1 00:00:00,009 --> 00:00:01,919 Speaker 1: You must be going through some to go on a 2 00:00:01,929 --> 00:00:05,309 Speaker 1: solo trip. You must be like trying to fix your 3 00:00:05,320 --> 00:00:08,670 Speaker 1: life as a remedy but not like finding 4 00:00:08,680 --> 00:00:09,408 Speaker 2: yourself. 5 00:00:16,639 --> 00:00:19,530 Speaker 2: Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of The Hot Pot 6 00:00:19,540 --> 00:00:22,719 Speaker 2: where we hop into different transitions in life. I'm Nick, 7 00:00:22,729 --> 00:00:25,520 Speaker 1: I'm Joey. I'm Kew. And today we have the beautiful 8 00:00:25,530 --> 00:00:26,709 Speaker 1: maggie with us again. 9 00:00:27,709 --> 00:00:30,610 Speaker 1: She joined us previously for an episode on being single 10 00:00:30,620 --> 00:00:32,369 Speaker 1: in your thirties. So if you haven't listened to that, 11 00:00:32,380 --> 00:00:35,240 Speaker 1: go check that out today, what are we talking about? You? 12 00:00:35,250 --> 00:00:38,740 Speaker 1: Today's topic is somewhat of a trend. It is solo traveling, 13 00:00:38,750 --> 00:00:41,979 Speaker 1: how it changed us and whether it's heavily romanticized thoughts 14 00:00:41,990 --> 00:00:42,979 Speaker 1: on solo traveling, 15 00:00:43,119 --> 00:00:44,009 Speaker 2: not quite fun. 16 00:00:44,389 --> 00:00:46,880 Speaker 1: I love it. Now, I don't think I used to 17 00:00:46,889 --> 00:00:47,879 Speaker 1: love it at all at 18 00:00:47,909 --> 00:00:51,310 Speaker 2: which point. Um Did you guys go on your first 19 00:00:51,319 --> 00:00:52,060 Speaker 2: solo trips? 20 00:00:53,234 --> 00:00:56,394 Speaker 1: That was my first ever in my life, like proper 21 00:00:56,403 --> 00:00:59,883 Speaker 1: to Japan first and then I went to Bali and 22 00:00:59,894 --> 00:01:02,173 Speaker 1: I fell in love. Like honestly, the first two days 23 00:01:02,183 --> 00:01:06,083 Speaker 1: was not easy. It's actually like quite scary. In fact, 24 00:01:06,094 --> 00:01:09,054 Speaker 1: like leading up to the trip, I was so anxious. 25 00:01:09,063 --> 00:01:10,704 Speaker 1: I was telling my friend. Oh my God. What if 26 00:01:10,712 --> 00:01:12,443 Speaker 1: I get kidnapped? Oh my God. What if I lose 27 00:01:12,453 --> 00:01:14,344 Speaker 1: my phone and I cannot find anyone. I don't know anyone. 28 00:01:14,353 --> 00:01:16,713 Speaker 1: Like all kinds of worst case scenario was in my 29 00:01:16,723 --> 00:01:17,244 Speaker 1: head 30 00:01:17,468 --> 00:01:20,788 Speaker 1: and I went there. Nothing bad even happened. So it 31 00:01:20,797 --> 00:01:23,538 Speaker 1: was great. Japan is such a good first location. So 32 00:01:24,188 --> 00:01:28,167 Speaker 1: highly recommend. Especially for like female. Yes, because it's so safe. 33 00:01:28,178 --> 00:01:30,508 Speaker 1: It's so clean. I had it during my period. I 34 00:01:30,517 --> 00:01:33,818 Speaker 1: hate public toilets in Japan. Oh my goodness. Oh my God, 35 00:01:33,828 --> 00:01:35,758 Speaker 1: I can pee and shit in there for, I mean, 36 00:01:35,767 --> 00:01:40,627 Speaker 1: not hours, but it's an enjoyable experience. Yeah. And then 37 00:01:40,638 --> 00:01:42,367 Speaker 1: they help you wash your chi, right? 38 00:01:42,622 --> 00:01:46,482 Speaker 1: But actually you know what? I, I don't use public today. Ok? 39 00:01:46,491 --> 00:01:49,601 Speaker 1: Because I feel like it's very dirty, like the back 40 00:01:49,781 --> 00:01:53,031 Speaker 1: and you don't know what the kind of bacteria that gets, 41 00:01:53,522 --> 00:01:55,961 Speaker 1: you know, like, and then you might get ut from it. 42 00:01:55,972 --> 00:01:56,412 Speaker 1: So 43 00:01:57,421 --> 00:01:59,522 Speaker 2: Japan is spring water. Yeah. But 44 00:01:59,991 --> 00:02:02,601 Speaker 1: for some reason I was so confident it's clean. So, 45 00:02:02,611 --> 00:02:05,222 Speaker 1: I mean, it's just anyway. Yeah, Japan was great. Amazing. 46 00:02:05,232 --> 00:02:06,522 Speaker 1: I love solo traveling now 47 00:02:06,641 --> 00:02:07,692 Speaker 2: before your first 48 00:02:07,776 --> 00:02:10,195 Speaker 2: solo trip, right? Like were you the type of person 49 00:02:10,205 --> 00:02:13,475 Speaker 2: that will eat meals by yourself? Go to the movie 50 00:02:13,485 --> 00:02:15,975 Speaker 2: and watch a movie by yourself or do things by yourself? 51 00:02:15,985 --> 00:02:18,835 Speaker 1: Ok. Not a huge j Yeah, not really. So, yeah, 52 00:02:18,845 --> 00:02:21,695 Speaker 1: I was talking about it before that. I used to 53 00:02:21,705 --> 00:02:23,606 Speaker 1: be the kind of person who, you know, even going 54 00:02:23,615 --> 00:02:24,966 Speaker 1: to the toilet and you want to come with me, 55 00:02:25,145 --> 00:02:27,305 Speaker 1: I'm sure we can all relate to that. I don't 56 00:02:27,315 --> 00:02:30,666 Speaker 1: go toilet alone. Like eating alone. Hell, no. But of course, 57 00:02:30,675 --> 00:02:34,484 Speaker 1: in the recent years I've learned to really embrace 58 00:02:34,990 --> 00:02:38,770 Speaker 1: being alone. Like to understand that being alone doesn't mean 59 00:02:38,779 --> 00:02:41,728 Speaker 1: that you feel lonely. I think two things that the 60 00:02:41,740 --> 00:02:43,860 Speaker 1: two things are very different. I agree with the whole 61 00:02:43,869 --> 00:02:47,070 Speaker 1: anxiety part like leading up to it being in the airport, 62 00:02:47,080 --> 00:02:49,279 Speaker 1: I'll feel so anxious. But once I'm in a plane, 63 00:02:49,288 --> 00:02:54,699 Speaker 1: I'll be ordering white wine three glasses, please. First location 64 00:02:54,710 --> 00:02:58,350 Speaker 1: was Germany which was quite scary. I booked an airbnb. 65 00:02:58,360 --> 00:03:00,910 Speaker 1: I think the scariest part was you have to click 66 00:03:00,919 --> 00:03:01,570 Speaker 1: on a button 67 00:03:01,970 --> 00:03:05,449 Speaker 1: and climb as fast as you can to your apartment 68 00:03:05,460 --> 00:03:08,770 Speaker 1: before the light shuts off. It was like that in 69 00:03:08,779 --> 00:03:11,050 Speaker 1: Paris as well. It's a European thing 70 00:03:12,050 --> 00:03:13,829 Speaker 2: for what? So like the 71 00:03:13,880 --> 00:03:18,220 Speaker 1: energy saver light hallway lights. Yeah. So there was this 72 00:03:18,229 --> 00:03:20,850 Speaker 1: one time I ran, I didn't run. I took my 73 00:03:20,860 --> 00:03:21,229 Speaker 1: time 74 00:03:22,110 --> 00:03:27,049 Speaker 1: and by the second level turn off. Scary, scary. And 75 00:03:27,059 --> 00:03:29,419 Speaker 1: also there were a lot of like homeless people around. 76 00:03:29,429 --> 00:03:32,710 Speaker 1: So I think it's Japan is definitely the best first 77 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:36,630 Speaker 1: location for me as well for like solo female traveler. 