Category: FAQs

Southeast Asia is a vibrant and diverse region. Although there are some seedy areas in certain cities, the nightlife and activities available to visitors are not as pervasive as some may imagine. I’ve been living and working around Southeast Asia for 15 years and have gotten to know many expats and locals. I’m all too familiar with the myths and rumors surrounding the various areas, but I can assure you that a lot of it is outdated, exaggerated, or simply imagined.

Thailand is by far the most popular destination in Southeast Asia and it has the most developed shady nightlife industry. Bangkok and Pattaya are the sites of most of the seedy activities, but it’s important to note that these activities are mostly located in particular areas. If you avoid these areas, you won’t see any of it. I’ve taken my Filipina girlfriend to Thailand several times and we’ve never had any bad experiences. We’ve never witnessed any rude behavior by western men.

The Philippines has a few seedy bars and nightlife areas in Makati and other parts of the city, but it’s nothing compared to Bangkok or Pattaya. Ho Chi Minh City has some seedy places, but you’re unlikely to encounter western men in these areas. Cambodia is a bit of a wildcard, but overall the nightlife is not as pervasive as in Bangkok or Pattaya.

To sum it up, Southeast Asia is a wonderful and unique destination. Although there are some seedy areas in certain cities, the activities available to visitors are not as pervasive as some may imagine. If you’re looking for a safe and enjoyable experience, you can have it. Just be mindful of the areas to avoid and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

I’m currently in Bangkok, and it’s a bit of a shock to be honest. Everywhere I go, I see old white guys who are completely out of shape, hanging out with one, two or sometimes even three local women who are dressed in sexy outfits. It’s clear what kind of relationship they have, and it’s not a pleasant sight.

In the bars, it’s the same story. You see these old, out-of-shape white guys drinking and surrounded by young, local women. On the street, there are more women looking for a lonely old white guy who had no chance back home. It’s a sad reminder of the power imbalance and exploitation that is so sadly intertwined with sex tourism.

These old guys fly to Thailand to take advantage of young, desperate women; many of them have no choice or are desperately poor. You don’t see old, out-of-shape Thai guys flying to Sweden to find young, beautiful blonde Swedish girls. So it’s pretty obvious what’s going on here.

It’s hard to avoid this kind of thing in the area I’m staying in. I went to a nice Thai place for dinner recently, and sure enough, there was an old guy with two women totally fixated on him. And nearby there were more old white guys in a bar, surrounded by young women.

It’s a heavy thing to witness on vacation, but it’s a reminder of the reality of the world. Yes, sex tourism is an issue and there is exploitation involved, but it’s a complex issue that needs to be addressed in a way that takes all sides into account. It’s not something that can be easily solved, but it’s something that needs to be discussed and understood.

Tipflation, taxes, and fees hidden in hotel prices have become a common way of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. Whether it’s tipping, Ticketmaster fees, or hotels, it’s frustrating to know the price you saw when you searched for a hotel is not the same amount you’ll be charged when you actually book the room.

So why is this happening? It’s not hard to understand. Hotels want to make sure their prices are competitive so they advertise a lower rate than the true cost. Unfortunately, this means that when you go to check out, you’ll be met with a whole host of fees and taxes that weren’t included in the price you originally saw.

This could easily be fixed if Google and major booking services verified all prices and included the total in their search results. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, and customers are often left trying to do the math and figure out the real cost of their hotel room.

To avoid this, one of the best things you can do is search for reviews of the hotel you’re interested in on TripAdvisor. Often, customers will mention any additional fees they were charged and you can use this to make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can also try using a VPN to pretend you’re browsing from a country that requires taxes and fees to be displayed up front.

It’s clear that taxes, fees, and tipflation have become a way of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s not annoying. If you do your research and read reviews, you can make sure you’re not hit with any hidden costs.

I’m tired of living the same mundane life every day and I’m ready to take the plunge and go on an adventurous journey. I’ve saved up some money and I’m all set to explore the world with nothing but a backpack, a laptop, a camera, and a few clothes. I have no debt, no kids, and no one to keep me here, so it’s time to take the risk and set out. But I’m wondering, has anyone else done something like this? How did it turn out for them?

I recently came across a story of someone who decided to do just that. He sold his business, got divorced, and strapped on a backpack, ready to explore the world. Fast forward to 10 years later, and he is still travelling. He said that he doesn’t regret a single thing about his decision, and would definitely recommend it to anyone else. He did mention, however, that explaining the gap in his CV wasn’t a pleasant experience.

