Where are the best places for a woman to explore outside Europe and North America?
by Kiki Leigh
(California)
Thai Floating Market
I'm a 26-year-old travel junkie. Ever since I spent a semester in London, I have loved to travel abroad. In the past five years I've lived in four states and spent two years living in the Netherlands.
So far, my only trip outside North America or Europe was to Israel. I loved the sense of adventure there.
Where should I go next to feel like I'm really "out in the world" experiencing new ideas and ways of life ... but also safe?
Answer:
It sounds as though you're looking for something 'different' - so Australia and New Zealand might be too similar to what you're used to. I'd suggest Southeast Asia to start, more particularly Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, followed by Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore if you're still feeling trippy.
This part of the world is culturally diverse - you'll definitely feel a 'sense of adventure': much of the food will be unfamiliar, the people will behave (and often dress) differently, and the pace of life is more mellow. The smells may surprise you, and the wildlife certainly will. The scenery may at times remind you of a postcard you've pinned on your fridge with the note "someday"...
Southeast Asians tend to have a courteous culture, which will make solo travel easier and enhance your feeling of safety. I lived in this part of the world for several years and other than being approached for 'marriage proposals' by young men wanting to emigrate, safety as a solo woman was something I didn't often have to think about.
Also, I'd prefer to talk about 'safer' rather than 'safe' - because you can never guarantee safety, not even crossing the street in front of your house.
Any thoughts out there? Can you recommend other places a solo woman might feel comfortable in?
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