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In February 2023, I packed my bags, booked a one-way ticket, and nervously stepped onto a plane heading to Bali. That was the start of what I thought would just be a short solo escape—a 3-stop journey through Bali, Singapore, and Malaysia. What I didn’t realize then was that those three countries would light a fire in me I couldn’t ignore.

Just a few months later, I made a bigger leap: a one-year solo journey across Asia. It’s been a wild, heart-expanding ride ever since.

From Tourist to Temporary Local

I began in Bangkok, then moved to Chiang Mai for two months—slowing down, finding a rhythm, learning how to be okay with my own company. Then came Vietnam: three transformative months across Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hanoi, soaking up both the chaos and the calm. I eventually circled back to Thailand (because Chiang Mai has a way of feeling like home), then spent a dreamy month in Bali before landing in Ho Chi Minh City, where I unexpectedly met someone who now holds a special place in my life.

The Lonely Joy of Solo Travel

Solo travel is often romanticized—and in many ways, it is romantic. There’s something incredibly freeing about waking up each day and deciding exactly what you want to do. But here’s the truth I wish more people shared: some days are just plain lonely.

There were nights I craved connection, conversations in my language, or just the comfort of familiar surroundings. There were days when I questioned my choices—when I felt invisible, awkward, or tired of starting over in every new place.

But over time, I learned to sit with that loneliness. I learned that being alone doesn’t mean being lost—it means learning who you are without distractions.

A Solo Female Traveler’s Reality

Now, let’s talk safety—because it matters. Being a woman traveling alone means constantly being alert. It’s dodging scams, negotiating overpriced rides, and sometimes feeling that uncomfortable gut sense that tells you to walk away.

I’ve had to politely but firmly say “no” more times than I can count. I’ve learned how to research every city I go to, how to blend in when needed, and how to trust myself deeply. Safety became my full-time sidekick, and honestly? I’m proud of how well I’ve protected my peace.

What I Gained

What I lost in comfort, I gained in courage. I now know how to read a map in a language I don’t speak. I can navigate metro systems, eat alone without shame, and make friends out of strangers. I’ve cried quietly in temples and danced freely on rooftops. I’ve faced fear and came out more grounded, more curious, and more me.

Most importantly, I discovered that I could build a life wherever I am—and that freedom? That’s priceless.

If You’re Thinking About Going Solo…

From one big sis to another: go. Not because it’s easy or picture-perfect, but because you’ll grow in ways that only solo travel can teach you. Plan smart. Prioritize your safety. Be kind but assertive. And give yourself grace—you don’t have to be fearless to be free.

Here’s to more solo footsteps, full hearts, and the kind of stories that shape us.