Elizabeth_Reading

Im a female in my mid 50's and would like to travel to asia, Thailand, Vietnam, cambodia, Singapore and wherever my travels take me. How safe is it and am I being naieve. Can anyone offer me advice or details of their own experiences. If there are any other people out there thinking of doing something similar and are looking for companions maybe thats another avenue to explore. All comments appreciated.

Kathie

I don't know where you are from but all of those places are likely safer than where you are from. Keep your wits about you, of course, and use common sense.

It is easy to travel solo and independently in all of those places.

thursdaysd

I'm older than you (and female) and have traveled solo in much of Asia. As Kathie says, no need to worry. You don't need a companion.

For my trips, aside from TRs here, see wilhelmswords.com and mytimetotravel.wordpress.com

MmePerdu

I usually travel on my own including in Asia. I enjoy the prospect of going where I want to go when I want to go there and not making serious compromises in one's enjoyment of a place because you're traveling with an imperfect match for a companion. The one time I accepted a request from a woman I didn't know who wanted to come along it turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes of my traveling life. Her aim was to save money, not to be a good companion and it was a wretched experience start to finish. So, needless to say, I can recommend going on your own. I cannot recommend the company of a complete stranger.

On the other hand, years ago I invited a woman from an online travel forum to come along on a short trip to Morocco after we'd corresponded by email for a time and talked numerous times on the phone. We now spend weeks together every year, she from the UK and I'm American. So it can work well when you investigate thoroughly and make an informed decision.

But failing a good match in a travel partner, don't hesitate to go on your own. You'll be pleased, I think, to discover how you can rely on yourself for your own best company.

simpsonc510

I'm also older than you, also female, and I've travelled solo to Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Solo travel has its advantages.

lcuy

I've travelled solo in Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore many times and just returned from Bangkok, Siem Reap and Laos. Traveled twice with other women in Vietnam.

I feel a lot safer in all those countries than I do when traveling to big cities in the US or Europe.

kuluk

Ahh...glad we are all in such good company! Age is just a number. It has no bearing on your ability to travel or enjoyment of it. Health on the other hand, is fleeting and I have learned to try to maximize the time I have when I can travel on my own two feet.

I have been living, working and travelling solo in Asia for almost 20 years. Have not regretted a minute of it...ok. maybe a few seconds when I would give anything for fresh peaches or cherries!

Solo is the way to go, unless of course you are travelling with people who are already good friends and fit your travelling style. Have you ever heard the expression "It's better to be alone than to WISH you were"..?

If you stay on the main tourist trails, travel in those countries you mention is as easy as visiting any other first world country in my opinion. It's when you get out into countryside that conditions are more challenging. However, Singapore is more modern and convenient than most if not all of the American cities and Thailand is just a smidge behind. Cambodia and Vietnam are still third world countries but for the highlight areas it's sooo easy and convenient, even modern, many of the people you will meet speak english, transportation is easy, hotels of a very good standard, etc. This is assuming you will be travelling above the low end backpacker standard.

As for safety, what exactly are you worried about? Take the proper precautions like mosquito repellent, immunizations, travel insurance, a sense of humor and you should be fine.

One more bit, here in Indonesia, the TV shows feature crime reports from America and the UK and friends of mine here are afraid because they think they will get shot or beaten by vicious Western natives! I met a couple from the UK once (during the IRA days) and they thought I was brave to visit Los Angeles because of the danger of bombs going off! All this to show you that dangers are usually magnified when you are outside of a country. Once you get there you see what the real situation is like!

Hope you have a wonderful trip(s).

silverwool

You'll be fine. Take the normal precautions you would at home. Don't go down dark alleys, don't flash huge rolls of notes in markets etc. If you want to do the backpacker thing in Cambodia its fine. The Arboretum Guesthouse we stayed at in Siem Reap last year was under $20 a night and very comfortable. Your own shower, toilet, air con etc and, most importantly extremely clean. It also has very friendly owners and staff.

If you want to get out into the countryside in Cambodia, Battangbang is highly recommended.

One advantage of traveling on your own is that you get to meet a lot more people but on your terms. If you don't want to interact you don't have to.

lincasanova

I agree with everyone. I would go back ALONE in a minute to Asia. I WOULD be more careful in the evening, just because darkness kind of "gets me" when I am walking alone in quiet areas anywhere.

Luckily, taxis, tuk tuks and private drivers are so inexpensive you can be accompanied anytime you feel the urge.

Elizabeth_Reading

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply you have made me feel much more confident about travelling alone. Time to start working out the fine details now and who knows we may bump into each other on the way. x

Wonkyknee

I have been travelling alone all over the world for the past 6 years and so far it has been a most wonderful experience. I go off the beaten track - hire local guides to enhance my experiences - have met marvellous people along the way and am now in the process of organising a six-week solo trip to China - my biggest challenge to date. It helps to have an optimistic outlook on life but do some planning, and not leave EVERYTHING to chance. Thanks to the people on this forum I have thoroughly enjoyed my escapades along the way - they gave me the courage to go for it!!

Elizabeth_Reading

Sounds fantastic, I have plenty of time to plan my trip as i am not thinking of going until the end of the year so thank you so much for your encouragement.

Amy

Here's a link to some reading you may like: http://www.fodors.com/community/trav...collection.cfm

In Asia, I've traveled alone to China, http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...s-in-china.cfm Vietnam,http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...d-far-away.cfm and India;http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...rip-report.cfm it was fantastic! I love solo travel, but this year I'm planning on fun in a different way with a trip to Australia with my 3 nieces.