Tag: solotravel

What to pack for Bali

by sahilyq, posted in Travel, Travel Tips

I made a packing list for my 10-day trip to Bali, focusing on comfort and the tropical climate. It balances cultural exploration, beach fun, and light adventures. Laundry services are so affordable in Bali which will help avoid overpacking.

🧳 Essentials

  • Passport + visa
  • Flight tickets / boarding passes
  • Travel insurance
  • Credit/debit cards + some cash (Indonesian Rupiah-I recommend $300 USD worth) you can order currency at your local bank.
  • Accommodation info + transportation details
  • Copies of documents (physical & digital)

👕 Clothing (lightweight, tropical, respectful for temples)

Daywear (hot & humid weather):

  • 4–5 x T-shirts/tank tops
  • 2–3 x Shorts
  • 2 x Light sundresses / casual dresses (optional)
  • 1–2 x Linen pants or long skirts (for temples)
  • 1 x Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (for sun or temples)
  • 5-? undies (pack more or less, is up to you. I do laundry while traveling)
  • 2-3 bras
  • Hat or cap

Swim & Beach:

  • 2–3 x Swimsuits
  • 1-2x Cover-up/sarong (useful at beach and temples)
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Beach tote or small waterproof bag

Evenings:

  • 1–2 x Nicer outfits for dinner/bars (casual-chic)
  • Light scarf or shawl

Footwear:

  • Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
  • Flip-flops or waterproof sandals
  • Water shoes (optional, good for rocky beaches or waterfalls)

🧴 Toiletries & Health

  • Reef-safe sunscreen (very important!)
  • After-sun aloe or lotion
  • Insect repellent (with DEET, see below for recommendation)
  • Soap or shower gel
  • Loofah or disposable wash cloths (see below)
  • Shampoo/conditioner (all the hotels have shampoo/conditioner)
  • Hair leave in conditioner (Bali’s water is hard, I used this every time)
  • Toothbrush + toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Razor
  • Hairbrush/comb/hair ties
  • Sanitary products (tampons are hard to find & expensive)
  • Tissue/wet wipes (some bathrooms don’t have TP)
  • Sanitizer
  • Prescription meds + basic first aid (probiotics, Imodium, antihistamines, painkillers)
  • Rehydration salts or electrolytes (for heat or Bali belly)

📱 Electronics

  • Phone + charger
  • Universal travel adapter (Indonesia uses type C & F sockets, 230V)
  • Power bank
  • Headphones
  • Waterproof phone pouch (for beach, snorkeling)
  • Camera / GoPro + charger (optional)

🧘‍♀️ Extras & Nice-to-Haves

  • Reusable water bottle, I personally just carried around bottled water
  • Shower head water filter helps with the hard water
  • Travel towel or microfiber towel
  • Lightweight daypack or backpack
  • Book or Kindle
  • Snorkel gear (optional – also easy to rent, included on our tour)
  • Yoga mat (travel size, if you practice)
  • Eye mask & earplugs (useful for flights or noisy hotels)

🛍️ Optional (but recommended)

  • Dry bag (for beach, boats, waterfalls)
  • Snacks/protein bars (for day trips)
  • Travel laundry detergent or laundry service budget (very affordable)

🌞 Cultural Notes

When visiting temples, cover:

  • Shoulders (bring a shawl or wear a T-shirt)
  • Knees (long skirt, pants, or sarong – often provided at temples)

recommendations

Think hot and humid, so you definitely want to feel comfortable. Below are my recommendations and links. I am not associated or commissioned by the companies…I wish!

T-shirts/tanks: think lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying T-shirts and tanks that can handle humidity, sweat, and sun. Here’s a breakdown of the best types to pack, with brand and style suggestions based on comfort, performance, and style.

Shorts: the key is comfort, breathability, and versatility —you’ll be dealing with high humidity, heat, beach days, and occasional temple visits 

Sundresses/linen pants: besides being comfortable, they are lightweight, quick drying, and can dress up or down to your liking. I also purchased some comfy wide pants in Bali. I personally like longer sundresses but Amazon has a huge selection at reasonable prices. I own several linen pants from Old Navy and still my favorite today.

Light-weight long sleeve: This is perfect for temple visits and for night strolls through the beach as it can be breezy.

Swimsuits/cover-ups: I packed 3 swimsuits that interchanged and used them all, always having one dry one available. Cover ups are great and can be used as sundresses as well.

Sandals/Comfy shoes: I probably used my Burks the most, followed by the versatile Teva sandals. I think I used my sneakers to and from the airport, next time I will not be packing these.

Sneakers: In case you’re in the market for a comfy travel shoe, these are my favorite and no need to break them in. They have many miles on them and are still holding up after every trip, just know they are white and requiring lots of cleaning.

Sun hat: This one is my favorite and has traveled to several countries with me, very versatile and easy to pack.

Travel towel: These are quick drying, lightweight, and fit anywhere.

Water-proof Day bag: This bag can hold a change of clothes, snacks, water, and any essentials you need for the day.

