Going solo

Mint has itchy feet

By Sukrit Khaepimpan and Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of Banlue Group and Monthon Kasantikul

Travelling is a passion of many people, but travelling alone is never easy, especially if you’re a woman. Monthon Kasantikul (Mint) has been travelling alone since she was a university student. To relieve the stress from studying her master’s in Spain, Mint decided to take her first solo trip to Portugal’s Azores islands.

Due to her poor preparation and research, the trip didn’t go well. Mint had a hard time and experienced loneliness. After the trip, it took her four months to hit the road again.

Since then, 28-year-old Mint has set foot in more than 70 countries around the world. During her travels she’s done a lot of challenging activities such as skydiving over the Namib Desert and jumping into the Devil’s Pool in Zambia. Her memories are shared on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/IRoamAlone, which has more than 98,000 followers.

The pretty traveller was recently in town to promote the latest in her book series, I Roam Alone: Trekking Through South America. Student Weekly met up with Mint to chat about her lifestyle.

Student Weekly: Why did you choose the Azores as your first solo destination?

Mint: My friend told me that the islands were beautiful. I’d never heard of them before.

Student Weekly: How was your first trip?

Mint: I didn’t do much research because I thought I had lots of experience as a traveller. But there’s no public transportation in Azores so I had to take a taxi which was expensive. I was there alone, so I often felt lonely. It was a good lesson. I learned to see both the positive and negative sides of travelling.

Student Weekly: After four months without travelling, why did you decide to hit the road again?

Mint: I won’t quit after doing anything just once. I like to give myself a second chance. Since the preparation for the first trip was inadequate, I prepared more and had a fun three-week trip to Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro. I felt that travelling was what I wanted to do.

Student Weekly: Why are you more interested in nature than architecture?

Mint: Architecture is man-made and not natural. For example, Petra in Jordan is incredible, but when I saw Wadi Rum — a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock — I believe Petra was imitating Wadi Rum. Nature is the greatest artist. Architecture can’t compete with it.

Student Weekly: Is English language important for travelling?

Mint: There are many countries where people don’t speak English and it will never be a problem if we intend to communicate. We can draw or use body language. If you can’t speak the language, you should get a lot of information about your destination first. And to improve your English language, you should try to communicate.

Student Weekly: What is your advice for a solo traveller who wants to make new friends?

Mint: An easy way to make new friends is to join an activity arranged by a hostel such as a city tour. Or you could start a conversation with somebody next to you on a bus. You’ll probably meet that person only once in your life, so don’t worry what they think about you.

Student Weekly: Which country impressed you the most?

Mint: Thailand is the best. Thai people are nice, kind and humorous.

Student Weekly: Is there any country that you don’t want to revisit?

Mint: Bolivia. The country was beautiful, but my stomach was upset for three weeks when I was there. I vomited and couldn’t move. The weather was freezing and the people looked gloomy.

Student Weekly: What was your toughest trip?

Mint: Climbing Mount Siguniang in China was the first time I felt like giving up. I wanted to see the sunrise at 5,000 metres above sea level. It was dark, windy and freezing and I felt sick due to lack of sleep. I was also afraid of heights. The route was icy and narrow, so I felt frightened, but a professional hiker dragged me up there.

Student Weekly: Do you have any advice for a young solo traveller?

Mint: If you’re a guy, just go. Don’t think too much. For a girl, the first trip should be a place not far away and you should visit for a few days to test if you can endure loneliness. Book safe accommodation which has a 24-hour reception, because the staff can help you out. Don’t get drunk and don’t go out at night.

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