Empowered and Unlonely: My Solo Journey Through Southeast Asia and the Middle East

 

September is my birthday month, and this year, I decided to embark on a solo travel adventure that spanned almost the entire month. It was a first for me to venture out on my own for such an extended period, and I can't emphasize enough how nervously exciting the experience turned out to be. By the end of my journey through Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Dubai, I felt more empowered than ever. 

This 27-day solo expedition was a personal challenge I set for myself. Ideally, I'd love to have a travel companion to share and build memories with but finding someone willing to commit to such an extended journey proved quite elusive. So, I summoned the courage to go it alone.

I initially anticipated moments of loneliness, the absence of someone to share a meal with, capture scenic views in photographs, or provide that reassuring sense of safety. However, I must say that Asian countries, in my experience, felt considerably safe compared to my home in the USA. I certainly took precautions, as is ingrained in many Americans, but looking back, I probably went a tad overboard.

Throughout my stays in seven different hotels, I carried an alarm door stopper, pepper spray in my bag, and a discreet money belt for my passport and cash. These measures, although comforting, may not have been as necessary as I initially thought.

Now, onto the question of loneliness. Yes, there were moments when I wished a specific family member or friend could have shared certain experiences with me, but I wouldn't necessarily classify these moments as loneliness. My days were a whirlwind of activity, filled with guided tours, meeting people from around the world, and forging connections with tour guides who felt like new friends eager to showcase their home country.

I was constantly in awe, with each day presenting a new adventure. Whether it was lighting a lantern in Hoi An, Vietnam, gazing at the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay, cruising the Mekong Delta, exploring one of the world's largest caves, visiting grand temples, or seeing a rice field for the first time, my days were packed with wonder. After wrapping up one city, I'd hop on a plane to another part of Vietnam, eager to explore more. Then I was hopping on the plane again off to the next country. so, Loneliness had little room in my busy, sleep-filled nights.

As for capturing these memorable moments, I was equipped with a tripod, perfect for those times when I wanted to snap a photo against a breathtaking backdrop. I'm quite particular about how my pictures turn out, so setting up the tripod with a clicker to step into the frame allowed me to get shots just the way I wanted. I also did some video vlogging, sharing most of it on TikTok and my YouTube channel. (you can click the links to check some of it out)

Youtube Shorts: Golden bridge Vietnam. #goldenbridge #banahills #vacationmode - YouTube

YoutubeShorts: Four things you can do in a day in Hoi an Vietnam - YouTube

Youtube Shorts: walking around the street of vietnam : My Epic Journey Through Asia #travel #hoian #goldenbridge - YouTube

My biggest concerns when embarking on this journey were safety and loneliness. Looking back, I can confidently say that I felt safe in all four countries I visited: Dubai, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

I wholeheartedly recommend taking the leap and stepping out of your comfort zone to embark on a solo adventure. The sense of empowerment I gained from this trip is truly indescribable. If I can navigate this journey, I feel like I can conquer anything.

Please share with me if you have ever had such an adventure or is it something you have on your list to do?