“Always go with the choice that scares you the most, because that’s the one thing that is going to require the most from you.”
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Thailand, what a trip, filled with surprises that left sparkles in my soul and memories I carry with me forever. I've had Thailand on my bucket list for years, a few of my good friends have been and I've only heard positive experiences. But like most of the things I do in life, including traveling across continents, my trips are always spontaneous. I almost never book a trip more than 3-5 days in advance. The fun of traveling for me is discovering the unknown and being spontaneous. The less I know about a destination the less expectations are set, therefore, everything is amusing and always a good time.
My partner and I were sitting at our cabin in the mountains, it's snowing outside, and we had just gotten back from a long trip in the states. I was not looking to pack up and get on a plane again, at least not for the next couple of months. Well they say "when the opportunity presents itself, you don't look at the clock" and I am definitely an example of someone who practices that moto. Interestingly enough I enjoy all 4 seasons, however, I often find myself running away from the cold. Maybe it's just the American cold winters that pierce through every inch of your body leaving you thirsty for sun and salty hair. I don't know, but as soon as I felt chills from the snow around me, my partner suggested I travel somewhere warm where I can unwind and reflect alone. Until today I tell him it was the best advice he has ever given me.
Me being my impulsive self, I quickly googled "where is the hottest place in the world now", this was in January 10, 2020, when Europe and the United States is smack in the middle of winter. Thailand, among a few other countries came up on my search. Without thinking twice I immediately contacted my travel agent and asked him to book a flight leaving on January 12, yup 2 days later. That meant that I had 24 hours to shop for summer attire (my summer wardrobe stays in our island home), book accomodation, transportation, and my itinerary. Now if you know me, planning stresses me out, I do not like to plan for myself. Planning and designing for others is a very different experience for me, I'm yet to figure out why but this is true!
So how did I manage to shop, pack, and create and itinerary in 24 hours? I did not! Matter of fact, I did not even attempt to. My primary concern was safety as it was my first solo trip in Asia. I read tons of blogs and watched videos of solo female travelers in Thailand. Everyone said it was the safest and most enjoyable place for solo female travelers, and girl, my experience was nothing short of that!
Oh before I forget to mention, this time period in Greece, nothing/nobody works. It's Christmas or New Years, I'm not sure what holiday was being celebrated but the country shuts down for 3 weeks in January therefore finding a store to shop, let alone summer fashion, was a challenge in itself. Nonetheless, I somehow managed to find 3 pairs of shorts, 3 tops, 2 swimsuits, a beach coverup, and a pair of sandals. That is all I packed in my carry-on suitcase which was so conveniently light in weight.
Now that my luggage was packed, where was I going to stay? Of course I searched for the best areas to stay in Bangkok. I often look for stays in central areas no more than an hour from the airport and in walking distance to food and attractions. In my search I found hundreds of options, some fancier than others, in areas that I could not even pronounce, and again I was hesitant on committing to a booking. I took a leap of faith and decided to book just one night at the V One Pride Hotel Sukhumvit 22 in the area of Sukhumvit, close to shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. I figured if I enjoyed my stay then I can stay another night until I figure out my next move.
Before I knew it, I was boarding my flight from Athens to Bangkok, my first destination in Thailand. As I sat in my seat enroute, it dawned on me that I have no idea where I am going, what i'll do, who I will meet, or what i'll eat. I have nothing or no one to lean on, it's just me roaming around Thailand. What do I want out of my trip? Why did I choose to travel alone for 16 days ? So many thoughts pondered, some of which scared me, while some were exciting. Most of all I found myself feeling challenged, and it is that very feeling that lead me to choose faith in the unknown. Faith in myself. Faith in the universe. Faith in society and all its factors. I challenged myself to trust my intuition and go with the flow. I will enter the vibration of which ever frequency makes my soul happy. I will follow the vibe, set the vibe, and share the vibe as I explore this beautiful land and its people. I wanted to feel and understand why an average of 40 million people annually visit Thailand. That's a lot of people! What is so special about Thailand? That's what I came to explore. Solo, and committed to having the best time, meeting new people, meeting a different sides of myself, trying new foods, connecting with nature, and maybe most importantly moving on my clock and desires.
Stay tuned, there's a lot more to come on to solo trip to Thailand. Stories, lessons, and recommendations!