevilla to be slightly more expensive.

Compared to Granada, costs in Seville are not significantly higher. Food, which can be a hefty part of my budget, is slightly more expensive. Beer is clearly more expensive, though still pretty cheap.

All of the popular tourist attractions in Seville also add up. The Alhambra is more expensive than any of these, but there are more places of interest with admission fees in Seville.

Hotels can be as expensive as you want them to be. There are more pricey hotels in Seville, but there are plenty of affordable options, too. As far as hostels go, prices are similar, but Seville has more options.

Overall, Granada is cheaper. But prices in Sevilla are not so high that you’ll want to avoid the city or shorten your stay.

Transportation – Better in Granada or Seville?

Cities in Spain typically have good public transportation. Not all cities are the same, and if ease of getting around is a concern for your visit, consider the quality of public transportation in Granada versus Seville:

Intra-city Transportation

Both Sevilla and Granada are walkable cities. Most of the top tourist attractions are centrally located and easy to reach on foot.

Granada has a greater change in elevation than Sevilla. Its location at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains means portions of the city contain fairly steep hills. With a lot of narrow streets, public transport is limited reaching some of these areas.

The bus system in Granada is adequate enough for tourists, but there isn’t really much need to use it. Granada has a light rail network that is severely limited and only useful if you’re arriving at the bus station.

Seville is pretty much flat. Walking in the city is the simplest way to get around. The exception would be in the high heat of Summer, during which time Sevilla is notoriously hot.

Guadalquivir River in Sevilla

Otherwise, Seville is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain, and it has the best public transportation network in Andalusia. This includes trams in the city center, a metro system and an extensive bus network.

Inter-city Transportation

The biggest difference in transportation for Granada vs. Seville is the regional and national transportation network. Seville is the clear leader in this category.

Granada has a train station that is all but useless to tourists. Trains from Granada do not connect to any other major cities. Forget what the internet says, there is not a direct train from Granada to Seville, Cordoba, Malaga or Madrid. Not even the slower “media distance” train.

Front exterior of the Granada Spain Train Station

To reach Seville by train from Granada, you have to first take an hour-long bus to Antequera. In my case, I had to take a bus from Granada to Antequera, a second bus to Osuna and finally a train to Seville.

It’s not difficult to get around Spain from Granada, but the schedule is unreliable and inconsistent. It is much easier (and faster) to travel by bus, such as ALSA, from Granada to reach Seville or other cities in Andalusia.

Seville has similar regional bus connections as Granada, so there is minimal difference in that transportation option. Seville’s Santa Justa train station can transport travelers across Spain. It has several high-speed, long-distance routes.  These tend to be expensive but save a lot of travel time.

Should you want to rent a car and drive yourself, a road trip in Andalusia is also an excellent way to see the region. The freedom to get around and go for a hike or stop at any of the alluring villages or beaches is tempting to say to the least.

Air Transportation

Granada and Seville both have international airports. The destinations served and capacity of the airports are another big difference between the two cities.

Granada has an airport about 20 minutes west of the city. The airport is essentially good for flying to Madrid and a few other cities in Western Europe.

Seville Airport (Aeropuerto de Sevilla) has a much larger operation than Granada. Aeropuerto de Sevilla is one of Spain’s busiest airports and has regular flights to several Spanish cities and dozens of cities in Europe.

In regards to transportation, Seville is the clear winner vs. Granada. The city is flat, bike-friendly and has excellent ground and air connections to Spain and Western Europe. Granada isn’t remote by any stretch, but it is a little more tedious getting to/from the smaller city.


Granada or Seville, Who Wins?

The comparison of Granada vs. Seville is a difficult competition to judge. Both cities have positives. Seville is easier to reach and has more specifically notable attractions. Granada is smaller, has better tapas and has a beautiful backdrop of mountains.

On the surface, Seville seems like it would be the clear winner. It has everything a tourist looks for in a travel destination – food, history, culture, pretty sights – and that’s why it is so popular.

View of Seville from atop the Metropol Parasol setas de sevilla

Granada has the intangibles, though. In addition to being an aesthetically pleasing city, notable attractions and having great food, there’s something about the city that stands out. Maybe it’s the feeling that local life not only exists in the tourist bubble – it thrives. Tourism and local life coexisting in this manner is a rarity in the 21st century.

Neither Seville or Granada is the better city to visit. They’re both great, but I do have a preference.

Granada is one of my favorite cities in the world. My visit was supposed to be two or three days and I stayed for over a week. I almost rented an apartment to stay for a month, but prior commitments, life and all that got in the way.

Residents walking up a steep staircase on a hill in Granada Old City

I also loved Seville. Despite its more-touristic nature, Sevilla is a beautiful, lively city. It has phenomenal food, too, but there’s just something extra special about Granada.

Filed Under: City Guides, Lagniappe

10 Hostel Tips for Better Travels

August 20, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Hostel tips are essential for travelers of all kinds, and we’re all learning more with each and every trip. Hostels are the best choice for travel accommodation. Gone is the day when hostels were exclusively reserved for young people on a gap year jaunt or partying college students spending their summers abroad. Today’s hostels come in a wide variety of quality and attract an even larger variety of people.

messy hostel dorm room with clothes hanging and bags on the floor

If you’re unsure why you should stay in a hostel to begin with, read these 12 Reasons to Choose a Hostel for Next Trip Abroad. Otherwise, know that hostels are affordable, nice, clean and safe. Here are 10 tips for a better experience staying in a hostel:

Talk to People

The most important hostel tip for travelers is to talk to people. Get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be shy. Strike up conversations, introduce yourself and talk to people.

Hostel guests come in a wide variety but are usually solo travelers. This makes it even easier to find other people willing to interact and make new friends. Most guests are in the same boat as you.

As someone with increasingly introverted tendencies, you might think that the best hostel tip I have is to avoid them. Something changes in hostels, though, and I’m not alone in that sentiment. A lot of people who might normally prefer to quietly keep to themselves flourish in hostel atmospheres. Outgoing travelers, on the other hand, will instantly love the social aspect.

Talking to people in hostels is not only a great way to meet people – it’s good hostel etiquette. Other travelers in hostels share loads of travel tips and advice, and hostels are an excellent source of on-the-ground, current travel information.

Get Off Your Phone!

What’s the point of staying in a hostel to stare at your phone, headphones on, and completely shut out the world? You can do that in a hotel or, better yet, at home.

Several years ago, during my first hostel experiences, travelers were considerably more social than today. This was not in the pre-smartphone era, either. It’s a sad state of affairs when I see a noticeable difference in a relatively short period of time.

Too many hostels are often packed with people staring at screens. We’re all guilty of this at some point these days, but don’t get sucked in and let your phone dictate the travel experience. One of the best reasons to stay in a hostel is to meet people and experience new places, and that won’t happen by scrolling or swiping all night.

