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My First Time Traveling Solo

My First Time Traveling Solo

My First Time Traveling Solo
My First Time Traveling Solo       (Photo:Lolostock/Shutterstock)

 

 

You want to travel, but your friends are busy, don’t have enough money to travel or don’t want to go to the same places you do. Have you ever thought about solo travel? It is an amazing and empowering experience. Here you can read about, what kind of experiences 10 female travel bloggers have made during their first solo travel trip:

 

Alice   –   Teacake Travels   –   Vietnam

My first time travelling solo was about proving to myself who I was, what I could do, what I could achieve and who I could become as a result. I was a stubborn, independent traveller and needed to tackle my adventures alone to become the woman I am today. Looking back on it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I left the safety of teaching English in South Korea to really go it alone and ended up riding solo on a motorbike through Vietnam for three months. There was literal blood, sweat and tears. I had to learn how to drive treacherous Vietnamese roads. I had to learn how to make difficult decisions by myself. I had to learn what the hell to do when my bike broke down on a steep mountain in the pouring rain with no-one around. I had to learn how to keep myself together when I didn’t see another English-speaking person for a week in the far north. It was brilliant! If you want to learn about life, go to solo travel school. Onwards and upwards ladies!

 
 

Alyssa   –   My Live’s a Movie   –   Sydney

Fateful, organized chaos, is how I’d describe my first time completely traveling solo. I had just traveled to South Africa to volunteer, then Thailand where I met up with some friends I knew, then the next stop was Sydney, via a Malaysian Airlines flight, which was completely empty since I took it about two weeks after the second….incident.

The first thing I did when I arrived in Sydney, was go find a Western Union in the airport, because since I had gotten my debit and credit cards lost/stolen in Thailand, I had no money and my mom had to wire me some. It was raining, and cold, which is rare for Sydney, but of course just my luck, especially since I was staying near the infamous Bondi Beach, but I decided to make the best of it, and find an indoor activity instead.

The Sydney Aquarium seemed like a good idea, so I bought a ticket on the bus and went, not finding it odd at all that there was no one up front to take my ticket. Long story short, I got locked in the Sydney Aquarium on my first day there, alone, for about an hour before I busted open the emergency exit and escaped.

The next day it was still cold and dreary out, so I sat alone on Bondi Beach in my giant jacket trying to take GoPro pictures of the surfers. Apparently one of them noticed, and came running up to me like a taller, tanner, David Hasslehoff, and after hearing my miserable story about the money and aquarium, ended up inviting me to hang out with him and his friends.
Since it was my first time traveling solo, I was extremely reluctant (even though he was really cute), but I ended up going, and meeting a ton of awesome Aussies, and getting to experience Bondi from a local’s perspective rather than a touristic one!

 
 

Christine   –  Tour de Lust   –   Amsterdam

It’s been over 7 years since I graduated college. I had no job lined up and no obligations after graduation. So what could I do while waiting for someone to hire me? I had never thought about traveling solo, but a few of my friends were backpacking through Europe and gave me the idea to travel! My family is very traditional and thought I was insane because I’m a girl and shouldn’t be traveling alone. I went for it anyway! I decided to take my very first solo trip to Amsterdam! I chose Amsterdam because it’s a big city, very safe, and most people speak the same language. At times it can be awkward when there is no one to take my photos or eating alone at a restaurant, it takes time to get use, but I began to ask strangers to take my photos and sat at the bar to talk to bartenders at restaurants. Something I don’t have a problem with now! Amsterdam has a lot of museums, which is a great way to spend alone time. I wanted to feel safe and be surrounded by other travelers, so I decided to book a well known tour company halfway through my trip! This was a great idea because I met so many other travelers just like me! As a first timer it allowed me to feel safe. I did not feel alone and got to experience Amsterdam with other solo travelers. My first solo trip was one of the best experiences ever and it was when I officially got hit with the travel bug!

 
 

Laura  –   dreamgazer   –   Southeast Asia

My first solo travel experience changed me but for the better.

