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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Solo Women Traveler


My travel experience limited to south east asia countries which is by far only to Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. I never deny that going on vacation with family, friend or our significant others will be the most memorable experience we treasure but have you ever feel like leaving everything behind and lost yourself somewhere foreign.

I've been travelling solo since 3 years ago at the age of 27. My mom freaking out when i told her that i am going to Phuket Thailand ALONE. To her i still her baby and women shall not wandering around in foreign land all by herself. Its quite challenging to persuaded her and of cos consist promises of long distance call everyday during my duration in thailand just to give her peace of mind that i am doing fine all by myself.

Travelling solo is also one of my many ways to destressed myself or run away from everything in another word. I like the idea to be lost in a place where no one understand my language, eating different food, meet new people and make myself busy reading a map so i can clear my mind and forget whatever problem im having back home.

It was scary when i first do it. With no credit card, carrying cash, budget trip, all alone, foreign land and my head clouded by CSI scenes. I keep on asking myself : what if i lost my money, what if i got rape, what if there's ghost in my hotel room, what if i miss my flight, what if...and what if...I decided to stop thinking too much and go for it.

My first trip was a successed and starting from there im not scared to travel alone anymore. But bare in mind, it doesnt mean i didnt take any precaution. Danger is always around us and its important we try to avoid any possibility. When travelling alone as a women we usually double the possibility of attracting danger. We not as strong as guy to fight violence, we not good with direction which make us less focus with our surrounding, we easily panicking, not confident and look at stranger as potential criminal.

If you ever feel like me and you really want to do that solo trip, maybe you can consider few tips. If the country is really safe and crime rate is low, you shouldnt worry too much and enjoy your trip. With country reputable with high crime rate, you should focus to every detail and alert you found in the internet. I always hold to these few tips which is working for me so far :
1. Avoid back alley after 7pm and stay in your hotel if theres nothing much you can do outside. Hotel bar and pool will keep you busy and chances to meet new people.
2. Always go to crowded places so you wont be easy target.
3. Make sure you have money attached to your body. Put some in your pocket, another in your wallet and the rest you didnt plan to spend in the save deposit at the hotel room. So if you get snatched you still have money with you.
4. Make a photocopy of your passport
5. Leave your passport, money, air ticket, keys and everything important but you didnt use it for sightseeing in save deposit.
6. Get help as much as you can from hotel with transportation, tour and information.
7. Dont trust stranger easily, refused any invite to send you back or offer to take ride with them.
8. Carry condom with you, so if you get rape at least you can beg him to wear condom and save you from getting HIV. Stay safe.
9. Be nice to other and other people will be nice to you too.
10. Remember nothing is free in this world, when they offer you something for free they might want something from you in return.

I really hope that you can get some idea and tips from this page so you will be able to pick up your confidence, packed and go travel, SOLO!!!





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