March has almost arrived and with it comes excitement and anticipation for what the rest of this year has in store. That said, rather than waiting to see where life takes you this year, how about you start planning your 2021 adventure right away? In case you have never been to Asia but always wanted to experience the far east, now’s the right time to start planning your Asian escapade. After all, 2020 was a difficult year for us all, so in 2021 you want to pursue happiness by visiting all those places you couldn’t go to because of the pandemic.

The good thing is that the Asian countries have done a great job at stifling the pandemic throughout the last year, and nowadays it’s pretty safe to travel there. So, if you’re looking to take care of yourself in 2021, perhaps a grand Asian escapade is in order. Here is your guide to traveling safely and comfortably across the Asian continent as a solo female traveler.

Research the local cultures

Every amazing trip abroad starts with diligent research, and if you want to organize a memorable Asian escapade this year, then you need to get on your computer and start learning about the peoples, cultures, and destinations you’re going to visit. This is not just about creating an itinerary or figuring out which places you’re going to visit, this is about learning about and preparing yourself for the local cultures and the local way of life.

Mind you, visiting the Asian countries can be quite a cultural shock for most people, especially if you’re traveling in from across the globe. The last thing you want is to land in an unfamiliar country with its own culture and heritage and do something to offend the locals or seem completely out of place.

If you want the real Asian experience, you want to blend in and experience the local way of life. To that end, begin by researching the local customs, and find out what it means to act politely among locals, and be sure to write down a few key phrases in every local language.

Plan your destinations well in advance

As you’re researching the continent and noting down every point of interest that you might want to visit in person, you will quickly realize that Asia is far too expensive to be experienced in a single trip. If you want to have a memorable trip and soak in everything that the destination has to offer, then you need to spend more than a couple of days there. This means that you need to prioritize your post-COVID travels to Asia.

Of course, the destinations you’re going to visit are completely up to you and your unique preferences, but a mix of urban exploration and natural sightseeing is always a great idea. You’ll want to visit those bustling urban gems like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Hanoi, and the like, but you also want to bask in the beauty of the Mekong Delta, lounge on the beaches of Thailand, and venture into the Chinese countryside for that traditional cultural experience.

Choosing safe and comfortable accommodation

By far, the most important consideration you need to take to heart is booking the right accommodation well in advance. The countries of Southeast Asia are filled to the brim with all types of accommodation, but not all the popular stays are right for a solo female traveler. You need to emphasize safety and comfort in your search to find the best accommodation possible.

For example, Hong Kong is a destination you mustn’t miss on this trip, but it can be difficult to find the right accommodation due to so many different options. Currently, you’ll find that the new service apartments in Hong Kong are most popular among female travelers because they are located in safe neighborhoods, boast on-site security, and are completely managed for you. It’s important to find accommodation where you can truly relax and let someone else take care of everything, so be sure to look for this type of stay throughout your Southeast Asian travels.

Stay connected throughout your travels

It should go without saying that a solo female traveler needs to stay connected throughout her travels, especially when you’re traveling to such faraway places. Make sure to notify your friends and family, and the local police station of where you’re going and how best to reach you.

You might want to go off the grid, but you definitely need to stay in touch with the outside world, because there is a big difference between wants and needs. Buy a local SIM card and bring a portable Wi-Fi hotspot so that you can always call for help and stay in touch with people if need be. What’s more, be sure to stay in places with excellent reception and internet coverage.

Adhere to the COVID-prevention measures

Last but not least, Southeast Asia might be safe now for international travelers, but that doesn’t mean that there is no risk of catching the virus. Luckily, some of the top hospitality trends in 2021 include a higher emphasis on hygiene and COVID-prevention across the travel and hospitality sectors, so rest assured that the local stays and public services will do everything in their power to keep you safe.

Wrapping up

The last year was a difficult one, and most of us didn’t get a chance to travel anywhere farther than the grocery store. This year, however, things will be different, so start planning your grand trip to Southeast Asia and embark on an unforgettable trip.