The thought of my child wanting to have a first solo travel is very daunting to me. But as a traveler, I really have to set aside my worries and fears. I would like them to see the world out there on their own as I have done a few times. I believe that to travel alone should be included in one’s bucket list. Through solo travel, I hope that they will appreciate not only the beauty of nature and the different cultures, but to find their own happiness and fulfillment in traveling. To be able to make the right decisions or choices in every situation, to learn from their good or bad experiences, to become more confident, mature and independent, and to come back home knowing that they have learned so much about life from a different perspective.
We are all scared of the unknown. It takes a lot of strength and courage to allow my eldest daughter to travel all by herself. I know she is no longer a child and I have to let her go. And that I will just have to trust God to keep her safe all the time. 
PLANNING A SOLO TRIP :
- BUDGET – How much are we willing to spend for this trip? Do we go local or international? Is it a short or a long trip? Remember that when we travel alone, we will be paying a room for two. Are we willing to pay more for a nicer hotel or is it okay to stay in a budget and safe one? Being flexible is important when traveling.
- CHOOSE A COUNTRY – We checked online the safest and easy to travel countries in Asia for solo female travelers. There is Philippines, South Korea,Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, HongKong and Malaysia. We chose Vietnam. Specifically, Hanoi. Aside from being one of the safest countries to visit, Hanoi is not an expensive city when it comes to accommodations, food and tour activities and it is easy to explore. There are so many things to see and do like the Halong Bay Cruise, Cat Ba tours and many more.
- SET A DATE – Since it will be my daughter’s first time to travel alone, I allowed her to travel in Hanoi for 6 days. The trip will be a short one, to test the water. If possible, plan at least 6 months before in order to prepare, set a budget and find a cheap or promo flights and hotel deals.My Basic Guide to First Time Travelers.
- BOOKING THE FLIGHT, HOTELS, TRANSFERS AND TOURS – After getting a reasonable fare and direct flight from Manila to Hanoi, we booked the hotel in Old Quarter area. Hotel must be in a safe area and if possible, walking distance to many attractions, convenience store, restaurants and transportation. Transfers from airport to hotel can be quite confusing and sometimes some taxi drivers tend to take advantage to foreigners especially if the flight is arriving late at the airport. So we booked the private transfer ahead of time through the hotel. It was $18 each way. The hotel offered local tours so we decided to get the Halong Bay tour through them too.
- PACKING THE NECESSITIES – I helped her decide which bags to bring like a body bag, a backpack, and a medium luggage. I reminded her to just bring the important stuff. To travel light is very convenient and stress-free. Travel Essentials In My Bag I Can’t Live Without .
- PREPARING YOUR CHILD MENTALLY & PHYSICALLY – Yes, I admit I am a doting mom with paranoia! (hahaha). I can talk to her endlessly about her health, safety and budget.Habits That Are Helpful When Traveling I asked her to read her schedule and itinerary and to memorize my phone number. To message me as soon as she arrives at her destination or to just update me regarding her whereabouts. Because she will be traveling on a budget, I suggested she spends her money on food, trying local delicacies and coffee rather than buying expensive souvenirs.
My most important advice for her is to just practice common sense and always follow her instinct. Be aware and attentive all the time. And most of all, to simply have fun and to savor every moment because each place has its beauty and the experience will always be different and unique. 