I ain’t gonna tell you to quit your job and embark on a long term travel, nor will I tell you to hate your job. I don’t think I have the credibility yet to urge you to do that, unless I am a full-time traveler, blogger, travel writer or entrepreneur maybe. I don’t like to eat my words because sooner or later I may have to go back to work. So I say, don’t curse your work, use your salary to save money for your travels! 😉
I don't wanna be alone. I wanna be left alone. -Audrey Hepburn-
When I started posting photos of my solo travel back in 2008 on my Facebook account, I expected some people to raise their eyebrows.
It wasn’t until I started to blog about my solo travels that my family and friends realize that I am not alone. In the context of Philippine society, female solo travel is not well-known, or should I say, considered against the norms. So it doesn’t really surprise me that people usually ask me, “why are you traveling alone?” In our country they find it weird or crazy! I tell you, it can get a bit annoying to answer the same question overtime.
It wasn’t until I embarked on my 1st solo travel outside the Philippines when I learned to take “pride” in being a solo female traveler, thanks to the foreigner solo female travelers I met on the road. There’s just a lot of them out there, and mind you, they don’t travel for days or weeks, but for months or even years! Now if in the Philippines people ask me why I travel alone, outside the country people are surprised as well as to why a poor Filipina, an Asian from a 3rd world country is traveling alone. As we all know, they’re so used to Filipinos going abroad to work but it’s very rare for them to encounter Filipino solo tourists. Sadly, we’re one of the most highly discriminated race, I could attest to that , I’ve experienced it a couple of times whenever I’m entering a foreign border alone. One of my greatest agony is convincing the immigration officers that I am visiting their country as a tourist and not to work there illegally. They should be proud to have Filipinos in their workforce!
Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone. -Paul Johannes Tillich, The Eternal Now
I dream that one day, when you type the word “Pinay” or “Filipina” in Google, travel blogs and Philippines travels will come up on the 1st page instead of some porn sites or mail order brides for foreigners. (That said, please keep visiting my site to help me get into Google page 1! haha ) Seriously, I know somewhere out there, under the same sky, there are Filipina girls who wants to travel but are just too scared to go against the society’s norms. I am no solo female travel expert, nor am I a feminist activist, but when I started this blog, my goal is to help encourage and inspire fellow Filipinas to travel and so long as I’m here, I shall stick to that goal.
I’ve had received e-mails, and personal messages about solo female travel, and those messages inspire me to keep on going. Now the usual question is, “how do I start traveling solo, can you give me some tips?”. I’ll attempt to answer this question based on my experience, if you feel like I missed something or you wanna add something that would be of help, please feel free to comment, do leave a mark on this site. I’d highly appreciate your feedbacks. 🙂
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -Helen Keller-
Tips on Starting Your First Female Solo Travel:
1. Plan. It’s only one word yet the most powerful when it comes to embarking on your first solo trip. Plan your destination, your budget, how to get there, where you’re staying, etc. I suggest choose a domestic destination, choose Philippines for your 1st solo trip! I am no big fan of planning travels, but looking back at my misadventures, the wasted time and wasted money, it would’ve been avoided if I had done one important thing – and that is pre–plan my travels. And when you plan, please make sure there’s always Plan B!
2. Bring a map. When people ask me what’s my secret in my solo travels, I only have one answer–>I have a map. I’m a big fan of EZ Map for my local travels. I know it’s a bit old school, but I find it safer than consulting Google Earth in your travel gadget. Besides you won’t risk loosing your expensive gadgets to thieves. But of course, it’s all up to you, if you don’t wanna spend Php99 on each province for EZ Maps, they have a bigger book for Php600+ which covers the entire Philippines but if you wanna use Google Earth , go ahead! I find it comprehensive as well. Nowadays, GPS is fast becoming the latest gadget, but since I can’t afford that, I’ll stick with the map for now. But please, when you use your map, be a little discreet if possible, you don’t wanna attract unwanted attention by flaunting your a tourist.
3. Ask the locals. Preferably ask women or girls. Ask 3 or more people, if you get the same answers, then most likely that’s correct!
4. Tell at least one person that you trust (a family member or a friend maybe) about your travel plan, where you are going, your route, your departure and estimated arrival. Write it down and hand it to them, or e-mail it to them, do not display it in public places. Avoid live status updates on social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter for security purposes, unless you wanna be stalked! 😉
5. Keep a mobile phone with you and store important phone numbers like police station #, embassy #, hospitals, etc. This is really helpful during emergencies.
