Superwoman of December 2017: Elly Prachtig

December is already here and gosh, time moves so fast! I know that I have been slacking off my blog lately, but am so excited for this month’s Superwoman! Introducing Elly Prachtig, a former tour guide and a vivid travel blogger behind ellyprachtig.blog. I was quite surprised when I saw her commented in one of my posts and leave her blog link – which was superb content. As I keep thinking about it, I finally asked her to be interviewed here.

I hope you girls can find her story and tips as inspiration! 🙂

Name: Elly Prachtig

Twitter: @ellyprachtig

Instagram: @ellyprachtig

Website/Blog: ellyprachtig.blog

Nationality: Indonesia

Residence: Utrecht, Holland

Occupation: Administratief 

What inspired you to travel solo for the first time?

I used to hang out with friends when I was in High School. We did also like picnics and weekend gateway in the tourism destinations — near of our home.

After all these, I liked to do the weekend gateway by myself; acting as a backpacker while I wasn’t. During my weekend gateway, I met many backpackers from all over the world. Some of them came to me asking for directions and even more interested asking more information regarding the local people and culture. Since then, we became friends.

In the meanwhile, I excited meeting a new people from all over the world, this kind of story inspired me to travel solo.

Tell us about the first time you travelled alone. Where did you go and what did you do?

I was about 25 years old. Krabi Island in Thailand is the first place I had visited. I had a travel-book LonelyPlanet with me.

I travelled from Medan to Penang Malaysia, which it’s about 45 min. to 1 hours by boat Pelni from Belawan harbour Medan, North Sumatra Indonesia.

When I arrived in Penang, overnight in George Town. In the next morning I continued my journey to Krabi Island in Thailand — the bus ticket I did already book earlier at the receptionist hostel I stayed.   

During my visited in Thailand I went to see the town; buddha statue — further not much to do — just relax!

One cute memorable story, one-day elephants were suddenly standing exactly next to me while I was enjoying my dinner. I was shocked because had not expected those around me. ;-).

An idea after my return from Thailand, that this country has a lot in common as my country Indonesia.

So what are the love/hate things you experienced travelling alone?

A noise when I had to stay in a dorm, people in and out in the night-hours. I would say, I hate this and won’t stay in dorm anymore. In this case, I rather pick the comfortable accommodation, not necessarily too expensive. However, I simply love a comfortably without worrying about my stuff.

My selfie-stick needs to be ready and with me 24 hours. Otherwise, I must ask random tourist taking pictures of me, as always! This is not always fun. ;-(

But, I do love my own space and decide to do what I want to do; meet strangers whose they remain friends of mine. So, this is the best part of being a solo traveller! 😉

Who’s your travel inspiration? 

I have no name of someone. Those people I met during my journey whose brought their stories to me, they are my travel inspirations.

What are your favourite websites and travel apps do you often use? 

Booking.com, sky scanner and TripAdvisor.

What is your favorite country so far? Any recommendation for female solo traveler?

Many countries in the Europe, for example, Iceland, Prague in the Czech Republic. Also, Thailand is still the best haven for female solo traveller, for sure! 😉

What are some important things you bring when travelling solo? (Beside money and passport?)

Sweeter, sunglasses, note-pen, socks, bra, underwear, laptop, flashlight, camera.

Everyone has their quiry thing when they travel. I love doing temple hunting and visiting museums. So what’s yours?

I love visited old building such as temple as well and uhm.. I love sitting in a cafe observing people. 😉

Share your tips for any first time solo traveller?

Making conversation with strangers, especially with local. Be curious about that country.

What’s your favorite travel quote that’s best describe you?

“Don’t be afraid – just do it! “~ep~

Elly Prachtig. Elly is the first name and Prachtig is a second name. Her second-name Prachtig is not her real name. She got used to using it for all her social media’s account.

Medan North Sumatra, Indonesia is the earth where Elly originally coming from. But currently, she has been living in the Netherlands for more than 10 years by herself.

Elly loves learning the foreign language. Due to her language-talent, she becomes interested in getting to know about other countries; cultures; and traditions.

She organises everything neatly, especially when those about her journey’s stuff. She loves writing. She actually used to write about her daily life but then since the last one year she changed and has been focusing writing more on travels based on her own travel’s experiences.

Elly loves meeting new people; making conversation with strangers.   

© 2017 Writing & Images copyright of Marina Utami.