Solo Travellers/ Travelling Alone - your experiences (compiled)

[auri]

The above infographic is a bit misleading.....

 

"This year, Mercer also provides a separate ranking on personal safety, which analyses cities’ internal stability; crime levels; law enforcement; limitations on personal freedom; relationships with other countries and freedom of the press. “Personal safety is the cornerstone of stability in any city, without which business and talent cannot thrive,” it says."

 

That's why Singapore/HongKong/Taipei/Tokyo are not up there in terms of "personal safety"

Nordic cities are safe, yes, but questionable whether they are safer than some Asian cities

[Guest Guest]

So people who don't believe in LKY must all believe that Amsterdam is safe? People who believe in LKY must all think that Amsterdam is unsafe? 

 

 

OK lor... Let you win. No time to argue with old man. 

 

 

[Guest pick pockets]

Bugis has been famous for pickpockets.

Now with the rather changed design it might have got better.

 

In a country with controlled media, it is very easy to keep out things from the news.

Do we have any statistics about pick pockets and cheats happening in Singapore?

 

My expat customer just came to my office 2 days ago and told that his wallet was stolen on Orchard when he went for dinner to the shopping mall at Paragon.

 

Man arrested for alleged pickpocket attempt at AMK Hub taxi stand

Feb 16, 2019, 10:22 pm SGT

SINGAPORE -  A 51-year-old man was arrested for an alleged pickpocketing attempt at a taxi stand at AMK Hub on Thursday afternoon (Feb 14), the police said on Monday.

In videos sent to citizen journalism website Stomp on Friday, a man could be seen taking a wallet out of another man's pocket as they waited in line for a taxi.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/police-investigating-pickpocketing-attempt-at-amk-hub-taxi-stand

 

 

Singapore is the safest country in Asia. Violent crimes against tourists almost don’t exist. The top list of crimes in Singapore leads petty crimes, including pickpocketing. It does occur at the airport, areas frequently visited by tourists and public transport. The main area of concern for a newcomer is scams.

 

Police arrest gang who pickpocket shoppers along Orchard Road

23 December, 2017

SINGAPORE — The police have arrested three women who allegedly worked as a team to pickpocket unsuspecting shoppers along Orchard Road.

The victims in the three separate cases of theft reported that items such as wallets and a mobile phone were stolen from their bags at malls along the shopping belt on Thursday (Dec 21).

[Guest pick pockets]

Outsmart the pickpocket: How to travel safely

The Straits Times

Oct 02, 2016

 

Travellers are easy prey for pickpockets, but being vigilant in a foreign land goes a long way to not losing your possessions

In 2012, on the first night of engineer Ng Chee Keong's holiday in Bangkok, when he was walking back to his hotel, someone approached him with a bag of keropok.

 

Mr Ng, 35, kept saying no. But the man persisted, continuously pushing the bag of prawn crackers towards him.

 

Just as suddenly as he began, the man stopped, hopped onto a motorcycle driven by a friend nearby and left.

It was then that Mr Ng realised his $1,088 iPhone 5, which he kept in his front pocket, was gone.

He says: "While pushing the bag onto me, the culprit picked my pocket. I didn't feel it because of the pressure from the bag."

He is among many Singaporeans who are victims of theft and pickpockets while travelling overseas.

Although figures are not available, travel companies say such incidents are rampant.

Common items stolen include mobile phones, passports, cameras, wallets and purses.

Ms Jane Chang, 34, head of marketing communications at Chan Brothers Travel, says: "Theft is one of the more common crimes faced by Singaporeans abroad.

"They happen everywhere - from America to Europe to Asia - especially around tourist areas, town squares, bustling shopping districts and crowded trains."

Cities in Spain, Italy and France are most frequently brought up as places where tourists need to be on their guard.

Tour companies have plenty of stories.

Last year, a Singaporean man, while trying on a shirt in a factory outlet store in Madrid, placed his bag on the floor next to the display shelves. Within seconds, the bag - containing his passport and cash - was gone.

In June this year, a Singaporean woman was queuing for tax refunds at Barcelona Airport. While looking at her documents, she left her sling bag unzipped. She soon found her passport and purse missing from her bag.

Ms Alicia Seah, 51, director of public relations and communications at Dynasty Travel, says that from her understanding, about 300 pickpocket incidents are reported in the city of Barcelona every day.

"Singaporeans can be easy prey for predatory pickpockets, especially because coming from Singapore, a 'safe haven', we can sometimes take safety for granted.

"We might leave our bag on the floor or on unoccupied seats - unattended - and it can be an easy target for theft."

