Page 67 - 101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers

8 Bring tissues and hand sanitizer to China

I’m talking about those handy, purse-sized packets—not just for the public
toilets (which o en do not have toilet paper), but for restaurants, where napkins

are o en not provided.
9 Get around—and go “ding ding”— in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a generally safe city with a very low crime rate. Plus, it’s a
modern, international hub, so as a solo woman traveler, you won’t feel conspicuous.
Getting around is easy, especially if you use public transportation (the MTR), which
includes buses and ferries as well as the e icient subway. The Hong Kong Tramways

are old-school trolleys that traverse some of the most popular parts of town (and
the suburbs). Locals call them “ding dings,” and they are a great way to cut through
congestion. You can save yourself time with an Octopus card that you preload with
money so you can just swipe it to use the MTR.
10 Safe and solo in India

In spite of some recent high-profile cases of assaults against women,
India is generally a safe place for women to travel. In fact, there are reserved areas
for women on public transport (including separate subway and train cars), and
separate lines for security and tickets. When dining out, many restaurants have
separate “family sections” where you can dine solo quite carefree. The meal may
cost a little extra, but that’s a small price to pay for the added comfort.

What to Eat in China

Chinese cuisine has eight di erent culinary traditions, and an infinite number of
taste sensations. In the fall, Shanghai goes mad for a seasonal delicacy: the sweet
hairy crab, and its creamy roe. Have it with a glass of Shaoxing wine. Shanghai is
also the home of xiao long bao, a soup dumpling filled with a gingery broth and
bits of fragrant ground pork. In Hong Kong, don’t miss siu mei, Cantonese-syle
barbecued meats with skins so perfectly crisped and seasoned with soy and garlic,
they look nearly lacquered. For a classic Szechuan dish, try dan dan mian, noodles
in a spicy sauce of chili oil, minced pork, and scallions. In Beijing, you must try the

signature dish, Peking Duck. A er eating the crispy skin you’ll be served slices of
the duck meat with scallions, cucumbers, sweet bean sauce and pancakes.

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