Going Solo

May 3, 2020

5 min read

Updated: May 31, 2024

As a single female with not much travel experience besides one family trip to the

Middle East as a kid, I had no clue where to start, what I need, or who to go with?

I thought the obvious answer would be to travel with friends: we tried but failed. Those early to mid twenties are weird, some friends are married, some have kids, the single ones can’t get leave at the same time, or haven’t saved up enough for a trip, or no one can travel for the same duration as you.

Conclusion: if I waited for other people I would never travel

So, this was going to be a solo trip. WHAT! That sounds so scary!! Okay, breathe; you know people abroad, just choose a country where you know someone.

This was my tactic to combat the fear of solo travel. And that’s exactly what I did. And on my first trip I learnt that there is WHOLE community of solo travellers out there. I don't need to know anyone in the country that I am traveling to. This realisation became the catalyst for my future travel. And it’s all because I listened to that voice inside that kept screaming ‘TRAVEL! TRAVEL! TRAVEL!’

For anyone who has not solo travelled before, I understand the anxiety around the concept. Whether you are used to being alone or not, travelling solo sounds kind of scary.

If it puts your mind at ease, booking a group package is a great way to do some sightseeing, where you don’t even need a group. The concept is: a tourism company will offer a specific itinerary to a limited amount of people for specific dates - these usually include accommodation, transport, admission fees, meals and sometimes flights. This is an easy start and a good way to meet fellow travellers.

You can book a package for your entire trip or just a portion of it

On my first solo trip, I tried a 5-day Contiki tour, I enjoyed the experience, but probably won’t do one again because I didn’t need to stay in such a fancy hotel, and this was an unnecessary expense for me.

I found that I enjoyed doing the work myself, booking my own flights and accommodation, researching admission fees, finding my own way to and fro etc. This way is much cheaper but does take a lot of time to do and compare possibilities whereas travel companies do all the work for you and present you with your options and the amount.

Not only was I TRAVELING SOLO, I was BOOKING SOLO.

I chose to rather do all the work myself and save that money this way I could use it on my trip and travel even longer, but also, I found that I LOVE doing the work, it’s effortless for me. I enjoy researching and getting quotes for any of my friends or family who ask purely because of my passion for travel & adventure.

So, to begin… Decide WHERE you want to go

We are so lucky and blessed with so many beautiful countries and destinations and its important to know that there are no wrong decisions, wherever you don’t go on this trip is always a potential for the next one.

I take following into consideration before I choose

1. Climate

2. Currency

3. Visa Requirements

Decide WHEN you want to go

1. Climate

Make sure your leave coincides with the climate of where you are going. If you want to see snow, you wouldn’t choose Canada in July or if it were a tropical island you’re after, you wouldn’t choose Thailand during monsoon season.

Honestly, global warming has affected every country so the actual day-to-day weather may differ from the many years of climate research but it’s always good to check it out beforehand and be somewhat prepared.

Personally, I prefer to travel off peak.

PRO's

Off peak = less people = less queues = less crowded attractions = cheaper accommodation & cheaper flights. (Like, I'm not talking pocket change small, I mean you can save a significant amount of money)

Also, because it’s cheaper and I’m travelling for longer, I have the luxury of time to postpone going to certain attractions should the weather be under the weather.

CON's

Weather. And in certain places main attractions close during low season, this is not very common but does occur. #DoYourResearch

2. Currency

Consider yourself extremely lucky if you come from a country that has a strong currency.

The rest of us need to factor in the exchange rate as this impacts our budget. There aren’t many countries that we can go to where we feel like we are making it rain or scoring on every meal and excursion.

I use bottle-of-water-currency to compare.

What does a bottle of water cost in my own country vs where I am going? Its also a question I find myself asking fellow travellers whose countries I have not yet visited. Same applies with a can of Coca-Cola or Mcdonalds meal.

Of course, every aspect will be different, not everything will be cheaper, but its good to have a daily spend limit NOT in your currency but in theirs.

I find it gets toxic when we constantly calculate exchange rates in our head, especially if our currency is weaker, but it’s always a pleasant surprise when ours is stronger.

3. Visa requirements

Depending on which passport you hold, every country has there own set of visa requirements, I always prefer going to a place with visa free access, which means I can just hop on a plane with a valid passport whenever I choose.

FUN STORY: I booked a 2-month trip to the Philippines, no visa required for me but I was only allowed a 30 day stay, hmm, I needed double that time, and one option would be to go to the embassy for an extension, but a better option was for me to book a 2 hour flight to Hong Kong halfway through my stay, spend a few days (*BONUS, seeing a place I have never been before) then return to the Philippines where I’d get re-stamped and have another 30 day access window. (Insert Dr. Evil laugh)

Going Solo

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