6. Photocopy your passport and other travel documents. Keep the original in your locker at your hostel. That way for when a suspicious person ask you for your ID with the intent of stealing it, your documents are secure.
7. Dress appropriately and wear the right shoes or sandals. Avoid showing off or letting everyone notice you’re a tourists for your own security. Respect differences, research about cultural & religious outfit taboos on your destination.
8. Bring a tripod rather than keep asking strangers to take your photo, be careful, they might run away with your expensive camera! If you badly need someone to take your photo, then ask a fellow tourist, they will most likely understand. What I do when someone asks me to take their photo (usually couples or family), I use it as an opportunity to ask them to take my photo as well.
10. As humanly as possible, pack light. Remember you’ll carry your backpack or luggage on your own. Recently I stayed in a mixed dorms and most women complain, “I have a lot of stuff! I don’t know why?”. One of them even sent 5 KG of her luggage back home but still she’s got like 15 KG with her! So, do bring only the essential stuff, leave your jewelry at home to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
11. Keep your money in a security waist wallet or secret body wallet. Hide them in separate places. Always count your money when making transactions at money exchange centers and ask for receipt.
12. Trust your instinct! If you think you’ll be in trouble or you think you’re talking with a suspicious stranger, then leave! Avoid dark places or walking alone in remote places at night. Avoid drinking booze or juices or whatever drinks offered by strangers.
13. Bring a whistle to attract attention when you’re in trouble or a pepper spray (take note though that some countries like Singapore prohibit bringing in pepper spray).
14. Promote the Philippines. As a Filipina, be a good example. So start traveling in our country so you can brag how beautiful the Philippines is when you start traveling abroad. I just noticed that some Filipino travelers get too ecstatic traveling the world but has forgotten to explore their own country, so when the foreign tourists asks them about the best destinations in the Philippines, they don’t know what to say. There’s nothing wrong in exploring the world but please never forget your roots.
15. Avoid disclosing your alone and not married. I usually say, I’ll meet my friends there or someone is waiting for me. If a suspicious guy asks if your married, say yes to avoid unwanted attention. You can buy a fake ring to flaunt as your wedding ring. 😉
16. Lastly, bring an open mind and a big heart! 🙂
Spend some time alone every day. - Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama-
Nothing is as hard as it first appears, same goes with embarking on your 1st solo travel. I have one favor though..if you happen to push through with your 1st solo travel, please let me know by leaving a mark on this post. I don’t mean to be ethnocentric or gender centric in this post, but there’s a lot of solo female travel sites out there mainly concentrated to the Western female solo travelers, I’ll leave it to the experts. I wanna write something for the Filipinas from the point of view of a local, that’s the least I can do to show my sincere appreciation for nurturing my desire to keep on exploring despite all the uncertainty.
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I’m about to go to SG tomorrow but since I’m from Baguio, I’ve to set off at midnight pa to catch my flight tomorrow. This is my first solo travel, and I AM SCARED SHITLESS RIGHT NOW. But I’m determined to see this through. Thank you for this post.
Hi! I’ve been meaning to travel solo but I just don’t know how to start. I’ll look for a place that’s safe and probably just near Manila. I’ll let you know. And I’ll read more of your blogs to learn too. Thanks!
yey! i’m excited for you! i’d be glad to hear about it. pls drop by again and let me know! 🙂
Now that I read your blog, I’m relieved…I am planning to travel solo in Japan. I’ve been planning about this since I’m still in college. I’ll stay there just for a few days. Now that I am already working it’s still my dream to visit the beautiful place of Japan! Since I started working, I never experience any vacation! Now, I want it to come true! I really want to experience the adventure but there are times that I am really scared. I learned from a friend that Japanese people are insecure. Most of them don’t speak english. It’s going to be difficult for me since I don’t speak Japanese. Well, maybe,its going to be a lot of fun though….goodluck to me!
I WANT TO TRAVEL ALONE! I’ve been dreaming, thinking and planning to travel alone and I just don’t have much “tapang” to do it! And by reading your blog, WOOOOH! I HAVE TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE! Thank you for inspiring us and letting people understand that there’s nothing wrong if you travel alone! MORE POWER!
p.s.