Privacy Expectations

Don’t expect peace and quiet in a hostel in the middle of the day. Oddly enough, hostels are often quiet during the day, as most guests are out exploring the destination. But don’t expect to retreat to the hostel for a quiet nap in the middle of the afternoon.

Accept the fact that hostels are places where guests share spaces. If you need to work, expect distractions and interruptions in the daytime. If you need a better work environment, find a quiet coffee shop or local workspace to rent.

work area in a hostel common area for digital nomad

Respect that other people are using hostel common areas too. Don’t hog all of the outlets or commandeer an entire section of the room. You can lay claim to your bed, locker and a small area beside/under the bed. Don’t spread your junk out everywhere, and don’t mess with anyone else’s personal space, either.

The final privacy tip for hostels, which I will mention again, is to make a note that a hostel is not your personal harem. There are private rooms available if you really can’t help yourself.

Timely, Courteous Packing

If you have a flight, bus or train to catch early the next morning, pack your bags and be ready to go the evening before. Try to arrange things so you can practically, quickly and efficiently gather your stuff in the morning before leaving.

If I have to wake up early, I lay out a few items that I need in the morning, such as clothes and toiletries. I make sure they are easily and quietly accessible. When I’m about to pack up these last few little things, I usually go so far as to take my entire bag out into a hallway or common area and organize there. 

Plastic bags are also annoying. Not only can everyone hear every time you’re digging for that elusive phone charger at the bottom of the bag, plastic bags draw the ire of environmental types. And you really don’t want to be the target of a tirade from a backpacker on their environmental high horse. The solution is to bring a cloth bag (i.e. reusable shopping bag) for smaller, loose items.

No one wants to be awakened late at night or early in the morning by someone rustling through their bags. It might not sound like it would be that loud, but in a quiet room of people sleeping, some jackass digging through their bag at 5 AM sounds like a construction zone. This is a pet peeve for many frequent hostel guests.

If you have to leave early, practice courteous hostel etiquette and pack in a timely manner. Try to be considerate of your fellow travelers.

Packing Tips for Hostels

Staying in hostels means having to change a few packing priorities. Packing isn’t drastically different for staying in hostels versus hotels or small rental units – some hostel essentials might already be on your packing list anyway.

There are a few important packing tips for hostel guests, though. Don’t forget these items:

Travel Towel

One of the most useful hostel tips is something I learned the hard way: pack a travel towel. 

A lot of hostels provide towels to guests. As hostels shift from cheap, ratty accommodations to cheap, surprisingly nice places to stay, they are offering more amenities to guests. That’s the beauty of competition – it’s better for us traveling consumers!

Towels are still not a guarantee, though. I’ve stayed in some shockingly nice hostels that didn’t provide towels. Now that I’ve learned my lesson (I once stayed in a hostel without knowing I needed a towel, and drying off after a shower was quite the process), I always pack a travel towel.

I bring a travel towel that is quick-drying, lightweight, super soft and rolls up small. It also has a small bag where it fits nicely and easily clips onto my backpack. This was definitely a wise purchase. If I don’t need it at the hostel, now I have a beach towel, extra cover for sleeping, a picnic blanket, etc.

Earplugs

Yes, people snore. There’s no use getting angry in a hostel dorm because some dude in the bed across the room sounds like a dysfunctional chainsaw. If you want to sleep undisturbed in luxury, fork up the cash and go find a Hilton.

An overwhelming majority of hostel guests are nice, respectable people. And most people in hostels are not so brazen to start doing it in the dorm. Most people… I’ve stayed in scores of hostels in dozens of countries, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard two people going at it. It happens, though.

If people are classless enough to do it in other inappropriate locales, you can bet these same people have no qualms about using a hostel dorm room. That being said, this is still an uncommon occurrence in most hostels, which is why choosing the right hostel is very important.

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation near a couple of shameless travelers, you’ll be glad to have earplugs. You might never even know what’s going on nearby.

I always expect hostel dorms to have snorers, late-night revelers and other audible distractions. A majority of the time, I’m pleasantly surprised, undisturbed and sleep well. But I always travel prepared.

Bring earplugs. This is one of the most basic hostel tips for better sleep.

Sleep Mask

No one likes to be awakened at an odd hour by blinding light. Appropriate hostel etiquette is not messing with the lights if people are sleeping (more on that below). More and more hostels are adopting measures that give guests a little more privacy in dorm rooms. One such feature is the curtain. The magical hostel bed curtain is not a guarantee, and sometimes the light is just too bright.

backpacker inside a hostel dorm bed with the curtain closed
cozy bed, but private with the curtain closed

Personally, I love being awakened by natural light, and overhead lights typically don’t bother me. However, I notice a lot of light-sensitive sleepers in hostels wear sleep masks to bed. I always have one packed – they’re minuscule and you never know – but I can’t recall ever needing to use one.

Packing a sleeping mask is a crucial hostel tip for travelers who need total darkness for sound sleep.

Lock

Always bring a small lock. I’m pretty trusting – probably too trusting at times in hostels – but I still pack a small padlock. 

I’ve never had anything stolen in a hostel – *knocks on wood* – but this is another one of those things that people report. Be smart about not leaving valuables unattended, and lock away stuff when you’re not there. 

Hostels are safe. As long as you have half a brain, you’ll be fine.

If you want to avoid worrying about packing these items, but you still want to stay in a hostel for other reasons, splurge for a private room. They’re usually way more expensive than a dorm room but still cheaper than hotels and the like. Private rooms offer more security, quiet, comfort and (obviously) privacy.

Don’t forget to pack something. Make your travels better and check out my current list of travel and backpacking gear.

Please, Take a Shower!

No one cares how polite, quiet and considerate you are if you smell like a bag of hockey equipment (no sports equipment comes close to the stench of sweaty hockey gear). So, please, for the sake of your fellow travelers, hostel staff, world peace and the ozone layer, take a damn shower.

bunk bed in hostel dorm with backpack on table
beds are usually close to each other – take a shower…

Travel is not an excuse to forego hygiene, and no one likes a smelly backpacker. It doesn’t matter if you think you don’t smell – you probably do. The nature of travel is just a sweaty and grimy affair.  If you’re going to be around others, one of the most vital hostel tips for being a good guest is to keep yourself clean.

While you’re at it, wash your clothes. It doesn’t matter how clean you are if your clothes stink. 

Invest in some sneaker balls to keep your bag and shoes fresher, too. These little balls make a huge difference. I toss a couple in my backpack and bring two more for my shoes. No need to chance offending anyone or clearing out a room.

I wash some of my clothes when I travel in the shower. Yes, it sounds weird, but that’s the nature of backpacking. It’s an easy way to extend the time between washes and save a few bucks. Even doing that I still give my clothes a proper wash on a regular basis.

