Solo Traveller

I have to admit travelling with friends is more fun and budget friendly but despite the advantages of that, solo traveling is fun too in its own special way. We learn more about ourselves. The road to self discovery is not for everyone. I had my own apprehension when I first went out on my own. I didn't know how to get to a certain destination nor did I have any research. All I knew was that I want to go there. So I munch up the courage to partake on my solo journey.

It took me a lot of guts to really set out on my own. I packed up my things and went for it. My journey taught me more than what I've expected. I learned the easy, hard and the most surprising ways.

Prepare yourself. Both physically and mentally, wherever you plan to go. It maybe the countryside, high up in the mountains or else where. No one knows you better than yourself. If you had set your mind to do it, you could. Trust yourself.

Start early. Yup, I like to travel early. It minimizes delays and hassles when you go. I also get to do most of my itineraries on time or finish up early. Imagine all those extra time you could do. No hassle and pure relaxation.

Meet my traveler buddy. She's water proof! :)

Pack light. I always have my trustee backpack with me and a little sling bag for my gadgets, wallet, tickets, make-up for easy access. You don't have to open your backpack every time you need something. My backpack also has a lock so I wouldn't worry about that. It's convenient. Piece of advice though, when you're in line, please do put you backpack in front of you. Bring the essentials, I also bring an extra set of clothes. You wouldn't know what trouble you're going to get yourself into. Clumsy! But you could buy those souvenir clothes as an excuse!

Research. Please don't make the same mistake I did. On an impulse, I sometimes go out abruptly. Getting lost they say is part of the fun. It really is fun but when you're on a race with time and catching up on a schedule for boat, plane, and bus ride. Well, you need directions and research STAT!

GPS devices. Yes! I have to admit, gadgets are really convenient but it makes you anti-social too! There are offline navigating applications that you could download and use. Make sure your coordinates are correct. Also check that they're fully charged and bring power banks with you. You don't want to navigate through a busy city or somewhere you're unfamiliar with and suddenly ran out of battery!

Ask. You could never go wrong with asking the locals. Unfortunately, there are some who'd like to take advantage of tourists and travelers. So here's the thing, ask at the information centers, co-passengers and sometimes drivers. They'll give directions and you could also ask for the estimated fare and compare them with others you have gathered information from. Locals could share and guide you to spots not mentioned in guide books and the internet.

Bookings. For overnight stay, please book in advance. You'll get tired from all those exciting adventures. So it's best to book for you're overnight stay. You don't want to walk around town looking for a place to stay, would you now? You need to plan certain things. I know it's exciting to navigate on your own with your set of itinerary and on the spot side trips but planning is essential. It keeps you in check and secured. You also need a deserving place to rest.

Fun. The greatest things about travelling is you get to have fun. Enjoy the journey. Be happy. No matter how unlucky you get. You need to feel numerous emotions and experiences to truly say you did it. Charge it to experience. At the end of the day it's how happy and rewarding you feel that matters most. Do what makes you happy!

As a traveler, I'd like to do what the locals do. I want to immerse myself with them. Act like one. One last thing though. No matter where you plan to go. Please don't forget to inform you're love ones where you plan to go, stay and communicate when you've arrived. You'll worry them to death! ;)