More reasons to travel solo in Asia

Hello everyone, I’ve been reading your posts and I can feel my excitement growing... I’m 56, very sporty and sociable, and I’ve never traveled alone before—it’s been on my mind though. I also dream of Asia: Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar? I love discovering landscapes, but most of all, the people. Last year, I went trekking in Ladakh with two friends, and we did it on our own. It was an incredible visual experience—the Ladakh Valley is stunning—but staying with locals, in early July with very few tourists, was an unforgettable experience. On the other hand, I wouldn’t go to India alone. I didn’t like the way men treated women there. Though, I’ve only been once... Anyway, thanks in advance for giving me more reasons to take the plunge solo. Am I too old for this? Thanks a million! Laurence from Bayonne

Hello Laurence

I’m 71 and travel solo regularly. My thing is Africa, but the world is yours for the taking. Solo backpacking and local transport.

You meet amazing people this way—locals and fellow travelers. The spice of travel.

I just got back from Mauritania, and I’ll be heading back next year. Solo.

Yallah. 😉

A few arguments from poildeyack, in no particular order:

1. You won’t be old until you decide you are.

2. The status of women in Southeast Asian countries is, fortunately for them, completely different from India. So is the attitude of men toward them.

3. Myanmar is by far the safest country for tourists in Asia. (The extreme kindness of the locals can even feel a bit suspicious sometimes! 😄)

4. By avoiding riding a scooter drunk at night, skipping the full moon parties, their drugs, and their ladyboys, you’ll drastically reduce your chances of running into trouble in Thailand. (Except for the classic tuk-tuk waiting for you outside your hotel in the morning—that’s just part of the game!... 😅)

5. When you’re alone, you’ll naturally reach out to others more. #Exchange

6. When you’re alone, others will naturally reach out to you more. #Exchange

7. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” MARCEL PROUST → even more powerful when you travel solo and truly get to know yourself.

8. Traveling alone imposes NO constraints. #Freedom

9. As a solo woman, your chances of falling madly in love with a young Isaan or Cambodian woman are lower than if you were a solo man. Once again, that’s a whole lot of future problems you’re avoiding! 😂😄

10. When you travel alone, you don’t lose your friends!........ 😆

DOWNSIDE:

1. You’ll pay more for your room than if you were two.

I’ll let you weigh the pros and cons.

Namasté 🙏🏽

👍

Hello poildeyack, I found myself alone again and was hesitant to revisit a project in these countries. Your reply won me over, especially with point number 9 and those potential issues. 🙂

Thanks

Generally, I always travel solo and I love it. I haven’t been to Asia or Africa yet, but I love traveling this way. I’m free to go at my own pace and I don’t feel like following others. I meet people more easily than if I were in a group. Coming up next: Granada in March, Ireland in September, and definitely more destinations to come!!😎

A little late, so older!! lol What you're highlighting is awesome and you're so right!! I'm leaving alone on February 22, 2025 for 15 days in Thailand!! So excited!! lau

Hi there, I’m 64 and have spent over 40 years globetrotting. I’ve been lucky enough to travel a lot—first solo, then with my kids, and now solo again. I love it! I move around less and stay longer in one place. Right now, I’m in India to practice yoga, then I’ll be in Hong Kong for Christmas, followed by a month in Indonesia before heading back to India. I meet so many people of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s incredibly enriching. I encourage you to take the leap and embrace the solitude of some days. Happy travels, and keep weaving those memories!

Thanks everyone!! You’re motivating me even more!! I can’t wait, really!! Thanks a million! Lau