6 Reasons Why Girls Should Go to Southeast Asia in 2019

Updated: 04/28/2019 | April 28th, 2019

Updated: 04/28/2019 | April 28th, 2019

This is a guest blog by Laura, one of our resident experts on solo female travel. Be sure to check out our comprehensive section on solo female travel for even more helpful advice!

Planning a solo trip as a woman can be intimidating. Sometimes it’s not always by choice; after all, it’s not easy to convince someone to jump ship with you and take an extended vacation.

However, solo travel can be exhilarating, insightful, and incredibly rewarding. As Matt has said, travel is a great tool for personal development — and solo travel especially so!

When it comes to finding a great destination for your first solo trip, I can’t think of a better place than Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia is easy to navigate on a budget, there are plenty of other travelers around to meet, and it’s quite safe. Still not convinced? Here are X reasons why every girl should consider Southeast Asia for their next solo trip!

6 Reasons Girls Should Travel to Southeast Asia

1. It’s Budget-Friendly

One of the downfalls about solo travel is that it tends to be more expensive. You don’t have someone to share a hotel room with or to split a cab ride, for example. But compared to the Western world, Southeast Asia is cheap!

One of the downfalls about solo travel is that it tends to be more expensive. You don’t have someone to share a hotel room with or to split a cab ride, for example. But compared to the Western world, Southeast Asia is cheap!

Depending on your travel style you should be able to live off of $20-30 USD per day. On my cheapest day in Southeast Asia, I spent just $7 USD for lodging and food in Laos.

Best of all, thanks to the sharing economy, if you plan to hang around a city for at least a month, you can rent an apartment at an extremely low rate.

2. It’s Easy to Get Around

You can take public transportation to pretty much any destination. Not only is it widely available, but I consider it fairly comfortable as well. Most buses are air-conditioned, and if you’re taking an overnight bus, there are sleeper buses available.

You can take public transportation to pretty much any destination. Not only is it widely available, but I consider it fairly comfortable as well. Most buses are air-conditioned, and if you’re taking an overnight bus, there are sleeper buses available. Traveling in Southeast Asia can be done both easily and affordably.

I remember my first bus ride in Southeast Asia was from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Battambang in Cambodia. I bought my ticket at a travel agency around the corner from my hotel, and they said, “The bus company will pick you up at your hotel 30 minutes before departure.”

I was caught off guard and thought, “What? You mean I don’t have to grab a taxi or lug my bags to the bus station? I don’t have to worry about getting lost and finding the right bus to get on? This is great!”

Most of the time, you can book a bus that will pick you up at your hotel. If not, arranging transportation is incredibly easy. Your hostel or accommodation can help you with that, usually by ordering a taxi or tuk-tuk in advance.

3. Travelers Abound

Unless you really make an effort to

Unless you really make an effort to get off the beaten path or venture into a town that’s unheard of, you will see tourists everywhere. I consider this a definite plus for a first-time solo trip. You shouldn’t have any problem meeting other travelers in guesthouses or around town.

Not only is it nice to make friends (after all, who wants to talk to a brick wall the entire time?) but you’re also likely to find other travelers to join you to go sightseeing or to grab dinner or a drink in the evening.

I think it’s also noteworthy to point out the stereotype of travelers you may meet in Southeast Asia. Everywhere I’ve traveled to, I find a different type of tourist. I find the travelers in Southeast Asia to be more social and have more of a “travel hard, party harder” attitude. Rarely will you find a guest in your hostel sitting around or sightseeing solo.

Yes, plenty of travelers go alone to Southeast Asia, but they want to and do meet others quickly. You just have to make sure you put yourself out there.

4. It’s Safe

While there is crime — as there is everywhere in the world — I feel extremely safe when I’m in Southeast Asia. I take standard precautions, but I’m not afraid to walk around by myself or take public transport. I go out in the evenings and don’t hesitate to interact with the locals.

While there is crime — as there is everywhere in the world — I feel extremely safe when I’m in Southeast Asia. I take standard precautions, but I’m not afraid to walk around by myself or take public transport. I go out in the evenings and don’t hesitate to interact with the locals.

