I’ll be travelling to South East Asia this summer. ALONE.
I know. I’m out of my mind. But all the travel blogs say that solo travel is something everyone must do in their life, and I’m up for the challenge! Not without fears though.
I am a young, black female. I do not think there is a scarier combination for a solo traveller in Asia. More on this later.
Anyway, here are a few fears and concerns I’ve got about travelling alone.
- Nobody to take pictures of me
I love to take pictures, but I also like to be in them. I’m worried about not having a friend with me to take pictures with, and/or take pictures of me. I’m sure I could ask a stranger to take a few pics, but I can’t bully a stranger to retake photos that I don’t like, now can I? And what if they run off with my camera? 😮
- No costs savings
There are often savings made in pair/group travel. I’m worried that I may not score on these as a solo traveller. Single rooms are more pricey than doubles and I can’t really do that 2 for 1 special. Also, if I run out of money, there’s no friend to cover me, or at least be broke together.
- Opinions and suggestions…
“Do you think my sister would like this? What should I buy my parents?” “Which colour do you think looks better on me?” “What do you think about this ——(insert commodity)——?”
Who am I going to ask these very deep and pertinent questions?!
I trust my judgement (for the most part), but it would be really nice to get input from somebody that knows you, especially when shopping.
- Safety
Remember my profile? Young, black, female? I will probably stick out like a sore thumb on the streets of Bangkok. I’m scared I’ll be an easy target for scammers and thieves. I’ve also heard stories of women being harassed and black/African women especially being fetishized, and presumed to be sex workers too. *shudders*
- Loneliness and boredom
Will I get lonely? Will I be able to socialise with strangers? Will I get bored of my own company?
Have you travelled solo before? Do you share my demographic? What experiences have you had? Any tips on how I should deal with my concerns? Please share in the comment section!
Thanks for reading!
whisperywind.com 
“young black female” that literally killed with laughter but I get what you mean, I wish you all the best though, you are strong from the blog posts I’ve read here and I wish you well.
fashionstylemogul.com
i am a bit too excited for you aki. I hope you enjoy it kabisa. I laughed so hard that your first worry is that you will not have anyone to take pics of you. This is when you invest in a selfie stick. Lol aki if someone runs off with your camera!! Also I trust your judgement so najua utaniletea kitu kizuri yes?? No pressure though. Also please invest in pepper spray and a pen knife…lol. lovings xX
I think the best part of solo travel is that you’re more in tune with the local people and culture- as opposed to when you travel with a friend because you’re always together….and it’s way easier to socialise that way, and make new friends. My greatest fear is actually something you havn’t spoken about, so I think you’d be great!
LOL LOL LOL. Everytime I ask someone to take a photo of me, at the back of my mind I’m just like what if they run away with my phone. You know why ? The Nairobian in us can’t help it 🙂 Anyway I understand your fears but I’m sure everything will be well. In places like Cambodia, people will most probably stare and even laugh at you but it’s okay. You get used to that. Shopping ?? treaky one, you will have to go by your instincts. The whole idea of travelling solo is enjoying your own company lol lol I can’t help but laugh out loud at 4 am 🙂 oh . Selfie stick comes in handy 🙂