78 00:03:37,005 --> 00:03:40,654 Speaker 2: My first solo trip, I backpacked across India. I recognize 79 00:03:40,664 --> 00:03:43,214 Speaker 2: that as a guy, I have the privilege of like 80 00:03:43,235 --> 00:03:47,425 Speaker 2: backpacking across India because I have a lot of female 81 00:03:47,434 --> 00:03:49,085 Speaker 2: friends who always want to go by land day. A 82 00:03:49,095 --> 00:03:51,595 Speaker 2: bit like apprehensive. I booked the trip because there was 83 00:03:51,604 --> 00:03:52,175 Speaker 2: a sale 84 00:03:52,419 --> 00:03:54,919 Speaker 2: on an airline that I never heard before. And actually 85 00:03:54,929 --> 00:03:57,699 Speaker 2: I completely forgot the airline name ready last minute, just 86 00:03:57,710 --> 00:04:02,000 Speaker 2: went on to like Reddit, my best friend. And then 87 00:04:02,009 --> 00:04:04,899 Speaker 2: I was like, ok, where to stay in India. Then 88 00:04:04,910 --> 00:04:07,440 Speaker 2: they were saying that there's this hostel chain called Zoster 89 00:04:07,500 --> 00:04:08,639 Speaker 2: that is in every 90 00:04:09,300 --> 00:04:12,119 Speaker 2: Indian city. So that I just saw it up for 91 00:04:12,130 --> 00:04:13,320 Speaker 2: every location I was 92 00:04:13,330 --> 00:04:16,678 Speaker 1: in. I think the thing about hostels, you would choose 93 00:04:16,690 --> 00:04:18,899 Speaker 1: hostels when you were in your early twenties. But I 94 00:04:18,910 --> 00:04:22,239 Speaker 1: think once you reach your late twenties, you rather choose comfort. Yeah, 95 00:04:22,250 --> 00:04:24,510 Speaker 2: it depends on what kind of solo travel you want. 96 00:04:24,519 --> 00:04:27,709 Speaker 2: So in the end, right, the hostel was great because 97 00:04:27,720 --> 00:04:31,640 Speaker 2: then I was meeting other Backpackers from wherever. So every 98 00:04:31,649 --> 00:04:34,859 Speaker 2: single day when I was heading out, right? Like at breakfast, 99 00:04:34,869 --> 00:04:35,399 Speaker 2: I will meet someone 100 00:04:35,502 --> 00:04:37,440 Speaker 2: and then we will talk over breakfast and like what 101 00:04:37,451 --> 00:04:39,190 Speaker 2: I plan to do today and then we will just 102 00:04:39,201 --> 00:04:40,641 Speaker 2: make friends and hang out and go and do the 103 00:04:40,652 --> 00:04:43,212 Speaker 2: like go and visit the attraction. But then if you 104 00:04:43,221 --> 00:04:45,842 Speaker 2: are the kind that wants to really be alone, right? 105 00:04:45,851 --> 00:04:48,891 Speaker 2: When you solo travel, then maybe like hostels are not 106 00:04:48,902 --> 00:04:49,282 Speaker 2: for you. 107 00:04:49,522 --> 00:04:52,471 Speaker 1: There was one that I would consider somewhat of a 108 00:04:52,481 --> 00:04:55,032 Speaker 1: solo trip and I happened to look at tickets to 109 00:04:55,041 --> 00:04:58,721 Speaker 1: Hong Kong. It was pretty cheap, like 2 $300. Ok, 110 00:04:58,940 --> 00:05:01,562 Speaker 1: so I flew there but I'm like ok, but 111 00:05:01,704 --> 00:05:03,794 Speaker 1: 50 for me is still very important. So I knew 112 00:05:03,803 --> 00:05:07,924 Speaker 1: that I had a friend there and accommodation will be free, right. 113 00:05:07,933 --> 00:05:09,803 Speaker 1: So I ended up staying with her some days I 114 00:05:09,813 --> 00:05:12,553 Speaker 1: go out alone some days she goes out with me 115 00:05:12,563 --> 00:05:14,584 Speaker 1: when she needs to work. I go out alone. So 116 00:05:14,593 --> 00:05:17,444 Speaker 1: it was like a half solo. It was the first 117 00:05:17,454 --> 00:05:21,213 Speaker 1: time I ever went on a trip flying and like 118 00:05:21,223 --> 00:05:25,354 Speaker 1: being completely alone in that sense. But I cannot imagine 119 00:05:25,363 --> 00:05:26,704 Speaker 1: what it would have been like if I was alone 120 00:05:26,713 --> 00:05:27,803 Speaker 1: the whole way through. 121 00:05:27,976 --> 00:05:30,126 Speaker 1: That's something that I haven't done that I kind of 122 00:05:30,135 --> 00:05:32,566 Speaker 1: want to experience. But, you know, like a bit difficult 123 00:05:32,575 --> 00:05:34,914 Speaker 1: right now that you're married, like they want to go by, 124 00:05:34,976 --> 00:05:37,775 Speaker 2: they take it personally, really do that, do that. I, 125 00:05:38,536 --> 00:05:40,455 Speaker 1: I don't think they would take it personally, but it's 126 00:05:40,466 --> 00:05:43,364 Speaker 1: more so I would rather share the experience with him. 127 00:05:43,376 --> 00:05:45,645 Speaker 1: I mean, that is true. My longing for like wanting 128 00:05:45,656 --> 00:05:48,746 Speaker 1: to experience something solo is, is there, but I would 129 00:05:48,755 --> 00:05:51,664 Speaker 1: rather share it with you. It's not a strong question 130 00:05:51,675 --> 00:05:53,966 Speaker 1: to all of you. If you were in a relationship. 131 00:05:54,290 --> 00:05:58,630 Speaker 1: Do you think that going solo traveling is a bit strange? No, 132 00:05:58,640 --> 00:05:59,868 Speaker 1: I've got a friend who's 133 00:06:00,238 --> 00:06:03,589 Speaker 1: a risk taker. It's an adventurer. Like he likes to 134 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:06,929 Speaker 1: take a bike through the Himalayas and all that stuff. 135 00:06:06,940 --> 00:06:10,450 Speaker 1: And his girlfriend now fiance is also someone very similar 136 00:06:10,459 --> 00:06:13,209 Speaker 1: when they were single. So when they're together, they still 137 00:06:13,220 --> 00:06:15,880 Speaker 1: retain the same kind of adventure on their own and 138 00:06:15,890 --> 00:06:18,659 Speaker 1: then go on trips together as well. So I see 139 00:06:18,670 --> 00:06:20,609 Speaker 1: them kind of like taking turns on their own solo 140 00:06:20,619 --> 00:06:23,070 Speaker 1: trips and I think that's awesome. Yeah. But what if 141 00:06:23,079 --> 00:06:25,640 Speaker 1: your partner were to ask you, why don't you want 142 00:06:25,649 --> 00:06:28,589 Speaker 1: to travel with me? Instead? I would see that like 143 00:06:28,600 --> 00:06:29,928 Speaker 1: working out only if like, 144 00:06:30,390 --> 00:06:33,640 Speaker 1: you know, going to a theme park, especially if your parents, 145 00:06:33,649 --> 00:06:35,299 Speaker 1: it's like only one parent want to ride with you. 146 00:06:35,309 --> 00:06:36,928 Speaker 1: The one, the one because they scared right then they 147 00:06:36,940 --> 00:06:38,730 Speaker 1: will sit and wait with like the food and the 148 00:06:38,738 --> 00:06:41,209 Speaker 1: bags and whatever. So I would think that if you're 149 00:06:41,220 --> 00:06:44,579 Speaker 1: in that kind of relationship where one person loves all these, 150 00:06:44,589 --> 00:06:47,558 Speaker 1: like they like thrill seeker, they like taking roller coasters. 