Being in a state of near constant travel, a state I like to call being “locationless,” often makes me think that I can be completely self-reliant as a traveler. That I don’t need help or someone to hold my hand. Sure, I’ll grab a guidebook to give myself a frame of reference, but I use Lonely Planet as a jumping off point, not as a blueprint for a trip. Mixing with locals, making friends, finding out about the places the locals go, these are the ways to travel and experience an area. This requires a certain level of social skills, pantomiming, and having a nose for finding an English speaker. It’s a challenge to travel this way, and it gives one a feeling of self-reliance that more touristy travel doesn’t. I think it also gives one the feeling of being a cultural explorer, and can fulfill the same desire in today’s modern youth that once made young men and women climb on board ships headed to the new world, or even crazier, join an expedition that was simply exploring, charting unknown territories.

Of course the world has no more unknown territories and the fact that you can usually find English speakers anywhere you go speaks to how un-exotic the world has become as globalization spreads. (This is not a bad thing, we can travel everywhere now, this was not possible until very recently). This is not to say that travel is unadventurous, just that it doesn’t always have to be adventurous, and to always try and make it that way is silly. There are amazing things to see in this world, and a lot of them are in the middle of very safe cities. That is why I don’t think it’s some sort of sell out move to take escorted tours or tailormade holidays (as long as that’s not the only way you travel.)

The fact of the matter is that there is no bad-ass, adventurous way to see the Roman Coliseum or the Louvre or the Pyramids. And yet, you should see these things. You’re going to have to play the tourist game to see these things, and that’s the way it should be, that process of waiting in line is what helps preserve these treasures for future generations. So taking a guided tour, getting expert information, experiencing a place as millions of others have and will is not something to fear or dismiss as not adventurous enough. It’s better to see something in an escorted tour than never see it at all.  That being said, if you haven’t ever stood on the side of a highway, thumb out, with no particular destination in mind, then that’s another thing millions have done that you should too.

I have wanted to visit North Africa for a while now. One of my readers, Kunal, approached me to write a guest post about planning a vacation to Egypt and this is the result. Thanks Kunal.

Traveling is often associated with sky high overseas airfares and enough unexpected fees to make you think twice about making the trip. However, there's one travel destination that won't break the bank and takes you to the ultimate in exotic adventure. Egypt is one of the best places to get more bang from your buck, and offers a unique vacation rich in history and culture.

For best bargain Egypt travel deals, you want to book a package to include your round trip airfare from New York to Cairo, domestic air or ground travel in Egypt, all hotels, tour guide and entrance fees, most meals and a three to seven night Nile cruise. The cruise is all-inclusive of three meals a day, on-board entertainment and covers the admission tickets to the Nile's top attractions. Visit Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor and the scenic banks of Aswan, all complete with a licensed Egyptologist at your side. In addition, cheap flights to Abu Simbel are available, and you will save the most money by booking them when you get there from your tour guide leader.

When selecting the best bargain travel Egypt package, you may opt for the four star hotel and cruise ships to shave some extra expenses from your tab. The four star hotels in Cairo are clean and packed with amenities such as a currency exchange service, multiple dining options and good security at the doors. However, it is not recommended that you settle for any less than a four star property, as the hotel rating system in Africa is not as stringent as that in the United States.

Dining in Cairo can be expensive, so be sure to choose a hotel plan that includes a buffet room. Some of the top four star hotels in Cairo include The Oasis, Sofitel Le Sphinx and many of the international chains located near Heliopolis Airport. In addition, for a grander stay at a slightly higher rate, try the Ramses Hilton, Mena House or the Semiramis Intercontinental for an average of ten percent more on your total cost.

Additional expenses for your fantastic Egypt getaway may include one or more evening meals in Cairo, any alcoholic beverages or services on the cruise ship, and a $10 per person, per day tip to the cruise ship staff and your tour leader on the ground. Also consider a seven night Nile cruise. Overall, an Egypt vacation is a fraction of what you would spend for an equal amount of time in Europe, and the sights and sounds of this magnificent place will keep you coming back for more.