Travelling, it’s desired and fulfilled by so many people for a reason, it is such an appealing idea, and a grand way of living life.
Save up enough money, find the countries that you want to visit, book accommodation and take a few months off work. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
It’s a chance to meet people, see sights, and embrace cultures that you’d never do so if you didn’t take up the opportunity of travelling. As well it forces you to step out of your comfort zone every day, and from that people grow in confidence and awareness.
Do it before you are no longer here!
A considerably endearing place to the young or even old traveler is South East Asia, a place of such scenic beauty, rich history and affordability. Particularly: Thailand, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan are the specific countries that charm a traveler.
The likelihood is, you aspire to travelling to these countries, you see the appeal of it, and perhaps you have had someone close to you travel to South East Asia.
However, it’s equally possible that you have no idea where to start, what to do when you are there, and what you will encounter.
You may also have not know anyone who has been travelling or is currently traveling. you are always one conversation away from changing your life, all it takes is some encouraging words from someone and self belief.
Isaac Bussey, a current solo traveler, has explored far and wide across South East Asia. He is telling his experience in travelling these countries, in the hope it helps you have that desire to travel:
‘I have been travelling since mid January 2025, a total of 5 months outside the UK once I return. I have travelled to India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and Sri Lanka. I was motivated to travel because I like the idea of freedom, adventure, life long experiences, and relying on myself.
‘If any people inspired me to take a punt it would undoubtedly be my Grandparents, Anthony Bourdain and various friends who have done similar things. I would recommend travelling to people in any age bracket, but most especially for younger adulthood ages.’
‘I have travelled across six countries in a ‘solo’ trip without a great deal of prior research. Each country has a different feeling, food, culture, things to do and things to learn. For me, India and Vietnam were my favourite places. They were both so foreign and different, had the friendliest people, the tastiest food, deepest culture and amazing scenery.’
‘If there is one thing I’ve taken away from the last five months, its to remain present. A huge part of why people love to travel is the extended break it permits from life responsibilities.
He also gives his advice to people who are eager to travel to South East Asia themselves:
‘You’ll meet tons of local people and likeminded travelers from different countries at the hostels everyday. Very little of my five months has been solo at all. I estimate I’ve met over a thousand people. Solo travelling is not solo, it should be called ‘solitude travelling’. Mainly my advice is to: respect the culture, don’t rely on technology, be cautiously dangerous, and save up more than you need. You’ve got to have fun, but do it cautiously. You need risk and fulfilment.’
‘Keep planning low, prioritize asking locals for recommendations. Go into local bars and get chatting to people about where to go, what to do and why to do things. Be spontaneous, travel allows you that beautiful luxury. The most boring thing you can do is go onto Google maps and search ‘5 star restaurant’ which will be filled with tourists.’
‘Its not all roses though. Travelling is immense but you’re going to have quiet days, mishaps, moments you wished you shared with someone, people you miss back home and moments you wish you could fly back home for. But that’s life, you cant have everything. Just be happy that you will have these experiences rather than be sad that the moments will be over.’
Isaac Bussey has undoubtedly had an amazing time whilst travelling in South East Asia. So much so that he is deeply considering travelling again. With the intention to teach English as a foreign language in Vietnam.
As he ticks off the final thing on his itinerary, in an adventure across Japan, he plans to land into the UK on the 24th May. He will have conflicted emotions of happiness, euphoria, sadness, and eagerness to get back out there.
These are also the feelings that you are likely to feel if you do undertake the adventure and challenge of leaving the country for an extended period of time and travel somewhere completely foreign. So do not feel alone in this, take it face on, and do not be frightened.
Hopefully, Isaac Bussey’s commending and encouraging words will not only prompt you to go travelling, but make you feel more confident in what to expect, what to plan and how to go approach it.
South East Asia information websites:
