10 Top Tips for Traveling Solo...

Ten Top Tips for Traveling Solo in Southeast Asia...

Ok. So we all now it takes a hell of a lot to get on that plane to the other side of the world on your own. Believe me, standing in that check in line at Heathrow I almost let the blind panic take over and send me on my heels running out of the departure doors and calling my Mum to come and pick me up. But I didn't, and you know what? Everything was fine. In fact, more than fine... everything was incredible. Phew. So first of all, stop panicking and get out there, and if you're alone, still get out there! I done a small section of my trip with a friend and actually found that travelling solo is better. Anyway, the purpose of this post is just to provide some tips to any future solo travellers. Some are painfully obvious, but some I learnt along the way and wished I'd known from the start. So read up, take the leap and book your flights!

1. Books, Music, Podcasts and Movies

So here's the thing. You may be stupid enough to believe, like I did, that you're traveling will whizz by, surrounded by all the eclectic friends, partying, sightseeing and general activities you will be doing, like some modern day Jack Kerouac. This is all true. Until you get on an uncomfortable overnight bus journey, or are nursing a 7 day hangover and can't think of anything worse but to leave your bed. So buy some books, utilise the fleeting wifi and download some playlists or podcasts on Spotify or films on Netflix. This stuff you can do as you travel of course, but if you're booking an 8 hour bus from Dalat to Hoi An and think you're so tired you'll sleep the whole way, just trust me and acquire some entertainment - because you will not. 

2. Do Exactly what the Bus Drivers Say at all Times!

While we're on the subject of bus journeys, and travel within countries in general, definitely take this on board. In countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the buses in general are run in such a chaotic way, but somehow incredibly efficient. They are incomprehensible. However, the drivers themselves, are possibly the most indifferent people you're likely to meet on your trip. So do not get into an argument with them, I have seen people get kicked off. They ask you to put your shoes in a plastic bag - Yes Sir! They assign you the worst pod in the place - Thank you Sir! And if they believe you to have the wrong ticket, be friendly as you try to explain, and then close your eyes and pray!

3. Learn Basic Phrases and SMILE

A thing which I imagine is painfully obvious. But obvious for a reason. Every local appreciates it if you try a little. Really its just hello, thank you and goodbye, but if you can do any more then kudos to you, and you will receive a warm welcome and service. And the smiling. I put this in only for other people like me, who's relaxed face is one of gloom and doom and who genuinely has to remind themselves to smile. This helps in every aspect of traveling, show those whites! it makes you more approachable to other travellers and gives a good impression to the locals. By no means was I a master, but I tried and saw the results

4.  Water, Water, Water and More Water

OK so lets get a couple more obvious ones out of the way. DRINK WATER. Hydrate at all times. The heat is like nothing you've ever imagines in southeast Asia and your body will tell you when it needs some, but still take more. Have bottles with you, drink at least a pint in the morning before you do anything and bonus points if you can reuse and refill the same bottle, a hard task in the countries I visited. Oh and don't make the amateur mistake like I did of drinking lots of alcohol without water, the hangover is abysmal.

5. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen and More Sunscreen (and also maybe some aftersun)

It's hot. It will burn you. So listen to Baz Luhrman... 

6. Don't Always Book the Cheapest Hostel

You will be thinking about it at one point, believe me. You will look on your Revolut or Monzo account and startled by the amount you've spent and the bombshell its dropped on your budget. But take it from someone who knows, you do not want to book the cheapest hostel in every situation. its not worth the £1 you will save to stay in a hostel with nobody in it, a broken shower and generally terrible facilities. Luckily we live in a world of apps, and so use Hostelworld, Booking and the plethora of others out there to look at the reviews, which are often very accurate. Oh, as an aside, whilst Hostelworld has the best review system and hostels in each area on their system, there are often cheaper prices for the same hostels on alternative sites. So find one you like on Hostelworld, then cross check. 

7.  Apps

Sometimes you can do everything right. Book the best Hostel, get there at the right time and walk in with a big beaming smile to no-one. A group tour could have booked up the hostel leaving you friendless, or it could just be bad timing and you have no-one there who speaks English. Don't panic. This does not happen a lot. But when it does, utilise these apps: Couchsurfing, Facebook and Tinder. The last one is for you single lot and the first one I found to be revolutionary on those rare days I was lonely. Couchsurfer has a hangout feature which is brilliant. Simply allow access to the GPS, find other users in your area and meet up. This can sometimes end up as the best night you'll have traveling, and you'll find yourself at pub street in Siem Reap arm in arm with six complete strangers singing karaoke.

8. Acquire a Pack of Cards

Now this one was a key element to my travels as you can see above. In Hostel common rooms, bars, beaches and buses, I must have played thousands of games of cards. It's an icebreaker, and can get you on the best road to friendship immediately. If you see a game ask to join and the answer will always be yes - more players is always more fun - and you'll kick the night off right and make that traveling time feel like it was nothing. And if you don't know Shithead, learn how to play immediately. 

9. Prepare for Bed Bugs and Bad Toilets

It's a given. You're gonna have to go for a number two in somewhere that looks like the toilet from the first Trainspotting movie. But breathe deeply and think of all the good times and in a few minutes it will all be over. In general though Southeast Asia's toilets really aren't that bad. If you're going to Cambodia though the bed bugs are. so never leave your bag with clothes on the bed, if you find them give everything a maximum heat wash and dry, or discard the clothes you were wearing throughout the infestation. And promptly switch hostels, simples.

10. Say Yes!

A last one just to curb the fear, accept all opportunities. you will meet incredible people and have even more incredible opportunities, if you say yes. put yourself out there and you will reap the rewards. As someone who was low on confidence at the start of the trip, this positive attitude grew as I grew on my travels, but it only comes from yourself. So don't panic if you're worried that everyone will hate you and you'll just want to return earlier than you planned. Stick with it, smile, say yes and it will come. For the last time, trust me!

My traveling lasted for three months around Southeast Asia and Japan. I went from Singapore to Malaysia to Thailand to Vietnam to Japan from January to April. I'd love to hear additional tips and stories from all of you below. Thanks for reading!