Hope to meet you! 🙂
I’ve been planning to travel solo since 2 years ago but haven’t sincerely thought about it. Mostly because I often get lost in Metro Manila even though I was raised here (spoiled kid). So what are the chances of getting lost someplace I’ve never been :p But now I think I need a break and seriously considering a solo travel, one or two weeks from now. My first option is Sagada since I’m not really looking for a beach and it’s been suggested multiple times already for 1st timers. I’m looking for more options, not limited to plane rides, like Cebu. Any other suggestions? 🙂
Iloilo, it’s cheap and people are kind there. and you can also cross to Guimaras and Bacolod! 🙂
Hi Gael, I came across your site since I am looking for a connecting flight from KK, Malaysia to Brunei somebody told me that I can cross Brunei as easy coming from KK. When I google it your site is on the list.
I started my solo backpacking in December 2010 (Singapore) and January 2011 (KL, Malaysia). And I was surprise on your article because I get the same comments and reactions. But, when I started doing my backpacking here in PH people are more surprise and wonders why I am travelling solo. So, I was creative enough to come-up with an alibi, because I cannot give my real personal info.
When, am reading your article it was very interesting, load of information, and now, after reading this, I could say that I have other inputs to improve my solo travel journey within and outside the PH.
Moreso, am not quite certain if you are related to Reig Hilotin, he mentioned you before, I meet him in one of my climb.
But not the less, as a traveler and it will be an opportunity to meet a fellow- traveler, and I hope, maybe we can bump each other in one our destination.
You go girl!
As of now I can’t afford to travel on my own so i ask some of my friends to travel with me to have someone to share the expenses with.. haha… hope i can go solo too in a year or two though…
this really inspires me and convinced me more to push through with my travel plans… hope to see you in one of my travels!
Copied. Ayus. Ang tapang ko tuloy lumayas (ng may paalam) (#4) Haha.
ipprint ko ‘to. tas ibblog ko rin ung first travel ko.
i love reading ur blogs and it inspires me to be like u…
thanks dear! you can do it too!:) happy travels!
wow. good job!! 😀
planning to get on a trip alone this year too.
wish me luck! 😉
Hi Gael! Kumusta? Nice website!!!
Although I used to travel alone for work, my first ever solo trip (for fun) was in Cebu last February for by birthday. Went to The tourist spots by myself. enjoyed the Sky Adventures by myself. I even had buffet dinner all by myself (while most of the customers are with their friends/families). Said trip got me out of my comfort zone. Such a liberating feeling! After that, I became more independent and adventurous. I am now a big fan of travelling solo. I call it my alone time.
Hi Gael!
Last year I happen to read your blog. I was so inspired to travel alone. Just a week ago, my dream came true. I went to Batanes alone. I also met a fellow female solo traveler there. Thank you for inspiring us. I can’t wait to explore the world! 🙂
wow! congratulations! grabeh at Batanes pa! I’m so ingiit! wishing you more travels this year, solo or not! 🙂
Hi Ms. Gael,
Thank you for the post! I’ve planned to email you personally regarding what you typed in the post above, specifically for dreaming of better search results when you type “pinay/filipina” in search engines. I did not see an email ad, or hindi lang ako naghanap mabuti sa site mo. I typed those words and it came back awful. Mas mataas pa ang rank ng mga “how to find a filipina wife” sites kaysa sa mga travel or cultural sites ng Pinas.
I hope to see sites like this way up in the list. I went backpacking solo early this year, at tama ka, exhilirating yung experience. I’ve been blogging for a few months (very few talaga dapat yung ilagay ko e) just to share the joy (na actually umaapaw kaya kelangan talagang ilabas through some medium), and now the frustration (unfortunately). I’m gonna start visiting your blog/other pinoy blogs more often para mainspire pa ako. Thanks again.
Mas mahaba pa ata yung comment ko dito kaysa sa mga posts ko, anyway salamat talaga.
hi gael,
I am planning to go to Kota Kinabalu sometime in JUly. And I am doing it alone (excited!) I was searching on the net on how to survive solo travelling and i am so lucky to have found a blog that is made by a Filipina. have you been to KK?If yes, can you give me tips on where to go in KK and other things to watch out for?I would like to communicate with you through email so I can share with you my solo travels. Can I have your email address?thanks
..i’ll keep that tip in mind…but I don’t i’ll travel alone..i would always love to bring my baby with me..she is just 2years old..but i think when she’s older kami na ang buddy buddy..