As a female traveler, safety is key, and I feel just as safe here as I do back home. If you run into any sort of theft, I’d venture to say it’s most often by a fellow traveler in your guesthouse.

As long as you aren’t wandering drunk at 3am in the seedy area of Phuket, you will be all right. Yes, there are travel scams to be aware of. But if you take normal, common-sense precautions you should have nothing to worry about.

5. There are Friendly Locals & Unique Cultures

If you’re looking to really dive into a place that’s completely different,

If you’re looking to really dive into a place that’s completely different, Southeast Asia will not disappoint. Mouthwatering street food and some of the friendliest locals in the world are probably my favorite things about this part of the world. It doesn’t matter if you come into contact with a local who knows zero English (as I did on a 10-hour train ride); they will generally still want to communicate with you.

While I was in a village in Laos, I told a restaurant owner that I wanted to participate in the alms ceremony for monks. She invited me to her home at 5:30 the next morning, made rice for me to give to the monks, and showed me proper etiquette for this Buddhist ceremony. Most locals in Southeast Asia treated me like a member of the family.

You won’t have to try hard here if your goal is to dive into the culture, and if you ask a local about some ceremony or event, you’ll most likely be invited to participate (even in weddings).

6. There’s Something for Everyone

Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach getaways, hectic cities full of delicious street food, world-class diving opportunities, all-night parties, or rich history, you’ll be able to find it in Southeast Asia — often all within the same country!

Whether you’re looking for relaxing beach getaways, hectic cities full of delicious street food, world-class diving opportunities, all-night parties, or rich history, you’ll be able to find it in Southeast Asia — often all within the same country!

From the stunning ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the epic Full Moon Party in Thailand to the health and wellness mecca of Bali, Southeast Asia has something for every solo female traveler’s appetite. It’s just a matter of deciding what you want to see first!

***
If you are considering a solo trip for the first time,

If you are considering a solo trip for the first time, Southeast Asia is a great place to start. As a female backpacker, I like that I feel safe here, can get by on a budget, and meet other people. It’s a great combination when I can achieve all of these things, as well as discover amazing cultures.

Laura Walker ran the travel website, A Wandering Sole. She’s an avid traveler, former blogger, and entrepreneur.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over twenty interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book and how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip to Southeast Asia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Southeast Asia?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Southeast Asia with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers? (Updated 2019)

Posted: 6/22/2019 | June 22nd, 2019

Southeast Asia is one of the most popular regions in the world for backpackers and budget travelers. It’s home to a well-worn travel trail that dates back to the 1960s and ’70s, stretching across Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore.

I’ve been visiting the area regularly since 2004 (I even spent a few years living in Thailand). It really does have something for everyone: bustling cities, delicious food, spectacular diving, lots of outdoor activities, historic sites — the list goes on.

Best of all? It’s budget friendly!

But is Southeast Asia safe?

That’s a question I get asked often, especially by solo travelers (or their worried families).

Generally speaking, Southeast Asia is incredibly safe. In fact, it’s one of the safest regions in the world.

You aren’t going to really face any physical danger, and it’s rare to even get robbed or mugged. People are nice, respectful, and friendly.

That said, here’s everything you need to know to stay safe in Southeast Asia!

 

11 Ways to Stay Safe in Southeast Asia

Staying safe in Southeast Asia doesn’t take a lot of work. Southeast Asia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare. There are some common scams around, like the motorbike scam where vendors try to charge you for damage to their bike, but for the most part, this is a safe place to travel. People are nice and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble. The people who do tend to be involved with drinking or drugs or sex tourism. Stay away from that stuff and you’ll be fine. That said, here are 11 ways to ensure nothing is going to happen on your trip:

1. Watch for purse-snatchers – Purse-snatching is rare, but it does happen. To avoid the most common types of theft, don’t wear your purse or bag over just one shoulder — instead, wear it across the front of your body. Also, many purse-snatchers will be on a scooter, so take particular caution when walking alongside traffic.