151 00:06:47,570 --> 00:06:48,170 Speaker 1: They like all the 152 00:06:48,540 --> 00:06:51,690 Speaker 1: not dangerous but more risky things and the other is 153 00:06:51,700 --> 00:06:55,308 Speaker 1: more safe. Then it makes more sense for the travel 154 00:06:55,320 --> 00:06:58,079 Speaker 1: to be solo so that you're not holding the person back, 155 00:06:58,119 --> 00:07:00,290 Speaker 1: the person that is doing the adventure doesn't need to 156 00:07:00,299 --> 00:07:02,980 Speaker 1: worry like she bought she, ok, like, you know what 157 00:07:02,988 --> 00:07:05,769 Speaker 1: I mean? Yeah. Yeah. Actually when you guys first solo travel, 158 00:07:05,779 --> 00:07:08,290 Speaker 1: what do your friends and family said to my mom 159 00:07:08,299 --> 00:07:09,269 Speaker 1: was freaking out 160 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:14,429 Speaker 1: Japan for what on your own. What are you crazy? Like, 161 00:07:14,440 --> 00:07:16,320 Speaker 1: she wasn't really on board with it. I had to 162 00:07:16,329 --> 00:07:17,630 Speaker 1: calm her down like, mama won't die. 163 00:07:17,640 --> 00:07:20,859 Speaker 2: Don't worry. Because I'm a dude, people were just like 164 00:07:20,869 --> 00:07:23,640 Speaker 2: the safety thing wasn't that big a thing. So I back, 165 00:07:23,660 --> 00:07:26,500 Speaker 2: back across India and I backpacked across Europe also. So 166 00:07:26,510 --> 00:07:29,549 Speaker 2: generally it was a good experience. But people wondering like, why? 167 00:07:30,059 --> 00:07:32,019 Speaker 2: Because they knew that Jess and I were dating But 168 00:07:32,029 --> 00:07:33,640 Speaker 2: then I had booked this trip like 169 00:07:33,649 --> 00:07:37,260 Speaker 1: before. That's the, that's the common misconception. 170 00:07:38,559 --> 00:07:41,049 Speaker 1: You must, you must be going through some shit to 171 00:07:41,059 --> 00:07:44,040 Speaker 1: go on a solo. You must be like trying to 172 00:07:44,049 --> 00:07:47,760 Speaker 1: fix your life is like a remedy but not like 173 00:07:47,769 --> 00:07:50,130 Speaker 1: finding yourself must be lost. 174 00:07:50,910 --> 00:07:52,549 Speaker 2: So there was a bit of that. Then they were like, 175 00:07:52,559 --> 00:07:53,630 Speaker 2: oh is everything OK? 176 00:07:53,880 --> 00:07:57,540 Speaker 1: Someone dm Me like a friend. Dm Me said, asking me, 177 00:07:57,549 --> 00:08:01,489 Speaker 1: are you truly enjoying yourself? Like he doesn't understand why 178 00:08:01,500 --> 00:08:03,769 Speaker 1: someone would want to solo travel? I think in the 179 00:08:03,779 --> 00:08:06,329 Speaker 1: Asian culture, it's not really something that celebrated, right? 180 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:09,250 Speaker 2: Like why you go alone? They cannot even solo travel 181 00:08:09,260 --> 00:08:10,899 Speaker 2: as a family, they need to tour group and then 182 00:08:10,910 --> 00:08:11,299 Speaker 2: join other 183 00:08:12,869 --> 00:08:18,290 Speaker 2: other random families. They cannot even go like our family alone. 184 00:08:18,769 --> 00:08:18,910 Speaker 2: That's 185 00:08:20,029 --> 00:08:23,540 Speaker 1: like if you follow the third group, that's a 186 00:08:25,380 --> 00:08:27,299 Speaker 2: good point. So we've talked a lot about how people 187 00:08:27,309 --> 00:08:30,119 Speaker 2: might be hesitant about solo traveling, right? But actually one 188 00:08:30,130 --> 00:08:33,409 Speaker 2: thing that is quite underrated is the itinerary, right? You can, 189 00:08:33,419 --> 00:08:34,569 Speaker 2: you can do whatever you want. 190 00:08:35,780 --> 00:08:37,199 Speaker 2: So I remember there were a few days stay in 191 00:08:37,210 --> 00:08:39,340 Speaker 2: the hostel. Then I ordered like food delivery. Then I 192 00:08:39,349 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 2: just see inside the hostel like entertainment room and then 193 00:08:42,409 --> 00:08:44,228 Speaker 2: I just eat my food and look out the window 194 00:08:44,239 --> 00:08:46,580 Speaker 2: and then I have a bit of like a emo moment. 195 00:08:46,590 --> 00:08:47,780 Speaker 2: But then, so how 196 00:08:47,789 --> 00:08:51,619 Speaker 1: is your itinerary? Like, are you itinerary in Japan? I 197 00:08:51,630 --> 00:08:54,880 Speaker 1: had no itinerary in Japan. But what I learned was 198 00:08:54,890 --> 00:08:56,789 Speaker 1: because I was scared, right? So I already booked a 199 00:08:56,799 --> 00:08:58,640 Speaker 1: tour in the first two days. Then you kind of 200 00:08:58,650 --> 00:08:59,400 Speaker 1: get a round 201 00:08:59,489 --> 00:09:01,819 Speaker 1: idea of how the city is, like somewhat of a 202 00:09:01,830 --> 00:09:04,289 Speaker 1: warm up. And then the rest of the days I 203 00:09:04,299 --> 00:09:06,069 Speaker 1: didn't even want to go for any tours because I 204 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:08,429 Speaker 1: was so comfortable and like, I do not want to 205 00:09:08,440 --> 00:09:12,000 Speaker 1: follow people's schedule. I just wanna like, do whatever hell 206 00:09:12,010 --> 00:09:13,429 Speaker 1: I want because the tour was a bit annoying 207 00:09:13,440 --> 00:09:15,579 Speaker 2: and it was like 45 minutes, but 208 00:09:15,590 --> 00:09:17,169 Speaker 1: then I was done by 20 minutes. I was done. 209 00:09:17,179 --> 00:09:18,609 Speaker 1: Then I still have to wait for everyone else for 210 00:09:18,619 --> 00:09:21,500 Speaker 1: the next 30 minutes. So I didn't like that because 211 00:09:21,510 --> 00:09:23,109 Speaker 2: it's very hard to find someone 212 00:09:23,200 --> 00:09:26,940 Speaker 2: else that is 100% aligned to do, like, whatever you 213 00:09:26,950 --> 00:09:28,108 Speaker 2: want to do. Are you 100 214 00:09:28,119 --> 00:09:29,099 Speaker 1: percent aligned with your 215 00:09:29,109 --> 00:09:32,580 Speaker 2: wife? I would say like 95% she has a lot 216 00:09:32,590 --> 00:09:34,820 Speaker 2: more energy than me. So there are some days where 217 00:09:34,830 --> 00:09:36,419 Speaker 2: I just want to sleep in and then she will 218 00:09:36,429 --> 00:09:39,489 Speaker 2: have to walk around and you come back and are 219 00:09:39,500 --> 00:09:42,119 Speaker 2: you awake? That's all good. But then when we are traveling, 220 00:09:42,130 --> 00:09:44,049 Speaker 2: like with friends, right. Then sometimes you don't want to 221 00:09:44,059 --> 00:09:45,340 Speaker 2: be the burden. You don't want to be the burden 222 00:09:45,349 --> 00:09:46,780 Speaker 2: couple or the burden or. Right. 223 00:09:47,169 --> 00:09:48,690 Speaker 2: So then you can let's step up like we go 224 00:09:48,700 --> 00:09:50,309 Speaker 2: and do whatever we do. So, I have some friends, 225 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:52,020 Speaker 2: they really, like, they just need to hit a lot 226 00:09:52,030 --> 00:09:54,179 Speaker 2: of different things on their itinerary. Yeah. I'm 227 00:09:54,190 --> 00:09:56,159 Speaker 1: sorry to say that that's me. No. No, I have 228 00:09:56,169 --> 00:09:58,830 Speaker 1: friends who are like that. It's quite a bad thing. 