One of the great joys of traveling is learning to embrace the unexpected—which seems to be an especially popular theme when I talk to travelers about Southeast Asia. OAT travelers just love the delightfully unfamiliar experiences that they encounter in this part of the world, from kickboxing to cobra meat (though Betsy K. neglects to mention what it tastes like in the email below!).
Dear Harriet,
I enjoy your Harriet’s Corner messages. My most favorite memory from Vietnam is learning how to cross busy city streets. As we were trying to gather the nerve to step into the street without our guide, a young schoolgirl came along so we adults just stepped into the street right behind her and followed her across.
Another memory is trying to decide what meat we were eating in a dish our guide had ordered for us. We figured it out when we found the cobra’s head! I hope someday to return to Vietnam with OAT.
—Betsy K.
Dear Harriet,
The best parts of some of our trips are the “unscheduled” ones. For example, when we were in Thailand and made a stop as we were leaving on the bus, the guide noticed a church and she heard something. We went over and a young man was going through the ceremony to become a monk. His family and friends were most anxious for us to come in and watch the ceremony. We did not stay for the whole ceremony but what a great experience! This same guide also offered to take those of us who were interested to a kickboxing match. It was most interesting to watch the crowd and the betting going on around us as well as the match which neither my husband nor I had experienced before.
—Betty Anne R.
Recently, my team and I introduced a special new booklet called 101 Tips for Women Travelers, and so far our travelers are really enjoying it. Nancy S., we compiled this book with travelers like you in mind, so I’m thrilled that it rang true with you. And Martha C., though we featured a few suggestions about gifts for children, yours is truly unique—and while we didn’t receive it in time for the book, I’m pleased to include it here.
Dear Harriet,
I have just finished reading your tips for women travelers from cover to cover at one sitting. Where were you 11 years ago when I started traveling alone? I spent most of the time nodding my head and thinking, “Oh, how true.” I adored the 25 things to do with a bandana and remember at least a dozen times I could have used one.
Thank you for recognizing that women travelers have different needs than just the generic heading “travelers.” This booklet is a must for any women with the curiosity to “see what is on the other side of the mountain.”
—Nancy S.
Dear Harriet,
I enjoyed your book of tips for women and wish to offer another way to delight children and their parents. I have traveled extensively and always carry balloons in my pockets. Making eye contact with the parent(s), I ask if I may offer a balloon to the child. Kids break out in beautiful smiles and only one parent has ever refused, from thousands of balloons handed out. I am known around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala as “La Señora de los Globos.” Inexpensive, easy to carry, something all children know how to use, fun to blow up and toss around, colorful, and not candy or money. Scores of other travelers now emulate this easy communication device. Perhaps you could make this suggestion available to travelers—as usual, you get far more than you give.
—Martha C.
If you haven’t received 101 Tips for Women Travelers yet—or if you’d like to request another copy to share with a friend—you can order yours for free here.