2. Be extra careful in traffic – Most injuries in Southeast Asia are caused by vehicles. Be especially careful walking in hectic cities like Hanoi or if you are driving (especially scooters).

3. Don’t do drugs – Drugs like marijuana are easily accessible in Southeast Asia (especially in party locations, like the Full Moon Party). But they are illegal! Fines are heavy — and if you get caught, expect to spend time in jail or pay a hefty bribe. Save yourself the hassle and don’t do any drugs while you’re in the region.

4. Wear a helmet – If you’re renting or riding a scooter or motorbike, be sure to wear a helmet. Also wear proper clothing and footwear. I’ve seen a lot of road rash during my time in Southeast Asia!

5. Look out for bedbugs – Unfortunately, bedbugs are a reality in Southeast Asia. Though rare, you will likely encounter them at some point if you’re traveling around the region for any length of time. Always check your accommodation in advance. If it looks dirty, simply move on. Also, never put your backpack on your bed. That way, if the bed is contaminated, at least your backpack won’t also be contaminated.

6. Bring a lock – While theft in dorm rooms is rare, you don’t want to take any chances. Hostels almost always have lockers available. Bring a lock so you can store your possessions safely while you’re out and about.

7. Hide your valuables – When you’re out exploring, keep your wallet and valuables hidden in your backpack (or leave them loved up in your accommodation). Carry some cash in your pockets, but keep your cards and other valuables out of reach. Most theft is opportunistic, so if you’re vigilant, you’ll have nothing to worry about!

8. Don’t party solo – Make sure if you’re out partying that you do it with friends or people you can trust. Don’t get so drunk that you can’t get home safely. (If you’re taking part in the Full Moon Party in Thailand, you can find specific safety tips in this blog post.)

9. Keep your passport – Never give away your passport as a deposit when booking things like accommodation or rentals. Always make sure you get it back, or else you might not see it again. (And be sure to keep a digital scan of your passport in your email inbox just in case.)

10. Stay away from animals – Stray dogs (as well as monkeys) often carry diseases, such as rabies (which can be fatal). To avoid getting bitten, don’t pet stray dogs or wild monkeys.

11. Buy travel insurance – While Southeast Asia is generally safe, unexpected incidents can still occur. Cover yourself by buying travel insurance. It has the potential to save you thousands of dollars while also giving you peace of mind. I never leave home without it!
 

5 Common Scams in Southeast Asia

While Southeast Asia is generally quite safe, there are still a few common travel scams. Here are four of the most common scams — and how you can avoid getting fooled by them!

1. The Taxi/Tuk-tuk Overcharge
This is one of the most common travel scams out there — you’ll encounter it all across Southeast Asia. Either the driver will tell you the taxi meter is broken and try to charge you a high rate, or you’ll see the cost on the meter skyrocket faster than Superman!

For tuk-tuks, you’ll need to negotiate in advance, because drivers will quote a price much higher than what the ride should cost. To avoid being ripped off, you’ll first need to know how much your ride should cost. The best way to figure this out is to ask your hostel or hotel staff for a quote so you have a frame of reference (or google it, if you’re just arriving).

If the driver tries to negotiate the rate with you, offer them the correct rate. If they refuse, just leave and find someone who will put the meter on. (Then, if the meter seems to be going up too quickly, have them pull over and get out.)

Many tourism boards let you report bad cab drivers, so be sure to always make a mental note of their ID number when you get in the cab.

2. Motorbike Scam
Southeast Asia is a great place to rent a scooter or motorcycle and get off the beaten path. But there is a common scam you’ll want to be aware of.

Here’s how it goes: You’ll rent a bike and then when you bring it back, the owner will demand additional payment or expensive repairs because there is some “damage” you didn’t know about. Sometimes the owner will send someone to mess with the bike or steal it so you have to pay.

To avoid this, take photos of the bike first to document any previous damage. Go around it with the owner so they know what you are taking pictures of.

Once you rent it, use your own lock and keep the bike out of sight and off main streets when you park it.

Also, always make sure you buy travel insurance so you can make a claim if there is an issue.