Hostels have showers. Use them. Most hostels also provide cheap laundry service. Use that, too.

Drink Responsibly

Minding your booze intake is one of the essential tips for good hostel etiquette. Hostels are typically sociable, happy environments full of people having a good time. That frequently includes a bit of alcohol.

Throw in hostel happy hours, free shots and other liquid temptations, and people start to get a little tipsy.

line of shots at a hostel bar during happy hour

I’m not preaching some “one beer, one glass of water” kind of nonsense. If you want a hangover, be my guest. When I say drink responsibly, I mean hold your liquor. Know your limits.

Don’t get so drunk that you’re crawling into the wrong bed, puking all over the palace or peeing somewhere other than the toilet. You can and should be kicked out of a hostel after this. If you do intend to reach that level of inebriation, make sure to do so at a party hostel. They might be more forgiving.

If you are unable to hold yourself together, leave the college partying back home. Have fun, but not at the expense of others.

Don’t Sleep All Day

It is incredibly annoying having to tip-toe around a hostel in the middle of the day. In fact, the more I stay in hostels, the less considerate I am of people sleeping in the afternoon.

After a long night of partying or an exhausting day of travel, many travelers recover by sleeping a little later. Travel can be pretty tiring at times, and there’s nothing wrong with trying to recharge, but spending all afternoon sleeping in a dorm room is terrible hostel etiquette.

During the daytime, hostel guests come and go between activities or sightseeing, to pack for the next day’s travel, to change clothes or for whatever other reason. It doesn’t matter why. A hostel dorm room is not the place to sleep all day. Sure, you’re tired. Every traveler has been there, but get out of bed and do something.

If you are in desperate need of some mid-day rest, I’m not saying you can’t take a nap. By all means, rest up! And maybe don’t go out into the wee hours of the morning every night. I mean, are you traveling to see some place new or just to party?

Sleeping in is fine. Recovering from whatever is fine – there’s no need to drag your fatigue to the next day. But do not get mad when someone comes in the room, turns on the lights, has a conversation or starts digging around in their bag. This is not your private space, and you have no right to demand quiet or darkness in the middle of the day.

Take the Tours

Hostels commonly offer free or cheap tours. These can range from city walking tours to sunset tours and food tours. If the tour is cheap (or free), it is an excellent option for most travelers.

Hostel tours are usually not as involved or detailed as larger, more organized tours, but they still serve a purpose. Arriving in a place with little or no knowledge of the local area can be intimidating. Hostel tours are a great way to familiarize yourself with the destination and meet other travelers.

I prefer to explore a new location on my own and socialize later in the day. The feeling of wandering around and getting lost is fun, even relaxing at times. It’s like a travel mission. Occasionally, for one reason or another, I take one of these tours. I can confidently say they are a great way for most travelers to get comfortable in their destination.

Skip the Pub Crawl

Travelers in hostels looking for tips to save even more money should skip organized pub crawls. A pub crawl with new friends in an exciting new city might seem like a good idea. It’s not. Unless you want to party your travels away or go clubbing, it’s a waste of money.

Hostel pub crawls are simply not a good deal economically. They work by guests paying a small fee to join a group of people from (usually) a few other local hostels. A guide leads you around to various bars/clubs. Sometimes the pub crawl is free, and sometimes it includes a free drink or two.

The guide/company gets a kickback, so don’t expect a cheap, authentic or local experience. Most pub crawls require participants to pay for all of their drinks. If you wind up at a club, expect a cover charge. The costs add up, and it would be significantly less expensive to go to a bar on your own. Not to mention, you can choose a place that fits your style.

In theory, a pub crawl sounds good. More often than not, hostel pub crawls are club crawls leading guests on an overpriced tour of crappy places to party with other backpackers. Don’t waste your money.


Hostel tips for guests are wide-ranging. Some tips for staying in hostels are obvious, while others are learned from experiences, personal preferences and first-hand comparisons.

hostel dorm with bunks and curtains and lockers

The reasons why travelers should stay in hostels are abundant. Tips to make the hostel experience better are equally prevalent and even more important. Take a chance on a hostel, and use these tips to ensure a better, smoother and smarter travel experience  

Filed Under: Hostels

Hangry Backpacker Travel Gear

August 6, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Hangry Backpacker in Old Town Ipoh Malaysia

My backpacking gear changes almost every time I travel, and it’s a constant learning experience figuring out what to pack and what not to pack.


This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission from any purchases through these links – at no extra cost to you. The Hangry Backpacker is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.


There are so many factors that go into packing, such as where, time of year, local customs, what I’ll be doing and so on. But with each trip, I learn a little more and pack a little better and a little smarter. This is my current list of travel gear for my backpacking travels.


Basic Travel Gear for Backpacking

Essential Electronics for Hangry Backpacker Travels

Essential Backpacker Clothing


For most travelers, packing is an acquired skill. Learning what works and what doesn’t work for you is part of the travel experience.

When it comes to travel, what to pack and what NOT to pack is an endless discussion. Every traveler has different needs and preferences regarding what is necessary to pack. Some items that travelers pack are obviously unnecessary. Other popular packing pieces and travel gear are not so blatantly expendable or easy to leave at home.

What to pack for travel depends on a variety of factors including: the length of the trip; where you’re traveling; whether you’re traveling solo or with others; what you need to be mentally (and physically) comfortable; necessary personal items; and many more.

Through multiple backpacking trips on multiple continents, I’ve learned what works for me. I pack fairly light and efficiently when I travel, but I also manage to leave space for a few creature comforts.

Travel packing is truly an endless learning experience, though. Even after backpacking around the world, packing and unpacking so much I couldn’t begin to count how many times, I wonder how I manage to always forget something. And I still find myself spending time searching for a missing sock, charger or hat. 

Hangry Backpacker searching for missing travel gear
searching for that missing sock…

Packing the right travel gear is one of the most important parts of travel. Deciding what to pack and what not to pack is important for every traveler. Whether you’re backpacking for months or going on vacation, packing right (and packing light) can have a great impact on travel. 


To better understand why I pack certain travel gear, and for a little more insight on items not on this page, check out the Hangry Backpacker’s three-part packing series, Pack Light, Pack Right.

  • Pack Light, Pack Right: Backpacking Basics
  • Pack Light, Pack Right: Happy Feet
  • Pack Light, Pack Right: The Little Things

Filed Under: Lagniappe

15 Tips to Travel Cheaper & Longer

August 2, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

Too many people write off travel as prohibitively expensive, with the idea that cheaper travel is unattainable. That’s simply not true. Cheaper travel and longer trips are possible for anyone willing to reconsider the travel process, from research and bookings to the return flight home.