Another person I read about made a drastic change in their life and decided to travel to Thailand after their father passed away. They booked a one-way flight and never looked back, saying it was the best decision they had ever made.

So if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take a break from your current lifestyle, why not go for it? You may have to explain the gap in your CV, but it’s definitely worth it. Who knows, you might just end up in Thailand four months later!

I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about 1/2 mile down the highway. I was relieved, exhausted, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus and the driver was like “What the hell man? You wanted to get on the bus or what?” and I was able to get back on.

We all have fears of something that can ruin our travels. From lost passports, stolen phones, and missed flights, to getting injured, things can go wrong in an instant. I recently had a “near miss” while solo travelling that really put this into perspective for me.

I was on a bus from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Almaty, Kazakhstan. We had gone through the border just fine, and we were on the last stretch of the journey. We stopped at a gas station about two hours away from our destination for a break, and I took the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and use the restroom. Little did I know, this detour would almost ruin my trip.

When I came out of the restroom, I realized the bus had left without me. Panicked, I raced out the door and saw the bus was already heading down the highway. I frantically shouted and broke into a full-on sprint after it, screaming “STOP! STOP!” I was about to give up when I noticed the bus had stopped about half a mile down the road. I was exhausted, relieved, and in a state of disbelief. I ran down the highway and caught up to the bus, and the driver was understandably confused. Somehow, I had made it back on the bus, and the rest of my journey went by without a hitch.

My near-miss experience was a stark reminder of how quickly things can go wrong when you’re travelling solo. While it’s impossible to avoid every potential disaster, being aware and prepared for the worst can go a long way. Before embarking on any solo trip, it’s important to research the destination, make safety copies of your passport and important documents, and inform a loved one of your travel plans. On the road, taking precautions like staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts can help keep you out of harm’s way.

No matter how prepared you are for a solo journey, it’s important to remember that unexpected things can happen. While it can be scary and frustrating to deal with a travel disaster, staying calm and resourceful can help make the best of any situation.

Traveling can be a hassle, but there are some useful hacks that can make the experience much more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a way to save space and energy while packing, consider investing in a liquid soap like Bronners or dish soap. Cut the soap into small, dry sponges, place them in a ziplock bag, and store them in your luggage. Not only are they lightweight and don’t count towards your liquids, but you can use them in hotel sinks to clean dishes, mugs, and utensils.

Another great travel hack is an elastic jump rope. You can buy one for a cheap price at any Euro store, and it can be used for a multitude of purposes. Take the rope, fold it in three, braid it, and tie a knot in the end. This rope can be used as a clothesline and can hook onto shower heads, curtain rods, or even chair backs. The rope is stretchy and can accommodate for any space, while the braids provide a great place to tuck a corner of your laundry without the need for clothespins. This is a great hack that will last you a long time; I’ve been using the one I bought in 2016 for every trip I’ve taken.

These two hacks are just the beginning. There are many more travel hacks out there that can make your experience much easier. Consider researching different hacks or talking to experienced travelers to learn more. With the right strategies, traveling can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

I stayed in hostels in Cancun and Oaxaca. I had a plan and told people where I was going and when I would return. I was careful to be aware of my surroundings and generally avoided dark alleys or streets. I asked locals and hostel staff about areas that may be unsafe.

I’m a 25-year-old who had always dreamed of going to Mexico for my birthday, so I decided to make it happen this year and travel solo. As my departure date draws near, however, I’m having second thoughts. Everywhere I look I see stories of cartel-related violence, and the thought of me being alone in a foreign country is making me very uneasy. I’ve heard people say that it’s not safe for a solo woman traveler, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true.

I recently went to Mexico by myself and took some simple precautions to keep myself safe. I rented a car and only drove during the day, on main roads and highways, and never alone at night. Whenever I wanted to drink, I made sure to do it during the day, in well-lit areas, and not alone. I stayed in hostels in Cancun and Oaxaca, and took care to be aware of my surroundings and avoid dark alleys and streets. I also made sure to tell people where I was going and when I would return, and asked locals and hostel staff about areas that may be unsafe.

The key to staying safe in Mexico as a solo woman traveler is to use common sense. If you’re aware of your surroundings, stick to main roads and highways, and make sure to tell people about your plans, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of violence. Mexico is an incredible country with a rich culture, and you don’t need to miss out on the chance to explore it. With the right precautions in place, you can still enjoy a safe and memorable trip.

