Days are fast approaching until the big Trip. Well actually there'll be a couple of months to go before that, and I know it's still a bit far if you think of it, but I can't help myself. I feel like it's just right at the corner peeping at me and it's scaring the heck out of me; and I won't deny, I'm scared, and excited.
So I converted the fear into something productive and threw myself into making the itinerary and all the works for the trip. Right now, I have a rough idea as to where I'll go and how long I'll stay and so and so. But I guess I'll have to fill in the cracks because sometimes those small details are the most important ones.
Make no room for mistakes, because mistakes mean loosing precious money and in a place like Hongkong where things are expected to be more expensive than in my own country, you can't help but give out money. If you commit more mistakes, you can't help but shell out even more. On this note, I would like to disagree with 'more money, more problems' because I really would need more moolah to get me going. If I'll have no money there, I die, people, I die.
With that being said here are the tips I've collected after much research on this feat that I'll be doing for the first time in my life - travelling alone in a foreign land.
1. Make sure you have enough money. For some people, they save and then travel, for some they have plenty of savings that they can travel whenever they want. For the younger crowd like me, I'm sadly the former one. With only a limited budget, I needed to calculate everything, and I mean everything! down to the last detail, set up a generous budget and work on it as I go. It rids you off the anxiety of running out of cash. There's just so much to be anxious about, you don't need to add more cause for anxiety, thank you. Now there are laws as to how much cash you should be bringing in the country, although immigration officers don't usually check it but you'll never know right? The rest of the cash should either be withdrawn over atm using your debit card which you've already activated to make international withdrawals prior the trip; or you can have a travel check. I haven't seen one before but I'd rather have my money stored in my atm. To each his own I guess.
2. Safety is your top priority. Be vigilant. Trust your instincts. Be very choosy of the people you meet along the way, and even if you've been with them for days, never leave your personal belongings to them. Don't walk alone at night in a not well lit streets with few people walking in it. Be mysterious to other people, but let your landlord know about you, your contact numbers and let them be aware that you're traveling alone. They would serve as a guardian. Never go home drunk or be with someone in such a vulnerable state. Ladies you will be traveling alone so never ever keep your guards down. Stay smart no matter what.
3. Know the culture. As a visitor we should be respectful enough to adjust to the culture. In Asian countries whereby most women are conservative, it's best to dress appropriately and to be well covered. Women from the west might find Asian countries really hot and humid, so I suggest to stick to cotton but try to remain as discreet as possible if you don't want to be stared on by people. Besides the clothes, it's also advised to know the rules and policies that we should follow so as not to offend anyone and/or so no laws would be broken.
4. Be prepared, do your research. You're a vulnerable target for any opportunists out there. So as much as possible try to arm yourself with knowledge. That's the only way for you to feel confident, knowing where to go and when to go. If not, then ask from any reliable and decent looking person you could find. Best to ask are hotel staff, policemen, and the likes. What I find useful to know are the train lines and how tourist landmarks are placed strategically along these, not to miss landmarks and opening hours, places where these landmarks are concentrated, top 10 food must tries, top things to do, events to attend to, and helpful phrases especially if you're going to a country where few people speak English. Trust me, it might come in handy. Also don't forget to bring your map. It would be your official boyfriend, and would be a steady companion all throughout the trip. There are tons of free maps out there found in the airport, and hostels that you'll be staying, make sure to exploit it, like a boyfriend.
5. Bring the essentials. You'll know if you're a seasoned traveler by the size of your travel bag. I once traveled with friend of mine who haven't experienced traveling before. When I met up with her at the airport, I saw her carrying 3 massive bags full of clothes. I was even wondering why she didn't bother bringing her actual closet with her.
However, I helped her cut down her load to 1 big bag, leaving the rest of her stuff in my sister's boardinghouse.
1. Clothes
Important:
- underwear
- shorts/pants
- top
- dress
- nighties
Note: You don't have to have different nighties every night. Use one kind twice in your trip. Also the key to packing clothes is to plan out your outfit for each day so all the clothes you would bring will be put to use. You can also allot a day for shopping so you can leave some days with clothes unplanned so you can have an excuse to shop for more for those days. So girlfriends I'm giving you reason to shop here.