So like many travels plans mine started out as scribbles in my notebook gathering inspiration, I had the ideas but it was putting them all into action that was the hardest part for me. You see I had put off going travelling for a few years, of the fear of not having anyone to go with. But this year I finally found the right person; myself. As soon as I booked my ticket to go explore SEAsia the nerves kicked in, knowing I was going to be completely out of my comfort bubble did scare me, but a few weeks later there I was standing at the departures saying goodbye to my Mum, the last question she ask was ‘are you sure you want to do this?’ That was when I knew this was going to be the best decision I had ever made.

Stepping off my plane into an unknown country I admit it was daunting and I was a little apprehensive about everything. However after a while my body got used to the time zone, my skin got used to the weather, my mind got used to the culture and most importantly I got used to being in my own company. I accomplished so much each day, even if it was the littlest things because you learn that you are responsible for everything. My journey wouldn’t of been the same without meeting like-minded souls on the way, most who were travelling theirselves, not forgetting the locals of each place I travelled to, the warm smiles and happy gestures that made you feel just at home.

The best gift that this trip gave me was realizing what freedom meant to me, being able to wake up and plan my day just for me and not having someone else dictate my plans. Feeling that pure bliss of happiness and love because everyday was lived right in that moment, realising every single day should be like that no matter where you are. So just book that ticket and go, you honestly won’t regret it.

 
 

Leah   –   Via Leah   –   Australia

I never really expected so many twists and turns on my journey, but I guess that should have been assumed when I decided to travel alone for the first time. To be honest, I never really counted my first solo trip until I booked something for myself by myself. I have flown to visit family in the past, but the adventure lies when your surroundings are unfamiliar. I traveled for more than 24 hours to Adelaide, South Australia. Flights were delayed and overbooked which had me sleeping on the floors in the airport. But once I got myself in the country, I realized how powerful that moment was when I discovered, “I can do this on my own… I did this on my own.”

I spent over half a year in Australia where I was tested culturally and personally. While visiting, I made an effort to meet as many people as I could and attend events weekly. I joined sports team, photographed for a local online magazine, contributed to the University paper, and did waitressing on the side. The truth was, I couldn’t afford the trip over to begin with so I only bought myself a one-way ticket. I had to work most of my time there in order to save up for a flight back to the United States. This highlights that there are always alternatives to getting where you want. You don’t need all the money in the beginning. Yes, it will cost you something to travel, but it will cost your heart more when you turned yourself away from an opportunity that could impact your life.

 
 

Megan   –   Mapping Megan   –   England/ Finland
Mapping Megan

I traveled solo for the first time at age 18. I boarded a plane to the UK and excitedly started my gap year abroad – I would be working as a teaching assistant in a boarding school, and have 17 weeks to travel Europe as I pleased.

There was no culture shock during my first few weeks in England – I was in a country which spoke the same language, and even though I had traveled alone, I was surrounded by other Australian teenagers at the school doing the same. My first experience of culture shock, and perhaps my first “real” solo journey, came during the first school break.

Excited to discover Europe, I jumped on a plane to Helsinki. It didn’t hit me that I was ill prepared until I arrived in Finland and had to attempt to find the baggage claim. This was the first time I had experienced a language barrier, and it hadn’t dawned on me that simple tasks like collecting my bag, or communicating with a taxi driver would be difficult things to do.

I found my bag after stalking a few other passengers from the same plane (which included an awkward toilet stop!), and managed to find a cab with a game of charades. Luckily, most people throughout Scandinavia speak fairly fluent English, so the trip overall was a blast. Though it taught me not to take for granted that everyone will understand you overseas. You’re traveling to their country, so it’s you who should make the effort, not them.

A little bit of language prep before a trip can go a long way, and just knowing how to communicate the basics will help to feel less intimidated on arrival, and you’ll often find you feel more safe.
 
 

Melodie   –  Adventures of Melodious   –   Australia

My name is Melodie, and I am a travel addict. I have just returned to Canada after over four years of continuous travel, much of it on my own where I met some of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for. The first time I truly travelled alone, not just to a distant relative or to meet a friend in another country, I was 25. I had an Australian Working Holiday Visa and had spent the previous three months making my way to Australia by visiting friends and family across Canada and the United States. A month after I arrived in Australia I was staying with a cousin in Canberra when I decided that I had to take the leap and book a flight somewhere where I didn’t know a soul. Within 20 minutes of that decision I had purchased a flight to Tasmania for a week later.