…my first time here…love your blog!
cool! i always wonder how it feels to travel with a baby. i know someone who travels with her toddler. thanks for dropping by. happy travels! 🙂
You Inspired me! Thank you for those tips! I am also planning to travel solo here in our country… Love your blog! More Power!
hi, great blog! I’ve never thought of traveling alone, I’d say i’m not the type. the reasons vary from safety issues, to financial issues to family trusting you and the list can go on and on. But reading your blog made me realized that I can do it! Well at least, try it and see if I can be that type. In all my travels, it’s always been with friends or family but there’s always a first and that first will commence soon! thanks so much for sharing your experiences and tips. more power to you and to all solo travelers! 🙂
Spot on post Gael! And very honest.
i enjoyed reading your story and tips! it is really a big help. i am planning to travel alone. i hope you’ll post some places that is safe for first timers like me, your budget, and also of what to bring. thank you so much.Godbless kapwa pinay!
When I googled for solo female traveler, your blog was the only Filipina on the first page results! I’m embarking on my first solo trip next year to mark my 24th birthday. I’ve already booked my flight to KL and as early as now, I’m having jitters. Coming from our conservative and prejudiced society, women are not encouraged to travel alone. And this thinking is something I must overcome! I have fears for my safety (the what ifs) but I’m doing it anyway. Thank you for your tips. You are indeed a source of inspiration 🙂
Hi Kay, I’m happy to hear that. Na-excite naman ako for you. I hope you can share your story too when you return. Take care always.Happy travels! 🙂
I stumbled upon this blog entry again and was surprised to see that you replied to my comment! Kinilig ako. Haha. Thanks for the encouragement! I saved na this link so I can go back here and tell you about my experience.
Hi Kay, thank you din! keep me updated! 🙂
I was a really awkward traveler during my first few solo trips, but since I’ve read tried your tips(especially about the part about saying you’re married), I felt more at ease and empowered. Thanks so much!
At what age did you start travelling alone? And what I’m really curious about is, how did you tell your parents? O_O I really really really do want to travel alone, and for my first travel I’d like to go to Calicoan Island Samar. Please email me 😀
Inspired by your blog, I just had my first solo travel (South Cotabato and Sarangani Prov) 2 weeks ago. It’s perhaps one of the most liberating experiences one can have. I wish I had done it earlier like when I was only 22 (I’m 27) but I guess I had to learn alot first from my group travels to be able to travel alone. Oh, and I’m already planning for my next solo travel! Agusan and Surigao del Sur, here I come. Thanks for all your tips and insights, they are really very helpful. 🙂
thank you so much Charemsa, I think I received your tweet before right? 🙂 So glad you enjoyed your first solo travel. yes, group travel is also great and we learn a lot as we experience more trips. i honesty am so touched when I heard stories from fellow pinay travelers. have a blast on your next trip! take care always dear. 🙂
Love your blog! Just got back from my first solo trip abroad as well and you are right, it was so liberating 🙂
Always PRAY. 🙂
I did a first solo trip in Baguio… that’s really one of a kind experienced! hahaha.. I’m planning for a 2nd trip but until now I’m undecided where to go! I badly need to plan! I’m getting older (i’m 22) 🙂 I know I’m too young and can travel to alot of places here and in abroad! Keep inspiring us PINAYS! Godbless… :* love this blog! :))
i’ve been travelling alone since my eldest child went to college. first i travel alone to visit her, kasi she went to college to a different city. i felt good when i did it and parang na-addict.
then i tried going to manila ( i am from mindanao) for a little business adventure… namili sa divisoria and i had some extra time so i went up to baguio alone and enjoyed it. just like you said, travel light. tama yan kasi you don’t need to always check on all your items from time to time if complete pa. bringing a backpack and a small sling bag for your money and cellphone and camera. i did not bring my laptop. since i dont have a facebook account i never share my pictures. i just uploaded it sa aking computer.
marami rami na rin akong place sa pilipinas na napuntahan and sometimes kasama ko ang youngest daughter ko (14 yo.
one tip especially if you are planning to travel overseas. scan your passport, birth certificate and other identification and other important papers and send it to your email add so if you need to print it anytime, all you have to do is look for an internet connection to download and print it. this also goes for those who are applying for job (kahit temporary may nai-submit ka sa employer.
hi gael.just got interested when i saw your solo backpackkers.the pictures are so amazing.ive experience it once,in hongkong ok naman.like to read your blog.it ispire me.parang gusto ko na uli mag travel at the right time.pero may takot din.sana i can be with somebody who is willing to join me.and yung mga low budggeted trip lang.maybe im not as young as you are.but im sure kaya pa.i prepare local travel.if you know somebody who is willing to travel with a companion pls…let me know.more power to you and your blog,thanks
hi susan, i’m jojo from cebu.. nabasa ko yung comment mo dito and i said why not try to talk to you. i’ve been wanting to travel but i’m a little bit scared so it would be good if i’ll have a partner.. i’m girl btw.. i hope you’re still interested.. let me know.. thanks..
