My ‘MyLonelyPlanet’ Guide

Solo Flight: A Girl’s Guide

Thanks to Femalenetwork, my online female bible, for adding more tips for flying solo which I would love to, love to, love to do. Let me rate myself and tell which are the things I need to prepare the most.

STUDY YOUR GUIDEBOOK. Study the chapters on culture, national etiquette, and safety. I may care less when travelling with a group but I know I will be more aware when alone. I rate myself a 6 and it will be better if I try not to sleep inside a moving vehicle (guilty!).

LEARN THE LANGUAGE. Thanks to the net which is very powerful, all you need is here. Research and be eager to learn and you’re good. I’m so-so, it’s a 5 I think.

DON’T OVERPACK. Trust me, a girl can do this. Toiletries, clothes, shoes/sandals/flipflops. Prepare a checklist. Leave the unessentials. And remember that there are some things you can buy on your destinations for a cheap price, when unless if it’s an ‘all expensive place’. I rate myself 9, I’ve done it a lot of times. One good thing about it, you can shop more.

TAKE A SELF-DEFENSE CLASS. The fundamentals of self-preservation is a must, they say. ‘For instance, did you know that an ordinary woman can disable an attacker with a single strike to his eyes, nose, throat, groin, or knees?’ The checklist, (1) simple tools which can protect you, (2) (fully-changed) phone to call emergency numbers. My rate, 7 for common sense.

BEWARE OF THE BOYS. I’m 9. I know.

DRESS TO FIT IN. Rate: 10. If it’s a cold place or in a hot weather, bring what is suitable. There are places where they don’t care what you wear and places where people sensitive and will ask you to cover up, just follow.

TALK TO OTHER SOLO TRAVELLERS. It’s good to meet new friends. Rate: 7.5 as I’m not really friendly, haha! (But not a snob. I just choose.)

RELISH THE FREEDOM. Well, it really feels goods to be free. So let’s enjoy!!! Rate: 10.

My add-ons:

SAY A LITTLE PRAYER. Pray for safety. guidance and a happy trip. Everything will be fine.

TAKE A LOT OF HAPPY SNAPS. Memories and captured moments - we will appreciate travelling more.

APPRECIATE THE PLACE THAN CRITICIZE IT. Every place has it’s differences that makes it more interesting.

BUY TOKENS. It’s good to remember family and friends back home. Have something for them. And for yourself, too.

BE FOODIE-FRIENDLY. Try local foods. Fastfoods can be everywhere so better to try something new. It’s part of travelling anyway.

I wish, I wish, I wish…….. to travel on my birthday. And it will be a month from NOW!