The agents note that pickpockets sometimes operate in syndicates, with one person distracting the victim while another commits the crime.

Minors are sometimes involved in these syndicates as well, notes Ms Chang.

"Victims are generally not as suspicious of children. And when caught, minors also cannot be held by the authorities," she adds.

Her advice? Do not keep all your valuables in one place. Sling your crossbody pouch in front of you and stay away from strangers and crowded areas.

Thankfully, there are also careful - or just lucky - travellers who have never had anything stolen from them.

Mr David Chang, 64, who owns a textiles company, has been travelling three or four times annually for the last 30 years, but has never been a victim of theft.

 

This, he says, is because he is extremely careful with his valuables.

He keeps his passport in the hotel safe and carries a photocopy of the document to identify himself.

The trousers he wears have deep pockets and he carries a thick wallet that cannot be easily removed.

Only half of his cash goes into his wallet. The rest is spread out in other pockets.

"I don't let strangers come close to me and I don't entertain random requests to fill in surveys or take photos."

He adds: "When travelling, it is easy to throw caution to the wind, especially when you see something exciting. But because you are in a foreign country, it is important to be vigilant at all times."

Guarding against pickpockets

•Never leave belongings unattended. Even at a cafe or restaurant, keep things on your lap or wrap the bag strap around your leg. Do not leave your bag at the side of the chair or at your feet. Get into the habit of looking behind you whenever you get up to leave a place.

•Separate your sources of money. Keep credit cards or cash in different places, preferably not all in one wallet, and on yourself. This way, even if something gets stolen, you still have alternatives to fall back on.

• Do not keep your wallet or purse in your back pocket. Keep it in your front pocket or in a properly zipped bag.

• Sling your crossbody pouches in front so that they are constantly in view.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and watches. Keep your camera in a bag when you are not using it. Displaying expensive items makes you a target for thieves.

• Stay away from strangers and crowded areas. Do not give money to beggars or people on the street - you will need to take your wallet or purse out to do so.

In case of an emergency

• Jot down essential emergency phone numbers, such as those of the local police and the international contact number of your bank in case you need to cancel your cards.

• Scan and photocopy all important documents, such as travel documents, passport, driver's licence, visa, credit/debit cards and ATM cards. Keep a hard copy and e-mail the soft copy to yourself and someone else. This way, your documents will not go missing even if your bags do. In the event you lose your cards, it will be easier to get them replaced if you have a copy in hand.

• Buy comprehensive travel insurance. For example, XX offers personal accident and travel inconvenience insurance coverage of up to $1 million when cardmembers buy air tickets with any XX Miles card.

• Carry at least two credit cards while travelling. Leave one card in the hotel's safe deposit box in case of an emergency.

• Notify your bank of your travel destination prior to each trip and adjust your credit card limit accordingly. Following which, you can set mobile alerts for a pre-determined transaction limit so you will be notified each time a transaction hits above the pre-set limit.

• Write down your bank account number so that you can withdraw cash if there is a local branch at your destination.

• Find out your bank's policies on the replacement of cards. For example, how soon can a credit/debit/ATM card be replaced? Can you collect the replacement card at a local branch?

• Register overseas travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate contact in case of an emergency.

If you are pickpocketed

If you are mugged, hand over your belongings and walk away. Cooperate with the assailant and do not try to do anything heroic. Your safety is most important.

If your credit/debit cards are stolen

Call the banks to cancel the stolen cards immediately to prevent transactions being made on the card. After that, file a police report at the closest police station.

For XX cards, the bank says a dispute form has to be filed if there are unauthorised transactions.

The disputed transactions will be investigated through the police report, dispute form and interview with the customer.

The bank will liaise with these parties to obtain more details and much of the investigation outcome will depend on the level of details provided by the police or customer.

Under normal circumstances, an investigation case involving stolen cards takes about seven working days to conclude.

If your passport is stolen

Make a police report in the foreign country and request a copy of the report or an acknowledgement slip or receipt.

If these are not available, get the report number, as well as the name and location of the police station.

Report the loss to the nearest Singapore overseas mission with the relevant supporting documents.

Under the Passports Act, the loss of a Singapore passport has to be reported within 14 days of the loss. Notwithstanding, it is strongly advised to report the loss immediately.

Collect a document of identity from the Singapore overseas mission, which will facilitate your return to Singapore.

Upon your return, apply for a replacement passport in person at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority building.

If your identity card is stolen A police report is required as you are a victim of crime.