Hangry Backpacker in a Hammock at Ochoco Lake Oregon

Budget travel doesn’t mean sacrificing the best parts about travel. Affordable travel doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, either. It means making a few simple decisions that save money. Here are some of the ways I personally travel cheaper, which also enable my travels to last longer:


1. Travel Cheaper – Forget the Fancy Hotels!

Traveling cheaper doesn’t mean you have to stay in a 20-bed hostel dorm room. Hostel dorms are usually only a few beds and nicer than most people presume anyway, but saving money on travel accommodation doesn’t have to mean staying in a hostel, either.

Guesthouses, short-term apartment rentals and smaller hotels are easy ways to save on travel. Many hostels even offer private rooms for the fraction of the cost of a typical hotel room.

Nice budget hotel in Malaysia
clean, A/C, great location – less than $10/night

Name brand hotels usually offer consistency, amenities and comfort. That’s not always a guarantee, though. On one occasion in a South American capital city (before I discovered hostels), I stayed in a hotel that is known around the world for being comfortable, expensive and fancy. It was not. As it happens, a recognizable brand and more than $150 a night in South America guarantees nothing.

2. Travel Independently, Travel Longer

Tour groups are expensive. It may be easy and carefree to travel in a tour group, but this is not the most economic way to travel. If you want to travel cheaper and longer, independent travel is the way to go.

Group travel has its place, but that place is not in the realm of budget travel. 

Most group tours cost several thousand dollars and typically last a week or two. These tours rarely include the cost of flights. It’s not uncommon for travelers to drop $3000, $5000, $7000 or more on a 10-day trip. Before buying a plane ticket! It’s no wonder people think travel is too expensive.

If you’re willing to spend a tiny amount of time researching and booking things yourself, you can save thousands of dollars. Travelers still hesitant to wander by themselves can hire a personal guide to lead the way. In most places, a personal guide for a few days is still far cheaper than a group tour.

Group tours are easy. Tourists in structured group travel don’t have to think about anything or do any research. If that’s the kind of trip you’re looking for, go for it! For those who want the ability to travel cheaper and longer, travel independently. It’s more economical and, honestly, a lot more fun.

3. Travel Solo

Better than traveling independently – that is, outside of a group but with other people – is traveling by yourself. Solo travel is a wonderful experience. Granted, long-term solo travel isn’t for everyone, but you never truly know until you give it a try. 

Solo travel backpacker Triana Seville Spain

Solo travel has a rewarding and freeing impact on travelers. You won’t have to constantly worry about appeasing someone else. Solo travelers can go at their own pace. They can eat when and where they want. For many travelers, this will save money. 

When I travel solo, I don’t have to waste time shopping. I stay in hostels. I eat cheap and spend loads of time just walking around. In short, I save money and do what I want.

Everyone who can should travel solo at least once in their life, even if it’s only a short weekend away. It’s a great way to learn about yourself, and it’s also another great way to travel cheaper.

4. Eat Local

Eating local is a great way to cut costs abroad and make your travels cheaper. To be clear, “local” does not mean local fine dining. For instance, eating at a Michelin-star restaurant in Bangkok (yes, there are several) is not what I mean when I encourage local eating. 

Don’t get me wrong. If you have the means, desire and appreciation to enjoy a world-class meal at any time, take the chance. But if you are trying to travel cheaper, fine dining is not the answer.

cheap bowl of soup in korea

Eating local with the aim to save money is all about finding the little holes in the wall, the mom-and-pop shops and street food. Forget about the table cloths. Find a small, unassuming cafe. Not only is the food in these “hidden” places often better, it’s budget-friendly. For adventurous eaters, apply these guidelines to safe eating in Southeast Asia. The tips are useful for eating abroad in many places.

Eating local food is a great way to experience a more local side of a destination, but it is also an easy way to save money so that you can travel longer.

5. Sign Up for Rewards Credit Cards!

Without a doubt, the single most expensive part of traveling abroad is the cost of airfare, at least most of the time. Lodging/accommodation is another major cost of travel. These two aspects of travel can quickly add up and make a trip considerably more expensive. To many people, the costs of airfare and hotels is enough to write off traveling altogether.

There are easy ways to defray – or outright eliminate! – these expenses. How? Travel rewards credit cards.

No, it’s not a scam, and there is a card for just about everyone. Picking the right card for you can mean easily earning enough points/miles to cover flights or hotels for your entire trip. 

If you (wisely, of course) transfer as much spending as possible from debit cards/cash/checks to credit cards with travel rewards, the rewards can easily cover substantial travel costs. This is only sensible if you spend normally, avoid big purchases you wouldn’t otherwise buy and pay your bill ON TIME.

There are a ton of options, so take the time to research appropriately. This review from Money is an excellent place to start diving into the world of travel credit cards. Imagine turning everyday spending into free travel. That is how you travel cheaper and longer.

6. Stick to a Travel Budget

Too many travelers set off without a budget. For the average traveler, that is not a good idea. The constant swiping adds up, and when you’ve got the distractions and excitement of exploring a new place, it can be difficult to keep track of all the spending.

What if you’re in a cheap location? Well, that’s a great start! However, disregarding a budget, even in a cheap destination, can quickly lead to spending a lot more than you realize.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge here or there. You can stick to a budget and do all the fun stuff, too. The key is to have simpler, cheap days to offset the more expensive days/activities.

Hiking Trail in the mountain woods Anthony Lakes Eastern Oregon
Nature, usually pretty close to free

You can save on food for a day or two by cooking for yourself or shopping at the supermarket. Instead of taking an organized day trip, using public transportation to reach a trailhead is a cheaper alternative. Offset hotels with time in hostels. There are so many ways to have budget travel days to offset the occasional splurge without sacrificing the fun.

Set a budget. Stick to it. It might not sound like a fun thing to worry about when you’re staring at delicious food and wandering the streets of postcard-perfect little villages, but responsible and disciplined budgeting is important to travel cheaper and longer.

7. Pay with Cash

I know, as mentioned above, credit cards can be a great way to earn miles/points/rewards for your spending. A lot of these cards will offer the same rewards abroad, but using cards abroad can also be frustrating.

The reason I use credit cards sparingly when I’m abroad is for practical reasons. I don’t spend that much money when I travel, and it’s one less thing I have to worry about monitoring. My credit card spending when I’m traveling is generally kept to secure online spending like transportation and accommodation. It’s easier to stick to a budget and track daily spending when I’m not swiping for every purchase.

Unless you’re earning killer perks with a credit card on every purchase, pay with cash. Even then, I’ll often sacrifice the few miles/points to make my life easier or avoid using my card somewhere sketchy. 

travel souvenirs currency from the world

Physical money is always a better way to keep track of finances. On a subconscious level, paying with physical money registers as spending more than swiping the plastic over and over. 

Another simple way to save is efficiently using ATMs. Foreign ATM charges can add up, and most banks charge foreign “processing” and “conversion” fees on all international card purchases. Withdraw cash sparingly.