229 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:02,190 Speaker 1: I think for my first few trips like Germany and Japan, 230 00:10:02,200 --> 00:10:05,890 Speaker 1: I had a Google Sheet. Oh my God. She, no, 231 00:10:05,900 --> 00:10:08,309 Speaker 1: but it's like when people found out that, like, what 232 00:10:08,320 --> 00:10:09,309 Speaker 1: the hell it, and 233 00:10:09,395 --> 00:10:12,815 Speaker 1: end up becoming me pressuring myself to hit every single 234 00:10:12,825 --> 00:10:15,205 Speaker 1: thing that I wanted to see. And by the end 235 00:10:15,215 --> 00:10:18,015 Speaker 1: of the day I'm exhausted. Right. Right. Like I'm drained 236 00:10:18,025 --> 00:10:20,955 Speaker 1: by my own plans. Yeah. Yeah. So, I think it depends. 237 00:10:20,965 --> 00:10:22,655 Speaker 1: Like some of my friends, they have the Excel Sheet. 238 00:10:22,664 --> 00:10:24,544 Speaker 1: They are super organized but they know it's really just 239 00:10:24,554 --> 00:10:27,853 Speaker 1: a guide. So, are you someone who likes making friends 240 00:10:27,864 --> 00:10:31,494 Speaker 1: during your trip or would you rather really be alone? 241 00:10:32,179 --> 00:10:35,159 Speaker 1: Um, I guess it really depends. Right. I think for 242 00:10:35,169 --> 00:10:37,989 Speaker 1: Japan I did meet a friend American girl. But then 243 00:10:38,000 --> 00:10:40,309 Speaker 1: it was not like then we started hanging out for 244 00:10:40,320 --> 00:10:41,530 Speaker 1: the rest of the trip. No, it was just that, 245 00:10:41,539 --> 00:10:44,109 Speaker 1: that friend for that very moment and then say goodbye 246 00:10:44,119 --> 00:10:46,669 Speaker 1: for my Bali trip. I made friends with my drivers. 247 00:10:46,679 --> 00:10:49,250 Speaker 1: I hired a full day driver. You know, he sent 248 00:10:49,260 --> 00:10:51,729 Speaker 1: me everywhere and we became friends and then it was 249 00:10:51,739 --> 00:10:52,630 Speaker 1: so nice because 250 00:10:53,250 --> 00:10:55,819 Speaker 1: he text me. You want to see sunset since you're 251 00:10:55,830 --> 00:10:57,359 Speaker 1: leaving tomorrow, I'm going to bring you to the best 252 00:10:57,369 --> 00:11:00,239 Speaker 1: sunset at the best beach in Bali, not the touristy one. 253 00:11:00,349 --> 00:11:03,219 Speaker 1: So I'm like, yes, bro, bring me, let's go. So 254 00:11:03,229 --> 00:11:04,679 Speaker 1: it was so nice. So these are the kind of 255 00:11:04,690 --> 00:11:06,099 Speaker 1: friends I make on my travel. 256 00:11:06,109 --> 00:11:08,049 Speaker 2: And then now like if you go back to Bali again, 257 00:11:08,059 --> 00:11:09,130 Speaker 2: at least you have some Yeah, I 258 00:11:09,140 --> 00:11:11,069 Speaker 1: have a Bali, bro. I collected all my Bali bros. 259 00:11:11,119 --> 00:11:14,500 Speaker 2: So going back to the making friends locally and right. 260 00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:18,440 Speaker 2: Um I was invited to a wedding in India. He 261 00:11:18,450 --> 00:11:21,039 Speaker 2: was like working part time in the hostel. So then 262 00:11:21,049 --> 00:11:23,539 Speaker 2: there was one night where we got super drunk like 263 00:11:23,549 --> 00:11:26,189 Speaker 2: we all just went out drinking and then after he's 264 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:29,020 Speaker 2: like my wedding next year, you come, 265 00:11:31,500 --> 00:11:34,750 Speaker 2: then he added me on Facebook two years down the 266 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:36,309 Speaker 2: road like year and a half down the road. Right 267 00:11:36,320 --> 00:11:38,150 Speaker 2: suddenly I got ad M from him. He was like 268 00:11:38,159 --> 00:11:40,890 Speaker 2: my wedding is in like six months. Can you come 269 00:11:41,070 --> 00:11:43,280 Speaker 2: I was really going to go then after that COVID. 270 00:11:43,289 --> 00:11:45,590 Speaker 2: So I don't know whether he got married in the end. 271 00:11:45,890 --> 00:11:47,859 Speaker 1: It's a mystery. It's a mystery. 272 00:11:47,869 --> 00:11:50,140 Speaker 2: I was like, let me know, I'll let you know 273 00:11:50,150 --> 00:11:52,400 Speaker 2: closer to the date. Then after that, he said it's 274 00:11:52,409 --> 00:11:54,000 Speaker 2: postponed because of COVID. Right? 275 00:11:54,219 --> 00:11:56,400 Speaker 1: Actually, that's quite a unique experience, right? So, 276 00:11:56,521 --> 00:12:01,091 Speaker 1: so like meeting locals and going for local experiences will 277 00:12:01,101 --> 00:12:04,461 Speaker 1: allow you to see the more niche side of the location. 278 00:12:04,471 --> 00:12:06,642 Speaker 1: So something that I really like to do is book 279 00:12:06,651 --> 00:12:10,481 Speaker 1: airbnb Experiences. It's kind of like walking tours or like 280 00:12:10,492 --> 00:12:13,861 Speaker 1: day tours in some European cities, right? You can actually 281 00:12:13,872 --> 00:12:16,540 Speaker 1: go to someone's house to cook with them. Yes. Yeah. 282 00:12:16,552 --> 00:12:19,731 Speaker 1: They call it the experience. Airbnb experience. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. 283 00:12:19,742 --> 00:12:21,981 Speaker 1: So that's a tip for you guys if you ever 284 00:12:22,093 --> 00:12:26,013 Speaker 1: wanna find something to do and to kind of experience 285 00:12:26,023 --> 00:12:31,794 Speaker 1: the local lifestyle. I didn't really book airbnbs because I 286 00:12:31,804 --> 00:12:33,533 Speaker 1: really don't know who the host is and I was 287 00:12:33,544 --> 00:12:35,814 Speaker 1: just really worried about safety. That was right. My ultimate 288 00:12:35,823 --> 00:12:38,762 Speaker 1: number one concern when I was on my own for comfort. Yes. 289 00:12:38,773 --> 00:12:41,453 Speaker 1: And also there's this 24 7 concierge like I feel 290 00:12:41,463 --> 00:12:43,453 Speaker 1: safe like I, no one's going to be in and 291 00:12:43,463 --> 00:12:45,833 Speaker 1: out because if it's a random house, I'm just booking 292 00:12:45,843 --> 00:12:47,583 Speaker 1: the room, anyone can come. 293 00:12:47,666 --> 00:12:49,795 Speaker 1: I mean, if there's robbery, I just can't know there 294 00:12:49,806 --> 00:12:52,236 Speaker 1: are horror stories of having cameras in the I was 295 00:12:52,245 --> 00:12:54,944 Speaker 1: literally just going to say, especially in Korea where in 296 00:12:54,955 --> 00:13:00,026 Speaker 1: Airbnb they're notorious for even in hotel, they live stream 297 00:13:00,035 --> 00:13:02,385 Speaker 1: the feed or just pick my nose. That's about it. 298 00:13:02,395 --> 00:13:03,184 Speaker 1: You get, there's not much, 299 00:13:04,226 --> 00:13:05,875 Speaker 2: you must go and buy the, 300 00:13:06,726 --> 00:13:09,606 Speaker 1: you do that though. I was just like, you know what, 