Buzz
Embarking on her journey since 2014, Malaysian girl Phoebe Tan has traversed through Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, South Korea, Japan…
Malaysian girl explores the world on two wheels
According to The Star (Malaysia) on March 23, before setting out on her global adventure, Phoebe Tan worked as a quality control specialist for a company based in the UK. In 2014, listening to the call of nature, she decided to quit her job and hit the road.
Ironically, up until that point, she had never been fond of cycling, and the bike, nicknamed Thorn, was not the ideal long-distance companion as it was a gift from her brother in 2006 and mostly stored in a warehouse.
Initially, she traveled with a friend, starting from Finland to Norway. Due to lack of experience and not having undergone any training courses, she simply tagged along, putting her best foot forward.
In the initial 3 days, she covered 140km/day, resulting in tossing her bike by the roadside and sprawling on the ground upon arrival. 'I had intense muscle pain due to improper cycling,' she recalls.
Her companion then returned, while she continued cycling to Denmark. Subsequently, she pedaled through various countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, South Korea, and Japan.
'The country I stayed in the longest is China, around 4 months, followed by 2 months in South Korea,' she says.
'My favorite country is Tajikistan in Central Asia. I cherish the untouched beauty of its nature, hospitable people, curious children, cycling through rugged terrains like off-road races, nights spent in a tent with a bike surrounded by white snow…,' she shares.
She mentions having no sponsorship, and all expenses are from her savings over the years. She also shares cost-effective tips. Firstly, limit hotel stays – both expensive and uninteresting.
Instead, opt for homestays – either at your friend's place or someone you know, providing warmth and a profound understanding of local life.
Sometimes, she pitches a sleeping tent to immerse in nature. Only when needing a break, conserving energy, facing bad weather, or blogging does she opt for guesthouses.
For communication, she buys a SIM card only if planning to stay in a country for over a month; otherwise, she relies on free WiFi in communal living spaces.
Not fluent in the local language? According to her, it's not a major issue. 'Learn some useful basic words, know the local names of places you want to visit for easy directions. You can also use body language and maps,' she advises.
She reveals infrequent contact with fellow cyclists from other countries through online groups. Before the trip, she reads a few blogs and joins a couple of groups while traveling, then stops following them as she wants a more immersive experience.
So, how to stay safe when solo traveling? 'Trust your instincts. If something feels off, steer clear immediately. Be firm and don't act like an easy victim. Carry just enough money, spread it in different places, and don't flaunt valuable items in public,' she suggests.
If the bike breaks down mid-journey? Equip yourself with basic bike repair skills – not professional like a mechanic, just the essentials. In case you can't fix the bike or have a flat tire, carry a kit and seek assistance.
'Just keep smiling. A smile is a universal language that everyone understands, and it always works,' she says.
For girls who wish to travel alone on a bike, she encourages them to boldly embark on the journey, as the fears and dangers often imagined may not materialize.
Flexibility is crucial, don't confine yourself because plans can change.
'There's only one rule, and that is to have fun!' she declares.
Source: Tường Vy/Tuổi trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 24, 2017
