Thailand
It was quite comical coming from a place like Cambodia that completely ripped me out of my comfort zone, to a place like Thailand that treated me to a luxurious 5 star hotel for only $40 a night. I began my journey in Thailand in Koh Larn, a beautiful, romantic island which I researched was the least “touristy” of the Thailand Islands. Here I had time to reflect and relax. Much different than my previous experience of being taken out of my comfort zone.
I originally looked at hotels on the island with the American budget in mind (~$100 a night.) Come to find out the most expensive hotel I could find was $40 a night. I was a little hesitant knowing what $40 a night could get me in America. However, I arrived at what seemed like paradise for a newly married couple.
My room overlooked the ocean with a spacious balcony, my shower was made of elegant stones allowing the ocean breeze to come through, my bed was king size, and my balcony had steps that led to a free breakfast restaurant overlooking the water with a sunrise seeming like a painting.
The hotel receptionists jumped for joy and gave me warm welcoming hugs when they realized I was a solo traveler. Their reaction to my courage made my trip there all the more worth it. I needed this blissful environment though, everyone deserves time to unwind in paradise, even if it’s alone.
I ended my Journey in Bangkok, Thailand. This was a drastic contrast from the slow paced beach bum life style in Koh Larn. Bangkok was the most fast paced city I had ever been in. It taught me to be careful and alert, especially being a female solo traveler. I grew stronger and more mature from traveling through this city. Thailand transformed me from just a curious traveler, to a more fearless traveler. Bangkok was aggressive, spiritual, touristy, raw — all in one city.