Mosquito repellent: I have mosquito blood, always have. During my research for my first Bali trip this was recommended. This product is from Bali and can be purchased at the airport. I suggest buying one before leaving the airport and then buying more in Ubud. Super cheap and protected me, but honestly I didn’t see one mosquito as it was dry season. But I still applied it daily. Do not purchase online, you will pay a fortune, this literally cost around $1 in Bali. (will cost a little more in the airport, but otherwise it’s way cheaper)

Detergent sheets: In case you want to do laundry, I use these when traveling, but honestly laundry service is so ridiculously affordable in Bali, you may not need these. These are also great for undergarment washing.

Toiletries: As far as toiletries go, you take your favorite! However all hotels have shampoo/conditioner/shower gel available. They do not have wash cloths, so pack these compressible disposable wash cloths or you pack your own loofah. I also pack travel size bath and body works products to change up the scent, specially since I use the mosquito repellent often. Here is my favorite new scent. They happen to be one sale 3 for $7.

Filtered water shower head: Bali water is hard, no joke your hair will feel it by the end of the trip. Applying this to the shower head and the leave-in conditioner will help protect your skin and hair.

Traveling to Bali is a great choice for its natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed atmosphere. Packing light enhances your trip, as the tropical climate requires breathable, comfortable clothing. With just a few versatile pieces, you’ll be set for sunrise hikes, temple visits, beach time, and sunset dinners. In Bali, less is more—less stress and more unforgettable experiences. ✈️ 🌴 🌺 🌿 🏝️

Christmas Gift Ideas

by sahilyq, posted in Travel

For the travel enthusiast in your life, Christmas offers the perfect time to give gifts that inspire adventure and make journeys more enjoyable. Consider something practical yet thoughtful items like a high-quality travel backpack, a versatile packing cube set, or a durable travel wallet to keep essentials organized. Tech-savvy travelers will appreciate portable chargers, noise-canceling headphones, or compact travel adapters. For those who love experiences, airline tickets, a group trip, or gift cards for hotels can help fuel their wanderlust. These travel-inspired gifts are sure to delight and accompany them on their next adventure. Here are my favorite travel items, travel deals, and info on my next group trips.

think practical

These packing cubes not only help you get organized, but can also make the most room of your luggage. They also work great when you switch hotels often and keep you organized and not having to unpack every time you switch locations.

A carry-on backpack is great for all travelers, they fit under the seat and provide ample space for a weekend trip. This is my favorite bag, it offers plenty of storage space and pockets.

Luggage covers have saved me multiple times but most recently on a tight connection where I was able to distinguish my bag quickly and efficiently. They come in all sizes and several different prints. If you want to make it even more personalized, you can add a funny picture on them. Amazon has several options for personalization. Personalized luggage covers

tech-savvy

Air tags are my #1 recommended purchase! These are great for tracking your luggage but can also be used on wallet, purses, and even passports. You can never have too many. I personally use three of them when traveling and always good to know I can depend on tracking my luggage in the event I check a bag. Amazon currently has a pack of 4 for $72.

Power banks are very much needed specially when traveling abroad and not having an immediate wall plug available. Using google maps and google translate can drain your battery, so having these available is always so helpful. I usually travel with 2-3 of them at a time. I don’t love one over the other, I just get whatever is reasonably priced. Here are some samples (I may or may not have all of these) lol

Noise canceling headphones/Airpods

Traveling abroad or catching an early flight may be too stimulating for some, so noise cancellation headphones come in handy to block all the unwanted noise and multiple airline messages (I do recommend you listen, sometimes it can be request for emergency personnel). I am between AirPods and Beats Studio Pros

A Universal plug adaptor is highly needed when traveling abroad as many countries have different plugs.

experiences

Now this part, is my favorite! You can provide someone with a great adventure. Maybe a solo/group trip, an upgrade on their flight, or credit gift card for their travel adventure. For a solo/group trip follow my page on IG for trip details. Travel Nurse Wanderer

Egypt

by sahilyq, posted in Travel

Visiting Egypt is a journey through time, where the ancient and modern worlds come together in a captivating way. Whether you’re fascinated with ancient history, culture, or stunning landscapes, Egypt offers an unforgettable adventure. I spend 8 days through Cairo, Aswan, & Luxor mesmerized with the beauty of this country.

cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a vibrant and historic city offering a unique blend of ancient wonders, modern attractions, and cultural experiences. Here are a few reasons to visit Cairo…

Iconic Historical Sites

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, these iconic structures are a must-see.

World-Class Museums

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and mummies. The museum is the home and oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and houses over 170,000 artefacts.

Rich Cultural Experiences

Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a bustling marketplace to shop for traditional crafts, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. The famous bazaar and souq is located in the historic center of Cairo, Egypt. The bazaar district has since become one of Cairo’s main attractions for tourists and Egyptians alike.