It’s certainly greedy of banks to charge people to access and use their own money, but there’s no way to avoid this. There are, however, some banks/credit card companies that charge customers less (or nothing at all) for these foreign transactions. Find and use one of these banks. You’ll save money on card purchases and ATM withdrawals abroad.

8. Don’t Travel in Peak Season

What if I told you that Amsterdam is a more expensive place to travel in summertime? And so is Prague and the South of France? What if I said that Munich is crazy expensive during Oktoberfest? Or that prices in Southeast Asia are higher in November and December?

These are examples of peak season. Almost every tourist destination in the world has a peak season, when, for one reason or another, tourists visit in higher numbers.

The simple law of supply and demand applies to travel, too. When the demand for services is higher, so are prices. That means hotels, excursions and even restaurants raise prices because they can. 

If cheap travel is the goal, don’t travel during peak season. Visit Southeast Asia during the shoulder season. Go to Munich after Oktoberfest.

How about an air-conditioned, clean, beachside room on the island of Koh Lanta (Thailand) for about $6USD/night? That’s the offseason for ya, and that’s how I managed to travel cheaper and stay longer in paradise. Sure, it was hot, but the water was the perfect way to cool down from the sun on that EMPTY beach.

Empty low season Koh Lanta Thailand Beach in Southeast Asia
people-free tropical paradise

Yes, better weather is tempting, but at what cost? Literally. How much are you willing to pay to ensure Thailand is not as hot during a trip? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s always hot there. And the sun still comes out during the rainy season in Southeast Asia. The main differences in peak season are higher prices and larger crowds.

Eventually, I will make it to Oktoberfest. In the meantime, I’d rather spend a couple of weeks somewhere else for the same price as two or three days at Oktoberfest. Traveling in the offseason or shoulder season is a great way to travel cheaper and extend the length of a trip. 

9. Choose Cheaper Destinations

The easiest way to save money on travel is to choose cheaper destinations. A little bit of research and an open mind can mean saving thousands of dollars and enjoying longer travels.

Famous and popular tourist destinations are almost always more expensive than necessary. But similar experiences can often be found in lesser-traversed places. At the same time, some places are simply cheaper than others no matter how popular they are.

For people who just want to travel somewhere and are discouraged by the apparent high costs of travel, consider alternate destinations. There are stunning mountains, vast deserts, enormous cities, pristine beaches and great food in every corner of the world. 

For cheaper travel, expand your horizons. Widen the search. What’s the point of having the same travel experience as everyone else anyway? A small amount of research can lead to the most exciting trips and save thousands of dollars. There is always a cheaper travel alternative.

Zagreb Croatia street, a cheaper travel destination
the Balkans, beautiful & cheap

Here are a few examples of cheap travel destinations where your money goes further on the ground:

  • Southeast Asia
  • South Asia
  • Central America
  • Eastern Europe

10. Flexible Travel Dates Saves Money

Traveling with flexible dates is challenging for most people. Not everyone has the liberty to freely pick and choose their departure dates, and I understand that.

Popular tourist destinations – for instance, places in Europe like Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, etc. – are busier on weekends. Arranging to be in these places in the middle of the week means accommodation rates will be lower. I try, though not always successfully, to spend my weekends in smaller, less touristy destinations. 

If you are able to be more selective with departure dates, you can travel cheaper. Flights departing in the middle of the week are generally cheaper. Some of the best travel deals are last-minute deals. For those who don’t have the flexibility to drop everything and travel with little notice, booking far ahead with a little wiggle room is the best option.

Having a rigid schedule usually makes travel more expensive. With flexible travel dates/plans, you can take advantage of cheaper airfare, hotel rates and other costs when demand is higher. Flexible travel dates are a great way to travel longer and cheaper, and you might even find your destinations less crowded.

11. Start Walking

I save money when I travel by walking as much as possible. Taxi fares and Uber charges add up. Local buses or subways, while typically a cheap way to get around, are not free. 

Walking instead of paying for transportation can save a few bucks a day. Over time, the savings add up and are an easy way to travel cheaper. In addition to savings, walking is a great way to see more of your destination.

Getting around on your own two feet is also an easy way to avoid gaining travel weight. Travel is often an unhealthy undertaking for many people, but it doesn’t have to be. Best of all, extra walking means I earn more of the beer with which I reward myself. At least that’s what I tell myself.

When I travel, I rarely hold myself back when it comes to eating. And I’m not known for passing up that second beer, either. That’s one reason you can always find me in the gym before and after a trip. Walking ten miles a day when I travel might negate a fraction of what I consume, but it eliminates almost all of the guilt! And I save a few bucks a day that goes towards spending money where I enjoy it – experiencing my destination with food and drink!

12. Pack Smarter, Travel Better, Travel Cheaper

Not everyone has the freedom to spend months at a time traveling. For many travelers, a day on a bus here or a half-day on a train there cuts into time that could be spent sightseeing, wandering and eating – all the best things about traveling somewhere new. 

It’s not uncommon for tourists to take short flights to maximize time spent in the actual destination. These flights can add up, but there are ways to minimize the financial impact.

Lose the bag fees.

Checked bag fees can be expensive starting with the first bag. Occasionally, bag fees are as low as $15 – in rare instances, free – but in my experience, $25-40 is normal for a domestic flight in the United States. International (transoceanic) flights regularly charge more than $50 for the first checked bag. The cost to check a bag on my last transoceanic flight was $60 each way.

Black Osprey Travel Backpack
travel cheaper with a practical backpack

If you purchase a bag that is small enough to be a carry-on, you’ll save money. What I did was buy a backpack that splits into two pieces: A small backpack that I use as a personal item; and a larger part that zips up like a duffel bag. Before I get on a plane, I break down the bag into two pieces. It takes 1-2 minutes to disassemble or reassemble the backpack. 

I spent about $200 on this backpack, but it’s even CHEAPER now! The first trip in which I used the new backpack consisted of three flights that had a total of $160 in bag fees for the first checked bag. My bag conveniently splits in two, so it appears (and functions) small enough to be my carry-on and personal item. 

In a single trip, this bag nearly paid for itself by helping me avoid checked bag fees. Pack lighter and smarter, and invest in a practical bag. This is an easy way to shave a few hundred bucks off of a trip. By my estimations, I’ll save thousands of dollars in bag fees by the time this backpack wears out.

13. Leave the Kids at Home

No, I don’t have kids (yet). We’re not talking about Summer vacation, either. I’m just saying, if you’re not going to Disney World and you want to save money on travel, leave the kids at home.

Honestly, what benefit is there to bringing a 5-year-old to Europe? They’re not going to remember much, if anything, from the trip. Even most 12-year-olds aren’t going to appreciate traveling in foreign lands. 