You must also report the loss to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and apply for a replacement in person.$4,000 charged to my stolen credit cards within an hour

 

$4,000 charged to my stolen credit cards within an hour

For two hours in Russia, I had no passport, no wallet and no credit cards.

I was pickpocketed in St Petersburg during a month-long trip from Istanbul to Dublin in April and May. And it ruined the whole trip.

On the morning of my second last day in the city, my travel companion and I had boarded a crowded public bus on our way to breakfast.

After paying with a bus pass, I slotted it into my travel pouch, which also contained my wallet and passport. I then slipped the pouch into my shoulder bag, zipped it up from front to back - leaving the zipper puller behind me - and slung it over my shoulder.

Mistake No. 1: I did not wear the travel pouch. Reason: Wearing it can be mildly uncomfortable because of its weight.

Mistake No. 2: I left the zipper puller behind me. Reason: I am lazy and it is just easier to zip the bag from front to back.

No surprise as to what happened next. As I stood, looking at my phone and deciding what delicious tart to eat for breakfast, a pickpocket unzipped my bag and removed my pouch.

I had no idea what had happened until I saw a bus conductor come onboard two stops later. I reached for my pouch and found it missing.

Immediately, I panicked. I looked around. The other passengers did not appear suspicious.

Who was the culprit? Was he or she still on the bus? I did not know.

In those first few seconds, I stood shocked, at a loss of what to do. But I knew I had to react. And quickly.

I alerted my travel companion, got off the bus and we ran back to our hostel for help.

My mobile phone - which, thankfully, was still with me - had a Russian SIM card which could not make calls to Singapore.

While running, a million thoughts raced through my head. I had no passport, no wallet, no credit cards - what was I going to do? Could I continue the trip? How would I get home?

Reaching the hostel, I immediately informed the Singapore embassy in Russia that my passport was lost.

My passport, I thought, was the most valuable item - news reports say a Singapore passport can command $30,000 to $50,000 on the black market - and should be reported first.

But while I was on the phone with the embassy, the pickpocket was apparently swiping my credit cards.

By the time I called the banks to cancel my cards, the culprit had already charged more than $4,000 to them - $3,000 at a grocery store and $1,000 at a beauty salon.

My third call was to the Russian police. They could not speak English, but a staff from my hostel helped me report the lost items.

An hour later, a policeman called, asking us to meet him in a police car below the hostel. He took my statement in the car.

After this was done, he opened his glove compartment and - to my surprise - took out my pouch and handed it to me. My wallet was gone but my passport was there. The thief apparently took the cash and charged my cards, but decided to leave the passport and pouch in a McDonald's outlet, where the staff handed it to the police.

I was lucky. If the thief had taken my passport, I would have had to cancel the rest of the trip and return to Singapore.

I had enough cash to continue my trip and I never felt so relieved in my life.

When I returned to Singapore, I entered into disputes with the banks which issued my credit cards and these took four months to resolve.

Thankfully, I did not have to pay for the unauthorised transactions.

The final damage? About $800 of long-distance phone calls to report the loss of my items, get them replaced and assist with investigations.

Although I have travel insurance, it does not cover phone calls for non-medical emergencies.

Looking back, the whole experience was a lot of trouble because of one moment's carelessness.

I have learnt my lesson. The next time I travel, I will make sure I wear my travel pouch at all times, however uncomfortable it is.

[Guest Guest]

32 minutes ago, Guest pick pockets said:

Bugis has been famous for pickpockets.

Now with the rather changed design it might have got better.

 

In a country with controlled media, it is very easy to keep out things from the news.

Do we have any statistics about pick pockets and cheats happening in Singapore?

 

My expat customer just came to my office 2 days ago and told that his wallet was stolen on Orchard when he went for dinner to the shopping mall at Paragon.

 

Man arrested for alleged pickpocket attempt at AMK Hub taxi stand

Feb 16, 2019, 10:22 pm SGT

SINGAPORE -  A 51-year-old man was arrested for an alleged pickpocketing attempt at a taxi stand at AMK Hub on Thursday afternoon (Feb 14), the police said on Monday.

In videos sent to citizen journalism website Stomp on Friday, a man could be seen taking a wallet out of another man's pocket as they waited in line for a taxi.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/police-investigating-pickpocketing-attempt-at-amk-hub-taxi-stand

 

 

Singapore is the safest country in Asia. Violent crimes against tourists almost don’t exist. The top list of crimes in Singapore leads petty crimes, including pickpocketing. It does occur at the airport, areas frequently visited by tourists and public transport. The main area of concern for a newcomer is scams.

