Hi, I’m Corine, a solo traveller fuelled by wanderlust, spreadsheets, and a knack for finding cheap flights while squeezing every drop out of life. Earlier this year, I undertook a journey that I’d once thought impossible: traveling to ten incredible destinations across five continents on a shoestring budget. Thanks to Quoq, a travel platform that practically finds hidden gems of cheap flights and budget-friendly accommodations for you, I made my dream a reality.
Each destination left a lasting impression on me—some for their stunning landscapes, others for their culture, and some for the people I met along the way. Buckle up as I recount my whirlwind adventure, where every moment was an exhilarating mix of ups and downs, culinary delights, and unforgettable connections.
Table of Contents
Qatar – The Desert Dream
My journey began in Qatar, a country I’d only ever associated with skyscrapers and desert heat. What I didn’t expect was how much soul it had to offer. The £130 flight Quoq found me to Doha made me nervous about my budget travel goals—it sounded too good to be true—but when I stepped off the plane, I knew I’d made the right choice.
In Doha, I stayed in a modest but clean hostel in the Al Sadd area, which offered easy access to the city’s best attractions. My mornings began at the Corniche, a waterfront promenade where the turquoise waters sparkled under the blazing sun. I took in views of the city’s futuristic skyline before diving headfirst into Qatari culture at the Museum of Islamic Art. The museum wasn’t just an architectural marvel—it housed treasures that told the story of Islamic civilization across centuries.
Souq Waqif was another highlight. Wandering through its winding alleys filled with spices, textiles, and traditional jewelry felt like stepping back in time. Here, I met Noura, a vendor selling handcrafted rugs. We struck up a conversation over chai, and before I knew it, she had invited me to her family’s desert camp.
The camp experience was nothing short of magical. The vast expanse of the Qatari desert, with its golden dunes stretching endlessly, left me in awe. We rode camels, feasted on lamb cooked under the sand, and stayed up late sharing stories under a blanket of stars. Though my camel ride was far from glamorous (let’s just say I wasn’t a natural), the camaraderie and warmth of Noura’s family made it an unforgettable start to my adventure.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—adjusting to the intense heat left me drained by midday, and I quickly learned the importance of pacing myself. After all, this was just the beginning.
Myanmar – Pagodas and People and Cheap Flights Again
Leaving Qatar, Quoq whisked me away to Myanmar for a mere £45. As my plane descended into Yangon, I was greeted by lush landscapes and golden pagodas glittering in the sun—a stark contrast to Qatar’s arid beauty.
Bagan was my first stop, and it felt like stepping into a fairytale. Over 2,000 ancient pagodas dot the plains here, and I rented an e-bike for £2 a day to explore them. Every sunrise and sunset felt like a spiritual experience. Climbing up a quiet pagoda (avoiding the crowded spots) and watching the sun bathe the landscape in hues of orange and gold was a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Yangon offered a different kind of charm. Staying in a lively hostel, I quickly made friends with fellow travellers, including a Swedish couple and an adventurous American named Jake. Together, we braved the bustling Bogyoke Aung San Market, feasting on mohinga, Myanmar’s beloved fish noodle soup, and tea leaf salad.
But travel isn’t always Instagram-perfect. On my third day, I was struck by a bout of food poisoning from a questionable street food stall. Those two days of misery in a hostel bed taught me a hard lesson: trust your instincts when it comes to food. Thankfully, my new friends rallied around me, even bringing me ginger tea to help me recover.
Thailand – The Land of Smiles
From Yangon, Quoq secured a £33 flight to Bangkok, the beating heart of Southeast Asia. Thailand is often called the “Land of Smiles,” and I quickly understood why—the people were as warm and welcoming as the tropical weather.
In Bangkok, I threw myself into the city’s chaotic charm. The Grand Palace and Wat Arun were mesmerizing, but it was the street food that truly stole my heart. From spicy papaya salad to grilled skewers dripping with peanut sauce, every bite was a flavor explosion. Nights were spent at rooftop bars like Sky Bar, sipping cocktails with panoramic views of the city lights.
A week later, I headed north to Chiang Mai, a haven for culture and tranquility. I joined a traditional Thai cooking class, where I learned to make green curry from scratch and discovered the joy of pounding spices in a mortar and pestle. Maria, a fellow solo traveller from Argentina, became my cooking partner, and we bonded over shared laughs and our mutual love for mango sticky rice.
The nightlife in Chiang Mai was a pleasant surprise. We hit Zoe in Yellow, a cluster of bars where backpackers danced the night away. On my last night, we watched a Muay Thai fight—an intense yet captivating experience that felt uniquely Thai.
Indonesia – Island Escapades
My next adventure took me to Indonesia, where the vibrancy of Bali and the historical allure of Yogyakarta awaited. Quoq delivered once again, finding me a flight for just £28! I couldn’t believe it.
Bali was everything Instagram promised and more. Ubud’s lush rice terraces and monkey-filled forests were like stepping into a green paradise. I stayed in a budget-friendly hostel surrounded by fellow wanderers, who became my makeshift family for the week. Together, we visited the Tirta Empul water temple, seeking blessings in its holy springs.
Canggu offered a different vibe—beaches, surfboards, and chilled-out beach bars. I attempted surfing for the first time, a hilariously humbling experience that left me with sore muscles and an immense respect for the ocean.
Yogyakarta added a layer of history to my Indonesian journey. Borobudur and Prambanan, two of the world’s most magnificent temples, left me speechless. Wandering through these ancient structures was a reminder of humanity’s enduring creativity and faith.