I would be lying if I didn’t tell you I was nervous to stay in a hostel wondering if I would make friends, but I must have picked the perfect place to stay. The first day I explored Hobart alone and it was a freeing feeling. Normally a social person I didn’t mind that I was doing hikes and eating at restaurants without anyone else. I did make friends later, on my second evening I befriended a free spirited French woman and fun girl from Korea. We ended up touring around for days and later exchanged contact details. This experience set the precedence for the rest of my journey. It just took one leap of faith, and suddenly I had the courage to book a trip knowing that at the other end there would be nothing waiting for me except for new experiences and some amazing new friends!

 
 

Nam   –   Laugh Travel Eat   –   Berlin

It was August, 2014. I was standing on a bridge across from the Berliner Dom, looking for a good spot to take a photo. It was the first time I had ever felt alone in the world even though I was surrounded by a crowd. Now you might think that it’s a negative feeling, but in truth it was refreshing and empowering. While we often end up alone in our city running errands or even just roaming around, it feels different when you are in a foreign place. I had no one to share funny moments or things that I noticed to or anyone to help me take photos or needed me to.

I was, frankly, out of my comfort zone. But without someone to talk to, I was able to focus more on my surrounding and absorb more of what’s going on around me. I had all the time to line up for a shot of the Cathedral without being hurried, but I also had to pluck up some courage to ask strangers to take a photo for me. I got to decide, alone, whether it was worth the entrance fee to visit and had no one else to blame when it turned out to be less than what I expected. I was completely by myself – and that’s something that doesn’t happen often in your life, and it helps me to be more independent.

 
 

Nicki   –   EATLIVETRAVELDRINK   –   Iceland/ Ireland

For me, part of being an experienced traveler was taking the plunge to travel solo. I knew I wanted to go to Ireland and Iceland, so I did a stopover in Iceland for a couple days and then went on to explore Ireland. Both countries were magnificent in their own ways.

Iceland was magical in that it was covered in snow, the sun rose late, the people were welcoming, and I felt safe the entire time. I froze to death because I didn’t pack properly, but it didn’t stop me from exploring the country. I went to the Blue Lagoon on my first day and relaxed in the waters to decompress from my flight. It is every bit as amazing as you would expect. The second day I did a full day Golden Circle Tour. Around every corner was an amazing site to behold in Iceland.

When I left for Ireland, the wind was blowing at nearly 60 miles per hour. How I made it to Ireland alive is beyond me. Upon arrival the winds were so strong that they could not give us our luggage. I waited 2 days for my stuff to come back. I didn’t let it ruin my trip – I purchased some items locally and went about touring. I stayed in a hostel that I loved, went on a rail tour to the Cliffs of Moher, tasted whisky, drank beer, saw the long library, ate amazing food, and walked almost the entire city.

I had already traveled extensively prior to this trip, so I felt like I would be ok. I never once felt unsafe and have nothing but good memories.

 
 

Sandra   –   Tourlina   –   Nepal

Sandra

Some years back, I heared from a friend an amazing story about a Reiki- and Yoga teacher from Nepal. As I practiced Reiki already for some time, I got curious. I wrote an e-mail to the teacher, asked him to be his student. Soon, I got a reply; telling me that I can come to Kathmandu 3 weeks later for 3 weeks. I booked the flight without knowing exactly what is expecting me and already 3 weeks later he welcomed me in Kathmandu. It got an amazing time with new insights into Reiki, Yoga and meditation, with visiting the awesome sights in and around Kathmandu in the afternoons, spending time with my teacher and his lovely family and traveling one extra week with the teachers daughter around Nepal. This story maybe is not about solo travel in a classical way. But like most solo travel trips, you start alone and you don’t know what will expect you. At the end you weren’t lonely one day, because you meet other people on your way, with whom you spend time together, which get travel buddies and sometimes friends for your whole life.

 


 
 

Viajosola – Why Women Should Never Stop Travelling Solo

Viajosola – Why Women Should Never Stop Travelling Solo

#Viajosola
#Viajosola

Several weeks ago, two young Argentine women were brutally attacked and murdered while backpacking in Ecuador’s coastal area of Montanita.