3. Your Attraction is Closed for Lunch
I admit, I have fallen for this one before. A friendly local will approach you and inform you that the attraction you want to visit (often a temple) is closed for any number of reasons (religious ceremony, holiday, etc.).

They’ll then try to guide you to a different attraction (or often a shop), where you’re heavily pressured to purchase something or pay a high admission price.

To avoid this scam, be sure to ask your accommodation staff before you leave to confirm that the attraction is open. Then find the main entrance or ticket counter and see for yourself. Opening and closing times are almost always available online too, so you can often look them up just to be safe.

Generally speaking, most attractions in Southeast Asia don’t close for lunch. They either close for the day or not at all.

4. The Drug Deal Gone Bad
This scam is common anywhere there is a party in Southeast Asia. You’ll be in a popular tourist area (usually a party place) and someone will offer you drugs.

If you say yes, before you know it, a real cop is will be on the scene! They’ll insist that they are going to arrest you unless you can pay a hefty fine right there (i.e., a bribe).

Caught red-handed, you’ll probably pay the bribe rather than go to jail. Simply put: Don’t buy drugs in other countries!

5. The Taxi Scam
Only use taxis that use a meter. If the meter is rigged or they refuse to use it, just get out and find a new taxi (more on this below!).
 

Is the Food Safe in Southeast Asia?

If the food weren’t safe here, I’d likely never come back. Street food is almost always safe (it’s important to the cultures of the locals). In fact, it’s usually more safe than restaurants, because the operation is so simple and the turnover so fast.

When looking for somewhere to eat, find a place with a crowd, as well as one with children — if parents think it’s safe for the kids, then it’s safe for you! Anywhere with a lot of people (specifically locals) is a good indicator that the food is both good and safe.

Be sure to wash your hands before eating (hand sanitizer is good for that), as you’ll likely have been out and about all day and may have picked up all sorts of germs.

 

Can You Drink the Tap Water in Southeast Asia?

The tap water in Southeast Asia will vary from country to country, but as a general rule I would not recommend you drink the water unless you have a water purifier like the Lifestraw or Steripen.

 

Are Taxis Safe in Southeast Asia?

Taxis in Southeast Asia are safe — but they also have a reputation for overcharging (see above) or taking longer routes to dive up the fare.

Always make sure your driver is using the meter (and that the meter is not moving overly quickly). If you encounter a problem, simply get out and find a new taxi.

A better option is Grab or Uber (depending on where you are). You’ll be able to see your driver, track your ride, and make complaints if you have a problem. It’s the best way to get around, when available.

 

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Solo Travelers?

Southeast Asia is one of the best places in the world for solo travelers. There are tons visiting the region each and every year, many of them traveling solo for the first time (it’s great for both new and veteran travelers alike).

With a little common sense, a solo traveler won’t have to worry much about safety here. There is a well-worn backpacker trail, so you’ll never be far from other travelers. That means it’s easy to meet people in case you decide you’d rather travel in a group for some (or all) of your trip.

 

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Female travelers have additional safety concerns they need to be aware of. That being said, Southeast Asia is still one of the best (and most safe) regions for solo female travel.

By following the tips above, as well as the same precautions you’d take at home (such as not wandering alone at night intoxicated, keeping an eye on your drink while at the bar, etc.), a solo female traveler will be able to have an amazing visit to Southeast Asia without worrying too much about her safety.

And as mentioned above, with so many solo travelers — including many women — in the region, it’s easy to find others to spend time with in case you’re feeling insecure or unsafe.

 

Should You Visit Southeast Asia?

So, is Southeast Asia safe?

Absolutely!

It’s super unlikely that anything will happen. And even less so if you follow the advice listed above.