 

Police arrest gang who pickpocket shoppers along Orchard Road

23 December, 2017

SINGAPORE — The police have arrested three women who allegedly worked as a team to pickpocket unsuspecting shoppers along Orchard Road.

The victims in the three separate cases of theft reported that items such as wallets and a mobile phone were stolen from their bags at malls along the shopping belt on Thursday (Dec 21).

 

http://www.traveller.com.au/worlds-top-10-worst-cities-for-pickpockets-gl27

 

Where is Singapore on this list? And Amsterdam？The list came from TripAdvisor hor. Not fabricated hearsay one, ok? 

[lonelyglobe]

The problem in sg is that everyone think is safe and thus neglect some common sense and not alert enough.

 

"Low crime doesn't mean no crime" applied to any country on earth.

[Guest pick pockets]

13 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

 

http://www.traveller.com.au/worlds-top-10-worst-cities-for-pickpockets-gl27

 

Where is Singapore on this list? And Amsterdam？The list came from TripAdvisor hor. Not fabricated hearsay one, ok? 

 

Traveller is the essential resource for Australians who love to travel, published daily online and every Saturday and Sunday in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, the Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age. We are dedicated to providing the best travel advice by offering the perfect mix of inspirational content and comprehensive destination guides with things to do and places to stay. Most importantly, Traveller is your daily escape to dream destinations. Be transported to the wild Kimberley Coast of Western Australia or a sun lounge on the Cote d’Azur in France, with a mimosa in hand. So, what are you still doing here? Start searching for your next holiday.

Note: Quoted prices, websites and details on Traveller articles are correct at the time of publication.

 

 

They probably rated the list by the top destinations for Australians. Probably not representative.

 

I don't understand your referral to tripadvisor in the previous post.

 

But I don't know how to get that Mercer list for all countries. Only shows the map that Tomcat posted... Maybe have to buy it online.

 

I posted above to point out that theft can happen in Singapore as well, because some guys here seem to pretend that Singapore is 100% travel safe, which is not true.

[Guest Guest]

56 minutes ago, Guest pick pockets said:

I don't understand your referral to tripadvisor in the previous post.

 

First paragraph of the article at http://www.traveller.com.au/worlds-top-10-worst-cities-for-pickpockets-gl27#ixzz5rCzvFN2S reads : "Where there are tourists, there are people seeking to exploit them, with travel website TripAdvisor coming up with a list of the top 10 places worldwide to be especially aware of pickpockets."

 

[quanjishou]

the content like a bit deviate from the title.  i suppose pickpocket can happen regardless if u are travelling alone or not.

i was in a group in portugal, where a japanese got pickpocket. so nothing to do with whether u are alone or not.

why not just take about things that are more related to the title?

[Guest Thomas Didymuz Toh]

Travelling alone is good.

because

no one to slow you down on what you like to do.

no one to judge you on which go-go to off 

no one to dictate what you should be eating 

no one to report to if you want to go sauna 

 

[Sh3rlock]

The safety of the solo traveler is directly proportional to how street smart he is. 

Take care, keep well and stay safe...

[tomcat]

10 hours ago, quanjishou said:

the content like a bit deviate from the title.  i suppose pickpocket can happen regardless if u are travelling alone or not.

i was in a group in portugal, where a japanese got pickpocket. so nothing to do with whether u are alone or not.

why not just take about things that are more related to the title?

Thank you, It is about the pros and cons of travelling alone.

 

While personal safety is a always a concern, not sure why the big picture is lost on some people and they get fixated on trying to win small arguments. 

 

1 hour ago, Sh3rlock said:

The safety of the solo traveler is directly proportional to how street smart he is. 

Exactly! Those who are smart & cool-headed will survive most sticky situations that presents itself whilst travelling.

 

That said, I would say some Singaporeans are at a demerit - even in the travel threads of this forum, you are able to see that they want to be spoonfed all the way - what to do, how to go, who to trust, "please provide me full itinerary" etc etc.

 

First, the level of entitlement is problematic. Second, laziness to do own research, still waiting for teacher to give answers. Third, no sense of adventure.

 

These are the long term effects of being raised in a safe country, and taught to be kiasu, kiasee and whatever else. And somehow when I mention LKY, they flinch and get triggreed. They fail to see how closely they have been moulded to his ideals.

And they miss completely the point of being part of a forum, when they cannot stand to be challenged or be presented with differing information.

 

oh dear Singaporeans...

 

 

 

 

Edited June 19, 2019 by tomcat

[Guest Guest]

5 hours ago, tomcat said:

not sure why the big picture is lost on some people and they get fixated on trying to win small arguments. 

