Solo Travel Guide

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder for current generations to cherish and actively pursue their desires in the present moment.

• We never know what the future holds.
• Even at a young age, we must acknowledge the fragility of life.

In the hustle and bustle of city life, I enjoy traveling to a foreign country to experience a slightly different routine, even if it is just a temporary escape from reality.

• The anticipation of an upcoming trip is a constant source of motivation to work harder.
• However, I often find myself more tired after traveling than before, as I tend to overschedule my days with early wake-up calls for exploration instead of prioritizing rest.

Nevertheless, I encourage everyone to travel and see the world as often as possible.

• Let your youthful spirit guide you towards maximum enjoyment, while you still have the freedom to do so, before the weight of adulthood and responsibilities fully sets in.
• Embrace the present moment instead of postponing travel until some hypothetical future when you have more free time or when you are rich.
• When we are old, these will be memories we cherish, reminding us of our youth and the vibrant life we lived.

Choosing A Destination

Determining a travel destination can be challenging as preferences vary greatly.

• Some people prefer bustling cities, others are drawn to culture and museums, some prioritize culinary experiences and others seek out natural wonders.
• Therefore, it is equally crucial to choose travel companions with similar interests to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

Social media platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu (红书) can offer inspiration, and conversations with friends and relatives can provide valuable insights into potential destinations.

• For me, an ideal travel destination is one blessed with calming natural views yet I can savour the local food without any financial constraints.
• However, there are a few countries on my bucket list that I feel compelled to visit (such as Japan, Korea and Switzerland), even if they tend to be more expensive.

While waiting for flight deals, conduct thorough research and select a suitable travel period.

• Consider seasonal factors such as monsoons seasons or earthquake risks, which might make certain times less ideal for visiting.
• Some travellers may specifically choose winter to experience the cold weather and snow or spring to see blooming flowers.

Saving Money on Travel Expenses

Accommodation and transportation are often the biggest expenses when travelling.

Booking flights

• Instead of constantly checking airline websites for deals, use price comparison websites like Trip.com. These sites can find cheaper fares than you might be able to on your own, but keep in mind that prices can fluctuate frequency.
• It is a common misconception that round-trip flights are always the most economical option. While this may hold true for some destinations, flying into and out of different cities can often be a cheaper and more convenient choice, especially when you are exploring multiple destinations during your trip.
• Be aware that cheaper flights often come with drawbacks, such as longer travel times or inconvenient arrival times. For example, a midnight arrival might require you to spend the night at the airport or book an additional night's stay at a hotel. Additionally, public transportation options may be limited late at night, and traveling alone in a foreign country at night can be unsafe.
• If price is not a major concern, consider booking a direct flight departing around noon. This allows you to sleep in and avoid the stress of rushing to the airport early in the morning.

Finding hotels

• Consider using hotel aggregators like Agoda, Trip.com, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com to compare prices across different hotels. These websites also allow guests to leave reviews about their experiences, which can be helpful in choosing a hotel.
• When choosing a hotel, consider factors like location, condition (newer vs. older, star rating), and guest reviews.
• Hotels located near tourist attractions tend to be more expensive. However, staying in a cheap but far hotel may ultimately increase your overall travel costs and consume more time due to higher transportation expenses.
• Weekend stays (Friday and Saturday nights) are typically more expensive than weekdays due to leisure travel. Another advantage of traveling on weekdays, especially during non-public holidays, is that tourist attractions are typically less crowded.
• Be patient and wait for hotel promotions if you can. If you are concerned about flexibility, try to book rooms with a free cancellation policy.
• Personally, I prioritize hotels with good reviews for cleanliness and a convenient location near tourist attractions or public transportation. If breakfast options are offered at the hotel, I will usually opt for them, unless I am interested to explore local breakfast options.

NOTE: It is important to allocate a travel period that is long, but not too long. Every extra day adds to accommodation and food costs. So, when planning your itinerary, make sure you have included all the must-see destinations before deciding how long to travel. This will also help avoid travel burnout.

Plan Your Trip

Proper planning is key to a successful trip.

• Nonetheless, even with the most meticulous planning, travel situations can change unexpectedly.
• It is crucial to remain calm and adaptable. Instead of panicking, embrace the unexpected and go with the flow.

