Thailand
The Story
Thailand was one of those trips that reminded me exactly why I fell in love with traveling. I went in with high hopes and it still somehow exceeded them. The nature completely stole me, and the beaches, the water, and the mountains are even more beautiful in person than they look online. My favorite part by far was island hopping. Drifting between islands, swimming in impossibly clear water, and just soaking it all in was an absolute blast. It's also one of the easiest places I've ever traveled solo, since everything just flows, and I never once felt out of my depth. Honestly, I already know I have to go back, because I left feeling like I'd only scratched the surface. Easily one of my best trips abroad!
The Attention Factor
Barely any. It's very touristy, so people are used to seeing all kinds of travelers so I wasn't stared at.
Practical notes
Sort your essentials before you go. Check the visa rules for your specific passport, bring some local currency to start, and download a couple of transit apps plus offline maps. You don't need to speak Thai, but a few polite words go a long way and locals really appreciate the effort. Carry more cash than you think you'll need, because street food, night markets, and tuk-tuks are almost always cash-only, even though cards and Apple/Google Pay work in malls and bigger spots. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and worth grabbing, and if you plan to visit temples, pack something that covers your shoulders and knees so you're not turned away.
What I'd skip
Don't spend your whole trip in the ultra-touristy hotspots, because it's hard to get a real feel for Thailand when you're shoulder-to-shoulder with crowds. Phuket in particular wasn't a favorite of mine because it felt overcrowded and a little generic. Give yourself time in the less-touristy towns and quieter islands, because that's where the country really opens up and shows you what it's actually like!