Maria Coni, 22, and Marina Menegazzo, 21, had run out of money while travelling through South America. A friend put them in touch with two men, who they thought would offer them a place to stay. Instead the men sexually assaulted the pair, before murdering them and dumping their bodies.

Sadly, in the wake of the tragedy there were many people who were inclined to blame the victims of this terrible attack, rather than the perpetrators. One controversial opinion offered by Argentine psychiatrist Hugo Marietan was that the women “took a risk” by travelling in “parts of the world that are not ready for the full freedom of the woman”.

He went on to say: “Women, you are also responsible for your preservation. Do [you] serve your feminist theories in that final moment?”

In response to those blaming the victims for what happened, one woman wrote an impassioned Facebook post from the perspective of the two women. Guadalupe Acosta from Paraguay sparked a social media outcry with her words:

  • “From the moment I had my lifeless body, nobody asked where he was, the son of a gun…
  • No, they started asking me useless questions…
  • What clothes you had on?
  • Why are you alone?
  • How a woman is going to travel without company?
  • You got yourself in a dangerous neighbourhood, what did you expect?

But to be a woman, the crime is minimized. Becomes less serious, because of course, I asked for it. Doing what I wanted, I got what I deserved for not being submissive, for not wanting to stay in my house, for investing my own money in my dreams.”

 

The Facebook post has been shared over 730,000 times, and the hashtag #viajosola – Spanish for “I travel alone” – trended on Twitter worldwide.

Acosta’s words touched a nerve with female travellers across the globe. Independent women who travel to broaden their minds, to learn and to grow, and for the sheer joy of it began posting inspiring viewpoints and photos of themselves travelling solo.

 

  • #Viajosola because my gender has nothing to do with my desire to see the world @SammyLT
  • #viajosola because you will never know who you truly are until you do so @jomanaElwenni
  • #viajosola because my love for seeing the world & its cultures shouldn’t be jeopardized by the fact I’m a woman @twiitterlessDad
  • Travelling alone is my joy in life, not an invitation for man to rob, rape and murder me #viajosola @coreen085
  • Gender shouldn’t be a barrier from the world #Viajosola @TwinsWade
  • #viajosola because the world is so big and amazing – and I do not and should not need an escort… #liveloveexplore @tara_bt

Travelling is one of life’s great pleasures. Travelling alone is a truly liberating journey which nobody – man or woman – should feel afraid to embark upon. Travelling alone teaches us so much about ourselves and the world around us. We learn to be at peace in solitude, we learn to trust ourselves, and we meet likeminded people who we form deep and lasting connections with.

The random and tragic murders of backpackers like those of Maria and Marina should never be seen as the victim’s fault for daring to go out in the world unchaperoned. Dangerous viewpoints like that of Hugo Marietan should not hold women back from exploring whichever corner of the globe they choose.

 

Tourlina App
Tourlina App

 

To travel solo doesn’t mean to stay alone.

Find female travel companions and friends with tourlina

TOURLINA IS SAFE AND RELIABLE
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TOURLINA IS FOR WOMEN ONLY
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HOW THE TOURLINA APP WORKS:
• enter a trip by country and time
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• select a travel companion simply by easily swiping left or right
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WHY YOU SHOULD ALSO USE TOURLINA FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?

Female users of Tourlina can connect before or while they travel. Tourlina connects women based on their future travel plans. Of course, they can connect as well with other female travelers while they travel, e.g. for one evening in Bangkok or for a part of their trip. Women find more meaningful and long lasting connections with other women and make lifelong friendships as Tourlina connections are based on shared interest in travel and socialising.

Awesome Tourlina video from Monica – one of the many fans and users of Tourlina 🙂

Phnom Penh – A Visitor’s Guide

Phnom Penh – A Visitor’s Guide

 

Phnom Penh - Spiders And More_mq
 

Phnom Penh offers its visitors a wide range of contrasts and experiences. Beautiful colonial architecture stands in neighbourhood to modern glass buildings. Luxury cars drive in the crowded streets next to old tuk tuk’s. Fine Dining and luxury bars are next to yummy streetfood.