Researching destinations

• Before anything else, determine your travel interests. Do you prefer historical sites, museums, natural landscapes, cultural experiences, culinary adventures, a relaxed pace or a mix of everything?
• Utilize resources such as travel blogs, Tripadvisor, Xiaohongshu (红书) and official tourism websites to gather ideas.
• Finally, compile a list of potential destinations that align with your interests.
• Some destinations may charge entrance fees, which should be factored into your budget.

Planning logistics

• Choose accommodation that provides easy access to key attractions and is located near public transportation hubs (e.g. train stations).
• Research transportation options to reach your destinations, including public transportation (e.g. buses, trains, subways and trams), ride-hailing services (e.g. Grab or local alternatives), walking and organized tours.

Itinerary development

• Allocate ample time for each destinations and factor in travel time between destinations.
• Build flexibility into your itinerary to accommodate unexpected delays and unforeseen circumstances (e.g. bad weather, unexpected closures).
• Identify the absolute must-see attractions and build your itinerary around them.
• Determine your budget and allocate funds for accommodation, transportation, food, activities and souvenirs.

NOTE: While planning places to visit, a frequently overlooked point is where to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If there are must-try restaurants you want to visit, include them as designated stops in your itinerary. Otherwise, you might miss out on these dining experiences, as travellers often avoid retracing their steps while exploring.

Travel Checklist

Traveling overseas for the first time can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, it is crucial to pack efficiently and remember the essentials. Here is a checklist to help you.

Essentials

• Passport & Visa (if required)
• Cash (local currency)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Portable charger

Recommended

• Travel adapter (if needed)
• Comfortable clothing suitable for the destination's climate, including cap and jackets.
• Umbrella
• Medications and first-aid kit
• Travel-sized toiletries, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and lotion
• Reusable water bottle

If you are choosing to travel light with only hand carry luggage, ensure your combined baggage (cabin bag and small bag) complies with airline weight and size restrictions (usually around 7 kg).

• Prohibited items in hand carry typically include liquids or aerosols limited to containers of 100 ml or less, sharp objects, firearms, explosives and flammable materials and toxic substances.

NOTE: While e-payment systems like Alipay+ and Touch'N Go are widely accepted, it's still advisable to carry some local currency. This ensures accessibility, especially in areas with limited network coverage or where some vendors may still prefer cash. Additionally, exchanging currency locally at favourable rates can often save you money compared to using in-app exchange rates.

Navigating Like A Pro

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we travel. Google Maps, for example, has transformed navigation, allowing us to easily reach our destinations with turn-by-turn guidance.

• This eliminates the need to constantly refer to physical maps or ask for directions from locals.
• Furthermore, Google Maps goes beyond car navigation by offering comprehensive travel options, including walking routes and public transportation options such as buses and trains.
• This enhances travel planning and encourages more sustainable modes of transport.

Google Maps also empowers users to share their experiences by allowing them to leave reviews and ratings for restaurants and other points of interest.

• This valuable feedback helps other travellers make informed decisions and discover hidden gems.
• While many restaurant review apps and social media food review videos exist, it is important to be aware of potential instances of false advertising.
• Often, the restaurants frequented by locals offer the best value, serving delicious food at affordable prices.

In China, due to restrictions on GPS technology, Google Maps may not function optimally.

• Alternative navigation apps to consider include A-Map (高德地图) and Baidu Map (百度地图), which are widely used and offer comprehensive coverage within China.

Last but not least, in developed countries, well-developed public transportation systems, combined with readily available and affordable ride-hailing services like Grab, Bolt, and Didi Travel, make it easier than ever to navigate cities efficiently.

• Traveling at your own pace, instead of rushing through tourist attractions like a checklist, allows you to relax and truly savour the moment.
• Travel is not merely about ticking off destinations and collecting photographs, but about experiencing the world and connecting with its people and cultures.
• While strolling through the streets of Hong Kong, I encountered old apartment buildings, a sight that reminded me that despite the city's high cost of living, ordinary people still face daily struggles, just like everyone else.

Summary

While many view international travel as an eye-opening experience, offering exposure to diverse cultures, cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes, others perceive it as an expensive endeavour.

• The significant costs associated with flights and accommodation can make it seem more budget-friendly to explore destinations closer to home.

When embarking on any journey, choosing the right travel companion is crucial.

• The goal is to create a relaxing and enjoyable experience, not to increase stress levels.