Traveling Alone

[rdy0329]

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Hey guys, I want to make a bold move a travel alone for my birthday. Any advice and idea how to work out the kinks of traveling alone? I'm going to Davao for 3D2N btw. Any recommendations from seasoned solo travelers?

Thanks!

[penmanila]

how old are you anyway, for this to be so "bold" a move?

some quick advice from a fairly seasoned traveler (been traveling alone since 15 or so, and now traveling alone, from chicago to DC):

1. always let someone else know where you are and where you're going. i'm 58, but this is SOP for me. also let people know your itinerary, so if you don't show up where you're supposed to be, alarm bells will ring. call home from time to time. don't get into a situation where you're all by yourself and no one knows where you are.

2. always carry a cellphone so you can communicate with people. i always carry an unlocked backup phone, in case my main one fails, or is lost.

3. scout ahead on the internet and learn as much as you can about your destination. be aware of possible dangers. check out transport options and choose the safe ones, even if they cost a bit more. if you want to be adventurous, go with someone you know, not by yourself.

4. make sure you're carrying enough cash--just enough, not too much. carry an ATM card or a credit card for emergency access to more.

5. don't draw attention to yourself, and be wary of strangers (doesn't matter if you're 25 or 55--scammers and thieves don't age-discriminate).

[MX3]

If you're staying within the Philippines, I guess you'll be fine. I've done this for both pleasure and business without any incident.

If you're going abroad, be extra careful -- especially in tourist areas -- as single travelers are the usual targets of pickpockets and muggers (not the friendly kind).

[raypin]

mmm......not that difficult really. The most desirable fringe benefit: you get to decide where to go, when to eat, how to get there. what places to visit and spend as little or as much on yourself without baggage (by baggage, I mean other people). If you will not be staying with friends or relatives in Davao, just arrange your itinerary before departing Manila and leave the complete details with your family or wife here (for emergency purposes). Travel light or bring one of those sturdy baggage carriers. No special preparations really. Once the accomodation, transportation arrangements and airplane tickets are done, you're pretty much set.

If it is your first time in the city, stick where the tourists stay (well-known hotels etc.) Be friendly but not too friendly with the locals.

Think of it as travelling...........at half the cost. Have fun!

[rdy0329]

Thanks for the quick replies!

@Penmanila, I'm turning 20. It's bold in a way that I haven't tried it before. Don't get me wrong, I travel at moderate amount of times with family or friends (mostly international), I just want to get a feel of how its like being alone. Thanks for the tips!
@MX3, Paranoia is one of my thing but i'll try to turn it down and avoid sketchy places.
@raypin, same rationale on why I want to travel alone.

[rflores]

i'll be doing the same in June, KL-SG 8-day trip. I did the same in Kalibo-Boracay last year, and although I missed the convenience / familiarity of talking to someone I know anytime I want, I liked the experience.

I agree what they said here.

Let people know of your itenerary. It's like sending someone your Cab's plate number each time you're on one.

Communication tools shall be handy.

Money and alternative payment option shall be handy.

Bring an ID or when abroad, of course, your passport.

[Alucard]

@rdy0329

I'm from Davao and living in Davao so I'd say that its a very safe place to travel to. But even then, its always best to have precautions wherever you go. I travel extensively abroad by myself, so here's a few tips I have been following so far:

1) Dress and act like a local - its easy for you to do considering (I assume) that you're filipino and all, so you'll easily blend in to davao until you start talking. But as a general rule of thumb, i always advice that you must NEVER dress like a tourist. Things like those "I <3 (Insert country/city name here)" Tshirts should be avoided at all costs!! You're literally ADVERTISING that you're a tourist. If you have a camera, its ok to bring it around. But bring a bag that doesn't look like a camera bag (same goes for laptop).

2) Learn a few local words here and there. When I was in Indonesia I learned how to say basic words like "thank you" and "please take me to ......." so that when I get on the taxi, I can mumble those words and hopefully pass as a local. I then put on my headphones to avoid further conversation and blow my cover XD

3) As others have stated, be careful in tourist areas. But again, if you dress like a local it should be a little bit safer.

4) NEVER follow the guy who promises you cheap rolex and LV bags - big nono!

5) the girl who offers you cheap unsolicited sex - also big nono. If you solicited it though, that's a different story. But many horror stories float around about wallets, passports getting swiped in the hotel room.

6) Spread your cash around. Keep some emergency money in pants/passport/laptop bag etc. Just don't keep them in one place.

7) Stay in a hotel with a safe inside the room for your valuables.


That should be pretty much it. For Davao city, here's a few tips:
1) Taxis are generally quite nice and honest.
2) Enjoy the food in Torres Street, where you can find a good selection of restaurants. Obviously we do have Ayala and SM malls but you'll see that in Manila already. Nothing special.
3) eat fruits, fruits and more fruits. They're so much better than manila and cheaper!
4) seafood too! For crabs, ah fat in victoria plaza has been a favorite by many (tho quite a lot of MSG). I'd also recommend Emperor restaurant in Victoria plaza (besides ah fat) and Grab a crab in Ayala Abreeza.

That's it. Enjoy and be safe!

[deepdiver]

its always a good idea to have enough cash with you for at least 3 days in case there are any incidents that will prevent you from withdrawing money. when on your own it's best to check what atms are available.

totally agree with spreading the money around. i use a money belt when i travel and wear it under my clothes (i know people who actually sleep wearing them).

bring medicines with you, specially anti-allergies and mosquito patch!