301 00:13:09,616 --> 00:13:11,955 Speaker 1: you're gonna go through all this effort to see them. 302 00:13:12,026 --> 00:13:13,166 Speaker 1: Give them a good show. 303 00:13:14,809 --> 00:13:17,539 Speaker 1: Yeah, I just, like in the toilet. I like, if 304 00:13:17,549 --> 00:13:20,669 Speaker 1: you're watching this then you're a loser. So for you Maggie, like, 305 00:13:20,679 --> 00:13:25,429 Speaker 1: did you encounter any unique or like strange experiences so far? 306 00:13:25,489 --> 00:13:27,900 Speaker 1: I think for Japan, the one that really left and 307 00:13:27,909 --> 00:13:30,580 Speaker 1: left the mark in me, like, especially, like right after 308 00:13:30,590 --> 00:13:33,669 Speaker 1: that happened, I couldn't stop thinking about. It was my 309 00:13:33,679 --> 00:13:36,340 Speaker 1: day trip to Hiroshima and I actually met an actual 310 00:13:36,349 --> 00:13:40,299 Speaker 1: atomic bomb survivor. His mom currently still alive, but 311 00:13:40,405 --> 00:13:43,935 Speaker 1: she's really, really sick throughout her years because the atomic bomb, 312 00:13:43,945 --> 00:13:46,716 Speaker 1: the radiation really affected their lives. But at the point 313 00:13:46,726 --> 00:13:48,885 Speaker 1: of the bombing, he was actually in the mother's womb. 314 00:13:49,596 --> 00:13:53,265 Speaker 1: So he's not directly affected, but he is still somewhat 315 00:13:53,276 --> 00:13:56,116 Speaker 1: exposed to the radiation, like a different, like the third 316 00:13:56,184 --> 00:13:58,285 Speaker 1: layer kind of thing. So on my way back on 317 00:13:58,296 --> 00:14:00,645 Speaker 1: the bullet train, I googled him. Oh my God. He's 318 00:14:00,655 --> 00:14:03,546 Speaker 1: quite a big deal. Went on BBC CNN. But then 319 00:14:03,556 --> 00:14:06,425 Speaker 1: he's such a humble guy. You really, so unassuming. He's 320 00:14:06,434 --> 00:14:07,015 Speaker 1: really just there 321 00:14:07,221 --> 00:14:10,611 Speaker 1: on his bicycle with like hand written 322 00:14:11,421 --> 00:14:13,030 Speaker 2: is correct. 323 00:14:13,072 --> 00:14:15,411 Speaker 1: You wouldn't really think much about it. But he's an, 324 00:14:15,421 --> 00:14:18,831 Speaker 1: actually even showed me the passport, whoever was the survivor 325 00:14:18,841 --> 00:14:21,421 Speaker 1: of the atomic bomb? They have like a book, little 326 00:14:21,432 --> 00:14:24,392 Speaker 1: pink book. So, yeah. So these are the kind of 327 00:14:24,401 --> 00:14:26,512 Speaker 1: stories you don't get if you don't travel 328 00:14:26,762 --> 00:14:29,071 Speaker 2: a your solo travel or anything interesting happened. 329 00:14:29,081 --> 00:14:31,411 Speaker 1: The first one is I meditated in a forest with 330 00:14:31,421 --> 00:14:33,562 Speaker 1: a monk before. How long in Japan? 331 00:14:35,119 --> 00:14:43,359 Speaker 1: OK. It was an airbnb experience. I was in my love. 332 00:14:43,710 --> 00:14:46,599 Speaker 2: OK. So what does the listing say? Meditate 333 00:14:46,780 --> 00:14:53,640 Speaker 1: meditation in the forest? The monk is the the listing person, 334 00:14:53,650 --> 00:14:54,440 Speaker 1: you know, like the but 335 00:14:55,070 --> 00:14:56,729 Speaker 2: he really, he's really 336 00:14:58,919 --> 00:15:01,799 Speaker 1: he just dressed as a girl 337 00:15:01,859 --> 00:15:02,179 Speaker 2: to go to. 338 00:15:03,299 --> 00:15:06,950 Speaker 1: No. And then like with different travelers, we just sat 339 00:15:07,119 --> 00:15:09,859 Speaker 1: in a little hut and then we meditated. Can I 340 00:15:09,869 --> 00:15:12,059 Speaker 1: give one more story? I want to talk my meditation. 341 00:15:12,210 --> 00:15:14,979 Speaker 1: I also have a story. My most recent one in 342 00:15:14,989 --> 00:15:19,349 Speaker 1: Austria or Budapest. I book an airbnb, right? And then 343 00:15:19,359 --> 00:15:24,179 Speaker 1: I was ironing my shirt on the bit unknowingly. I 344 00:15:24,190 --> 00:15:28,539 Speaker 1: put the iron on the floor. The floor is carpet. 345 00:15:32,909 --> 00:15:36,340 Speaker 1: What song reminds you of the person on your left Beyonce, 346 00:15:36,349 --> 00:15:42,859 Speaker 1: single lady. Strong empowering love it. What's the first thing 347 00:15:42,869 --> 00:15:44,330 Speaker 1: you do when you feel stressed? 348 00:15:47,830 --> 00:15:51,219 Speaker 1: Honestly? No, LA I want the flight a minute immediately. 349 00:15:51,229 --> 00:15:53,419 Speaker 1: But I think the first thing I would do is 350 00:15:53,429 --> 00:15:57,030 Speaker 1: really just to lay down like really? Yeah, I just 351 00:15:57,039 --> 00:16:00,219 Speaker 1: down and just disconnect. What's a code you live by? 352 00:16:00,229 --> 00:16:05,380 Speaker 1: Don't set yourself on fire trying to keep others warm. So, amen. 353 00:16:05,609 --> 00:16:06,859 Speaker 2: What are your top three 354 00:16:06,969 --> 00:16:10,369 Speaker 2: travel essentials? Ok. I have a toiletries pack. That one 355 00:16:10,380 --> 00:16:12,900 Speaker 2: is like I have a set of toiletries for travel 356 00:16:12,909 --> 00:16:15,979 Speaker 2: and everything below 100 ml. So its a very clean guy. Yeah. 357 00:16:16,260 --> 00:16:19,390 Speaker 2: Are you? I am and then I have a tech 358 00:16:19,400 --> 00:16:22,580 Speaker 2: pouch which is like all the wires and cables and 359 00:16:23,090 --> 00:16:27,789 Speaker 2: universal adapter and then I have headphones, no 360 00:16:27,799 --> 00:16:28,369 Speaker 1: underwear, 361 00:16:29,210 --> 00:16:32,250 Speaker 1: everything you clean. But you never put everything else. Can 362 00:16:32,479 --> 00:16:34,099 Speaker 1: you do the army method? You flip the 363 00:16:34,140 --> 00:16:35,770 Speaker 2: other way, everything else you can buy that 364 00:16:37,130 --> 00:16:39,859 Speaker 2: and then you burn the carpet. So the one like, 365 00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:42,599 Speaker 1: yes, it was a triangle. Did the thing melt onto 366 00:16:42,609 --> 00:16:47,390 Speaker 1: the iron? Yeah. Oh geez. So, so I panic. I 367 00:16:47,400 --> 00:16:48,929 Speaker 1: just called my friend. I'm like, what should I do? 368 00:16:48,940 --> 00:16:50,830 Speaker 1: What should I do that? I started like squatting down 369 00:16:50,840 --> 00:16:51,710 Speaker 1: and trimming the 370 00:16:52,960 --> 00:16:53,309 Speaker 1: try to 371 00:16:53,320 --> 00:16:54,409 Speaker 2: cope over and it's 372 00:16:54,419 --> 00:16:56,469 Speaker 1: not, it's not like a rock, you know, it's the 373 00:16:56,479 --> 00:17:00,580 Speaker 1: whole floor. Eventually I paid the fine. How much? A 374 00:17:00,630 --> 00:17:03,750 Speaker 1: few 100? I think we talked about a lot of 375 00:17:03,760 --> 00:17:06,829 Speaker 1: the joys and the beautiful part about solo traveling, right? 