Be sure to get travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. The past is not prologue and you always want to play it safe. Travel insurance was there when I lost my bag, broke my camera, and popped an eardrum while diving in Thailand. I never expected those things to happen and was glad I had insurance! You can use the widget below to look up the travel insurance policy that is right for you (or just click here to go to their website directly):

 

Book Your Trip to Southeast Asia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay somewher eother than a hotel, use Booking.com, as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time. Some suggested places to stay in the region are:

• Golden Mountain Hostel (Bangkok) – This is a new hostel with dorm beds built into the wall for added privacy. Each room sleeps eight people and the décor is super beautiful and well thought out. The mattresses are soft too!
• Sla Boutique Hostel (Phnom Penh) – This is a nicer hostel that’s well designed and great for meeting like-minded travelers. The staff are super helpful and it’s located near lots of bars, attractions, and restaurants (but the hostel itself is pretty quiet).
• Coral Hostel (Singapore) – With all day breakfast, fast Wi-Fi, and AC, this is a great choice for the budget-savvy traveler. Everything is new and clean, and they also have female-only dorms.
• Kememai Hostel (Ubud) – This hostel is small and cheap, but the staff are friendly and it has everything you need for a comfy budget stay.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Southeast Asia?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Southeast Asia with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Why Are Backpackers in Southeast Asia So Stupid?

Posted: 01/19/2012 | January 19th, 2012

Dear backpackers of Southeast Asia,

We need to talk. I love you. Truly, I do. I’ve been a backpacker for a long, long time now. I love being one and probably will consider myself one for a long time to come. But while backpacking through Southeast Asia over the last few months, I’ve noticed some disturbing behavior that we really need to talk about.

To be blunt: why do you act so damn stupid sometimes?

I’m asking because I’m a concerned friend. It seems like when many of you fly to Southeast Asia, you check your intelligence at the boarding gate and decide that risking your life in the pursuit of alcohol-fueled, drunken excitement is a smart thing to do.

And that really concerns me.

For starters, let’s talk about Vang Vieng, Laos. Now, I can’t walk down a street in Asia without bumping into a backpacker wearing that damn “I went tubing in Vang Vieng” shirt. And when I see it I wonder, why on earth would you think jumping into a shallow river while drunk is a good idea?

Twenty-two people died this year alone. You could end up like this guy who just died. Or the guy in this video who cracked his head open:

There’s also this guy. And him. And her.

And those are just the examples I found on the first page of Google!

I mean, seriously, if we were back home, and I said, “Hey, man, let’s go get blind drunk and jump into a shallow river. Oh, and if something goes wrong, there’s no real hospital anywhere to get help. It’ll be fun!” how would you react?

You’d look at me like I was crazy. And rightly so.

This is not a good idea. Nothing about it this seems remotely like a good idea. Nothing. There’s nothing wrong with getting drunk on some lazy river or partying at bar near a river. Heck, crack me open a Corona and sign me up for both. But this? Foolish.

There’s also something called “The Death Slide” next to this river. It got the name due to all the people who have died using it, which leads to the question — why are people stupid enough to keep using it?!

People say it’s a tragedy when something terrible happens in Vang Vieng. No. A tragedy is a car accident or a house burning down. What happens in Vang Vieng is sad, but it’s simply Darwinism. I have no sympathy for someone who decides to do this and gets hurt. When you play with fire, you’re going to get burned. And since you’re my friend, I don’t want to see you get burned.

And while we’re on that subject, let’s talk about fire.

I love fire as much as the next person. There’s something primordial about it, but I don’t like putting myself in situations where I’ll get burned. Why do you? Throughout Asia, I see backpackers jumping the “fire rope.” You know, the rope that locals light on fire with gasoline and have you skip across like we’re in the 5th grade and playing double Dutch.

Here’s a tame version of what happens to some people:

You may be the world’s best jump roper, but the drunk guy who decides to join you might not be. While you’re skipping rope, a bunch of drunks decide to join you and pretty soon, you’re on the ground scrambling away from the fire in hopes of not getting your face burned. I recently watched a guy get the rope wrapped around his arm. All the skin burned off, and he was rushed to the hospital. I’ve seen people fall on the rope and burn their face, hair, and clothes. I’ve watched people trip on the rope and land in the gasoline.

Fire + alcohol + random drunks = bad idea.

A second-degree burn is not the memory you want to keep from Southeast Asia.