Traveling with kids means it will be more difficult to go for a hike, visit a winery or have a nice dinner. Most kids don’t like museums. Walking several miles a day isn’t easy for them. And you’ve always got to keep an eye out. I’ve never hired a babysitter, but doing so in a foreign country must be difficult and unnerving.

Perhaps I’ll feel differently when I have children, but I think saving a couple thousand dollars now – this includes flights, larger hotel rooms, souvenirs and extra admission prices – will benefit kids later.

I’m not suggesting anyone withhold their kids from the world of travel. Rather, travel can be expensive, and I don’t understand the reasoning behind spending gobs of money traveling with small children when they might appreciate it better (and, ya know, remember some of it) a few years down the line. 

Leave the kids at home. Your own travels will be cheaper, more enjoyable and less stressful. A couple of weeks with the grandparents (or whomever) is good for everyone.

14. Cut Out the Extra Stuff

Why is it that when people travel they suddenly decide to go on shopping sprees, eat expensive food for every meal and live some imaginary Beverly Hills lifestyle?

Why do people who can’t afford to live that way at home suddenly turn on the switch to burn money abroad?

If the goal is to travel cheaper, and, by doing so, enable yourself to stay abroad longer, then stop wasting all that damn money! Cut out the extraneous fluff. The same methods you employ at home to cut back on expenses or save for something special work for budget travel, too.

Not to sound too cliche, but skip the expensive coffee. Sure, slowly sipping an espresso on a corner in Paris is a moment to savor, but spending a few bucks every day on coffee will quickly eat into a budget.

Budget travel abroad is very much like being cheap at home. Choose the right moments to splurge, and don’t make it a habit. To travel cheaper and longer, you’ll have to exercise discipline and a bit of sense.

15. Stop Buying Souvenirs!

No one cares that your new scarf is from Milan. And do you really need that $20 t-shirt that says the name of whatever city? 

When I travel, I hardly shell out for souvenirs. I certainly don’t seek them out. I keep a few bottle caps and a few coins. Sometimes I buy one of those pretty, albeit touristy, canvas paintings. They roll up nicely into my bag, and I make sure to get a good price. Otherwise, I’m not interested in more junk cluttering my life. I never go out of my way to buy a souvenir.

cheap travel souvenirs, beer caps of the world
a cheap, fun way to collect souvenirs

If you’re going to buy a souvenir, make sure it’s cheap, small, lightweight and not breakable. Larger souvenirs – things like rugs, lamps or other useless junk – are a waste of money. At the very least, it hinders an attempt at budget travel. Buying anything that doesn’t fit inconspicuously into your bag is not the way to travel cheaper.

Most of the things I buy when I travel are practical items. In Hoi An, Vietnam, I bought a water buffalo leather wallet. It was useful and less than five bucks. Naturally, like an idiot, I lost my wallet in Bangkok. 

I also try to take pictures with myself in the frame. What better souvenir is there than an image capturing a memory of a place with yourself in the image? Seeing yourself in an image is a great way to look back and reflect on past travels. Added bonus: pictures are free and don’t take up space in your bag.

I used to buy magnets, cheesy tourist hats and the occasional trinket. Now, I don’t waste time or money on such things. Instead, by traveling a little cheaper, that extra money goes towards something better. Something like longer travels.


There aren’t many ways or tricks to simply cut travel costs by 50% in the blink of an eye. Some money-saving measures are more tedious than others, but there are several steps to travel cheaper and longer.

Hangry Backpacker Solo Travel in Greece

Each step you take to travel cheaper adds up, and, eventually, there’s a surplus. Whether that surplus is used to travel longer, splurge on a fancy meal or put back into savings, the options are there. Better, longer and more interesting travels starts with cheaper travel.


 

This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a small commission from any purchases through these links – at no extra cost to you. The Hangry Backpacker is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn commissions by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Filed Under: Eat, Get Lost, Go Alone, Lagniappe

Travel in Morocco: My Thoughts & Impressions

July 28, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker Leave a Comment

My first venture into Africa led me to travel in Morocco for a quick two-and-a-half-week introductory visit. The North African nation attracts a lot of tourists due to its close proximity (about 10 miles) and ease of access to/from the European continent. 

Hangry Backpacker travel in Morocco

An overwhelming majority of the several million tourists that visit Morocco each year hail from Europe. While Morocco is growing more popular as a tourist destination for visitors from the rest of the world, travel to the country still evokes the idea of exotic, offbeat adventure for many non-Europeans.

Prior to arriving in Morocco, my feelings were mixed. On one hand, I was fully aware that the country receives a lot of tourists and has a major tourist industry. On the other hand, it’s Morocco, a place with a drastically different culture to any which I had yet to experience. Moreover, it’s still Africa, and that in itself elicits plenty of curiosity and uncertainty for a first-time visitor to the continent.

View of Marrakech from Iberia Air plane

My expectations settled on a combination of both. I hoped Morocco would have a stronghold on its culture – truthfully, I hoped the country still delivered the idyllic scenes from my imagination – but I also expected to encounter a fair amount of tourism. Expecting a certain level of tourist activity also helped ease any nerves or anxiety about visiting Morocco.

So what was it like? Did Morocco meet my expectations? Exceed them? Fall short?

Did I feel safe? Was it easy to get around? Most importantly, how was the food?

The answers to these questions are not simple or straightforward, so I’ll break it down into more detail. First, let’s start with the most important (and my personal favorite) part of travel:


How is the Food in Morocco?

The simple answer to this question is that the food in Morocco is pretty damn good. Prior to traveling to Morocco, my knowledge of Moroccan food was minimal. I could count the times I’d eaten “Moroccan food” on a single hand.

Moroccan cuisine has similarities and traits to the food in the greater Maghreb region (Northwest Africa) and the Arab World. This means a lot of couscous, bread, beef, mutton, chicken, vegetables and olive oil. Seafood is common in coastal areas. The food is halal, so don’t expect to find any pork chops in Morocco.

Couscous is on every menu in Morocco. It typically comes with flawlessly-cooked vegetables and some meat. I’m not sure what it is about couscous in Morocco, but they do it right. I ate couscous at least once a day for more than two weeks, and I never grew tired of it.

Moroccan meal of tagine, khoubz bread and coca-cola

Tagine is the other common dish in Moroccan restaurants. This is basically food cooked in a clay pot. There are a lot of tagine dishes, and I didn’t have a bad one. I really liked the kefta tagine, which is kind of like Moroccan meatballs.

I tried a lot of bread, soup and a few things I still haven’t been able to identify. The different types of bread were quite enjoyable. Most are varying types of flatbread, but, again, I liked all of it. The soup is simple, but good. There is not a lot of cheese in Moroccan food, but the goat cheese I had was great.

The only bad part about eating in Morocco is an overall lack of variety. A lot of restaurants seem to serve the same food. The differences lie mostly in price or quality, but everything else is similar. I’ll blame this one on myself. I’m positive I missed some great Moroccan food, and I’ll have to do better next time.

