Seeing Solo
An array of wonderful new experiences await those who dare venture into the world on their own. With solo travel on the rise in Malaysia, we ask a few globetrotters to share their wanderlust tales and tips.
TRAVEL evokes all kinds of wonder and excitement. But travelling on your own? Now, that’s a whole new adventure.
Some do it for the freedom and flexibility, while others travel in search of themselves. There’s certainly a treasure trove of experiences when you go solo. Four travellers provide us with their own perspective.
On a shoestring
An encounter with a stranger at a bookstore kickstarted Tan Winson’s solo travel adventure. He struck conversation with the man who was browsing a Japan travel guide and a few weeks later, Tan booked a flight to the Land Of The Rising Sun.
“After the trip, I realised that travelling doesn’t have to be expensive,” the accounting student says, adding that he spent around RM1,500 for a week’s holiday in Japan.
Since that experience, Tan, 24, has travelled solo to Singapore, Australia and Taiwan – all on a budget, of course.
One of the ways Tan, who hails from Kuala Terengganu, keeps his finances in check is by staying at hostels.
“They are cheaper and gives you the opportunity to mingle with travellers from other countries. Maybe, you will even get ideas for your next trip from them,” he shares.
Tan also limits the number of electronics he travels with. Additional gadgets translate to more weight and extra expenses on baggage. Apart from that, Tan doesn’t splurge on souvenirs.
“Focus on spending money on experiences by visiting sites and trying out local cuisines,” he explains, citing a skydiving experience in Perth, Australia as one of his most memorable experiences.
However, he thinks solo travellers are sometimes at a disadvantage when it comes to booking tours and cruise packages.
“Most of the travel industry is set up for people travelling in pairs or groups and they often price things for two. You can get a better deal on package tours and hotels if you are with a partner.
“This is probably the biggest annoyance for solo travellers. The travel industry adds a hefty premium for those who travel solo,” he says.
That being said, Tan believes planning and some common sense goes a long way.
“Solo travel requires a certain degree of common sense and a willingness to take a long view of one’s journey, realising that sometimes it is unwise to try to do everything in one go and that living to travel another day can be a good idea.”
Breaking free
Growing up, Kalaivaani P. Silvarajah, 28, never cared much for travelling. But that changed when she did her first solo travel to Vietnam in 2015.
“This was the trip that sparked
my love for travelling, realising I absolutely loved the feeling of exploring places alone – immersing myself into local cultures and interacting with people from different walks of life,” she says.
The solo experience in Vietnam, according to Kalaivaani, was her way of testing the waters.
“It was initially challenging but by the end of the trip, I headed home with newfound confidence, passion and a renewed sense of independence,” she shares.
Since then, Kalaivaani has travelled solo to Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. She usually looks to interact with the locals.
“Travelling solo forces me to interact with people with different perspectives, and such interactions deepen my experience in many ways.
“In the process, I learn a little more about my strengths, weaknesses and my ability to adapt to any given situation,” she reveals.
Of course, there’s also the matter of staying safe as a solo female traveller.
“I trust my instincts to keep myself safe. I avoid shady places and areas that feel ‘not right’ to be explored alone. I have also learned to be aware of my surroundings and to trust my gut when something feels wrong,” she says, adding that it’s important to do your research.
For other women who would like to pick up solo travel, Kalaivaani says go for it.
“Don’t let fears hold you back from starting. Focus on the positive and go see the world!” she enthuses.
“Gender should not be a barrier. Be mentally prepared and just go, girl!”
Through the years
Clement Lee, 53, has been travelling solo for over 20 years now – and he has no plans of stopping any time soon. Barbados, Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru and Egypt are just a few of the places he has travelled to on his own.
What inspired him to take up solo travel in the first place? Freedom, he answers.
“I feel empowered as I control my own time and itinerary. I can always change the plan and extend or shorten the duration at any destination,” Lee says.
The consulting engineer from Penang adds that he also goes on group tours when he travels with his family.
Lee notes that technology has made travellers more independent over the years. Of course, he has also accrued plenty of know-how.
“For a more cost-saving holiday, avoid tour packages. Instead, use hop-on, hop-off busses and free walking tours. Avoid expensive car rentals and taxis, but use ride-sharing apps instead,” he shares.
Lee advises travellers to pack light and do their homework before going to a foreign country.
“Read travel guide books or search online on top places to go to or free things to do. Also, buy tickets to top galleries and museums beforehand to avoid disappointment (of tickets selling out),” he says.
“The world and the travel industry are changing. There are many tools and gadgets which allow us to travel solo, without relying on travel agents. The key is to do your homework and always have a backup plan.”
Making connections
For Chee Shok Fong, 60, travelling on her own allows her to go on a journey of self-discovery and reconnecting with herself.
The therapist and active meditation facilitator from Kuala Lumpur went on her first solo trip in 2010, to Spain. She did this right after she concluded her psychotherapy training.
Despite being nervous initially, Chee worked through her anxieties and successfully completed her first solo trip to several Spanish cities.
Since then, the mother of three has travelled to France, Hungary, China, Taiwan, India and Italy on her own. Solo travel, according to Chee, provides a great avenue for self-exploration.
“Emotions like anxiety, insecurity and fear of the unknown can be triggered,” she says, adding that all these actually help one grow as a person.
“It is a process to know myself better, to develop inner strength
with mindfulness,” Chee adds.
She relates how much the ordeals she had gone through and the kind souls she had met add to the experience. Chee recalls an unfortunate incident involving an unscrupulous acquaintance, and the kind stranger who “saved” her.
She had followed the acquaintance to her mansion in a rural area in France, only to be subjected to forced labour!
“I then contacted a woman I had met earlier at the train station, and she provided me a place to stay for a night before travelling to London to meet my son,” she shares.
That harrowing experience taught Chee to be more vigilant. She now keeps a record of phone numbers of important places like the embassy and local authorities when she travels.
That aside, Chee makes it a point to reach out and connect with people she meets on her travels – from stall vendors to museum curators to street musicians.
“There’s no time for loneliness when you travel solo. Instead, there’s a lot of time for aloneness,” she says adding that it’s great for self-reflection.