Finally, let’s discuss your ability to drive a motorbike — or lack thereof. Everywhere I go I see people with injuries: bandaged legs, huge exhaust pipe burns on their calves, and broken limbs. When I ask what happened, it’s usually the same answer. “I got into a motorbike accident.”

Back home, you wouldn’t drive without a license, so again, why do it here? Sure, the bikes have small 150 cc engines and are pretty slow. On a nice and easy road, you’d have no problems.

But driving in Asia is not like driving back home. Here, drivers overtake people on tiny one-lane roads, they don’t look, they stop short, and they speed like they’re in Nascar. The roads aren’t in good condition, either. They’re often windy, steep, take sharp turns, and are filled with potholes. Plus, besides the crazy traffic in Asia, you have to deal with all the other backpackers who decide it’s a good idea to rent a bike they have no idea how to ride.

I’ve seen too many crashes and near-misses here in Asia.

Sometimes I wonder, who the heck are you traveling with who lets you do these crazy things!?

Sure, I’ve done a number of stupid things while traveling. Things I’m not going mention because my parents read this website, but I’ve never done anything stupid enough that it would jeopardize my life or health.

I love a good adventure, but I also like to be alive. These aren’t things you would do back home, so don’t do them overseas. Sure, it may seem like a good idea at the time. Most everything does when you’re drunk. But when you end up like all those people in Laos, or get second-degree burns, or scars from a bike accident, it suddenly isn’t such a good idea, is it?

You’re my friend. I like hanging out with you. I want to keep hanging out with you.

But can we cut the stupid shit? It’s incredibly dangerous and makes all of us seem like drunken idiots.

Sincerely,

Matt

Book Your Trip to Southeast Asia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Southeast Asia by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel in Southeast Asia with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.

Need Some Gear?
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use!

Want More Information on Southeast Asia?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Southeast Asia for even more planning tips!

 

Photo credit: 1

Why I Became a Solo Female Traveler

Posted: 09/10/2014 | September 10th, 2014

Last month, I announced I’d be bringing monthly columnists to this website. On the second Wednesday of the month, Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse will be here to give you great tips and advice on solo female travel. Her column starts this month. Let’s get to know her!

I sat on the beach in Cambodia, amazed that a white sand beach so pristine still existed in the world. There were no towering resorts or people with fancy drinks with umbrellas walking by. It was virtually empty. This was my second week traveling alone. I bought my one-way ticket to Southeast Asia, and, sitting on this beach, I knew I made the right decision.

I never did a lot of traveling when I was younger and certainly had never backpacked alone — or, really, at all. Four years earlier, I’d lived in Taiwan as a language student for eight months. After coming home and getting a full-time job like I thought I was supposed to, I couldn’t shake my desire to return to Asia. In those days of longing, I never imagined I’d eventually take off on an open-ended trip that I’m still on two years later.

So why did I quit my job to travel the world?

Even though I was professionally successful, I wasn’t happy. My cubicle felt restrictive. The job paid well, but I found that the money wasn’t enough to justify spending my twenties supporting someone else’s dream. I felt like something was missing. I needed adventure, and I couldn’t shake my desire to get back to Asia. But I wasn’t sure how to make it happen.

I spent years yearning for freedom, heavy with research into far-off places that seemed so removed from any reality I could imagine for myself. I scoured the Internet for some kind of inspiration. Was it possible to travel long-term without a trust fund? Could women really travel alone safely? I knew nobody else who could just quit his or her life and join me, so the only way was to go it alone.

The more I read online, the more I realized it was possible and the more the dream became a permanent resident in my mind. The desire became so huge, it was often the only thing I could think about. Quitting my job and selling all of my stuff was exactly what I needed to do to get back to Asia, so I hatched a plan and followed it.

The thoughts in my head echoed my friends’ concerns. Am I crazy to be venturing off alone? I wondered. Will I shoot myself in the foot financially and professionally? Will it be safe? Will I be lonely all the time? Will I have regrets?

But I knew that the biggest regret of all would have been to stay in a situation I wasn’t happy with: a world of fancy cars, high rent, and designer clothes that somehow never managed to bring me the joy I’d been promised.