This is a great guide. I traveled solo to Camsur and Dapitan and there are really joys to traveling alone. Do you have a list of top destinations for solo pinay travelers? really appreciate this. 🙂 Happy New Year!
This is wonderful! I’d also like to add – if you know anyone close to your destination, also inform them that you will be around. This helps a lot if you need help or info. If you are invited to people’s homes, get to know the local culture first about visiting. Always be a polite guest and leave before your welcome is over.
I first traveled alone around Germany in 1991 and basically did all of the things on your list. I had a grant to attend a conference and took the opportunity to travel on a shoestring budget after the “free” part was over. I agree about the maps + research on local norms! That time, the Berlin wall had just fallen, and I must have been the first Filipina they saw at the Bauhaus in Dessau. Strangely enough, some Germans thought I was American because I spoke English. 🙂 Anyway, after that I always took opportunities to travel alone through all these years. I encouraged my daughter to do a solo Asian vacation after she graduated from college and before she got married. Now that I am a grandmother, I want my granddaughter to also experience traveling alone. Mabuhay ang Filipina solo travelers!
Tama… Napagod na ako sumagot sa dakilang tanong ng bayan na “baket mag-isa ka lang?”. hahaha
I had my fair share of solo travels too and had done most of what you have written and Im clocking miles again to start my 2013 on a solo trip.
I remember when I was in India, we had difficulty explaining to the rickshaw driver where in the map is the Philippines and few foreigners are surprised that we are there to travel as backpackers.
I share your sentiments and looking forward to the day the we able to change the meaning of being a Filipina.
Hey ur on the 1st page of google already!! So happy for u! Btw im planning my 1st solo trip as well, and came across ur blog! thanks for those tips!! 🙂 my 1st solo trip would be vietnam and cambodia..though i hve friends living there ofcourse they have works and other stuff to do so basically i could spend time with them after office hours and have the day tour by myself.. it would be a short trip that was impulsively booked by me..so yeah that’s wat happened..well im just glad to see your blog!! 🙂
Hi!
I just want to ask. I’ve been bothered for quite a long time now about my life, I’m 19 and I’m thinking of going somewhere I can be alone and think things out. I don’t have much of a budget but I can save money for a trip If needed. Can you give me some ideas about places here in the Philippines where I can go to? Secured places with serene ambiance at a lower costs? Thank you po! ^_______________^
hi, i am Jojo, i’ve been wanting to travel alone but i’m scared. i’m scared that i’ll be lonely on my travel. i am a shy person and i don’t easily make friends. i don’t talk unless someone talk to me first. any advice on how can i develop this weakness of mine? also i want to go to bora but with the price, it scares me. do you know any cheap places and best things to do there that won’t cost much? what other places that you can recommend for first time solo backpacker? thank you and i hope you’ll help me coz it’s one of my dreams..
will write an article about that soon. thanks for dropping by.
can relate. although i’ve been traveling to and from my province, i still haven’t had my first big solo travel. ive been wanting to, but having 1 or 2 companions will also be nice especially for budget purposes. ryt now though, i don’t have a travel buddy in the phil. will be nice to meet a new one. leave a msg here and let’s see if our sked fits. 🙂
this blog is really inspiring….i did a lot of research on tips for solo traveller and i this one is the best. 🙂
thank you for your kind words. i hope to hear your solo adventure story in the future. keep safe always! 🙂
I was looking for a new place in the Philippines where I can travel alone safely and got to this site. I’m glad to find out that there are Filipinas who appreciate the solitude and the stength you acquire in doing things your own.
I plan to do a backpack trip to Europe but my friends think I’m crazy and now offering to come along to share the cost as well.
Just another tip: if you can afford it, do get a travel insurance. If just in case you become a victim of theft (i hope not though) during your adventures then you can still do some claim for your valuable possessions.
I have been detained (was incarcerated for 18hrs!!) in Malaysia at one point in time for loosing my passport + my entire handbag. That experience slowed me down for awhile but now I’m back to travelling again though now just diving most of the time.
Go go go Filipinas!!! Go travel the earth with your dainty feet and leave your footprints behind.
thanks for the additional info. yes, i forgot about the travel insurance which is really imporatnt especially for long journeys. thank you for sharing your experience and have a blast in Europe. 🙂
Hi gael!!
