14
How mastering a few local greetings saved my solo trip in Morocco
I was alone in Marrakech and kept getting overcharged at markets. After a day of frustration, I decided to learn basic Arabic greetings like 'Salam alaikum' and 'Shukran'. Using them immediately changed how vendors treated me, prices became more reasonable. I realized that showing respect for the language breaks down barriers. Now, before any trip, I spend an hour learning key phrases. It's made solo travel smoother and more authentic. Don't underestimate the power of a simple hello.
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
ninar511d ago
Funny how a little effort goes a long way. I was in Tokyo once and butchered the pronunciation for 'thank you,' but the cashier's face lit up anyway. It turned into this whole thing where she taught me how to say it properly, and suddenly I wasn't just another tourist. Prices at that convenience store definitely felt more standard after that, or maybe I was just being paranoid before. But the point is, people notice when you try, even if you suck at it. Makes the whole experience less transactional and more human, you know?
8