Hong Kong – Urban Jungle
From Indonesia, Quoq worked its magic again, finding me a £54 flight to Hong Kong. After the relaxed vibes of Bali and Yogyakarta, Hong Kong’s fast-paced energy felt like a jolt to my senses. The city was a stunning blend of towering skyscrapers, vibrant street markets, and lush green hills—a juxtaposition I quickly grew to love.
I stayed in a capsule hotel in Mong Kok, an experience I’d always wanted to try. The room was tiny but cozy, with just enough space for me and my backpack. Mong Kok itself was a sensory overload, with neon signs lighting up the night and the aroma of street food filling the air. My favorite discovery was the dai pai dongs, open-air food stalls where I devoured egg waffles and siu mai (pork dumplings).
During the day, I explored the city’s iconic landmarks. The Star Ferry offered stunning views of Victoria Harbour, and hiking up to Victoria Peak rewarded me with a breathtaking panorama of Hong Kong’s skyline. But my most unexpected adventure was hiking Dragon’s Back Trail, a peaceful escape from the urban jungle with views of the South China Sea.
Hong Kong’s nightlife was electric. I joined a group of expats for a bar crawl in Lan Kwai Fong, where we danced to international beats and toasted with endless rounds of cocktails. But not all nights were wild—some evenings, I simply sat at the Avenue of Stars, watching the Symphony of Lights show reflect on the water, a moment of calm in a city that rarely sleeps.
South Korea – K-Pop and Kimchi
Quoq came through again, landing me a £73 flight to Seoul. Stepping into South Korea felt like entering a real-life K-drama. Seoul was vibrant and modern, yet deeply rooted in its traditions. I stayed in Hongdae, a buzzing neighbourhood filled with street performers, quirky cafes, and indie boutiques.
Days were spent exploring Seoul’s cultural landmarks. Gyeongbokgung Palace, with its regal architecture and royal guards in traditional hanbok, was a feast for the eyes. I even joined a hanbok rental tour, wandering the palace grounds dressed in a flowing traditional gown. Another highlight was a day trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where I learned about Korea’s divided history and peered into North Korea through binoculars.
Seoul’s food scene was a delight. I couldn’t get enough of the sizzling Korean BBQ, where every meal felt like an event. Street snacks like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and gyeran-ppang (egg bread) became my go-to treats while exploring.
After a week in Seoul, I hopped on a KTX train to Busan, South Korea’s coastal gem. Busan’s laid-back vibe was a welcome change, and I spent my days at Haeundae Beach and nights feasting on fresh seafood at Jagalchi Market. Eun-Ji, a local I met at the market, became my impromptu tour guide and introduced me to dishes like dwaeji gukbap (pork soup rice) that I wouldn’t have found on my own.
California – The Golden State
My next stop was California, courtesy of Quoq a £120 flight to Los Angeles. As my plane touched down at LAX, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of exploring the Golden State.
Los Angeles was a sprawling playground of beaches, Hollywood dreams, and diverse neighborhoods. I spent days wandering through Venice Beach, people-watching and enjoying street performances, and evenings hiking up to the Griffith Observatory for views of the iconic Hollywood sign.
But it was my road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway that stole the show. Renting a car with three fellow hostel friends, we drove through Santa Barbara, Monterey, and finally San Francisco. Each stop had its charm—Santa Barbara for its Spanish colonial architecture, Big Sur for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views, and San Francisco for its bohemian spirit.
In San Francisco, I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge and toured Alcatraz Island. Yet, my favorite moments were the quieter ones—like sharing clam chowder in a sourdough bowl with my newfound friends at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Quebec – Bonjour Canada!
Quok surprised me yet again with an affordable flight to Quebec City. I’d always dreamed of visiting Canada, and Quebec didn’t disappoint. The city’s European charm, with its cobblestone streets and old-world architecture, was enchanting.
Staying in a quaint hostel in Old Quebec, I quickly settled into a rhythm of wandering aimlessly and stumbling upon hidden gems. Every day felt like a new adventure, from exploring the historic Château Frontenac to walking along the fortified walls that surrounded the city.
Montmorency Falls, just a short bus ride away, was a spectacular sight. I met a fellow traveler, Lucas from Brazil, while hiking the falls’ trails. We quickly bonded and spent the rest of the day swapping stories and practicing each other’s languages. By evening, we found ourselves in a small bistro, devouring poutine and toasting with local craft beer.
Quebec’s slower pace was a balm for my travel-weary soul, and I found myself cherishing the simple pleasures—like sipping coffee in a quiet café or watching street performers in Place Royale.
New York – The City That Never Sleeps
No trip around the world would be complete without a stop in New York City, and thanks to Quoq, I snagged a flight for under £40. From the moment I arrived, the city’s frenetic energy enveloped me.
I stayed in a lively hostel in Brooklyn, where I met a mix of artists, musicians, and fellow travellers. By day, I ticked off iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Times Square. Central Park offered a moment of peace amidst the chaos, and I spent an afternoon rowing a boat on its serene lake.
But it was New York’s cultural scene that truly captivated me. I visited the Met and the MoMA, watched a Broadway show (a last-minute discounted ticket to Hamilton!), and discovered underground jazz bars in the West Village. The city’s diverse neighbourhoods, from Chinatown to Harlem, were a testament to its rich cultural tapestry.
London – Home Sweet Home
Finally, it was time to return to London, and Quoq delivered one last time with an affordable flight home. Touching down at Heathrow felt surreal—I had left months ago as one person and returned as someone entirely transformed by the world.
This journey wasn’t just about the destinations I visited; it was about the connections I made, the challenges I overcame, and the moments that reminded me of the beauty and resilience of humanity. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the world is vast, welcoming, and filled with opportunities for those willing to take a leap.
To anyone dreaming of their own adventure, I have just one piece of advice: don’t wait. The world is waiting for you—and platforms like Quoq make it all the more possible.