What is the ‘Flexiscape’ Travel Trend, and Why is Southeast Asia a Good Fit?

The best of both worlds

A quick search of this year’s travel trends reveals an interesting assortment of itineraries. 

There’s the ‘me-moon,’ luxurious solo trips that only prioritize the most comfortable things in life—sleeping in, enjoying fine wine, or spa sessions every night. An extravagant form of self-care, and maybe an indication of how tired we all are. 

Then there’s the ‘spontanitrip,’ where the only things booked are flights or vehicles going to and from the destination—nothing else is reserved in advance. The adventurous spirits who prefer this also hold local knowledge and advice in high regard. It’s the ultimate cultural learning experience.

But there’s one trend that stands out for how it can be a good fit for Southeast Asia’s diverse landscape: enter the ‘flexiscape,’ where you begin your vacation with action—think ziplines, rock climbing, or jungle expeditions—and end it in the most opulent accommodations. 

What makes it interesting is the juxtaposition of adventure and chill, and the choice to begin all-out before crashing into a comfy bed for the rest of the trip.

Flexiscaping in Southeast Asia: an example

There is an endless amount of destinations within Southeast Asia for both excitement and serenity. In particular, the mainland offers both air and land transportation options that can allow you to create flexiscape itineraries across adjacent countries. 

A good starting point or example is Laos, a landlocked country bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. In Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, natural wonders like the Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phou Si, and the Pak Ou caves filled with buddha statues are popular among tourists. You can spend around two to three days exploring the locale, before deciding on your next destination. 

It’s free-for-all after this point. If you want your transition day to be an expedition in itself, take the scenic, 24-hour bus route from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, the capital of neighboring Vietnam. But if you want to jump-start relaxation mode, then opt for the flight and dive into your booked luxurious accommodation in the city. 

Another option is to go westward to the mountainous region of Thailand and take either the bus or plane to Chiang Mai. Temples and historical sites abound within the city, and thrill-seekers can do ziplining, bungee jumping, or even take a ride at Thailand’s first jungle coaster at Pongyang Adventure Park. Upscale hotels are also available in the city for the second half of your stay, but you can consider a trip down to Bangkok for a more urban feel. 

A few things to mind for your flexiscape

Timings, documents, and passes

Timing is the most glaring consideration if you wish to begin your trip on a high note. Within Southeast Asia, most action-packed activities are far from major urban destinations, requiring you to make several accommodation and transport bookings in advance. 

Moreover, with several movements between activities, it’s best to digitize all copies of your tickets, confirmation slips, and the like, so that you don’t risk losing or damaging them while you’re on your adventure. 

The shift in energy can also be quite mentally taxing, so try to add a buffer day between your explorations and lazy days. 

Wardrobe and luggage

A trip of contrasts will demand attire that can adapt to a variety of experiences. Create a capsule wardrobe as the foundation, with pieces that work both outdoors and indoors, such as a crisp, well-fitting white tee. Then, pack the function-specific pieces accordingly, such as hiking gear or a tailored jacket. 

To save on luggage space, consider packing your ‘relaxation phase’ essentials in a separate bag and ship it in advance to your chosen hotel. This way, they’re kept safe, and you won’t have to carry valuable or delicate items around as you explore.

Photos courtesy Pexels and Unsplash