Scale Key

Woman in blue off-shoulder dress posing in front of the Great Sphinx of Giza

ABOUT

This scale key outlines the deeper meaning behind each rating. From accessibility to safety, walkability, nightlife & entertainment, affordability, food scene, transportation, connectivity, language ease, and solo traveler friendliness, I rate each destination. View the places I’ve traveled through the “Destinations” tab to view each country’s rating.

Rating KEY

  • 1 – Not Accessible
    Significant barriers exist.

    • Frequent stairs, uneven terrain, or steep paths

    • No ramps or elevators

    • Not suitable for travelers with mobility limitations or assistive devices

    2 – Limited Accessibility
    Some accommodations, but major challenges remain.

    • Partial ramps or assistance required

    • Uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, or steps common

    • Best for travelers with mild mobility concerns and flexibility

    3 – Moderately Accessible
    Accessible with planning and assistance.

    • Mix of accessible and non-accessible areas

    • Ramps or elevators available in some places

    • Suitable for travelers who can manage short distances or occasional steps

    4 – Highly Accessible
    Well-suited for most travelers with mobility needs.

    • Paved walkways and step-free access in most areas

    • Elevators and accessible restrooms widely available

    • Public transport and accommodations often accessible

    5 – Fully Accessible
    Designed with accessibility in mind.

    • Step-free access throughout

    • Reliable elevators, ramps, and accessible facilities

    • Ideal for wheelchair users and travelers requiring consistent accessibility

  • 1 – Low Safety
    Frequent safety concerns.

    • Higher risk of crime or scams

    • Limited lighting or security

    • Extra caution required, especially at night

    2 – Below Average Safety
    Some concerns present.

    • Petty crime common

    • Not ideal for solo or nighttime travel

    • Awareness and planning needed

    3 – Moderate Safety
    Generally safe with basic precautions.

    • Tourist areas are safe

    • Normal awareness advised

    • Suitable for most travelers

    4 – High Safety
    Safe and comfortable for most visitors.

    • Low crime in tourist areas

    • Well-lit streets and visible security

    • Comfortable for solo travelers

    5 – Very High Safety
    Exceptionally safe.

    • Very low crime

    • Safe day and night

    • Ideal for solo, family, and first-time travelers

  • 1 – Not Walkable

    • No sidewalks or unsafe pedestrian areas

    • Long distances between attractions

    • Car required

    2 – Limited Walkability

    • Inconsistent sidewalks

    • Hills, uneven terrain, or traffic challenges

    • Short walks only

    3 – Moderately Walkable

    • Walkable in certain areas

    • Some uneven terrain or distance

    • Mix of walking and transportation needed

    4 – Highly Walkable

    • Good sidewalks and crossings

    • Attractions close together

    • Walking is a primary way to get around

    5 – Extremely Walkable

    • Designed for pedestrians

    • Flat, safe, and well-maintained paths

    • Walking is the easiest option

  • 1 – Very Expensive

    • High costs for food, lodging, and activities

    • Luxury pricing throughout

    2 – Expensive

    • Costs add up quickly

    • Limited budget options

    3 – Moderate

    • Mix of budget, mid-range, and luxury options

    • Accessible for most travelers

    4 – Affordable

    • Good value for food and activities

    • Budget-friendly options widely available

    5 – Very Affordable

    • Low daily costs

    • Excellent value across all categories

  • 1 – Minimal

    • Quiet evenings

    • Few bars or entertainment options

    2 – Limited

    • Some bars or lounges

    • Early closing times

    3 – Moderate

    • Decent mix of nightlife options

    • Active on weekends

    4 – Vibrant

    • Variety of bars, clubs, and live music

    • Lively most nights

    5 – World-Class

    • Major nightlife destination

    • Late nights, famous venues, constant energy

  • 1 – Limited

    • Few dining options

    • Minimal variety

    2 – Basic

    • Some local and international options

    • Limited diversity

    3 – Good

    • Solid food scene

    • Mix of local favorites and popular cuisines

    4 – Excellent

    • Wide variety of cuisines

    • High quality and memorable dining

    5 – Exceptional

    • Destination-worthy food scene

    • Renowned restaurants and local specialties

  • 1 – Difficult

    • Limited public transport

    • Taxis or rentals hard to access

    2 – Somewhat Difficult

    • Transportation available but inconvenient

    • Planning required

    3 – Manageable

    • Reliable options available

    • May require apps or transfers

    4 – Easy

    • Ride-shares, taxis, or transit readily available

    • Simple navigation

    5 – Extremely Easy

    • Seamless transportation

    • Excellent public transit and accessibility

  • 1 – Poor

    • Unreliable internet and cell service

    • Not suitable for remote work

    2 – Inconsistent

    • Wi-Fi available but unstable

    • Limited coverage

    3 – Adequate

    • Reliable in hotels and cafés

    • Suitable for basic work and communication

    4 – Strong

    • Fast, dependable Wi-Fi widely available

    • Good mobile coverage

    5 – Excellent

    • High-speed internet everywhere

    • Ideal for digital nomads and remote workers

  • 1 – Very Challenging

    • Little to no English spoken

    • Language barrier impacts daily travel

    2 – Challenging

    • English spoken in limited tourist areas

    • Translation tools helpful

    3 – Manageable

    • English commonly spoken in tourist zones

    • Basic phrases sufficient

    4 – Easy

    • English widely spoken

    • Communication rarely an issue

    5 – Very Easy

    • English fluently spoken throughout

    • No language barriers

  • 1 – Not Solo-Friendly

    • Safety or logistics challenges

    • Limited group activities

    2 – Somewhat Solo-Friendly

    • Possible with planning

    • Better suited to experienced travelers

    3 – Solo-Friendly

    • Tours and social opportunities available

    • Generally safe and manageable

    4 – Very Solo-Friendly

    • Easy to meet others

    • Inclusive, welcoming, and social

    5 – Ideal for Solo Travel

    • Extremely welcoming

    • Excellent infrastructure and social scene

    • Mixed attitudes

    • Discretion advised