Moroccan food is generally pretty safe to eat. As long as the food is hot and freshly-made, you’ll probably be fine. A lot of people caution against drinking juice from the fresh-squeezed juice carts. Some of them are pretty filthy. For me, the only time I got sick was after eating a super cheap pizza. It was good, but – let’s just say sitting wasn’t very comfortable for a few days. At least I lost a few pounds.

I enjoyed the food in Morocco. Although I ate similar food for most meals, I never grew tired of it. Other travelers I met were not quite as satisfied, but the food is more than adequate for a short one-or-two-week stint in the country.

What about Booze?

The alcohol situation in Morocco is strange. Due to the “democratic” country being almost entirely muslim, booze isn’t plentiful. From what I was told, local Moroccans are technically not allowed to consume alcohol.

That really sucks for them in the lacking personal freedoms department, but anyone who says Moroccans are a completely teetotaling population is lying. Local citizens in Morocco may not sit in public drinking, but many choose to knock back a few in private.

For tourists, alcohol is legal. Alcohol imports and the local beer industry basically exist to cater to foreigners. So you can have a drink if you so choose, though it’s not widely available. It really depends where you are.

Stork beer Essaouira Morocco
Moroccan beer

I found beer in Marrakech. On the Atlantic coast, booze was easier to find. Tangier even has real bars. In smaller towns and remote areas, alcohol is less common. In Chefchaouen, I experienced one of the sketchiest alcohol-buying experiences of my life. It was worse than being a teenager and trying to buy from strangers in precarious parts of town. Buying a few beers in Chefchaouen definitely felt illegal.

You don’t travel to Morocco to party and get wasted. But, rest assured, it is possible to enjoy a nice adult beverage at the end of your day.

Getting Around Morocco

Transportation in Morocco is fairly easy to use for tourists. If you choose to stay on the most common tourist route – Marrakech, Fez, Tangier – Morocco is super easy to get around. Connecting to other big cities such as Casablanca or Rabat is also simple and straightforward.

Nice, clean and bright Moroccan train station
Moroccan train station

Once I strayed from those places, getting around Morocco was definitely more tedious but still not difficult. Going to the blue tourist trap that is Chefchaouen takes longer than it probably should, but I enjoyed the ride. Even the local buses were pretty comfortable.

Transportation between smaller cities on the Atlantic Coast, those not connected by rail, is slow. However, some of these places are popular with tourists, and there are nice, comfortable buses servicing the larger cities like Agadir or Essaouira.

I don’t like taking taxis. I’ve been ripped off by one too many taxi drivers in Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Turkey and so on. It’s part of traveling, but I’m over it. Unfortunately ride-sharing in Morocco is limited. Ultimately, I had no choice but to take a couple of taxis in Morocco. One of them, in Tangier, was the craziest ride I’ve ever taken. It was actually fun once I gave in to the adrenaline. The key to taking taxis in Morocco is to negotiate a price before you get in the car.

Overall, I found Morocco pretty easy to navigate. Local transportation is extremely cheap, though less comfortable. The nicer buses – Suprabus and CTM – are excellent and still cheap transportation options.

You can read more about transportation in these Hangry Backpacker posts:

  • Taking the Night Train in Morocco

  • The Ferry from Morocco to Spain

Travel Safety in Morocco

I previously wrote about Safety and Scams in Marrakech, but Morocco entails far more than this one city. After getting used to the narrow quarters of the various medinas (old quarters) in the country, I felt pretty safe for the most part.

Full disclosure: I am nearly six-foot-four and weigh over 250 pounds. On one hand, that makes me a less desirable target to piss off. At the same time, blending in or going unnoticed is nearly impossible.

That being said, almost every encounter and situation I had in Morocco (outside of Marrakech) was great. Especially on the Atlantic Coast, the people are friendly and life is pretty chill.

Obviously, I can’t speak to what it’s like to travel in Morocco as a female, but there are accounts floating around of less-than-pleasant experiences. Of course, there are equally as many accounts of female travelers having no issues whatsoever in the country. It would be best to follow customs, remain vigilant and always walk with purpose.

The key to safety in Morocco is exercising caution with whom you trust. Tourists are often easy targets for scams. The most important thing is to have practical travel clothing that hinders street thieves and pickpockets.

Travel in Morocco is largely safe, and that’s why tourism is booming in the country. In my opinion, though, the authorities (from top to bottom) need to act to end the petty theft, scams and other tourist crime if they want that prosperity to continue.

Tourist Sites and Attractions

Morocco might not have a single, world-renowned landmark like the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building, but the attraction(s) of Morocco is the country itself. The medinas and souks (markets) are fascinating, fun and picturesque.

narrow side street in Moroccan medina

The history of Morocco has left behind ruins and remnants of ancient civilizations. Many of these sites are fantastic tourist attractions. Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou are fascinating attractions, and there are many more like them where tourists rarely wander. Unfortunately, I felt that visiting these places was a bit of a sham. Someone is telling you to pay or asking for money at every turn. As attractive as they may be, let’s just say the photos are the best part of visiting.

Ait Benhaddou old mud town, near Ourzazate in Morocco
at least the pictures turned out nice

The palaces of Morocco are beautiful. The tilework alone is stunning. Many of these have been restored or preserved to their original glory, but the crowds can be an absolute nightmare.

colorful mosaic tile floor in Morocco

Most visitors to Morocco don’t get very far from cities and towns, but the country has stunning nature to offer, too. The Atlas Mountains traverse the length of the country and contain great hiking trails, waterfalls and dramatic landscapes. The Atlantic Coast is popular with surfers. And the most notorious natural attraction in Morocco is the Sahara desert. Spending time in the desolate dunes of Morocco is a highlight for many of the travelers who venture to the desert.

Atlas mountains view in Morocco
Atlas Mountains

Despite not having any specific landmark that is synonymous with the country, Morocco has a lot to offer. The cities in Morocco nearly top my list of favorite places to just wander around. Once I got comfortable, I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the medinas and souks.

The frustrating part about some of the cool places in Morocco, primarily those that are unreachable by public transport, are the tour operations. So many of these day tour operators are rip offs. In some cases, this is the only way to reach certain attractions, and the entire operation is an attempt to squeeze every penny from the tourist, from start to finish.

Is Morocco Off the Beaten Path?

Prior to my first travel experience in Morocco, the country seemed like it might be an off-the-beaten-path destination. As I wrote above, my hopes were to find at least some semblance of this.

In the eyes of many Americans, travel to places other than North America, the Caribbean, Australia or Western Europe are considered to be unusual or off the beaten path. This has basically been drilled into our minds our entire lives. However, with more Americans traveling to once-uncommon destinations, that sentiment is absolutely changing more each year.