Fellow travellers, have you ever come across something unexpected or cool at an airport that made you think “Wow, this is awesome!”? Well, here’s one example. During a layover in Narita Airport in Japan, I discovered the Transit and Stay program where local volunteers would take travelers with long layovers to explore the area. I got to experience the Goma Fire Ritual at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, which was amazing! You could also participate in tea ceremonies, or take a mini-tour further outside Narita. The tours usually last 3 hours, so it’s a great chance to get out of the airport and stretch your legs. Last year I had a layover in the Seoul airport and was too exhausted to find food. Imagine my surprise when a little robot wheeled up to me and offered – in eight different languages – to bring me a snack! All I had to do was enter the number of the bench I was sitting in and choose from a selection of snacks.

These are just some of the hidden gems I’ve discovered during my travels. I’m sure there are plenty more out there! So next time you have a layover, why not take some time to explore the area and see what you can find? You never know what kind of surprises you might discover – and who knows, you may even end up having a great time!

The hotel was also within walking distance to most of the attractions so I didn’t have to worry about transportation. In the end, it was such a peaceful and restful experience that I’ll never forget.

As a solo traveler, I’m always looking for the perfect balance between affordability and luxury. I don’t want to stay in a hostel or a dorm, but I also don’t want to break the bank on a 4 or 5 star hotel. Fortunately, it’s possible to find the perfect combination of both.

I’m in my early 20s, and I’ve been traveling solo for about 10 years. I’m not Jeff Bezos, but I’m also not going to settle for a hostel or dorm just to save a few bucks. I’m always looking for ways to get the best deal on a hotel, whether it’s through points, discount codes, or just sales.

I want to hear from fellow solo travelers like me who have had great experiences staying in a nice hotel. What were some of your favorite solo hotel experiences? Are there any upcoming trips you’re looking forward to?

Recently, I had a great experience staying at Hotel Mozart in Brussels. I caught a cold on the second day of my stay and had to call the front desk for help. Rather than just giving me directions to the nearest pharmacy, a staff member actually went to the pharmacy for me and picked up a few essentials. On top of that, the hotel was within walking distance to the city’s attractions so I didn’t have to worry about transportation. All in all, it was a peaceful and restful experience that I’ll never forget.

I’m sure there are other solo travelers out there who are looking for a luxurious yet affordable hotel experience, so I decided to start a subreddit for us! r/luxsolotravel is for those of us who are looking for a more luxurious solo travel experience. We can share our favorite hotels, trips, and tips for getting the best deals. So come join us and let’s start planning!

Going, formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, used to be a really great service. Many of us were grandfathered into a lower rate, and the deals often felt exclusive and like true deals. It was a great way to save money on airfare and book amazing trips.

But recently, it seems that Going has shifted its focus and is now sending out more branded editorial pieces and fewer actual deals. Today, for example, a “deal” for flights to Japan was sent out. The deal was $630, which is a great deal but the airline, Zipair, is basically the Spirit Airlines of US travel to Japan.

I used to get amazing deals for $600 on Ana Airlines from the US to Tokyo through Scott’s Cheap Flights. And while Going can’t control the deals, it seems like they are now just passing off normal rates as deals. Zipair has regular flights from the US to Tokyo for between 675 and 800 from almost all the time.

Does anyone else feel the same? Or am I being too critical? Also, does anyone know a better service to subscribe to?

It’s understandable that many people who were using Scott’s Cheap Flights to book amazing trips are now feeling let down. After all, who wants to pay regular prices for flights when you could be getting amazing deals? In the past, Going used to provide exclusive deals that made it worth subscribing to. But it seems like those deals are drying up.

I can say that as the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights and now Going, I take all feedback seriously and I’m committed to doing what I can to ensure that we’re providing the best service possible. I understand the disappointment that many of our customers may feel and I’m here to listen.

We are constantly working to improve the user experience and provide the best deals. As a way of showing our thanks for the loyalty of our customers, we are currently offering a limited time special on our subscriptions for a discounted price.

I strongly believe that Going is still the best service for finding amazing deals on flights, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. We are working hard to make sure that Going can continue to provide exclusive deals and offer amazing savings.

For those of you who are still on the fence, I encourage you to take advantage of the discounted subscription rate and give Going a try. You won’t be disappointed.

We understand that Going was once a great service for finding amazing deals, and we’re committed to bringing back that experience. We appreciate all the feedback and are doing our best to make sure Going lives up to its former glory. Thanks for being a longtime member and for your trust in us.