Delicious Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine makes heavy use of poultry, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Egyptian dishes include  rice-stuffed vegetables and grapes leaves, hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab, and kofta. The colors and aroma of these dishes are just spectacular and so delicious.

aswan

Aswan is located in southern Egypt, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its natural beauty, ancient history, and unique cultural experiences. Here are some great reasons to visit Aswan…

nubian village

The Nubian Village in Aswan, Egypt, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination known for its colorful houses, warm hospitality, and unique traditions. Located along the banks of the Nile River, near the famous Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple, these villages showcase the heritage of the Nubian people, an ancient African civilization with a distinct language and customs. We visited and had dinner with a local Nubian family. We chatted and learned about their culture and village. The food was delicious and we were treated like family. I highly recommend the visit.

stunning Nile River Views

Aswan sits on one of the most scenic stretches of the Nile, offering beautiful views of the river, surrounded with feluccas (traditional sailboats) and lush islands. Enjoy a felucca ride during sunset for a relaxing and memorable experience.

Ancient Temples and Monuments

Phiae Temple is Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this beautifully preserved temple is located on an island and accessible by boat. The temple walls contain scenes from Egyptian mythology of Isis bringing Osiris back to life, giving birth to Horus, and mummifying Osiris after his death.

Abu Simbel Temples is an ancient archaeological site in southern Egypt, famous for its two massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. It is located near the border with Sudan and is one of Egypt’s most spectacular monuments.are these iconic temples of Ramses II, carved into a mountainside, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see.

luxor

Visiting Luxor is like stepping into an open-air museum filled with some of the world’s most incredible ancient treasures. Known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” Luxor is home to iconic landmarks such as the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were laid to rest, and the grand Karnak Temple, one of the largest temple complexes ever built. You can also explore the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut, the awe-inspiring Luxor Temple, and take a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Nile. 

Visiting Egypt is a life-changing experience that immerses you in the wonders of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Standing before the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, cruising along the timeless Nile, and exploring the temples of Luxor and Aswan connect you to a civilization that has shaped the world for thousands of years. Beyond the history, Egypt’s warm hospitality, bustling markets, and stunning desert scenery offer an adventure that captivates the soul.

4 days in Rome

by sahilyq, posted in Destinations, Travel

Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City,” is a destination filled with history, art, culture, and culinary delights. We spend 4-days exploring throughout Rome and visiting the iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Aside from visiting landmarks, we ventured through Roman streets and had some amazing adventures.

Day 1: Arrival, welcome dinner, and evening stroll around Trevi Fountain

Day 2: Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, & Pantheon

Day 3: St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, & Spanish Steps

Day 4: Testaccio market food tour & evening bike tour

Suggestions:

  • Book your entrance tickets ahead of time. I used both Viator and Get your Guide tours as I have used them run the past and had positive experiences with them. I also used Viator to book the food & bike tour.
  • To avoid heavy crowds, start your day early, for example we visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the am.

day 1

Arrival dinner & leisure time

Many of the travelers arrived early morning/afternoon which gave us some time to eat, nap, and energize for the welcome dinner and to start our 10-day adventure through Italy. Most arrived and we headed for our first lunch and Aperol Spritz.

day 2

Vatican museum & pantheon

The Vatican Museums, located in Vatican City, are one of the most famous museum structure in the world. Established in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the museums holds an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts accumulated by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries and has millions of visitors per year. The Sistine Chapel Known for its stunning frescoes by Michelangelo, including the famous The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.

The Pantheon in Rome is one of the most iconic and well-preserved architectural masterpieces from ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods, it now functions as a Catholic Church. The architecture consists of the dome, portico, columns and exterior. The detail in each piece is magnificent. Take the audio tour at your leisure to learn about the history and significance of The Pantheon.

We had a free early evening and decided to go to an Ice bar, which turned out to be super fun with tasty drinks. Ice Club Roma

day 3

Today we will visit the most important archaeological sites in Rome, The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. A few of us visited St. Peter’s Basilica early in the morning to beat the crowds.

St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most famous and significant religious sites in the world. The basilica was designed by some of the greatest artists and architects of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo, Bramante, Raphael, and Bernini.

The Colosseum is the most iconic landmarks of ancient Rome and a masterpiece of Roman engineering and architecture. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, it is the largest amphitheater ever built and a testament to the beauty of the Roman Empire. In 1980 the Colosseum was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient significant sites in Rome, Italy. It is one of the “Seven Hills of Rome” and is historically known as the birthplace of the city, was the central public square in ancient Rome and one of the most significant gathering locations of the Roman Empire. Known for serving as the political, legal, economic, religious, and social heart of the city.

The Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna (at the bottom) with the Trinità dei Monti church (at the top).It’s located in a popular area surrounded by luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of the most famous fountains in the world and a landmark in Rome, Italy. It is popular for its grand Baroque design and complex sculptures. This is a popular tourist spot and is constantly busy and many are making their wishes while tossing a coin in. Many restaurants surround the fountain which makes it quite walkable.

day 4

Our final full day in Rome was quite relaxing with a twist of action. Today we ventured out to the neighborhood of Testaccio where we participated in a walking, food tour. Aside from the interesting neighborhood full of art and bold colors, the Testacccio market had quite the selection of delicious bites.

After lunch some went back to rest while others ventured out while enjoying their last day in the Roman City. In the evening we connected and went on our night bike tour. This was a hit among the travelers, riding bike through the streets of Rome and seeing the monuments all lit up was quite beautiful.