Colonial Architecture Pavillon Hotel
Colonial Architecture Pavillon Hotel

Banana transport in Phnom Penh
Banana transport in Phnom Penh

 

Tourlina App
Tourlina App

 

You are a woman and plan to travel solo to Cambodia? Have you checked out our tourlina app already?

Find other solo female traveler, which travel at the same time at the same places
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Highlights of Phnom Penh

One of the city’s major tourist attractions is the National Museum of Cambodia, where visitors are treated displays of pottery and bronzes which date back over 1,500 hundred years. There is a collection of wonderful statues of Shiva from as far back as the ninth century and the whole museum is worth it just for the charming courtyard garden, there.

National Museum Phnmom Penh
National Museum Phnmom Penh

 

Close by of the National Museum is the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, which both feature on the majority of tourists’ itineraries. Still a royal residence, the best part of the palace and pagoda are open to the public and you can hook up with a tour which is conducted in a variety of languages.

Royal Palace Phnom Penh
Royal Palace Phnom Penh

 

Wat Phnom is a well known bhuddist temple at the only hill of the city from 14th century, which has given Phnom Penh it’s name.

Wat Phnom
Temple Pnohm Penh

 

Constructed in 1935, the wonderful central market, or Phsar Thmei, is well worth seeking out, too. The market was built in the Art Deco style. Inside the market hall you’ll find all kind of juwelry.

Market Hall Phnom Penh
Central Market Phnom Penh

 

Around the market hall is the food market … have you ever tried spiders? 😉

Fruit Market Phnom Penh
Fruit Market Phnom Penh


 
 

Angkor destination travel
Angkor destination travel

 
 

Are you looking for a tour operator for Cambodia?
We recommend Angkor Destination based in Siem Reap, Cambodia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Culinary Highlights and the Nightlife of Phnom Penh

The Cambodian top address for fine French Cuisine is Van’s Restaurant. The Business Lunch at Van’s seems to be one of the best kept culinary secrets, starting from USD 15!

Van's Restaurant
Van’s Restaurant

 

The riverfront area is full of bars and can be found easily from the Royal Palace. Here, visitors can expect a mix of cafes, restaurants, busy bars and souvenir shops.
 

The Elephant Bar at Raffles Hotel offers the style of the colonial era. Perhaps one of Phnom Penh’s most stylish bars, it has been operating for over eight years and is the perfect place for pre-dinner cocktails with a travel companion whilst watching the sun go down.

Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh
Raffles Hotel Phnom Penh

 

Travel Safety in Phnom Penh

Like many other cities in south east Asia, Phnom Penh is a safe place to visit and explore, but it can often feel more comfortable if you choose to discover it with a female travel companion. Generally speaking, the city is busy but the inhabitants are friendly and welcoming of visitors. Navigating around the capital of Cambodia is simple enough, whether or not you have a travel companion with you, because all of the north-south streets are given odd numbers whilst the east-west ones are designated even. The higher the street’s number, the further west or south you are heading. Like much of Cambodia, catching a tuk-tuk is one of the simplest ways of getting between locations, although it is advisable to settle on a price for the journey before you start rather than at the end. Taxis tend to be only available in the most famous tourist destinations, but are clean and comfortable. When walking around, the city does have a problem with bag snatching, but this is usually overcome by simply taking care with your belongings. However, crossing the road can be tricky, so make sure you look both ways before stepping out, even if the traffic signals indicate you have the right of way!
 

Tourlina App
Tourlina App

 

To travel solo doesn’t mean to stay alone.

Find female travel companions and friends with tourlina
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Penh - A Visitor's Guide
Penh – A Visitor’s Guide

Cambodia – 10 best things to do

Cambodia – 10 best things to do

 

Angkor Wat Cambodia
The tourlina team traveled one month through Cambodia. We found awesome nature, beautiful beaches, great temple architecture, a lively capital, lovely people and insights to the history of Cambodia. Cambodia is definately worth a visit! Here are our 10 favourite places in Cambodia:

1. The Temples of Angkor

Sure, Angkor Wat is one of the most visited sites in the world. Especially around public holidays you’ll find thousands of tourists visiting this place, the main attractions are always crowded. BUT you indeed shouldn’t miss a visit at least once in your lifetime! The architecture of the ruins is simply amazing and they have something “magic”. The main attraction is Angkor Wat, but it is worthwhile to visit some other temples, for example Ta Prohm with its tree overgrown ruins. The temple complex of Angkor consists in complete of more than 1,000 temples and sanctuaries within an area of 200 square kilometers. Besides the main attractions you’ll find also some calmer, nice places. The temples were built between the 8th and 13th centuries; many of them have been restored.

