Author in Florida, USA on her solo trip

I wouldn't consider my work trip to the US as a solo trip even though technically I travel alone but I have friends over here (so, not alone!). Just like the most of us, I have been wondering on when I'm going to be able to do a solo trip abroad. It might seem easy for guys, but for girls like me and the readers out there, solo trip might seem like a high target.

Why? Because as a female, being alone on your trip in a foreign land will bring out the first issue - safety. We fear for our safety. Being alone, helpless in the middle of a foreign land will demotivate your dream for solo travelling. This fear will encorouge you to Google stuff like "crime rate in....", "female solo traveller...". Don;t be ashamed as I have done the same.

So, what did I do to convince my dear self to venture out on my own? Let's be honest, your yearning curiosity is not enough just like many times before, we (including myself) actually gone through the recycle phase - plan, research, confidence, staring at airline website contemplating, research again, looking for logistics, second thoughts and in the end ended up not going.

It is normal. We need a push to go through something new, a leap of faith some might say. This time, for me, it's the phrase "now, or never" that keep on haunting me. I hate a wasted opportunity. In fact, I am still in doubt until the moment I board my plane to Florida.

1. If safety is your main concern - as would I; start asking around. There might be some friends that have done some solo travelling to some city around you. I did ask around, asked my colleagues (local and Malaysians) about what city is okay for solo travelling, what do they think. I was planning to go to San Francisco initially and Orlando came to a close second. So, I asked my friends about those city. One colleague actually did not encourage me to go to NY alone since yeah, you rely on Subway there and he got mugged.

2. Flight tickets is important. Like I mentioned, I was keen to go to San Francisco but the flight ticket was ridiculously expensive when I finally decided to buy it. So, I went to Orlando instead. I made a late decision and I regret it since SF is my top destination! I use Google Flights and the monthly Skyscanner search even before it got viral on Facebook. Again - ask around won't hurt.

3. If you are indeed solo travelling, please make sure you are at your hotel by night, not midnight. Plan ahead your day/night at the city. Choose a family friendly hotel or a backpackers. I stayed at a very decent hotel in Orlando.

4. Where to go? Up to you entirely! If you want to go to the usual touristy spot or you want a side local adventure like me, go ahead and do what you are comfortable with.


5. Drive or Public transport? This is up to you and also influenced by the place you actually go. I recommend you Uber rather than cab hailing. In Orlando, I choose to drive myself since it is easy, I love driving and Im going to a place outside of the city itself.

6. Make sure you have connection to the outside World. Call your service provider to ensure your line is not being barred (I'm looking at you Celcom, the incompetent Customer Service) and make sure you have your online map ready. Download the offline map for the said city before hand (this is my lesson learnt). Keep in touch with your friends or family letting them know where you are.

7. If you are unlucky to get stuck with Celcom as I did, there is always free Wifi at the airport, Starbucks, Walmart and McDonald's.

8. If you get lost, do not panic. Just went out to the nearest exit, trace yourself back to the airport (if you are going to the attraction) or exited the freeway and look for free Wifi spot. (story to be told in future post)

9. Crowd Control - Party people or no? This applicable for Spring Break season. If you are there for the parties, take precautions and be safe. If you are avoiding those crowds, like myself, research properly on the area where the Spring Break parties will be held.

10. Loosen Up and enjoy! This is the most important thing in solo travelling. The bliss is you are on your own schedule and you are on a journey for self exploration. You just chill, follow your own pace and keep on exploring. Embrace it. Be proud that you have made the journey.

Solo travelling is fun and full of adventure. For us girls, it will be a little bit challenging but it was very rewarding. I came back from my solo trip being more confident, independent and discover new things about my ownself. If you are able to plan your own vacation with family/friends, solo travelling is just the same, with lesser participant - just you.