Solo female travelling is on the rise. We are proving to the world that we are capable of not only coming back in one piece, but to have so many adventures to share.
Since my divorce, I have solo travelled to “dangerous” or “honeymoon” destinations like Egypt, Peru, Nepal, Bali, Honolulu and Greece. I can honestly tell you, I had the best times of my life! So much so that, I have to admit I almost prefer the freedom of solo travelling.
What is dangerous? Depends if you take precautionary measures!
Granted, you don’t have to travel solo everytime you get on the road, but that sense of accomplishment alone definitely warrants you to try it at least once!
We as fellow ladies share many similar struggles, and there are plenty of information on women travelling to bash those stereotypes. But I don’t find too much information regarding my specific challenges as an East Asian woman. By highlighting some of my experiences, hopefully it adds another layer of perspective.
Disclaimer: I can’t speak for everybody, I am a Chinese Canadian who border on having an identity crisis with different sets of values. These are my general observations during my encounters that might resonate with you. I hope my tips will help inspire you to get out there and experience the world!
Although we do have some distinctive experiences among cultures, but almost everything is universal at the same time. That’s what makes the human experience is so interesting. We have our differences but we are fundamentally the same.
The more we learn about the world, the more we can pick and choose what works for us. How cool is that? It’s like absorbing many superpowers and using them at will!
So without further ado, here are some challenges I come across when travelling solo as an East Asian female, and what to do about them.
Some experiences can leave a sour taste in your mouth, but we learn to roll with it!
Solo travelling can be an uncomfortable concept for your family and friends to grasp. Their concerns for your safety are absolutely legitmate. However, there might also be unfounded biases and worries based on hearsay instead of facts.
Reassure your loved ones by using due diligence:
Jump but with a professional!
There are so many types of Asians out there, but there is a small group that has money. Sometimes, I get mistaken for being rich (I wish!), so they might quote you a higher price when shopping/taking transportation, or assume you have more valuables.
Have as little on you as possible. Out of sight, out of mind.
Due to stereotypes, Asian females sometimes can be seen as less assertive, and have problems saying no.
Confession: I still struggle with this one!
Story time: I was on a ferry in San Francisco coming back from Alcatraz. This guy sat right next to me and started to caress my legs! I should’ve said something, instead, I just walked away.
Hello from underwater in Crete! A swimming holiday is a great way to meet like minded people with the same interests!
Sometimes, there can be barriers to communicate well with others during our travels, not just from the differences in language, but from the different value systems as well.
Disclaimer: This is my very general observations of the different values systems of the west and the east, there is always variations within these cultures and individuals.
Western Values: Fun conversations, banter and creativity.
Chinese Values: Productivity, results oriented, *nutritious conversations.
After meeting these ladies in a hostel, we hung out and shared a villa together in Ubud, Bali!
The very steoreotypical Asian female travellers avoid the sun and physical activities (hence outdoor activities). But we all know that is not always true and it is changing!
Hiking the Salktantay Trek to Machu Picchu Peru with a group of like-minded hikers from all over the world!
Yes, it does suck that we have to take these extra measures as an Asian female. But each individual also has their unqiue challenges they have to deal with as well, no matter what their background. A lot of the challenges mentioned above are universal as well.
We could only do our best to prevent mishaps from happening, but we can’t control whatever that happens to us. Is it better to try then regret not having these experiences at all? Trust me though, the rewards of going out there and trying solo travelling for yourself is so worth it!
Voila! Here are my two cents. No way is this a comprehensive list of everything that could happen on the road.
Have you tried solo travelling? Are there any tips you would like to share with our community to help us travel better? What other challenges is stopping you? Comment below and we can all learn together!
Emily
July 10, 2019I LOVE THIS! This topic has been on my mind since travelcon, and then I came across an awesome article about smashing asian traveler stereotypes by a Chinese Canadian! In case you haven’t read it, here’s the link: https://hownottotravellikeabasicbitch.com/confessions-asian-travel-blogger/amp/
I’m so happy to see your post, because I can definitely relate. You never got called “Jackie Chan” or “Bruce Li” though?! Oh man, Spaniards love that one…anyway, thanks for putting out into the world this super important but super neglected topic and with solutions, too! Happy travels 🙂
simplycloverliving
July 10, 2019I absolutely agree with you how importanct this topic is, Emily! Thank you for sharing the article. Yes it’s so relatable and so on point! Ever since the diversity panel from TravelCon, I reazlied how neglected this space is, and hopefully we can fill that gap.
No, I haven’t been called those things yet! Now I just see it as amusements though! Until the world becomes truly globalized, we might still come across these remarks. We just have to keep going out there and proving to the world that are we all unique individuals and we don’t always fit into a certain image!
ปั๊มไลค์
June 8, 2020Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
wendi
July 19, 2020hi Clover,
I am a solo asian traveller and am planning a trip to Peru; I appreciate your point about joining a group for certain activities for safety. any suggestions for hiking groups for Manchu Picchu/Puru?
Egypt is one destination i have been wanting to go to like forever; did you join a tour group for Cairo ? altho, I’d love to do it myself, it feels like a place where a guide would be safer. [ I know Abu Simbu definitely needs a tour].
thank you, wendi
simplycloverliving
July 20, 2020Hi Wendi,
Peru! How exciting! I did the salkantay trek which it’s a longer and higher altitude, but it was absolutely fabulous accommodations. One night was in a glass dome overlooking the Milky Way! It was very reasonably priced as well with good tour guides and food. At the time I paid $450USD which include the ticket to Manchu Picchu, and the train ride back.
The company is called Salkantay Trekking.
For Egypt, I went with http://www.egypttailormade.net/
And had a female Egyptologist guide! It was fascinating as we walked through the artifacts and the sites with her explaining to me the history. As a single female in Egypt I highly recommend having someone. The women there definitely look out for other women. But be careful of the men soliciting.
Have lots of fun! How I miss it!