My Beijing Trip Went POOF!
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That's ridiculous! Why can't I visit Beijing alone? It's incredibly safe.
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Okay, I got the details from my mom. She said: 1. I tend to take the bus in the wrong direction. 2. When we were supposed to meet, I couldn't find the East or West service areas. 3. When I go out alone, even with GPS, I still manage to go completely the wrong way. She's just not confident about me traveling by myself. It's fine if I'm with family or friends, but even though Beijing is safe, she's worried I'll get lost because I'm so bad with directions.
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Sure, it's safe, but you never know who you might run into. What if someone approaches you on the street, speaking with a familiar regional accent, grabs your arm, and tells you they're a migrant worker who's run out of money? They ask for five yuan for a 'shaobing' (a type of flatbread) or a few dozen for a ticket, and they look rather naive and genuinely desperate. What would you do then?
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Oh wow, this one question really gauges someone's ability to venture out alone. I've traveled solo to many cities and often walk at night, and I don't find Beijing unsafe at all because I'm confident in my ability to ensure my own safety. The original poster mentioned her first instinct is to help in such situations, which suggests her self-assessment might exceed her actual capabilities. She definitely needs to gain more experience before she can truly travel alone.
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How about trying to travel with your mom first? Start with the outskirts of your own city, then move on to other cities in Henan, and eventually to neighboring provinces. The crucial part is that you take charge of everything – booking hotels, transport, planning the itinerary, all of it. You act as the tour guide, and your mom is the tourist; your job is to let her enjoy the trip without a single worry. This way, you can show her you're capable of traveling independently and handling any unexpected situations. That's how I convinced my mom. Hope you get to visit Beijing soon!
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Thanks for the suggestion!
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You're 20 and still so obedient to your mom? If you get lost, just use Gaode Maps (Amap)!
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Did you see her pinned comment? She gets lost even with GPS. And if she's also the type who's too shy to ask people for directions, then her mom's concerns are totally understandable.
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It's okay, dear. Don't be so hard on yourself or feel you have to be unyieldingly firm. Just relax. You listened to your mom this time, and that's alright. Be understanding of that part of you that hesitated a little because of her worries. Beijing will still be there, waiting for you when you're absolutely sure you're ready.
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Thank you, that's so kind of you.
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Honey, with so many map apps available these days, if you're 20 and your family is still worried you'll get lost traveling alone, it's quite understandable why they're hesitant to let you go. I'm 22, and I've already explored Xiamen, Quanzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing all by myself. I'm currently traveling solo in Beijing. You really don't have to worry about safety here; there are police officers practically everywhere. As long as you're willing to ask for directions, they'll gladly help. That's the first challenge you need to tackle: asking for help. Secondly, if you're too shy to ask but still want to travel alone, it's best to start small, around your hometown. Gradually learn to read maps, practice speaking up, get comfortable with maps, and build your confidence. Then, try venturing out to nearby cities or counties (for instance, if you're in City A, try City B, staying within your province).
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I originally planned a trip to Yunnan, but my dad was dead set against it, saying it was too dangerous. In the end, we compromised on Beijing, and he agreed to that.
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Ah, pulling a classic Trump negotiation tactic there!
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I hope that next time you're in a similar situation, you'll find the courage to take the leap. Regardless of how the trip turns out, a first solo adventure is always an unforgettable experience. Wishing you the best!
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Check out the other replies. Someone asked her how she'd handle it if a 'compatriot' approached her on the street asking for help. Her response was that she'd 'help if she could'... Clearly, she lacks real-world experience. It's probably best for her to get more comfortable navigating her own city first before trying to travel elsewhere.
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But seriously, is it actually fun to travel alone?
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Traveling alone is the best! You feel like exploring everywhere. I actually think if the main point of traveling with someone else is just to hang out, eat, and drink, you might as well just stay home together and scroll on your phones. For me, traveling is about seeing the world, forging a connection with a new city all by yourself, and engaging with and discovering new things. When you travel with others, it often feels like you're just shifting your existing social dynamics to a new location. But when you travel solo, you're truly fostering a relationship with nature and society. (Not to say either is bad, of course, but I personally lean towards solo travel.)
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That's just unbelievable. If my kid were still like this at 20, I'd feel like they're pretty much a lost cause, with no basic survival skills.