So you're welcome!
Let's go! :)
2. Toiletries
Important:
- shaver
- toothphase/toothbrush
- tissue paper
- pantyliner/napkin
Note: Soap, towel and shampoo are usually available in your hostel or hotels so when it comes to it, you'll just be needing the few items above.
3. First Aid:
- alcohol
- medicine for diarrhea
Note: Check if you need to get vaccinations (injections) or prophylaxis (medications) to help you be immune to the dangerous diseases in that country. Be wary of malaria and the likes and come protected. It also helps to know how a person with tuberculosis looks like so you'll stay away from them. They're usually frail looking, big tired eyes, and are coughing incessantly. I've spotted one taking orders while wearing face mask. I mean... really? Try to be choosy with street food. See if it's done cleanly and check the kitchen if it's visible from the street. You don't want to get Hepa A. Finally, as much as possible, don't drink tap water, always get the bottled water.
Make up:
- sunscreen
- bb cream (it packs on your skin lightly and it gives you just enough coverage for the day)
- eye liner
- 1 lipstick/lip balm
- blotting paper
- powder
Note: Just because you're on a trip doesn't mean you have an excuse to be looking like a hobo. Explore looking fabulous woman! Don't be like Dora but be Angelina girl! Make sure to bring the essentials and don't bring a huge make up case whilst using only 2% of it.
Notice how I've included more make up than first aid and toiletries? I'm a girl. Don't judge me! :P
6. Receptionists are your heroes. They are the ones who would guide you, give you free maps and suggest nice places. Also I strongly recommend you to get their numbers and call them whenever you get lost. Let them talk to locals for you if you can't speak their language. Trust me, it happened to me before. Having a local friend got pretty handy when we felt scammed in Bangkok. When all things were said and done, give them chocolates before leaving. A humble yet delicious reward for being a great host.
7. To lie. People will get curious and will ask things about you. Tend to limit the information you give them, and when asked if you're travelling alone, let them know that you are with someone,
he's just invincible...
Kidding!
Just tell them your boyfriend is out buying souvenir or somewhere else nearby. Make up a different name. Even guys lie about their names, and so I'm sure they've lied on other details of what they tell you about them too. You know how I'd discover that? I've met this Korean guy when I went on scuba diving on my own. Consequently, he was also by himself and introduced himself to me and to the rest of the crew as 'Duncan'. Really? I was expecting something like Lee Min Ho, Siwon, or any name to that effect. Or this Thai guy I met in Bangkok named Agger. I've heard Thai names and it's usually way longer than that, I mean waaayyy longer. Ok I understand that women are generally more honest, you might be truthful on other details but within your own discretion especially when talking to men.
1. Make sure you have enough money. For some people, they save and then travel, for some they have plenty of savings that they can travel whenever they want. For the younger crowd like me, I'm sadly the former one. With only a limited budget, I needed to calculate everything, and I mean everything! down to the last detail, set up a generous budget and work on it as I go. It rids you off the anxiety of running out of cash. There's just so much to be anxious about, you don't need to add more cause for anxiety, thank you. Now there are laws as to how much cash you should be bringing in the country, although immigration officers don't usually check it but you'll never know right? The rest of the cash should either be withdrawn over atm using your debit card which you've already activated to make international withdrawals prior the trip; or you can have a travel check. I haven't seen one before but I'd rather have my money stored in my atm. To each his own I guess.
2. Safety is your top priority. Be vigilant. Trust your instincts. Be very choosy of the people you meet along the way, and even if you've been with them for days, never leave your personal belongings to them. Don't walk alone at night in a not well lit streets with few people walking in it. Be mysterious to other people, but let your landlord know about you, your contact numbers and let them be aware that you're traveling alone. They would serve as a guardian. Never go home drunk or be with someone in such a vulnerable state. Ladies you will be traveling alone so never ever keep your guards down. Stay smart no matter what.