Ta Prohm Cambodia
Ta Prohm Cambodia

 

2. Koh Rong Island

You urgently need some relaxation? You dream about endless beaches with white sand, clear tourquoise water, palms and pure nature in the background? Then Koh Rong is the right island for you! The island is about 25 kilometers far away from Sihanoukville. So far, there are no asphalted streets, no cars, no motorcycles, no tuk tuk’s – no noise at all and only some few small hotels and accomodations. Unfortunately there are already road works, the total calmness is going to have an end soon. So, better have a look into the tourlina app, search for some nice female travel companions and take some days off for Koh Rong chilling soon 😉 . Here is your link to the tourlina app.

Long Beach at Koh Rong Island Cambodia
Long Beach at Koh Rong Island Cambodia

 

3. Phnom Penh

Located at the confluence of Tonle-Sap and the Mekong river, Phnom Penh is the lively capital of Cambodia with about 1.5m inhabitants. It’s nice to explore the center of Phnom Penh first with a Cyclo, a traditonal three-wheeled cycle, visiting the beautiful Wat Phnom temple, the Royal Palace and the market hall. In the Tuol Sleng Genocide museum and the Killing Fields you can experience and learn about the dark history of Cambodia. Interesting shops are located in street 240. Read more in “Phnom Penh – A Visitor’s Guide”

Royal Palace Phnom Penh Cambodia
Royal Palace Phnom Penh Cambodia

 

4. Temples of Banteay Chhmar

The Banteay Chhmar temples are located in the northwest of Cambodia, 165 kilometers far away from Angkor, close to the border of Thailand. We’ve ranked Beanteay Chhmar as our number 4 because here you can experience completely for yourself, how nature recaptured the ruins. At least at the time we have visited the ruins, there were no other tourists at all. In size and splendor Banteay Chhmar was comparable to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, it’s a candidate for the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. There are no hotels in this area. We’ve stayed in a homestay in Banteay Chhmar, which is a unique experience. The roads between Siem Riep and Banteay Chmar are new and well-constructed; it’s also possible to visit Banteay Chhmar by car within a daytrip from Siem Reap.

Banteay Chhmar Cambodia
Banteay Chhmar Cambodia

 

Tourlina App
Tourlina App

 

You are a woman and plan to travel solo to Cambodia? Have you checked out our tourlina app already?

Find other solo female traveler, which travel at the same time at the same places

5. Beng Mealea/ Banteay Srei

Another amazing day trip from Siem Reap by car is the visit of Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei. The Beng Mealea temples are located in a forest, trees are growing out of and in between of the ruins within a subdued light. Banteay Srei is a hinduistic temple complex from 10th century. In difference to the other temples Banteay Srei is made out of pink sandstone decorated with a fine relief decoration.

Banteay Srei Cambodia
Banteay Srei Cambodia

 

6. Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is well known for its long and nice beaches. After reading all the enthusiastic articles about Sihanoukville, we expected to have a great beach time. Well, we realised that at least around new year’s eve the beaches are an extremely crowded place with local people as well as tourists. The streets around the beach areas are massively poluted with waste. It’s not a good idea to come to Sihanoukville around this time. We nethertheless have choosen Sihanoukville as our number 6, because we suppose at any other time, it’s a nice, chilling town with nice beaches 🙂 .

Sihanoukville Cambodia
Sihanoukville Cambodia
Angkor destination travel
Angkor destination travel

 

Are you looking for a tour operator for Cambodia?
We recommend Angkor Destination based in Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

7. Sambor Prei Kuk

Sambor Prei Kuk is a complex of more than 100 temples located in a forest, 30 kilometers in the north of Kampong Thom. It belonged to one of the first temple cities in Asia, which was called Isanapura. Sambor Prei Kuk was built in the Pre-Angkorean period in the 7th century, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. This archeological site is still off the beaten track, only some few tourists visit the ruins. At some of the temples you can observe the work of archeologists restoring the temples. Sambor Prei Kuk is a candidate for the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

Sambor Prei Kuk
Sambor Prei Kuk

 

Tourlina App
Tourlina App

 

To travel solo doesn’t mean to stay alone.