 

...  yah lor.. why you get so fixated trying to win small arguments? You should be asking yourself that question.

[tomcat]

27 minutes ago, Guest Guest said:

 

...  yah lor.. why you get so fixated trying to win small arguments? You should be asking yourself that question.

Are you the same flusterred guest, or is this another troll guest obsessed with Tomcat??  *confused*

By the way, it helps if you just reply to posts and comments directed at you. Otherwise, it just creates more confusion, and shows you can't get over what people are saying about you.

That is a sign of weak character there. Oops! 

 

It's not that I don't want to give you anymore attention, butI have self restrain, and I choose to exercise it. 

So the only merit of this post is for me to remind you get back and stay on topic.

 

 

[Guest Guest]

48 minutes ago, tomcat said:

Are you the same flusterred guest, or is this another troll guest obsessed with Tomcat??  *confused*

By the way, it helps if you just reply to posts and comments directed at you. Otherwise, it just creates more confusion, and shows you can't get over what people are saying about you.

That is a sign of weak character there. Oops! 

 

It's not that I don't want to give you anymore attention, butI have self restrain, and I choose to exercise it. 

So the only merit of this post is for me to remind you get back and stay on topic.

 

 

 

[tomcat]

On 6/5/2019 at 12:31 AM, tinkymale said:

I go on single trip annually to countries for marathons and holidays. I like travelling alone as I can plan where I want to go without the need to care. Along the trips, I make new friends and they becomes my friend eventually. So now if I visit the country again, I’ll have a local to bring me around. However, given my age, I prefer to stay in proper hotel rather than Airbnb or hostel.

Yup This is a good way of making friends in every country.

And I always remember to repay the favour also when they come over to visit, with a room at my place for them to stay if its available.

 

One of the benefits of travelling and revisiting a country where you have friends means that they might take you in too.

 

Just 10 years ago, couchsurfing was so popular, but there was a risk of danger sometimes.

 

But when I stay with a friend, there is a peace of mind, and also get to enjoy all the sites/places that locals enjoy too!

 

I can get a local experience, which is something I prefer over hotel and just doing touristy things!

 

 

[Guest Guest]

Will be doing my solo travels to Manila. Any recommendation on what i should check out ? 

[HSukune]

On 8/13/2019 at 5:53 PM, Guest Guest said:

Will be doing my solo travels to Manila. Any recommendation on what i should check out ? 

where will you be staying?

[BusinessBi]

I also wish to find arrived travel buddies with same sex type, previously went with 2 ladies so we have problem going to certain places as they like to shop but guys do not shop a lot.

 

So still prefer to go with guy friends if possible.

[Guest Guest]

Anyone recommend male dorm hostel at KL? Will be there 6-8oct

[Guest Guest]

Where would u recommend to be a good place for gay scene ? i've been to Manila Thailand Philippines and Taiwan. Pretty good gay scene there. Heard japan is good as well.

 

Thing is i'm not really into sauna kind of fun but maybe if they have like good man shows or nude showers like those in thailand ? anybody have any idea maybe about cambodia or vietnam ?

[Sens079]

 

I started travelling a bit later in life — in my mid-30s. Now I’m 46. I’m curious to hear from others: should I keep exploring solo at this stage, or would it make more sense to try group or package tours?

 

Also, I’d love to connect with a few like-minded travellers — maybe a small group of us (fellow brothers) could plan a trip together sometime. 

Edited November 8, 2025 by Sens079

[sadnessluv]

some comparison between solo and package tours:

 

solo tour

1. solo trip requires at least some planning and research beforehand.

2. you are totally free to explore and discover places that you wish to go at your own pace and can decide yourself how long to stay there.

3. you have to be more alert during travels as you are alone.

4. you have to research the climate and decide what essentials to bring (e.g warm clothes? medicine?)

5. you need to research on the transportation available.

6. you can decide how long you want to sleep and wake up.

 

group/package tours

1. you just pick the tour package you like, pay and leave the rest to the tour agency.

2. places to go and duration are kind of fixed in the package.

3. usually group tour will have a briefing before the trip to tell you what to prepare.

4. some tour package includes shopping trips for items that you don't really wish to buy.

5. you just go along with the tour coach.

6. you usually need to wake up according to the time given.

 

Just a suggestion for solo trips, don't plan to go too many places at once in a day, it will be more relaxing that way.

[bxid]

Solo travelling gives you plenty of flexibility. You don't need to negotiate with anyone about the schedule.