4. Be prepared, do your research. You're a vulnerable target for any opportunists out there. So as much as possible try to arm yourself with knowledge. That's the only way for you to feel confident, knowing where to go and when to go. If not, then ask from any reliable and decent looking person you could find. Best to ask are hotel staff, policemen, and the likes. What I find useful to know are the train lines and how tourist landmarks are placed strategically along these, not to miss landmarks and opening hours, places where these landmarks are concentrated, top 10 food must tries, top things to do, events to attend to, and helpful phrases especially if you're going to a country where few people speak English. Trust me, it might come in handy. Also don't forget to bring your map. It would be your official boyfriend, and would be a steady companion all throughout the trip. There are tons of free maps out there found in the airport, and hostels that you'll be staying, make sure to exploit it, like a boyfriend.
5. Bring the essentials. You'll know if you're a seasoned traveler by the size of your travel bag. I once traveled with friend of mine who haven't experienced traveling before. When I met up with her at the airport, I saw her carrying 3 massive bags full of clothes. I was even wondering why she didn't bother bringing her actual closet with her.
However, I helped her cut down her load to 1 big bag, leaving the rest of her stuff in my sister's boardinghouse.
What really is important?
1. Clothes
Important:
- underwear
- shorts/pants
- top
- dress
- nighties
Note: You don't have to have different nighties every night. Use one kind twice in your trip. Also the key to packing clothes is to plan out your outfit for each day so all the clothes you would bring will be put to use. You can also allot a day for shopping so you can leave some days with clothes unplanned so you can have an excuse to shop for more for those days. So girlfriends I'm giving you reason to shop here.
So you're welcome!
Let's go! :)
Important:
- shaver
- toothphase/toothbrush
- tissue paper
- pantyliner/napkin
Note: Soap, towel and shampoo are usually available in your hostel or hotels so when it comes to it, you'll just be needing the few items above.
3. First Aid:
- alcohol
- medicine for diarrhea
Note: Check if you need to get vaccinations (injections) or prophylaxis (medications) to help you be immune to the dangerous diseases in that country. Be wary of malaria and the likes and come protected. It also helps to know how a person with tuberculosis looks like so you'll stay away from them. They're usually frail looking, big tired eyes, and are coughing incessantly. I've spotted one taking orders while wearing face mask. I mean... really? Try to be choosy with street food. See if it's done cleanly and check the kitchen if it's visible from the street. You don't want to get Hepa A. Finally, as much as possible, don't drink tap water, always get the bottled water.
Make up:
- sunscreen
- bb cream (it packs on your skin lightly and it gives you just enough coverage for the day)
- eye liner
- 1 lipstick/lip balm
- blotting paper
- powder
Note: Just because you're on a trip doesn't mean you have an excuse to be looking like a hobo. Explore looking fabulous woman! Don't be like Dora but be Angelina girl! Make sure to bring the essentials and don't bring a huge make up case whilst using only 2% of it.
Notice how I've included more make up than first aid and toiletries? I'm a girl. Don't judge me! :P
6. Receptionists are your heroes. They are the ones who would guide you, give you free maps and suggest nice places. Also I strongly recommend you to get their numbers and call them whenever you get lost. Let them talk to locals for you if you can't speak their language. Trust me, it happened to me before. Having a local friend got pretty handy when we felt scammed in Bangkok. When all things were said and done, give them chocolates before leaving. A humble yet delicious reward for being a great host.
7. To lie. People will get curious and will ask things about you. Tend to limit the information you give them, and when asked if you're travelling alone, let them know that you are with someone,
he's just invincible...
Kidding!
Just tell them your boyfriend is out buying souvenir or somewhere else nearby. Make up a different name. Even guys lie about their names, and so I'm sure they've lied on other details of what they tell you about them too. You know how I'd discover that? I've met this Korean guy when I went on scuba diving on my own. Consequently, he was also by himself and introduced himself to me and to the rest of the crew as 'Duncan'. Really? I was expecting something like Lee Min Ho, Siwon, or any name to that effect. Or this Thai guy I met in Bangkok named Agger. I've heard Thai names and it's usually way longer than that, I mean waaayyy longer. Ok I understand that women are generally more honest, you might be truthful on other details but within your own discretion especially when talking to men.
Did I miss something?
Please feel free to share, we would love to hear it. :)
