GirlGoTravel: Female Solo Traveler Feature #16
I met Ellen at lunch one day in Havana, Cuba. She was traveling alone and within minutes we were exchanging travel stories. She's traveled far and wide, alone and with friends, and as a vegan (quite hard I might add). She had to pick one solo trip to feature and she decided to share the time went to Seychelles for a wedding, then flew to Thailand to volunteer at dog shelter.
Getting kisses from one of the pups I was looking after. These dogs were rescued from the 2011 Bangkok floods and they are happy to have a home.
My Thailand trip started off with a wedding in the Seychelles, surrounded by friends and 5 star luxury. Then came solo and budget hotels!
Swinging into my summer of travel in the Seychelles. This photo was taken after a day of paddleboarding and cocktails with my best friends in the whole world.
A roof top bar is a must in Bangkok, to give you a breather from this bustling city and appreciate how twinkly and special it is. Try the Sofitel hotel for drinks, then it’s back to ground level for assaults on all of your senses …
Bangkok has so many markets, and Jatujak Green was my fave. Head down at night for food, vintage clothing, and antiques. It’s also packed with Thai hipsters, sat around in bars that wouldn’t look out of place in the north of England, listening to punk, ska, and The Smiths.
Before I embarked on my one week of volunteering with dogs, I spent a day walking with elephants. The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai homes rescued ellies from the logging trade and tourism – no riding allowed and quite right too!
The gang hanging out at our pad for the week, a shack we called home. Look at Tripod the three legged pup posing for the group selfie! This was also at the Elephant Nature Park which has dogs, cows, cats, buffalos … you name it, they are caring for it.
This walk to ‘work’ was a world away from my usual busy commute in London. I relished every step. If you look closely, you can see an elephant having his breakfast.
Some of the girls I volunteered with in Thailand, we shared shacks and bonded over walkies. Since this trip I have hung out with a couple of them in London when they’ve been in town. Friends for life.