 

Consider joining free walking tours in cities you visit, as it allows you to tour a city in a small group with a guide. Depending on the city you could book a couple of tours per day.

[yhtang]

On 11/8/2025 at 3:59 PM, Sens079 said:

 

Also, I’d love to connect with a few like-minded travellers — maybe a small group of us (fellow brothers) could plan a trip together sometime. 

 

This is contradictory.  Why would solo travellers want to travel together, albeit a small group?

 

I think getting together to discuss about places travelled and places to travel to, is a more likely scenario.

 

 

[youdoyou]

On 11/8/2025 at 3:59 PM, Sens079 said:

 

I started travelling a bit later in life — in my mid-30s. Now I’m 46. I’m curious to hear from others: should I keep exploring solo at this stage, or would it make more sense to try group or package tours?

 

Also, I’d love to connect with a few like-minded travellers — maybe a small group of us (fellow brothers) could plan a trip together sometime. 

I think there are several factors involved. For example, if it’s somewhere I can arrange transport and logistics without a whole lot of hassle, I’d go solo. If it’s a town or sight that requires a fair bit of time on the road, and a tour would be a quicker and easier option, I’d go with that. 

[youdoyou]

On 11/11/2025 at 10:33 PM, yhtang said:

 

This is contradictory.  Why would solo travellers want to travel together, albeit a small group?

 

I think getting together to discuss about places travelled and places to travel to, is a more likely scenario.

 

 

I think part of the fun of solo travel is to meet people along the way, whether through apps or a small group tour, which may not always be possible if you have travel companions.
 

Sure, the point of solo travel is for you to have your own time. But there would be moments when you’d wanna talk to someone. We’re social creatures after all. So small your groups give you that option to plug in and out if and when necessary.

[Vometra]

On 11/17/2025 at 7:21 PM, youdoyou said:

I think part of the fun of solo travel is to meet people along the way, whether through apps or a small group tour, which may not always be possible if you have travel companions.

 

Agree. As a solo traveller, you are far more inclined to interact with locals or fellow travellers than say traveling in a group, or worse, as a couple. I have had many good chats and encounters this way.

[yhtang]

On 11/17/2025 at 7:21 PM, youdoyou said:

I think part of the fun of solo travel is to meet people along the way, whether through apps or a small group tour, which may not always be possible if you have travel companions.
 

Sure, the point of solo travel is for you to have your own time. But there would be moments when you’d wanna talk to someone. We’re social creatures after all. So small your groups give you that option to plug in and out if and when necessary.

 

This makes sense.  Yes, travelling solo does opens the opportunities to talk to other solo travellers along the way. 

[davlim76]

On 11/8/2025 at 3:59 PM, Sens079 said:

 

I started travelling a bit later in life — in my mid-30s. Now I’m 46. I’m curious to hear from others: should I keep exploring solo at this stage, or would it make more sense to try group or package tours?

 

Also, I’d love to connect with a few like-minded travellers — maybe a small group of us (fellow brothers) could plan a trip together sometime. 

No turning back bro! I just came back from a last minute impromptu trip to Japan sort of my first real solo trip & I'm all eager to go on the next one. But that said, even as I can do solo trips I feel that a companion would have been perfect. Someone to make decisions together, or simply help me take pics! 

[Veloster]

1 hour ago, davlim76 said:

No turning back bro! I just came back from a last minute impromptu trip to Japan sort of my first real solo trip & I'm all eager to go on the next one. But that said, even as I can do solo trips I feel that a companion would have been perfect. Someone to make decisions together, or simply help me take pics! 

Yes and no ...with respect ...pre COVID I nvr enjoyed traveling alone and I do travel alot! But post COVID I enjoy traveling alone but yes with my closest buddy it is a lot of fun...but I don't enjoy group travels...it's too much a hassle...traveling with your closest buddy is awesome ..we both can be so liberated and be open and no pressure Abt doing this or that ..we know each other too well!

[davlim76]

3 minutes ago, Veloster said:

Yes and no ...with respect ...pre COVID I nvr enjoyed traveling alone and I do travel alot! But post COVID I enjoy traveling alone but yes with my closest buddy it is a lot of fun...but I don't enjoy group travels...it's too much a hassle...traveling with your closest buddy is awesome ..we both can be so liberated and be open and no pressure Abt doing this or that ..we know each other too well!

agree if u have a travel buddy whose preferences and interests are similar to yours. but sometimes is hard to coordinate schedules. so just go solo rather than wait & depend on someone else. i made that decision recently &  glad that i did.