Find female travel companions and friends with tourlina

8. Koh Trong

Koh Trong is a peaceful island in the Mekong river close to Kratie. So far there are no cars at Koh Trong, only some few scooters and tuk tuk’s. It’s nice to ride by bicycle around the island; you can see a beautiful countryside, farmers working in the field, chicken and other animals crossing your path. Koh Trong is a perfect place for having a chilling break in between your Cambodia roundtrip.

Koh Trong Cambodia
Koh Trong Cambodia

 

9. Wat Banan

Wat Banan is a well preserved temple on a hill close to Battambang. There are 360 steps from the car park to the site, but it’s worth the effort. On top of the hill you have a great panoramic view. The place is not much frequented and very peaceful.

Wat Banan
Wat Banan

 

10. Kep/ Kampot

Kep has a fabulous crab market and is also well known for its sunsets. Kampot is a quiet, lovely town, which has kept a lot of its colonial history. In Kampot you can visit its black pepper farms; Kampot is well known for its pepper. The town is also a good starting point for trips to the Bokor hill.

Crab Market in Kep Cambodia
Crab Market in Kep Cambodia

 

CAMBODIA - 10 best things to do
CAMBODIA – 10 best things to do

 

CAMBODIA - 10 best things to do
CAMBODIA – 10 best things to do

 

 
Skiing in Europe – our suggestion: for skiing in the Alps

Myanmar Highlight: Inle Lake

Myanmar Highlight: Inle Lake

 

Fisherman at Inle Lake, Myanmar
Fisherman at Inle Lake, Myanmar

Set in the heart of Myanmar (Burma), Inle Lake is a body of fresh water that stretches 13.5 miles north and 7 miles wide. Against a backdrop of the beautiful Shan Hills that link to the foothills of the Himalyas, this is a lake on an awe-inspiring scale. And, as an attraction to visit with a travel companion, it delivers on many more levels.

Now part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, Inle Lake is home to various native fish and other fresh water creatures that are found nowhere else in the world. Home to a further 70,000 people who live in four cities bordering the lake, and this is a fully fledged ecosystem. Various tribes live and die here, maintaining the lake and living off the resources it provides. Local fishermen practice the distinctive technique of leg rowing in order to stand while boating, and impressive garden beds that are resistant to flooding have been perfected here. This is a beautiful, must-see example of human and environment co-existing, so make sure that you and your travel companion take all of this in.

 

The best of Inle Lake and beyond

Travelling around the lake is by commuter tourist motorboats. It’s best to give in, split the cost with a travel partner and take one of the many lake tours that will be presented to you. Here, you’ll encounter a lake teeming with life: one scattered with tiny villages that stand in the water itself, Buddhist temples that are dotted along the banks and channels of water hemmed in by those unique floating gardens.

The land surrounding the lake also has plenty to offer. Stupas are astounding, some comparable to the wonders seen in Bagan. Many are crammed together on an overgrown hillside, and many reclaimed from local jungle. They represent an area easily explored on foot, and an intimate one at that. Dining together is always a beautiful affair, with many hotel restaurants that extend over the water and have different takes on the local cuisine depending on which tribe may have set it up. Hundreds of monasteries are present here, and Nga Phe Kyaung, also known as the Jumping Cat monastery (literally because of trained jumping cats present), is one of the most unique on the western side of the lake. Cats aside, this is worth a look solely because of its collection of ancient Buddha images. Hiring a private boat that includes a tour guide for the day with a travel buddy is the best and cheapest way to pick and choose your favourite locations, and skip some of the more tourist-crowded spots. If you need more time on land, try hiring bikes together and cycle west along the unpaved, bumpy roads. The exercise will be worth it when reaching a series of swimming pools filled directly from the nearby hot springs. Gender-specific pools are also available for female travellers.