376 00:17:07,010 --> 00:17:09,709 Speaker 1: Do you all think that it's romanticized? Especially on Tik 377 00:17:09,719 --> 00:17:13,060 Speaker 1: Tok and I GREs like when people piece together, I'm 378 00:17:13,069 --> 00:17:16,819 Speaker 1: guilty of that because sometimes I, I piece together my clips, right? 379 00:17:16,829 --> 00:17:19,300 Speaker 1: I think it, no, no as in, 380 00:17:19,400 --> 00:17:21,698 Speaker 1: it is fun. But I think it's an enhanced version 381 00:17:21,709 --> 00:17:24,859 Speaker 1: of what actually happened, for example. Yeah, but maybe it's 382 00:17:24,869 --> 00:17:27,989 Speaker 1: also like the content creator mindset that you want to 383 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:29,198 Speaker 1: just do a very nice video. 384 00:17:29,589 --> 00:17:32,020 Speaker 2: So like on your IG, you got one clip is 385 00:17:32,030 --> 00:17:35,819 Speaker 2: the what people don't see when you solo travel, like crying. 386 00:17:35,829 --> 00:17:36,379 Speaker 2: You also have 387 00:17:36,390 --> 00:17:39,199 Speaker 1: behind every person who enjoys their own company is a 388 00:17:39,209 --> 00:17:42,379 Speaker 1: person who had to learn how to and the learning 389 00:17:42,390 --> 00:17:46,300 Speaker 1: how to really isn't easy. Can I tell a story? Yes. Ok. 390 00:17:46,920 --> 00:17:49,979 Speaker 1: So in my Japan solo trip, I got a text 391 00:17:49,989 --> 00:17:55,599 Speaker 1: from my, my cousin Ahma passed away. I might cry. 392 00:17:55,609 --> 00:17:57,369 Speaker 1: I'm so sorry. Every time I talk about this, I'll cry. 393 00:17:58,319 --> 00:18:02,119 Speaker 1: Ok? It's coming. No, no, I'm fine. Ok. So it 394 00:18:02,130 --> 00:18:04,260 Speaker 1: didn't hit me until like I was on the train, right? 395 00:18:04,270 --> 00:18:05,869 Speaker 1: And then there's two other couples next to me. It's 396 00:18:05,880 --> 00:18:08,310 Speaker 1: kind of like you and Nick, right? But not couple. 397 00:18:10,699 --> 00:18:13,810 Speaker 1: So they were like there's the seat of three. So 398 00:18:13,819 --> 00:18:15,520 Speaker 1: I was seated here and then there's two more person 399 00:18:15,530 --> 00:18:18,889 Speaker 1: that I bawled my eyes out. The three hours. I've 400 00:18:18,900 --> 00:18:22,079 Speaker 1: never cried so long in my life and I never 401 00:18:22,089 --> 00:18:24,359 Speaker 1: feel myself crying. But, you know, at the time I 402 00:18:24,369 --> 00:18:27,089 Speaker 1: feel like I feel so lonely. I wanted to post 403 00:18:27,099 --> 00:18:27,879 Speaker 1: it on social and just see. 404 00:18:27,989 --> 00:18:30,569 Speaker 1: So it's a cathartic feeling like I can release it 405 00:18:30,579 --> 00:18:33,319 Speaker 1: somehow because there was no way I could release it. 406 00:18:33,329 --> 00:18:35,530 Speaker 1: I was, I was with this stranger next to me, 407 00:18:35,540 --> 00:18:38,219 Speaker 1: that trip in particular really changed my life in ways 408 00:18:38,229 --> 00:18:38,890 Speaker 1: that only I will 409 00:18:38,900 --> 00:18:41,879 Speaker 2: understand a lot of times we travel to get away 410 00:18:41,890 --> 00:18:43,500 Speaker 2: from our problems. I take a break from our problems. 411 00:18:43,510 --> 00:18:46,349 Speaker 2: But sometimes what people don't realize is that there are 412 00:18:46,359 --> 00:18:48,619 Speaker 2: a lot of things that it's very difficult to be 413 00:18:48,630 --> 00:18:50,819 Speaker 2: away from. So that most of the hostels that I 414 00:18:50,829 --> 00:18:51,729 Speaker 2: stay in, right? 415 00:18:52,069 --> 00:18:54,209 Speaker 2: Every other day there will be someone crying by themselves 416 00:18:54,219 --> 00:18:57,569 Speaker 2: because they're going through something and then so common. So 417 00:18:57,579 --> 00:18:59,010 Speaker 2: they will just sit in one corner and then they 418 00:18:59,020 --> 00:19:00,879 Speaker 2: just look out a window, they were drinking coffee and 419 00:19:00,890 --> 00:19:04,209 Speaker 2: then they were just like, like got tears in. Then 420 00:19:04,219 --> 00:19:06,729 Speaker 2: the first few times, I'm just like, I, 421 00:19:08,199 --> 00:19:08,969 Speaker 2: you cannot 422 00:19:14,719 --> 00:19:18,449 Speaker 1: imagine in the hospital you're like, yeah, everywhere. OK. What 423 00:19:18,459 --> 00:19:19,180 Speaker 1: kind of crying? 424 00:19:19,359 --> 00:19:23,050 Speaker 2: It ranges from the stoping to like just like a 425 00:19:23,060 --> 00:19:24,948 Speaker 2: bit like the teary eye. That kind, I 426 00:19:25,390 --> 00:19:26,930 Speaker 2: it was like a dutch dude. He was, he was 427 00:19:26,939 --> 00:19:28,729 Speaker 2: staying there for two weeks. He said, no, it's normal 428 00:19:28,780 --> 00:19:31,889 Speaker 2: every other day. Got different people. And honestly, 429 00:19:31,910 --> 00:19:34,430 Speaker 1: when you're saying, talking about crying, right? Can I just 430 00:19:34,439 --> 00:19:37,430 Speaker 1: say that every solo trip I'll cry once. No, it's 431 00:19:37,760 --> 00:19:40,329 Speaker 1: a lot like you go on a lot of solo trips. 432 00:19:40,339 --> 00:19:42,530 Speaker 1: This coming December 1 will be my fourth. 433 00:19:43,359 --> 00:19:47,420 Speaker 1: Yeah. So it was Germany, Japan, then Austria and Budapest. Yeah. 434 00:19:47,430 --> 00:19:50,989 Speaker 1: So going back to over romanticizing our solo trips. Right. 435 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:54,290 Speaker 1: What do you think about people who film a little 436 00:19:54,300 --> 00:19:57,410 Speaker 1: bit too much for a solo trip? Because it's almost 437 00:19:57,420 --> 00:19:59,859 Speaker 1: as if you're not in the moment. Right. 438 00:20:00,650 --> 00:20:03,579 Speaker 1: No, it's hard. I'm a content creator. I feel like 439 00:20:03,589 --> 00:20:05,530 Speaker 1: it's in my DNA now. Even if I'm not going 440 00:20:05,540 --> 00:20:07,060 Speaker 1: to post it, I will film a little bit even 441 00:20:07,069 --> 00:20:09,369 Speaker 1: for myself to share it with someone. So I feel 442 00:20:09,380 --> 00:20:11,329 Speaker 1: like there's nothing wrong with it. But of course, if 443 00:20:11,339 --> 00:20:14,199 Speaker 1: every other moment you record like throughout the day a 444 00:20:14,209 --> 00:20:15,300 Speaker 1: bit problem 445 00:20:16,180 --> 00:20:17,550 Speaker 2: and I think it also depends on what you are 446 00:20:17,560 --> 00:20:19,208 Speaker 2: recording and the message that you're putting out 447 00:20:19,880 --> 00:20:22,359 Speaker 2: because it's become such a trend, right? There are definitely 448 00:20:22,369 --> 00:20:26,010 Speaker 2: people who like they do it just to like, hey, look, 449 00:20:26,020 --> 00:20:27,790 Speaker 2: I'm on a solo trip or like you put the 450 00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:31,919 Speaker 1: camera there and force yourself to cry. Like don't do that. 451 00:20:31,930 --> 00:20:32,680 Speaker 1: I think that's a little bit 452 00:20:32,689 --> 00:20:36,380 Speaker 2: much. But I mean, I think the emotions that you 453 00:20:36,390 --> 00:20:39,140 Speaker 2: feel on when you're traveling solo, right? 