Do you like travelling? Do you love to travel alone? Do you want to travel to Southeast Asian countries? If the answer to all three questions is yes, then here’s the guide to solo female travel in Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is a vast and exotic place, with so many places to visit. But, above all, it is crucial to keep your safety in mind while travelling alone. So, here we go!
Tips For Solo Travellers
-
Alcoholic Drinks
When you are travelling alone, never accept a drink from a stranger. Chances are, it is spiked. Always keep a strict eye on your glass. Try to only drink beer and keep your thumb over the bottle’s mouth while dancing or talking to someone. Do not get too much drunk, as it can lead to danger.
-
Undergarments and Swimwear
If you are planning to visit different beaches, make sure that you carry an extra pack of undergarments. Sometimes, your favourite pair is in ruins, or the undergarment gets mixed in the laundry. It is always good to be careful and pack a few extra swimwear and undergarments.
-
Luggage Safety
Always carry two or three small locks for your luggage. Sometimes, the locks of the bags might bend or break. You can use small locks on the zip to keep your luggage safe. You should also carry two bags, one containing your clothes and the other containing personal belongings like your wallet, cash, charger, and medicines. Make copies of all your IDs, and remember the emergency contact number.
-
Packing
Always travel light and mix & match your clothes. Don’t overstuff your backpack, leave some space for souvenirs and gifts. If you want to save money on washing, you can wash your clothes in the sink with travel hand detergent. Keep a pair of comfortable shoes to avoid getting blisters or cuts on your feet while exploring.
Also Read: The Checklist: Packing It Right For An International Trip
-
Period Products
Don’t forget to pack tampons, sanitary pads, or a menstrual cup. Even though they are available everywhere now, the quality of the material might not be that good and may cause skin irritation.
-
Minimal Makeup And Toiletries
Southeast Asian countries typically have a hot and humid weather. Wearing too much makeup can clog your pores and make your face sticky. Therefore, it’s better to wear only minimal makeup like concealer, mascara, or lip gloss. Many DIYs on the internet talk about minimal packing and you can always look into them and pack your things accordingly.
-
Download Grab
Grab is a must-have app for solo female travellers in Southeast Asia. The app ensures that you have a safe and affordable ride. It is the Asian equivalent of Uber and works in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Also, get a local SIM card when you arrive in the country.
-
Local Language
You should also learn some words in the local language as it makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. The locals might also believe that you are an experienced traveller. Knowing the local language makes you aware of scammers who try to mislead first-time travellers.
-
Download Google Maps Offline
You should also download Google Maps offline to use it in emergency situations and in places where you don’t have the internet. It is a safe method when you are travelling in a cab or if you are lost somewhere. Also, if you don’t want to use Google Maps, you can always use a paper map.
-
Trust Your Gut
If you get a bad vibe from a place or a person, it is better to leave from there. You might be right or might not be, but the gut instinct can save you.
Summing Up
Solo travelling helps you gain experience and the best point is that you can enjoy yourself without getting bothered by others. Keeping these tips in mind, you can have a fabulous experience travelling alone in Southeast Asia.