For unique souvenirs, the locals of the Inn Paw Khon village are well known for their loom-made textiles. From sarongs to scarfs, everything is hand-crafted here by women of all ages, and they also boast lotus fabric made from the flowers that bloom in the peak tourist season (October to February). Purchase directly and take home a piece of Myanmar heritage.

Inle Lake is beautiful part of Myanmar. It blends together an array of village cultures with local beauty and wildlife, and presents it in a charming and accessible way to tourists. Make the most of it by downloading Tourlina and exploring it safely and more economically with a female travel companion.

Find your female travel buddy for your next trip to Inle Lake in Myanmar (Burma) with our app Tourlina

An Inle Lake photo tour:

Inle Lake in the Morning
Inle Lake in the Morning
Inle Lake in the Morning
Inle Lake in the Morning
Festivities at Inle Lake
Inle Lake
Inle Lake - Indein
Inle Lake – Indein Stupas
Inle Lake - Lokal Market
Inle Lake – Lokal Market
Festivities at Inle Lake
Festivities at Inle Lake
Festivities at Inle Lake
Festivities at Inle Lake
Fisherman
Fisherman
Inle Lake - Lokal People
Inle Lake – Lokal People in the Floating Gardens
Inle Lake - Lokal People
Inle Lake – Lokal People
Inle Lake - Sunset
Inle Lake – Sunset

Vietnam Highlight: Ho Chi Minh City

Traveling Made Fun in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 

Old Meets New in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is still also given its colonial French name of Saigon, and the French influence really shows in this modern Asian city. With a Notre Dame Cathedral and a fabulously ornate central post office designed by Gustave Eiffel, there’s a definite old-meets-new, East-meets-West vibe here. Famous for its Pho (delicious -and healthy- Vietnamese soup), Ho Chi Minh City is filled with beautiful sights and attractions which range from the indulgent to the daring (a high-quality manicure or spa experience can be obtained for the loose change in your pocket, while lightning-fast motorbike tours through crowded backstreets will definitely make for an experience to remember).

 

Female Travel Companions while Traveling in Vietnam

Sometimes there’s nothing more liberating than travelling alone – and lengthy trips can work as a form of therapy or self-discovery following trauma or loss. This has proven a popular theme in novels and films in recent times: think of Elizabeth Gilbert’s divorce/travel memoir Eat, Pray, Love, or of Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-nominated performance in Wild. Other times, though, women may feel a sense of solidarity and companionship in finding a female travel partner or travel companion to accompany them on their trip. From sipping glasses of fermented scorpion wine to bagging bargains at the 3,000 stalls of Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, a travel buddy not only offers someone to watch your back, but also someone to share your new experiences with.

 

Fun and Safety in Ho Chi Minh City with a Travel Companion

They say that there’s safety in numbers, and it’s certainly true that going around with a travel companion can make you feel more comfortable and secure, particularly if you want to go out and make the most of Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife. Pham Ngu Lao Street is the city’s backpackers’ quarter, and in this area the music and parties continue well into the small hours. Equally, sophisticated times are to be had in the city’s upmarket rooftop bars, and who better to share the good times with than a like-minded travel companion?

 

Cooking Classes, Architecture & Culture in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese food is undoubtedly amazing, and some of the city’s better cooking classes will take you to local markets to source fresh food, before a local chef shows you how to prepare Vietnamese classics such as summer rolls- and you’ll likely be given a pack to take home so you can recreate the dishes for your friends. If you have a travel blog, you’ll definitely want to write about the city’s museums: the War Remnants Museum offers some serious reminders of the grim recent past for many local people, while Lam Son Square’s colonial French architecture (and great cocktails at the chi-chi Hotel Continental) are a must-see. A travel companion means you’ll have more fun while you take it all in, while a visit to the Thien Hau Pagoda will definitely remind you that you aren’t in Kansas anymore.

 

Find your female travel companion for your next trip to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with our app Tourlina

 

A Ho Chi Minh City tour:

Municipal Theatre in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City
Scooter traffic in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Scooter traffic in Ho Chi Minh City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Pagoda in Ho-Chi-Minh-City
Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
Woman produces sugar cane juice
Woman produces sugar cane juice
Yummy! Sugar cane juice!
Yummy! Sugar cane juice!
Market impressions
Market impressions

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