454 00:20:39,449 --> 00:20:43,680 Speaker 2: Those feelings I think are worth preserving. So that in 455 00:20:43,689 --> 00:20:46,079 Speaker 2: the future you can look back at like this. How 456 00:20:46,089 --> 00:20:47,579 Speaker 2: do I feel at that point in time? Right? It's 457 00:20:47,589 --> 00:20:49,728 Speaker 2: something that is very hard to replicate when you are 458 00:20:49,739 --> 00:20:50,438 Speaker 2: in Singapore. 459 00:20:50,619 --> 00:20:53,629 Speaker 1: I think maybe people don't know the negative side of 460 00:20:53,640 --> 00:20:58,319 Speaker 1: solo traveling. Like I think whatever we've explained, I mean, 461 00:20:58,329 --> 00:21:01,520 Speaker 1: we did mention about like, for example, my carpet burning. Safety. 462 00:21:01,979 --> 00:21:06,550 Speaker 1: Yeah. Safety. The loneliness, the boredom sometimes. I mean, sometimes 463 00:21:06,560 --> 00:21:08,439 Speaker 1: it's a little bit boring shit. What do I do? 464 00:21:08,449 --> 00:21:11,239 Speaker 1: I've done this already. So, yeah, there are moments, pockets 465 00:21:11,250 --> 00:21:13,920 Speaker 1: of moments where actually it's not that fun being alone. 466 00:21:13,930 --> 00:21:17,750 Speaker 1: But I think the good ones overweigh it. I feel 467 00:21:17,760 --> 00:21:21,489 Speaker 1: like life is a balance. It's not 100% good or bad. Right. Oh, 468 00:21:21,739 --> 00:21:23,719 Speaker 1: my God. I have a tip for all. So 469 00:21:23,939 --> 00:21:27,939 Speaker 1: travelers, especially women never say that you're on a solo trip. 470 00:21:28,000 --> 00:21:31,209 Speaker 1: I tell you that Japan are so excited. I told 471 00:21:31,219 --> 00:21:33,969 Speaker 1: everyone until I met this guy, right? And he said, 472 00:21:33,979 --> 00:21:35,859 Speaker 1: so what are you doing? Then I said, I'm here 473 00:21:35,869 --> 00:21:36,729 Speaker 1: on a solo trip. Was he 474 00:21:36,739 --> 00:21:39,790 Speaker 2: also a traveler or like, I don't know 475 00:21:39,800 --> 00:21:42,239 Speaker 1: if he's a traveler. He doesn't look local but he, 476 00:21:42,250 --> 00:21:44,250 Speaker 1: he's this guy that was at this thrift shop. I 477 00:21:44,260 --> 00:21:45,839 Speaker 1: was in Japan. A lot of shops, right? 478 00:21:46,430 --> 00:21:48,729 Speaker 1: And then I started realizing he bought the same cat 479 00:21:48,739 --> 00:21:51,069 Speaker 1: that I was buying like his look, right? Doesn't even 480 00:21:51,079 --> 00:21:52,909 Speaker 1: look like he needs a cap. His hair was all 481 00:21:52,920 --> 00:21:54,790 Speaker 1: done up. Why does he buy a cap? Like the 482 00:21:54,800 --> 00:21:57,069 Speaker 1: exact same one that I'm buying? And I'm like, ok, 483 00:21:57,079 --> 00:21:59,550 Speaker 1: so I went to the cashier and then he followed also. 484 00:21:59,560 --> 00:22:01,270 Speaker 1: That's when he's like, so what are you doing later? 485 00:22:01,280 --> 00:22:04,458 Speaker 1: That's when it hit me? Oh my God, that's I'm 486 00:22:04,469 --> 00:22:06,139 Speaker 1: meeting a friend right now. It's kind of like 487 00:22:06,215 --> 00:22:08,806 Speaker 1: pivoted quite fast. So my tip, then I went back 488 00:22:08,816 --> 00:22:10,656 Speaker 1: to tell my friends and of course, now you go 489 00:22:10,666 --> 00:22:14,426 Speaker 1: and tell him you saw Travel Snoopy. So that's like 490 00:22:14,436 --> 00:22:16,385 Speaker 1: the number one rule that I didn't know I was 491 00:22:16,395 --> 00:22:18,395 Speaker 1: a newbie, right? To add on to your story. I 492 00:22:18,406 --> 00:22:21,615 Speaker 1: actually have a very similar experience. I was in Salzburg 493 00:22:21,625 --> 00:22:23,475 Speaker 1: and then a local sat beside me. He was like, 494 00:22:23,484 --> 00:22:25,475 Speaker 1: can I sit here? The bench was very wide by 495 00:22:25,484 --> 00:22:25,875 Speaker 1: the way, 496 00:22:26,571 --> 00:22:28,832 Speaker 1: see, I never, I never put my back there, right? 497 00:22:29,212 --> 00:22:31,121 Speaker 1: But I thought he sat there and then we started talking, 498 00:22:31,131 --> 00:22:34,241 Speaker 1: I thought it was like just very casual local guy. 499 00:22:34,901 --> 00:22:39,722 Speaker 1: I mentioned I was solo traveling and then he casually asked, 500 00:22:39,732 --> 00:22:43,602 Speaker 1: were you, are you staying at this hostel? Now? I said, 501 00:22:43,612 --> 00:22:45,962 Speaker 1: I'm not. And I told him where I was staying 502 00:22:46,599 --> 00:22:49,369 Speaker 1: by accident, by accident, you really just slipped out because 503 00:22:49,599 --> 00:22:52,448 Speaker 1: I think he baited me, you know, they know what 504 00:22:52,459 --> 00:22:55,790 Speaker 1: they're doing right afterwards. I realize like, ok, this is dangerous. 505 00:22:55,800 --> 00:22:58,409 Speaker 1: Let me leave. So when at what point you realize 506 00:22:58,420 --> 00:23:00,449 Speaker 1: I hit you the moment I said it 507 00:23:05,660 --> 00:23:11,310 Speaker 1: like wake up is like the Korean thing. I wake 508 00:23:11,319 --> 00:23:14,430 Speaker 1: up your idea. So I stood up, I walked away, 509 00:23:14,969 --> 00:23:18,780 Speaker 1: I turned back, he was following me. Then I called 510 00:23:18,790 --> 00:23:21,339 Speaker 1: my sister, what can she do though if you call? No, 511 00:23:21,349 --> 00:23:24,349 Speaker 1: I said just stay on the phone with me. Then basically, 512 00:23:24,359 --> 00:23:26,420 Speaker 1: I walked around in the city, I just kept turning left, 513 00:23:26,430 --> 00:23:28,699 Speaker 1: right left. Right. Yeah, I did the same thing. I 514 00:23:28,709 --> 00:23:31,189 Speaker 1: didn't go straight to the museum. I went somewhere else 515 00:23:31,199 --> 00:23:31,939 Speaker 1: with more and 516 00:23:31,949 --> 00:23:34,929 Speaker 2: more people. So, I mean, like dangerous situations and situations 517 00:23:34,939 --> 00:23:37,060 Speaker 2: where you feel unsafe, they can happen anywhere, not just 518 00:23:37,069 --> 00:23:39,500 Speaker 2: when you're traveling, but like, even in your home country 519 00:23:39,510 --> 00:23:43,989 Speaker 2: as well. So obviously some countries are statistically safer than others, 520 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:44,270 Speaker 2: but 521 00:23:44,599 --> 00:23:46,569 Speaker 2: it shouldn't be a deterrent for you to go and 522 00:23:46,579 --> 00:23:47,109 Speaker 2: see the world. 523 00:23:47,300 --> 00:23:51,689 Speaker 1: I think honestly, Japan is a great number one spot. Honestly, 524 00:23:51,699 --> 00:23:55,359 Speaker 1: if you never been great. First one, traumatize you some 525 00:23:55,369 --> 00:23:58,170 Speaker 1: trips can really be traumatizing like lots of pickpockets and 526 00:23:58,180 --> 00:24:00,069 Speaker 1: all that stuff. I mean, I love Europe but I 527 00:24:00,079 --> 00:24:02,170 Speaker 1: still don't dare to go because of all these stories. 