[Veloster]

25 minutes ago, davlim76 said:

agree if u have a travel buddy whose preferences and interests are similar to yours. but sometimes is hard to coordinate schedules. so just go solo rather than wait & depend on someone else. i made that decision recently &  glad that i did.

Def agree with you and hence we usually plan ahead eg we already plan and make bookings already for two trips next year in April for HKG and Sept for BKK...not only we get to be tgt we get far better airfares and hotel rates and be able to also use my status for access to lounges etc becos I make the bookings under my status! Merry Christmas 🎄 🎁 

[cuddlebuddy10]

I recently did a first time solo travel! It was really a fresh experience. I did a 5D4N solo travel to Bangkok. 
 

I could do all the things I want to as a solo traveller, go to gay spas / gay friendly massage places / buy sexy notti undies… haha and I could host people (but didn’t haha)… 

 

But I must say with at least one other person to travel altogether, cost is definitely more manageable in terms of accoms food taxi et . So that’s another thing to consider about.

 

Oh and I slept naked on all 4 nights.. haha it’s a fresh experience 😛

[Veloster]

8 minutes ago, cuddlebuddy10 said:

I recently did a first time solo travel! It was really a fresh experience. I did a 5D4N solo travel to Bangkok. 
 

I could do all the things I want to as a solo traveller, go to gay spas / gay friendly massage places / buy sexy notti undies… haha and I could host people (but didn’t haha)… 

 

But I must say with at least one other person to travel altogether, cost is definitely more manageable in terms of accoms food taxi et . So that’s another thing to consider about.

 

Oh and I slept naked on all 4 nights.. haha it’s a fresh experience 😛

That's what I love most Abt solo travel 🧳 for sure but best is with my open minded bi buddy we can wear undies or even naked in our five star room yes host for a threesome mmm or mmf and yes sleep naked if we want to ...watch porn tgt wank tgt etc it's awesome esp in bangcock! Which we are doing so this Christmas 🎄 

[youdoyou]

8 hours ago, davlim76 said:

agree if u have a travel buddy whose preferences and interests are similar to yours. but sometimes is hard to coordinate schedules. so just go solo rather than wait & depend on someone else. i made that decision recently &  glad that i did.

I started doing it exactly cos of this - the inability to coordinate schedules. One friend kept giving random excuses until it came to “my grandma died”. Now that was something I couldn’t argue with, of course. Months later another friend had to back out cos of a job offer. Again, I couldn’t fight that, so I decided to go solo.

I admit it felt somewhat terrifying cos my first solo trip was to Spain (I remember feeling the weight of my decision when the plane landed in Barcelona), though a friend joined me midway cos he was on his own trip. But it gave me the confidence to go on the next solo jaunt, to Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Slovenia. And I’ve not looked back since.

[cuddlebuddy10]

6 hours ago, Veloster said:

That's what I love most Abt solo travel 🧳 for sure but best is with my open minded bi buddy we can wear undies or even naked in our five star room yes host for a threesome mmm or mmf and yes sleep naked if we want to ...watch porn tgt wank tgt etc it's awesome esp in bangcock! Which we are doing so this Christmas 🎄 

Hahah… sounds hot. Imagining you and your buddy naked together heh. But yep! It’s a new appreciation and growing addiction for solo travelling haha 

[Veloster]

24 minutes ago, cuddlebuddy10 said:

Hahah… sounds hot. Imagining you and your buddy naked together heh. But yep! It’s a new appreciation and growing addiction for solo travelling haha 

Def and thanks 🙏 Merry Christmas happy holidays!

[Veloster]

1 hour ago, youdoyou said:

I started doing it exactly cos of this - the inability to coordinate schedules. One friend kept giving random excuses until it came to “my grandma died”. Now that was something I couldn’t argue with, of course. Months later another friend had to back out cos of a job offer. Again, I couldn’t fight that, so I decided to go solo.

I admit it felt somewhat terrifying cos my first solo trip was to Spain (I remember feeling the weight of my decision when the plane landed in Barcelona), though a friend joined me midway cos he was on his own trip. But it gave me the confidence to go on the next solo jaunt, to Croatia, Bosnia-Hercegovina and Slovenia. And I’ve not looked back since.

Awesome ...I learnt to enjoy solo post COVID and did many trips since then and I love it!

[aftereightme]

I travelled to Bali, staying in nude villa. I suntan nakedly under the sun. Then a US couple came to play my asshole and cock. They complimented my beautiful Asian private parts for their poking, squeezing. I told them I am fine but must be gentle 

[cuddlebuddy10]

49 minutes ago, Veloster said:

Def and thanks 🙏 Merry Christmas happy holidays!

