This vlog follows On Tour With Dridgers (#OTWD), a British travel vlogger, on a solo nighttime adventure in Chongqing, China. Dridgers, usually accompanied by Ben, her travel partner, embarks on this journey to experience Chongqing independently, specifically focusing on the safety aspect for women traveling alone.
The video starts with Dridgers exiting the metro, showcasing the bustling city streets. She highlights the feeling of safety due to the constant presence of cameras and busy roads, emphasizing her conscious decision to avoid dark alleyways. Dridgers' journey is punctuated by observations about the city's atmosphere, noting the generally unbothered attitude of locals, even as she films. She expresses a sense of security, even comparing it favorably to her own city's safety.
Her solo walk takes her through varied areas, from busy streets to quieter, darker parts of the city. She documents her observations, showing both the lively and more secluded areas of Chongqing. She notes the presence of security cameras and police officers, further reinforcing her sense of safety. A moment of slight apprehension arises when she walks through a darker, less populated area, but this is short-lived, and she continues her journey.
The vlog also includes a humorous anecdote about her partner, Ben, who is traveling separately and has already encountered a minor setback with his camera equipment. Dridgers' solo exploration involves navigating the metro system independently, a new experience for her. She finds the process straightforward and safe, even noting that filming in the metro is unhindered. She also shares her experience of using Alipay for purchases, a common practice in China.
Her solo journey is interspersed with moments of interaction with local life. She encounters street food vendors, samples local snacks, and observes everyday activities like children playing and people dancing in a public square. She highlights the deliciousness of a particular street food item, sharing her positive experience with the food and the friendly interactions with vendors. The vlog concludes with Dridgers meeting up with Ben at a bar, recounting her experiences and highlighting the overall safety and positive aspects of her solo nighttime adventure in Chongqing. She reflects on the pleasant surprise of finding the city safe and enjoyable for solo female travel, challenging common perceptions.
Dridgers' journey is a personal narrative, filled with unique details, local interactions, and authentic experiences. The vlog showcases the vibrant culture of Chongqing and the unexpected safety of exploring the city at night. It's a testament to the potential for positive and enriching solo travel experiences.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: How safe is Chongqing at night for solo female travelers?
- A: I felt really safe, even in less busy areas. There are cameras everywhere and lots of people around, plus I always stuck to main roads.
- Q: What was the most memorable food experience?
- A: Definitely the sweet potato thing from the street vendor. It was doughy, like a donut, and really tasty!
- Q: What was the strangest thing that happened on your solo adventure?
- A: Probably the close call with those dogs! I was walking between two, and they started fighting. It was a bit scary!
- Q: Did you have any problems using public transportation alone?
- A: Nope, the metro was easy to navigate. I even did it completely on my own, and it only cost 22p!
- Q: What's your overall impression of traveling solo in Chongqing?
- A: It was more fun than I expected! I had some great experiences, and I felt completely safe. I'd definitely recommend it.
