Stephanie Lee

Q: What prompted you to give up a successful career and relationship so that you can travel solo?
Travelling alone was something I had always wanted to do but along the way I unintentionally conformed to society and spent many years pursuing certain milestones in life. After achieving those things, I found myself in limbo and dissatisfied. I was nearly 30 and decided youth wasn't going to wait around for me too long so on an impulse left everything that was familiar to embark on solo travel around the world.

Q: So you think travelling solo is good for the heart, mind and soul?
This is a definite yes. Travelling solo means you actually learn to enjoy and indulge in your own company, discovering new places and experiences for yourself. It is a journey of self-discovery, and at the end of a trip, you will learn many new things about yourself. Being in a new place alone also requires lots of self-confidence, so by the end of the trip, one would be feeling more positive and independent and ready to take on new challenges upon the return home.

Q: Some countries are more dangerous than others. Can you please tell our readers about dangers that may be lurking and how to protect themselves.
There are many countries with bad reputations for theft and crime. To avoid this:

Always leave your passport and valuables in a safe place and not carry them out with you to tempt thieves.
Don't carry a lot of cash with you and keep credit cards in a wallet in a zipped cross-shoulder bag which is slung in front of you at all times. (I don't like backpacks as they're so easy to steal from at the back)
Always walk in the opposite direction of traffic if possible so someone in a bike can't come behind and surprise you.
Try to meet up with other solo travellers at night for company and safety's sake. You can find them on www.Travelbuddy.com or one of the local couchsurfing groups like www.couchsurfing.org.

Q: What are some of the best restaurants bets for solo travelers based on your experiences.
Due to a tight budget, I rarely ate in restaurants, but when I did splurge every once in a while, I picked restaurants that were not too busy so I could sit undisturbed having a nice meal and usually writing in my blog or flicking through the day's photos to reflect on the places I've been.

Q: How does one meet new people if they are all alone?
Sometimes I would go out on a stroll and try to find a random small bar. Have a peak and see if there are any friendly vibes or any other obviously solo travellers with whom to chat.

Q: Do you have any budget-friendly tips that can help save our readers dollars before and during their trip?
Before the trip, you can save money very simply. For example, take lunch to work, sell some old clothes, join Freecycle to score free stuff, go out alternate weeks. During travel, buy food in supermarkets, couchsurf, ride-share, and wait for free days at art galleries and museums.


Q: What are your three favorite must-see destinations and why.
1. Lyon, France - great city with an interesting vibe and the friendliest locals I've ever met (even without speaking French)
2. Prague, Czech Republic - great food and alcohol, fantastic sights, and everything is very cheap!
3. Bilbao, Spain - the best museum in the world Guggenheim, pintxos, Spanish fiestas every night

Q: What about romance on the road? Is it better to play it safe than trusting a total stranger?
There are many opportunities to find romance on the road as it gets very lonely at times and it's easy to meet other like-minded single travellers. After sharing amazing experiences in new exotic locations, a total stranger today might be a lover or friend tomorrow, as long as one accepts romance on the road is usually temporary with no expectation of emotional attachments. Of course, once in a while it blossoms into a real relationship, and I do know of many people who have met their significant other while travelling.

Q: Any other words of wisdom?
Don't think, just do. It will be the best decision and the best time of your life.

Stephanie Lee was born in 1978 in Malaysia, and has lived in three different countries. She spent her childhood in Kuala Lumpur, and later moved to San Francisco, USA during her teenage years. She then went on to study architecture at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. After completing her degree, she worked in several architectural firms designing residential buildings. After six years of full-time work, Stephanie caught the travel bug and left everything behind to embark on a solo open-ended journey which took her all around the world. To date she has been to approximately 30 countries, most of which were by herself. While travelling she documented her experiences extensively and started a nomadic career as a travel writer. She has since had articles published online in Brave New Traveler and Indie Travel Podcast. When not travelling or writing, she still practices architecture and has recently launched an independent homewares brand s.p.y.downunder (www.spydownunder.com.au). She currently lives in Sydney and continues to contribute articles to Indie Travel Podcast.