Happy holidays to you and your family and partner ~ haha to everyone here also!

[blowmenow]

On 12/12/2025 at 7:00 PM, aftereightme said:

I travelled to Bali, staying in nude villa. I suntan nakedly under the sun. Then a US couple came to play my asshole and cock. They complimented my beautiful Asian private parts for their poking, squeezing. I told them I am fine but must be gentle 

got villa dedicated for nude?

[aftereightme]

40 minutes ago, blowmenow said:

got villa dedicated for nude?

Of course ... but the so-called villa is not big as what i thought. You can search nude gay villa in Bali via Internet 

[leckmich]

sounds intimate

 

 

travelling alone is fun.  you eat/stop/rest whenever you want.

 

wake up late or early, it is all up to you.  splurge or save, your choice.

[immortal]

ive done alot of solo travelling and i never looked back. it really gives me a lot of freedom to decide what i want to do, alone time to ponder about stuff notwithstanding the loneliness u feel when u see groups of ppl having fun and enjoying themselves. whats more important is it pushes u to be independent in places where you are not familar. and u grow. 

[G20Stick]

I have done a lot of solo travelling. In fact almost all my trips are solo with a handful that are with a few friends and with my then bf. Will I want to travel with someone, yes! I did manage to find a travel buddy from bw for my trip to Iceland. Having a travel buddy really helps on the cost front. For me, both are ok but solo really makes planning a lot easier. 

 

On safety, I think this is really subjective and to your individual perception and risk appetite. As a solo traveller, you really need to develope street smartness and blend in like you know the place. Also be constantly aware of your surroundings and belongings.  One way to do that is to join a free walking tour to get oriented in the new city. I travelled solo to South Africa and recently back from Argentina & Chile. 

 

Also key is how good is your sense of directions. As a cost conscious traveller, I walk or use public transportation as much as I can. Before I go anywhere, i study the route before hand then I just walk not holding phone or maps on my hand (Dead give away you are tourist). If I need to check google map, make it look like you are taking call etc reduce yourself as a target. 

 

Contirbuting my two cents to this topic. I still got more hahaha.

[Vometra]

On 1/7/2026 at 3:51 PM, G20Stick said:

I travelled solo to South Africa and recently back from Argentina & Chile. 

 

I'm very interested to know more about these trips of yours!

 

Flights, where to go, safety, budget, tips, hints, dos, don'ts, etc ... 

[Dollyartasia8800]

On 6/18/2019 at 6:50 PM, auri said:

The above infographic is a bit misleading.....

 

"This year, Mercer also provides a separate ranking on personal safety, which analyses cities’ internal stability; crime levels; law enforcement; limitations on personal freedom; relationships with other countries and freedom of the press. “Personal safety is the cornerstone of stability in any city, without which business and talent cannot thrive,” it says."

 

That's why Singapore/HongKong/Taipei/Tokyo are not up there in terms of "personal safety"

Nordic cities are safe, yes, but questionable whether they are safer than some Asian cities

I understand what you mean. Such rankings can be a little deceptive because "personal safety" encompasses a lot more than just low crime rates. On flying411., I've been reading some travel advice. It's fascinating to note how much context counts when it comes to successfully exploring places as a lone traveler. Certain towns may not be at the top of lists, but if you know what to avoid, they can still feel completely safe.

[youdoyou]

On 1/7/2026 at 3:51 PM, G20Stick said:

I have done a lot of solo travelling. In fact almost all my trips are solo with a handful that are with a few friends and with my then bf. Will I want to travel with someone, yes! I did manage to find a travel buddy from bw for my trip to Iceland. Having a travel buddy really helps on the cost front. For me, both are ok but solo really makes planning a lot easier. 

 

On safety, I think this is really subjective and to your individual perception and risk appetite. As a solo traveller, you really need to develope street smartness and blend in like you know the place. Also be constantly aware of your surroundings and belongings.  One way to do that is to join a free walking tour to get oriented in the new city. I travelled solo to South Africa and recently back from Argentina & Chile. 

 

Also key is how good is your sense of directions. As a cost conscious traveller, I walk or use public transportation as much as I can. Before I go anywhere, i study the route before hand then I just walk not holding phone or maps on my hand (Dead give away you are tourist). If I need to check google map, make it look like you are taking call etc reduce yourself as a target. 

 

Contirbuting my two cents to this topic. I still got more hahaha.

Exactly this! You can’t look like a deer in headlights walking around with your phone in your hand. You need a decent grasp of navigational skills, otherwise you’re gonna stick out.