I was inspired by your blog. Actualy i was searching kung saan magandang place na pwedeng puntahan alone. and i saw your blog.Eversince gusto ko talaga mag travel alone lalu n sa iba’t ibang lugar sa pilipinas. Isa yun sa dream ko. Im an OFW and im going home. And since na inspired mo ako mas malakas na loob ko ngayn para i-pursue yung dream ko. Sobrang thank you sa mga tips mo babaunin ko talaga yan. Sobrang excited na ako umuwi ng pinas!!
Go pinay solo backpacker!!!!
Hello to all,
This is amazing. I would like to commend ‘Jill’ for doing and believing the things she love..
Just like you, I always thought of travelling.. I want to explore the Philippines first.
But sometimes it’s hard to find travel companions who would enjoy what you want to do, or go to. Or try things you never tried before.
So, I am facinated on the fact that, women can travel alone without people raising eyebrows.
I don’t believe in the norms, and free-spirited women should pursue their passions in life. Besides, life is too short!
I also enjoy being in a group when travelling.
My first solo travel is Boracay, due to some life’s cirscumtances, I was left alone..
At first, I don’t want to go, I swear. But I want to see the beach, and I already have plance ticket so I decided to go and I enjoyed it!
I even go island hopping!!!
Next week I’ll be climbing Mt. Pulag with other fellow climbers.
I’m very excited to meet new people and make friends along the way..
“The adventure is out there!”
-From the movie ‘UP’
~Anne 🙂
Hi! This is a great blog! Planning my first solo adventure. Just started with my first job and already wanna quit. This will be a nice opportunity to clear the mind. First solo travel will be in Baguio/Sagada. Hope to have a fun and adventurous trip like yours.
i started my first solo backpacking in daranak, yesterday i went to tagaytay. i saved this blog page of yours coz keeping ur tips and i am inpired to continue my travel adventures. my next target is backpacking baguio 😉
wish u safety in all your travels
keep it up
I’m excited for you Aendi. keep it up! happy adventures!
how do you feel travelling alone? i would always want to travel alone because there’s a little voice inside of me saying : This is adventure 🙂 I hope i could find the courage the soonest 🙂
Hi Gael,
I share the appreciation and awe of all who dropped their comments in your blog. I agree to all your tips. But I want to emphasize the necessity of common sense when backpacking or traveling alone.
Traveling should always be an enriching experience so much more when it was successfully undertaken alone…
Angkor Wat is a wonderful place to see., Good luck to your next trips.
im about to have my first solo travel ever! and my destination is San Juan, La union. mejo kabado lang. but il take note of all of your tips. wish me luck! 13 days to go!
before this year end i will probably take a leap of faith… i will travel alone… of course sa sariling bayan muna, target is cebu then bohol since my parents is from there and most of my friends gone there already… wish me luck…
Wish you luck!
Hello Gael.. This is truly inspiring. I am planning to go on a solo travel to Bacolod via Cebu by land. I am actually hesitating because this is going to be my first solo travel. Previously, I had a travel buddy who is also female, however she cannot travel with me this time and in the future. She’s getting married. Well, I’m happy for her but I’m worried about my travels too. I really need courage. Hahaha! Anyway, do you think Bacolod is generally safe for female solo travelers? Have you been there? Please let me know. It would be a great help.^^
Hi Shey, yes it is pretty safe. Been there and one of my fave cities. 🙂
Hi, Gael!
I’ll never get tired of reading this post of yours. 🙂 Very inspiring. You and Chyng Reyes have inspired me to travel and explore more. I earned the courage to travel solo just this year and have travelled to several local destinations already. And this 2014, I’me celebrating my bday abroad solo. It’s gonna be my first time to travel solo abroad and this post is very helpful. Thank you always, Gael! Have fun in your Journey!
Regards,
Riz
And I was inspired by your words Ms. Gael. I’ll definitely push through with my plan to travel solo within this year. Yey! I can now feel the excitement. God bless to all your journeys. 🙂
I’ve been wanting to travel solo but don’t have the guts (always thinking what would I do, how will I get there alone, budget, etc). I usually travel with a group of friends and I use some of your ITs for reference. But after reading this, you inspired me to go push through with my solo plans within the year. Hopefully I can add to the Pinay soloists out there 🙂
Hi! I am planning to travel alone. this June 7 to June 9 or June 10.
but is uncertain where I can travel..
any suggestions?
my birthday gift for myself 🙂
good job, this will be my guide soon. Im planning to travel alone or with atleast one friend.
That feeling of nervous and excited to travel alone.. Hope I conquer. Thanks for this educational post for every filipina solo traveller! Hope to join your solo trip soon!
