Never let stumbles on the road be the end of your journey and trust me I had quite a few of those in the beginning of my first solo journey to South Vietnam and Cambodia. I had traveled by myself in India alone by buses, trains and flights from a young age, but doing a trip alone that also out of my country was nerve wrecking. Before locking on the idea of actually doing it, I researched a lot – the safety for a female traveler, the cost, the transport, visa, stay. Regarding the visa, 3 travel agents told me that it is visa on arrival, so I was all set. So I was doing a show in Kuala Lumpur from there I was going to Vietnam from there to Siem Reap (Cambodia) and then meeting a friend in Bangkok.
Work is done in Kuala Lumpur and I am all set for my first solo trip with my backpack, handbag, passport and nervously excited me. Now I am at the counter to get my boarding pass it is 5 in the morning and I don’t think I have been more awake at that hour. When my turn comes I give her my ticket and passport and then she asks for my visa, and in confidence I tell her it is visa on arrival which she declines and says where is your letter and I have no such thing, so I ask to speak to the manager. A very nice guy of Air Asia, he explains me that the agents gave me false information and needed a letter which you get online, he agreed that once I get my letter he will book my flight and I would just have to pay the difference. I am worried and one thing has already screwed up before the trip has already started. So I go to the food court of the airport sit with their Wi-Fi and figure out this letter. So guys check this out, you go online and get a letter which permits you to get a visa once you arrive in Vietnam, you wait in a long line at the airport for your visa with all the tourists but it is simply worth it for the starting of your trip. So I burnt 100 dollars from my rock solid budget for it because I wanted it within an hour, the earlier you get that letter cheaper it is.
So I get my letter and with my new ticket got my boarding pass and I was on my way to Vietnam. After finally reaching my first destination, getting my visa, I was out and then I called the hostel I had booked from home just to cross check the address before I took the cab. Guess What?? My bed did not get booked, so she says she will check and tell me about availability, so again I start abusing myself, twice in the same day. So I am checking on airbnb for rooms or couches calling a few people, a lot were unavailable. I called back the hostel and there was a bed empty in a mixed dorm (female and male), grabbed it and booked it that instant.
Took a cab and reached the hostel when I reach there I get to know I paid extra for the cab, so by then I am in a big emotional mess. Checked – in , reached my dorm put my bags in the locker below my bed, went down took a chilled beer and went to the terrace of the hostel and sat on a bench and contemplated my entire trip and if I was wrong taking it alone and was I going to be doomed with so many stumbles?? Then a fellow traveler came along and I think saw my big time troubled face, and he then told me that each traveler faces a lot of stumbles on their journeys and each of them is a learning experience and some or the problem would come along as there is no such thing as a smooth journey.
So press forward do not stop do not linger in your journey and enjoy your journey.
Link for Vietnam Visa Letter for Indian Passport Holders - https://www.vietnam-visa.in/
Hostel - Eco Green Hostel