As an American, Morocco is largely considered an unusual travel destination. I think, to most Americans, there is still a perception that the country is inherently dangerous or a chaotic African destination.

I didn’t feel this way, but sometimes we just don’t know until we experience something ourselves or hear first-hand accounts from people we know. Knowing that millions of people visit Morocco each year, I assumed it would most likely have a pretty serious tourist element.

crowded tourist attraction in Morocco
plenty of tourists here…

For Americans, it’s not a big deal to go to Mexico – it’s right there. For people from Australia or Western Europe, Mexico probably seems more unusual and off the beaten path.

The same scenario can be applied to Morocco for many Europeans – it’s right there. Tangier is visible from Spain! It’s only a few miles, close enough for Spaniards to take a day trip to Africa.

So, is Morocco off the tourist trail? Is it an off-the-beaten-path destination?

No, at least not for most tourists. Visiting Morocco is not like traveling to Papua New Guinea or the Congo. By all accounts, travel in Morocco is not even comparable to visiting neighboring countries that lag far behind in the tourism sector. It is aided by political stability and development that benefits tourists and citizens.

That doesn’t mean travelers can’t experience a totally different way of life in the country. Whether or not travel in Morocco feels off the beaten path depends on perspective. To me, it did not, but that is only my perspective.

Like any place in the world, you can get away from the tourist bubble with a little effort. Most of the 10+ million tourists who visit Morocco each year go to a few places and that’s it. Outside of these cities, travel in Morocco certainly feels different. I barely got out of the Morocco tourist bubble, but it was obvious when I did. Even walking half a mile from Jemaa El F’na, the Marrakech medina, can feel like a different world.

Is Traveling to Morocco Worth it?

My first trip to Morocco was a learning experience. My expectations were met at times and exceeded at others. There were also a few moments where I simply wanted to leave.

jemaa el fna Marrakech Morocco travel

In some ways, such as food and infrastructure, the trip was a pleasant surprise. In other ways, Morocco was a let down. For no reason, I was hassled and yelled at in Morocco more than any other place I’ve been. I’m very much a keep-my-head-down, follow-the-customs kind of traveler, and those unwarranted experiences are hard to shake.

That’s the nature of travel. You never know what a place is like until you visit yourself, and there’s never any guarantee what kind of experience you will have.

Based on my experience, I wouldn’t say Morocco, as a whole, is worth it. It’s not at the top of my recommendations, that’s for sure. Every traveler has a different experience, and, for that reason, I also cannot say that Morocco is not worth visiting.

After having time to reflect, I do want to travel to Morocco again. I would return to Essaouira in a heartbeat, but I wouldn’t be upset if I never stepped foot in Marrakech again. The next time I decide to visit the country, I will travel “smarter” or “more prepared.” Having an idea of what awaits will make the transition easier and the stay more enjoyable.

Travel in Morocco with the Hangry Backpacker at the fortress in Essaouira

I plan to go back to Morocco – I will, someday – but I’m not exactly anxious to return anytime soon. Then again, I go where the cheap flights take me.

Filed Under: Lagniappe

12 Reasons to Choose a Hostel on Your Next Trip

June 4, 2020 By Hangry Backpacker 4 Comments

”Should I stay in a hostel? Are hostels safe? Are hostels clean?”

These are questions many people have before they stay in a hostel for the first time. Hostels are not what they used to be, and the media portrayal of hostels is generally inaccurate. More travelers are choosing to stay in a hostel each year, and there are numerous reasons why you should choose to stay in a hostel on your next trip.

cool hostel setup with lounge and games in atrium

Hostels are typically filled with young backpackers, but this is not always the case. There are different types of hostels. Some are designed for the atmosphere and parties; some hostels are made to be quiet; other hostels attract surf bums, adventurers or even families.

The simple answer to the previous questions is “Yes.” If you’re uncertain whether or not to choose a hostel for your next trip abroad, here are 12 reasons to stay in a hostel: [Read more…] about 12 Reasons to Choose a Hostel on Your Next Trip

Filed Under: Hostels, Lagniappe

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Essential Egypt Travel Tips by the Hangry Backpacker
  • Hangry Backpacker First Impressions of Travel to Barcelona Spain
  • Taking the Train Between Madrid and Barcelona by the Hangry Backpacker

Travel Prepared!

Search hotels and more...

Destination

Check-in date

Mon 02 Jun 2025

Check-out date

Tue 03 Jun 2025
Booking.com

Popular Posts

  • Eating in Brasov, Romania
    Eating in Brasov, Romania
  • A First-Timer's Guide to Eating in Cairo
    A First-Timer's Guide to Eating in Cairo
  • Visiting El Escorial, Spain
    Visiting El Escorial, Spain

Featured Post: What’s in My Bag?

Hangry Backpacker's Travel Gear

Follow the Hangry Backpacker!

hangrybackpacker

The Magnolia State! I've always thought Magnolia The Magnolia State! 

I've always thought Magnolias are cool flowers, all the way back to 3rd grade when I brought one from my grandparents house to show the class.  Nyctinasty (plant circadian rhythm!) - fascinsting how they respond to light, opening in the day and closing at night. Not sure the other 8-9 year olds were impressed 😆

• • • • •

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #magnolia #mississippi
Staple (noun) - a basic or necessary item of food Staple (noun) - a basic or necessary item of food

Pizza fits that definition and there is always time and always room for awesome pizza.

• • • • • 

#HangryBackpacker #pizzaislife #pizzaislove #pizzaishappiness #brickovenpizza #foodblogger #eattheworld #foodporn #justeatit
I love a good view! This one, from the Clock Tower I love a good view! This one, from the Clock Tower of Tirana, offers great views over Skanderbeg Square.

From the top, you can see that Tirana is different than what people may assume. It's green and lively with a mountain backdrop, modern and historic at the same time. 

- - - - -

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #albania #tirana #albaniatravel #skanderbegsquare #visittirana #visitalbania #viewfromabove
The Church of St. Michael, Berat. This tiny Orthod The Church of St. Michael, Berat. This tiny Orthodox church sits on the cliffside between old town and Berat Castle. Though it isn't the most majestic church, it dates back to the Byantine era of the 14th Century and has great views.

The walk up may be difficult for some, but it's easier and shorter than it appears from street level. To my surprise, only a few other people were up there the whole time we were looking around.

- - - - -

#HangryBackpacker #travel #travelblogger #berat #albania #visitalbania #albaniatravel #shqiperia #omsystem #unescoworldheritagesite #travelalbania #olympusomdem10 #worldcaptures #skymileslife #traveltips
Follow on Instagram

Hangry for More?!

Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the Hangry Backpacker for updates, travel tips & more!

    No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Built with ConvertKit

    Before Footer

    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    • About
    • Contact
    • Disclaimer

    Copyright © 2025 · The Hangry Backpacker

     

    Loading Comments...
     

    You must be logged in to post a comment.