Loves lots!
Hi! Thanks for this post. Me and a girl friend will travel outside pinas tomorrow. ..vietnam-cambodia-thailand…
Glad to have read this before the trip..:)
Hi!
I read ur blog and it really caught my attention. I just got my passport and im wanting to travel abroad probably in Malaysia or Thailand. I already asked my friends to come and join me its just that no one seems to show interest. So i was thinking to travel by myself since i read ur blog. The only thing is that its my first time and i’ve heard some people getting declined by our own immigration because they would think that these people travelling alone will probably be a TnT as they say, but my intensions are pure and i just really want to travel. Im a transgender too so im not sure if that will be an issue and thats one more thing that i want to discuss with you. Some countries might be too sensitive regarding this issue. I hope to hear it from you soon.
More Power!
Jaimee
Hi Jaimee, being a transgender should not be an issue, you, like every Filipino has the right to travel. I will ask my uncle who works that next time. But I would advise you to bring company ID, employee certificate and maybe ITR to prove that you have ties with the Philippines. I believe Thailand doesn’t have an issue with transgender people. Malaysia is quite conservative but they’re tourist friendly. 🙂
Hi Jaime, I just confirmed with my Malaysian friend. He said it’s okay so long as you don’t get involved in anything illegal like prostitution, etc. He said you can be a Queen in Malaysia but don’t just overdo it! 😉 Have fun!
Hi!
I really like your blog and you’ve given great tips here as well. Do you have a list of provinces in Luzon that really struck you which you can recommend for first time female solo travelers? Cheers!
This article made me love my work. Hahaha. I need my work so that I will have a source to finance my dream to make gala alone.
I really really like this! God bless you!
First solo travel next month somewhere in Northern Mindanao. AJA! Thanks for the tips! 🙂
hi! Thank you for this travel guide. It’ll be a big help for me in the near future. Hehe. There are some questions I want to ask. I’m 14 years old, will I be able to travel alone? I mean, will the airlines allow me to travel alone? Well, I’m planning to start travelling after I graduated high school, I’ll be 16 that time. And what are the places should I visit first? I hope to get a response. God Bless! 😀
First solo travel now happening! I’m in a dorm at Kalibo and planning to travel to Estancia then Bantayan Island! Wish me luck!
congrats! safe travels!
Hi! I just want to say that you are really inspiring!
Can I ask you something? What are the best provinces in the Philippines to visit for a solo female traveler?
Thanks!
Hi ate Gael! Your blog really inspires me to travel! Surely many pinays will open their mind to experience the adventure of travelling. Great Job! Congrats!
Hi! You inspire me to push my plan to travel alone. Magttravel ako on my 23th Birthday this coming May. I’m planning for Sagada trip. naexperience mo ba magtravel alone going to Sagada. My friends keep on asking me why do you want to be alone? Hehehehe. I think it’s kinda weird but seeing your blog hindi pala ako nag iisa. Hingi sana ako ng advise, kasi I’m planning kasi na mag avail nung sa Travel Agency joiners ako sa group or it will be beter if mag communte ako alone going to Sagada? Thank youuuuuuuuu. 🙂
yep. I did Sagada alone back in 2009. I just visited Sagada a few weeks ago. You can join the tours but I think Sat and Sunday lang yun and mejo crowded ang Sagada during weekends because of these tours. Mas pleasant ma-experience ang Sagada on weekdays, sobrang tahimik at konte lang ang turista. Anyway, Php 500 lang naman ang guide to Sumaguing + Echo Valley, and you can also drop by sa Lumiang Cave (near Sumaguing).
Thank you for this! For years I’ve been searching for a “travel buddy” but can’t find one since most of my friends have different priorities now that we’re all working in different fields and most already have their own families. So I’ve been considering to push through in travelling alone.. and thank God I found a motivation through your message. Thank you for being an inspiration. 🙂
Hello gael! Your blog really inspire me to travel alone. Im planning for Sagada trip on my 24th Birthday, this coming july. It’s my first time to travel solo.. 😉
Hi!
Your blog came up while I was searching about places to travel solo in the Philippines. Im from Iloilo and it would be nice if you can give me any suggestions where I can go to? thank you… nice blog btw…
Im following your blog since then but just this week when I had the guts to travel solo. I went to Manaoag-Baguio-Sagada-Bontoc-Banaue. I am planning to stay in Batad but was bit disappointed in the rate going there, good thing I met friends and went there but I was not able to sleep there. Just a picture of the wonderful terraces. Thank you for your blog! I am inspired more to travel alone.
