When travelling solo, there are definite things that you have to be aware of: yourself (obviously), your stuff (even more obvious), and where the heck you are supposed to be going. I wanted to take a little bit of your time today to share some things that I learned whilst travelling in Southeast Asia. Enjoy.
- ATMs are not reliable, even the ones in the airport.
- Make sure that you have cash with you initially (USD is preferable, as it can be taken in many countries and is actually used as the currency in Cambodia since the Riel is so bad). I stopped at several ATMs and many were out of order, out of cash, or just plain gave me back my card and told me to contact my bank. Have no fear, nothing was wrong with my card and I wasn't losing money, but the ATMs are not that great. When you find an ATM that works, it is worth it to pull out a bit more than you think you would need. Why cash in a card-using world? In the words of my pupito: CASH IS KING. A lot of places don't take cards and even if they do, you'll end up paying the international transaction fee. It's worth it to pull out cash in a bundle and spread it among your sundry items.
- Bring tea tree oil.
- I have mentioned this before. Mosquitoes and other bugs (some quite large) are all over in the humidity and heat that is Southeast Asia. I've been told that if you go in the rainy season that bugs are not as bad, but no matter: BRING TEA TREE OIL! Not oil is it great for bug bites, it's just a wonderful and versatile oil to use on your skin (do NOT ingest it, bt-dubs). Plus, it's a lot lighter and easier to carry than a can of bug spray, especially if you are backpacking.
- Print all of the addresses of your hostels/hotels ahead of time.
- I printed a sheet that had all of my hostel addresses on them and it was one of the best things I have ever done. I was able to pull the addresses right out and show taxi drivers. It is even better to get the address in the local language as well. For example, my hostel in Bangkok emailed me a map in Thai and directions for a taxi and it was the best thing because my taxi driver couldn't read the romanized Thai address. It is worth having as much of it prepared ahead of time.
- Overnight layovers = not worth it.
- I did a LLLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG overnight layover and guess what? It was lame. I didn't have time to get out of the airport and even though the Singapore airport is posh, getting stuck there all night was just not my best plan. It resulted in my being awake for almost 38 hours by the time I arrived in Taipei and to anyone that knows me, I become Grumpy McGrumperton when I don't sleep. If you're good with sleeping wherever and don't mind uncomfortable couches, then go for it. Personally, I don't recommend it.
- Bring modest clothes.
- Just because you're hot doesn't mean that you need to be mostly naked. One of the biggest mistakes Western people make when travelling (and I say this out of living the Middle East as well) is to show up with tinie-tiny shorts, strappy tops, and a lot of chest showing. Not only is it disrespectful, you're opening yourself up to cat-calling and uncomfortable encounters with men (speaking as a woman). A lot of religious sites require the legs and the shoulders to be covered, so just be modest. The loose Aladdin trousers are for sell absolutely everywhere, not to mention baggy shirts that will keep you cool and protect you from the sun and bugs. It's the best option all the way around...just keep it covered. (Not a nun, of course, but most of your legs and your shoulders.)
- Ask the locals.
- One of my favorite things to do while I was solo travelling was to ask the locals about their favorite things in the city: places to see, food to eat, etc. Hostels are great for it (mostly) and corner shops. I found people in Southeast Asia to be very accommodating and kind about helping me, including other tourists. Don't be afraid to ask, I really do think they're flattered by it.
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