528 00:24:02,180 --> 00:24:04,119 Speaker 1: But yeah, maybe one day for me, I like to 529 00:24:04,130 --> 00:24:07,439 Speaker 1: go on like platforms like tiktok and youtube to look 530 00:24:07,449 --> 00:24:09,609 Speaker 1: at fun things to do. Then I go on, read 531 00:24:09,619 --> 00:24:11,659 Speaker 1: it for things that I need to take note of 532 00:24:11,810 --> 00:24:12,448 Speaker 2: you scam talk. 533 00:24:13,338 --> 00:24:15,907 Speaker 1: Sorry. So like I know what he's 534 00:24:15,917 --> 00:24:18,008 Speaker 2: talking about is the Tik Tok where they tell you 535 00:24:18,017 --> 00:24:21,078 Speaker 2: what the different scams that happen in different countries. So 536 00:24:21,088 --> 00:24:24,088 Speaker 2: like it's quite interesting like in Italy, right? One of 537 00:24:24,098 --> 00:24:26,328 Speaker 2: the scams is you will be walking on the street, right? 538 00:24:26,338 --> 00:24:28,667 Speaker 2: Then there'll be people trying to sell it, then they 539 00:24:28,677 --> 00:24:30,467 Speaker 2: put on the floor, then they hope that you step 540 00:24:30,478 --> 00:24:32,368 Speaker 2: on a painting, then once you step on a painting 541 00:24:32,387 --> 00:24:35,738 Speaker 2: you buy. So there are all these different like, yeah, 542 00:24:35,748 --> 00:24:36,008 Speaker 2: so 543 00:24:36,017 --> 00:24:38,147 Speaker 1: actually you just need to do a lot of research 544 00:24:38,157 --> 00:24:40,067 Speaker 1: on the location that you're going. Ok. 545 00:24:40,078 --> 00:24:41,488 Speaker 2: So any final tips 546 00:24:41,586 --> 00:24:44,504 Speaker 2: for our soon to be travelers watching this, 547 00:24:45,696 --> 00:24:49,215 Speaker 1: I think more practical tips like tagging your suitcases or 548 00:24:49,326 --> 00:24:51,225 Speaker 1: take them good. A lot of cases they will tell 549 00:24:51,234 --> 00:24:53,566 Speaker 1: you the airline will tell you that the we can't 550 00:24:53,576 --> 00:24:56,215 Speaker 1: find our luggage and I've seen the videos of people 551 00:24:56,244 --> 00:24:58,484 Speaker 1: being like, oh you cannot find, I can find it here. 552 00:24:58,635 --> 00:25:01,436 Speaker 1: And then they literally walk to where the attack is shown. 553 00:25:01,446 --> 00:25:04,306 Speaker 1: So it can help you travel insurance. If your flight 554 00:25:04,316 --> 00:25:05,536 Speaker 1: gets delayed, you can get some 555 00:25:05,546 --> 00:25:08,586 Speaker 2: money, make sure your passport got six months validity. Yes. 556 00:25:08,595 --> 00:25:10,005 Speaker 1: Check like the simple things like 557 00:25:10,104 --> 00:25:12,083 Speaker 1: visa. We always think that visa is 558 00:25:12,213 --> 00:25:15,063 Speaker 2: very visa for granted. Yeah, 559 00:25:15,073 --> 00:25:17,624 Speaker 1: even to America you need an ether and like they 560 00:25:17,634 --> 00:25:20,703 Speaker 1: tell you it needs about two days. I mean sometimes 561 00:25:20,713 --> 00:25:22,894 Speaker 1: it be granted in two hours but don't take the 562 00:25:22,904 --> 00:25:25,693 Speaker 1: risk for me. I think share location with your friends 563 00:25:25,703 --> 00:25:28,713 Speaker 1: and family, especially when you're going out at night. I 564 00:25:28,792 --> 00:25:30,933 Speaker 1: think for me if you are a content creator, you 565 00:25:30,943 --> 00:25:33,274 Speaker 1: do post stuff, you've got lots of following. Never tell 566 00:25:33,284 --> 00:25:36,413 Speaker 1: your real time location. I only always share where I 567 00:25:36,423 --> 00:25:38,524 Speaker 1: live after it's all done even though I got no 568 00:25:38,621 --> 00:25:40,921 Speaker 1: one that would know me in Japan, you just never 569 00:25:40,932 --> 00:25:43,692 Speaker 1: know there's this creep out there that can, I don't know, 570 00:25:43,702 --> 00:25:46,572 Speaker 1: pass on the information. So just never tell your real 571 00:25:46,582 --> 00:25:50,140 Speaker 1: time location and never tell anyone that you're solo traveling 572 00:25:50,151 --> 00:25:52,621 Speaker 1: to strangers because you don't know them even though you 573 00:25:52,631 --> 00:25:53,401 Speaker 1: think you know them, 574 00:25:53,442 --> 00:25:56,541 Speaker 2: right? If you really know that solo traveling is not 575 00:25:56,552 --> 00:25:58,870 Speaker 2: for you or you don't like generally like spending time 576 00:25:58,881 --> 00:26:00,862 Speaker 2: alone or you rather do things with friends or like 577 00:26:00,871 --> 00:26:05,352 Speaker 2: your partner, then you shouldn't feel pressured by the trend 578 00:26:05,362 --> 00:26:06,682 Speaker 2: of solo traveling as well. 579 00:26:08,349 --> 00:26:09,800 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for watching this episode of the 580 00:26:09,810 --> 00:26:12,020 Speaker 1: Hot Pot. You can also listen to us on Spotify 581 00:26:12,030 --> 00:26:14,560 Speaker 1: Apple podcast and me. Listen. And if you haven't already, 582 00:26:14,569 --> 00:26:17,859 Speaker 1: please subscribe to us and hit the bell. So you 583 00:26:17,869 --> 00:26:20,589 Speaker 1: notify it and thank you so much Maggie for joining 584 00:26:20,599 --> 00:26:23,469 Speaker 1: us again on another episode. Thanks for having me. I 585 00:26:23,479 --> 00:26:25,310 Speaker 1: wish I could stay on for another episode. But yeah, 586 00:26:25,319 --> 00:26:27,359 Speaker 1: I had so much fun. In fact, I've been binge 587 00:26:27,369 --> 00:26:29,619 Speaker 1: listening to your episodes as well. So love what you 588 00:26:29,630 --> 00:26:30,119 Speaker 1: guys do. 589 00:26:30,130 --> 00:26:32,550 Speaker 2: Love it. So you all need to listen and binge 590 00:26:32,560 --> 00:26:34,619 Speaker 2: watch as well and we will see you on the 591 00:26:34,630 --> 00:26:35,680 Speaker 2: next episode. Bye bye. 592 00:26:35,864 --> 00:26:36,714 Speaker 2: Hi. 593 00:26:37,385 --> 00:26:39,823 Speaker 1: Do you use disposable underwear? I only want to go 594 00:26:39,834 --> 00:26:44,405 Speaker 1: to spa. Oh Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I always 595 00:26:44,464 --> 00:26:48,774 Speaker 1: feel like it would drop something wrong size. No, it's 596 00:26:48,814 --> 00:26:49,895 Speaker 1: always like it's also 597 00:26:51,074 --> 00:26:51,915 Speaker 2: giving diaper, 598 00:26:53,074 --> 00:26:55,925 Speaker 1: but sometimes right if you know enough underwear for your trip. Right. 599 00:26:56,555 --> 00:26:57,864 Speaker 1: No choice to buy. But 600 00:26:57,885 --> 00:27:00,375 Speaker 2: you buy the uni one is I can just wear, 601 00:27:00,814 --> 00:27:03,274 Speaker 1: I, I don't believe it's clean. I don't care.