Hi! Your blog is such an inspiration. I just came back from a my first solo back packing trip in South Korea last week. I had such an amazing experience despite the language barrier that I couldn’t wait for another chance to go on leave from work and explore another country again. Just like you said, travelling solo for Filipinos, regardless of your gender, is uncommon as compared to other nationalities.I’m glad that I’ve stumbled across your blog and realize that the concept that travelling is a mere luxury for Filipinos seems to be changing into something more positive like exploring other people’s culture or embarking on an adventure. Thanks for inspiring me and our kababayans, especially the younger generation. Keep it up!
Hi Lorie, I appreciate you dropping by. Thanks for such kind words. I’m so happy to hear about your adventure. Feel free to share your next story here ha. Bute ka pa nga,nag-Korea ka na eh, ako wala pang budget jan! hihi 🙂 Happy travels, dear! 🙂
Thank you so much for the helpful tips.it really helps a lot, I’m planning my first solo travel as a birthday gift to myself. 🙂
Good thing I open this page coz I’m planning to have my first solo travel next month in Cebu.I always wanted to try solo backpacking but afraid how to start and this inspire me a lot.
thank you for your tips..it inspires me to start travelling alone.
Hi! I was surfing the net for the tips of traveling solo. I find your blog helpful. Thank you. I always remember to bring a map. I am planning to take my first solo trip and I want to ask what would you recommend the best place for a female travel like me, to visit first? I preferred to travel by land first. I really appreciate your insight. Thank you.
This is a big help for me as I am planning to start a solo travel. I’ll keep these in mind and will let you know how it worked for me. Thank you, Gail! More travels to come! 😀
Yey! Happy that I’m able to inspire you! Hope to hear from you again re your solo travels! 🙂
I see that this was written a few years back but exactly what I’m looking for. Every time I would tell my brothers I’m planning on travelling alone, they would say I’m baliw. Can you suggest which is the best place to go first?
I really like your goal about the googling filipina part. I’m 20 years old, filipina, already working, be able to travel the world is my only dream. I really want to do it solo most of the time as I cannot find a companion who has as much same interest than mine. I found your blog looking for hope that I will find answer in google about how my parents don’t really want me to travel alone 🙁
It would be helpful.. thanks for this tips..im planning to have my first solo travel in Cebu this december, and i am feeling excited yet scared at this moment.. hoping that everything would be okay in my stays there…(“,)
After 2 years, I get to travel alone again 🙂 excited. I loved the tip about being married and fake ring.
Hi,
I’m planning to travel alone (for the first time ever) on my coming 30th birthday. A little too old for having a first time huh. But I’m actually thinking twice if I should push thru..or if I should bring my two best buddies along. So undecided…but i reaaly want to try doing this…and i really want to do something different…since this is my 30th and I kinda feel like it’s something special. Haha.
Hi, i really would like to travel alone..planned fw times already but hindi natutuloy coz i get scared. This time Im really going to try, will start off in somewhere near, still deciding tho between taal or pinatubo. I was searching for travel tips for pinay sol travellers and im just really glad to find your blog. It really inspires me to really pursue on my travl plan. Medyo nakakabawas ng kaba 😉
Glad to hear that. Stay safe and happy travels, Edna! Lemme know about it. 🙂
Hi, I did it!!! Yey, i tried pinatubo trekking last feb 6. It was really fun, i get a lot of questions why im travelling solo tho, but didnt mind at all :)met new friends too. I’m trying to explore Manila, started off Marikina, found old resto, and some spanish filipino style houses and went to shoe museum. Planning to look for interesting new places within Manila every weekend whenever i cant afford to travel a little bit farther hehe. I think it’s addicting helps me unwind after a stressful week at work.. Saving for my next solo travel, probably laguna or this time trek Taal 🙂 really thankful for your blog… Keep writing, keep inspiring 🙂 ???
Glad was able to help. Will keep posting more. Thank you so much for your comment, I’m very delighted to read it. Happy travels, dear! 🙂
Hi there,
I was inspired by your blog, I will be travelling alone for the first time in jan, i am middle age, pinay and would like to visit Enchanted River in Butuan, Tinuy-an Falls . Is it safe to visit that place alone? I will also going to do island hopping in Britannia, I worried about the cost if there wont be anyone to do it with me. Could you please advise what you normally do in this situation. Thank you in advance.
Hi Marriane, yes, very safe naman. For Britannia, you can charter a boat for Php 1,500. Have fun!