Taking On 2019
Travel empowered and come back a different woman!
When was the last time you did something for the first time? - John C. Maxwell
Eve Writes | 15 January 2019
Life & Culture : Eve Travels
The quote above will definitely strum a string in your heart if you’re someone who wishes she has the courage to drop everything and travel just like those empowered women you read on the Internet so much about. You wonder how they became so carefree and amazing, and you wonder if you’ll ever be like that one day.
You've traveled to places before, but how did those places add value and enrich your lives in ways you didn't imagine they could?
There’s nothing quite like being in a foreign place yet somehow feel like you belong. Most of us are searching for the same thing… To make something completely our own.
And traveling can do that for you!
Overcoming an obstacle, no matter how small, will greatly impact your life in ways you can never imagine. As a woman, these experiences will allow us to grow and make us feel empowered. We want each and every woman to feel as empowered as those who traveled to distant lands and made it back better than ever. You’ll find out that it doesn’t matter where you go in the end, it’s the experience you get that’ll make the woman you are after your trip.
As any traveler will tell you, traveling is not just about discovering new places or experiencing different things. It really is about discovering who you are and experiencing emotions in situations that are new to you. The more you see, the more you know. And the more you know, the more you find out that you don't know. Before you hop on that first plane out of town, why not speak to travelers from around the world to learn about their experiences of traveling and/or living abroad here.
Are you ready to pack your bags with us to take on travel 2019?
1. Travel..in your own city!
How many of us can actually say that we’ve truly explored every corner of the place we grew up or where we currently live in? Not many, I would say. In fact, we’re so comfortable with where we usually go or where we stay that we don’t find it a need to really explore.
Now put yourself in a tourist’s shoes and start thinking like a tourist! Where would you go to find out what your city has to offer to make the trip more memorable? Soon you’ll find places where you never knew existed and more often than not, it’ll definitely be a sweet memory when you recall those moments.
For a day-trip, we suggest keeping your budget minimum of maybe between RM100 - RM200. Try taking the public transportation to explore. Get down at a random stop around your area and find out what they have to offer there. Limit your food expenses to eating out at mamak stalls or a hawker stall. Sure, they serve the same food you usually eat during lunch or dinner but it’s somewhere new! Isn’t that what traveling is all about? Be sure to bring a backpack with water bottles, emergency kits, medicine, and of course, your camera!
Be a stylish tourist in town in this Jennifer Lopez
Pink Rylee Backpack. Available on Zalora
The famous Meridian Gate at Hue, Vietnam
Image: Culture Trip
2. Travel for...history and art
A number of places comes to mind when we think about the places in Asia that is rich in history. In fact, there are so many places in our beautiful continent that can provide you with ample knowledge to take from when you visit these places. These places are not only rich in history, but are also filled with local art exhibitions you can spend a whole day at. You can make a trip here with your girlfriends or you can pack your bags and go at it alone. If you're anxious about traveling alone, we have some quick tips for you here.
This former imperial and capital city of Vietnam in the 19th and early 20th century was once the most powerful city in Southeast Asia. It’s a great destination to travel to learn more about how the people in the city lived. There’s also beautiful monuments, pagodas, and ancient tombs of sleeping emperors which you can spend your day exploring.
Did you know that Taiwan has a cultural heritage of Taiwanese, Chinese and also Japanese? That makes this country chock-full of history, having a museum with 696,422 exhibits! The National Palace Museum in Taipei boasts “some of the most exquisite artworks in existence.” Showcasing 8,000 years worth of Chinese Art, it’s definitely not a trip you wish to skip in Taiwan.
Other things to do in Taiwan includes (but of course, not limited to!) seeing and touching the world's largest gold bar in the world, discover its wonderful food, and night markets.
We couldn’t fit all the countries we think you should visit for your travels to expand your knowledge on history and arts, but the amazing people at Lonely Planet has a list for you to read more about it here!
Image: The Telegraph Travel
3. Travel to...shop for your loved ones
Maybe our best option on the list yet! We love to shop, and that’s a given. But what if we told you that shopping for your loved ones during the non-holiday seasons will give you a sense of achievement? It’s true! Shopping is a therapy for many of us, but sometimes when it comes to Year-End Sale craze and the crowd during holiday shopping, it can put your mood right off.
This is why we would like to suggest you take a shopping travel this 2019. Before you do, list out those who are on your Good List (we know, it’s only just January but trust us on this!) and subtly ask them what is it that they want that’s not available here.
For us, we like to ask our loved ones (subtly, of course) what they would like to own but can’t buy here. Granted some of those things can be a little pricey, but we can surely get something similar or of the same brand. After all, it’s the thought that counts and the best thing about shopping for your loved ones is when you see their faces after receiving the very thing they've always wanted!
Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time
4. Travel to...somewhere tropical
Yes, this might sound cliche because travel? To somewhere tropical? But who can deny the rejuvenating feeling of some sun, eh?
Everyone loves a good tropical holiday by the beach, there’s something about the sun that makes us feel at one with the sea and sky. Not only that, a dip in the sea is great exercise because it works every muscle in your body. And who doesn’t love a good sun-kissed tan? The sea helps to firm and tone the skin, making you look like a goddess when you return. Instant boost self-esteem? Yes, please!
There are many beaches that About Eve loves, but our favorites are definitely anything between Phuket, Lombok, Bali, and Goa. These beaches not only have the best beach activities you can do with your friends, but they also have great accommodations that gives you a sea view from your room. Enjoy soaking up the sun from morning to evening and live the nightlife away. Beach holidays are incredible stress-reliever. But be sure to schedule your holiday to avoid monsoon season on your holiday.
Check out some of the wonderful places we have been to in our travels in our piece on the best rustic resorts we recommend.
Bungaraya Island Resort in Sabah.
Terrapuri, Terengganu
5. Travel to...meet a friend
Here's something probably we don't usually do anymore. We love to travel with friends, yes, but when was the last time we paid a friend a visit? In a world where video call is common, we sometimes forget to actually meet and hang out. This year, About Eve would like to do more of things we used to do when things were simpler (read: before technology advances) and we suggest you make 2019 about your friends and family. Arrange to travel to meet a friend in another state or country and you'd be surprised by not how quickly the memories will rekindle, you'll be learning something new about your friend too because distance can really make the heart grows fonder.
Or maybe, why not visit that one friend you've made online? Have you ever made a friend on the Internet who you just immediately clicked with? Why don’t you go and give them a visit! If your friend lives in the same state as you, that’s even better because you can meet up at a common point and spend some quality time together. If they live in another country, go ahead and meet them too, but be sure to bring a friend along. What’s best is that you can ask them where the best places to go is, or even save on accommodation and live with them for your trip! It’s a great way to meet new people and go about the city like a local. We love this tip because it’ll really broaden your horizons in meeting new people and definitely get you closer to the customs of the place.
Villa Waringin, Bali
We don't have to tell you this, but we still will - Always exercise caution when meeting anyone for the first time, especially people you know only through online conversations. You may have been friends on Facebook for years, but you have yet to truly know who they are. Always meet at public places and make sure someone always know where you are.
Fill your 2019 with meaningful memories by traveling a little differently. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned traveler, whether you're traveling alone or with your girlfriend, looking at traveling from a different perspective and angle can really make a difference and yes, who knew, when you return, you truly will be a different woman!
If you're someone who loves traveling, why not share something with us in the comment section. Let us know where's a good place to go, awesome places to eat, and things we should know about a place.
In the mean time, happy traveling, Wanderlusters!
