- Aleaya Duran shares her top advice for heading on your first solo trip abroad
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Single female traveler Aleaya Duran @aleayabella It offers numerous suggestions for your bucket list if you enjoy traveling solo as well.
However, before we begin, she wants to issue a caution regarding two well-liked backpacking spots that she believes solo travelers should steer clear of.
'I faced some tough times in the Philippines, particularly in Palawan,' the 22-year-old shares with MailOnline Travel. 'My visit coincided with typhoon season, making things challenging due to frequent flight cancellations.'
Besides the natural concerns, I was particularly anxious about my safety there compared to anyplace else because of the harassment I experienced from certain local residents.
The fearless traveler similarly advises against visiting Cambodia for women traveling alone, mentioning that she felt least secure there.
Where then should aspiring solo travelers add to their must-visit lists?
Aleaya, from Oregon , explains: ‘Switzerland, Iceland, Singapore and Japan was like a dream because I felt completely secure traveling there solo as a woman.
'In those places, I was the only one who ventured outside alone after dark, solely because of the sense of security they provided.'
She also advises first-time solo travellers to start with 'very touristy places', as she did.
'Paris, Italy "And Bali served as excellent initiations into solo travel," she notes.
This does not imply that Aleaya avoids less accessible locations, as she found herself 'agreeably astonished by Laos.'
She clarifies: "Although it isn’t as prominent a tourist spot as its neighboring nations, Thailand And in Vietnam, there is an abundance of attractions.
'From the amazing locals to the natural surroundings and wildlife – it was genuinely one of my favorite places.'
Aleaya mentions that she grew up in a 'very small town' and states 'there was always this urge to leave'.
She goes on: "I was curious about what lay beyond and eventually grew weary of waiting for company."
I believe that traveling seems incredibly daunting at first. However, when you actually venture out, you discover that not taking the chance would have been much scarier.
Initially sharing her plans for solo travel with her family, Aleaya acknowledges that some members had reservations. However, she emphasizes the importance of "trusting your intuition and not allowing others' opinions to deter you."
She has a great compromise that works for her and her loved ones, which she advises others to take note of.
She clarifies, "For every day, I typically create an initial version using Google Docs before assembling a PowerPoint presentation for my relatives to keep them informed about my daily whereabouts and scheduled activities."
'This provides them with a feeling of ease and confidence that I am aware of what I'm doing.'
Although solo traveling can come with significant costs, Aleaya mentions that she took on many unconventional jobs to finance her trips.
She states: "Many individuals lack additional funds for traveling purposes, and I was no different. I explored various methods to earn income from home, such as reselling second-hand clothing and taking up multiple job roles simultaneously."
Social media has additionally assisted in financing some of my travels, and I believe it's an excellent channel for individuals to earn money by sharing their passions.
The thrifty explorer sidesteps the usual error of reserving through a travel agency to keep their expedition expenses low.
She cautions: "Although this is advisable for your initial journey or if you're anxious about traveling solo, it will double the expense."
She opts for carrying only a carry-on suitcase when traveling, thus always faces the challenge of 'highly restricted space'. How does she manage this?
She states: "I use packing cubes to keep my baggage better organized. I ensure that when setting off for a new place, I start with just half of my suitcase filled so there will be plenty of space left for lots of mementos."
I would argue that the most crucial necessity is medication since various nations stock different brands, making it challenging to locate what you need.
Although Aleaya maintains that solo travel hasn't always been 'glamorous', she has never regretted her decision since embarking on her first trip alone.
She concludes: 'The aspect I enjoy most about traveling solo is the sense of freedom it offers. No one is around to alter my experiences or hinder my progress.'
Mostly, it has seemed as though only God and I are journeying through this world together.
I can stroll through the streets and hills, completely absorbed in my surroundings. This freedom enriches my experience of being present in the moment.
Looking for more content from Aleaya? Follow her on TikTok – @aleayabella or Instagram - @aleayabella For additional travel advice and motivation.
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