I didn’t believe in the “American dream” anymore. I didn’t want a mortgage, a white picket fence, 2.5 children, and a cat named Fluffy. In August 2012, I listed everything I owned on Craigslist and sold it off in the span of one week, then promptly ended my lease and moved out of my apartment. In September, shaking in my shoes, I boarded the plane to Bangkok, without so much as a room booked when I landed.

Sitting on that beach in Cambodia, it felt like I had reached the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. What had I been so afraid of? It all turned out to be simple, safe, and easy.

I’ve traveled solo through every country in Southeast Asia while falling in love with the culture and food. I’ve hung out of doors of trains chugging past cascading rice paddies in Sri Lanka, dived with whale sharks in the Maldives, trekked over 100 miles in Nepal while carrying all of my own gear, and hitchhiked alone through China.

These experiences helped me figure out how to find the less-visited places, how to get invited into people’s homes in order to experience the true local culture, and how to delve deeper into each place without relying on a guidebook. As a solo traveler, these opportunities are often plentiful for me. People want to take solo travelers in, there’s more room for one, and it can all be experienced individually, providing an amazing learning experience about the world.

The beauty of traveling solo, especially as a female, has also taught me so much about myself. It’s made me more independent, stronger, and more resilient. I’ve encountered so many amazing women out there doing the very same thing, some of whom are as young as 18 or 19 years old.

I’ve received countless emails from girls in similar situations, those who want to leave behind a conventional life to see the world. I always tell them that if it’s in their heart, they have to do it.

In my monthly column, you can expect to see more posts on exactly how to do that — how to confront and get over fear, how to inform and quell the hesitations of your friends and family, how to end your lease and sell your stuff, what to pack, how to stay safe, how to find deeper cultural experiences, and much more. I’ll show you that it’s easier than you think to travel around the world as a woman.

Traveling long-term absolutely requires a leap of faith, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be a scary one.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world for over four years, covering every continent (except for Antarctica, but it’s on her list). There’s almost nothing she won’t try and almost nowhere she won’t explore. You can find more of her musings at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook.

Conquering Mountains: The Guide to Solo Female Travel

For a complete A-to-Z guide on solo female travel, check out Kristin’s new book, Conquering Mountains. Besides discussing many of the practical tips of preparing and planning your trip, the book addresses the fears, safety, and emotional concerns women have about traveling alone. It features over 20 interviews with other female travel writers and travelers. Click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!
 

5 Etiquette Tips for Traveling in Asia

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American travelers often get a bad rap around the world for being rude, loud, and gullible. While these stereotypes are in no way representative of the entire American population, many travelers find themselves unsure how to behave in certain countries. No matter where you decide to visit, it’s important to research the local culture and get familiar with the customs of the region before taking off.  We’ve asked some travel experts to shed light on the region’s traditions. Here are their tips on how to ensure you don’t offend anyone while traveling.

Dress respectfully

Many Asian cultures prefer a more modest dress code than many Americans are accustomed to. “In China, low cut blouses and short skirts don’t go over well,” says Stan Godwyn, Master Travel Planner and Asian Destination Specialist at TravelStore.

Be aware of personal space

Pallavi Shah, President and CEO of Our Personal Guest, advises clients to be conscience of personal space and body contact. As a sign of respect, men do not touch women in public in India. It’s also a good idea to allow about an arm-length space between yourself and others.

Don’t be a critic

“If you are invited to a meal in China, it’s likely that there will be more food that you can possibly eat,” says Godwyn. “It’s polite to try everything and very impolite to critique the dishes that you do not like.”

Opt for formality

It is considered rude to greet new acquaintances in Asia by their given (first) names. “Use the English courtesy title (Mr., Mrs., or Miss) and their family name,” says Shah. 

Bring a gift

If invited into someone’s home, it’s appropriate to bring a gift for the host. Items from your country are appreciated most, so try to provide something that is made in the United States—think wine or a box of chocolates. Be prepared and pack one or two before traveling.