- 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,' says the 22-year-old to MailOnline Travel. 'My visit coincided with the 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 locals.
The adventurous traveler similarly advises against visiting Cambodia for women traveling alone, mentioning that she felt least secure there.
Where, then, should aspiring solo travelers place their must-visit destinations?
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 traveling in Bali served as excellent initiations into solo travel," she notes.
This does not imply that Aleaya avoids lesser-known locations, as she found herself 'agreeably astonished by Laos.'
She clarifies: "Although it isn’t as significant a tourist spot as its neighboring nations, Thailand And in Vietnam, there is an abundance of attractions.
'The amazing people, along with the natural surroundings and wildlife – it really made this one of my most cherished destinations.'
Aleaya mentions that despite growing up in 'a very small town,' she always had 'an urge to leave.'
She goes on: "I was curious about what lay beyond and eventually grew weary of awaiting someone else to join me."
'I believe that traveling seems quite daunting initially. 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 strongly believes in following one's intuition and not allowing others' opinions to deter her from pursuing her goals.
He offers an excellent solution that suits his needs and those close to him, encouraging others to follow this example.
She clarifies: "I typically start with Google Docs for drafting each daily plan, followed by assembling a PowerPoint presentation for my relatives to keep them informed about my whereabouts and scheduled activities each day."
'This provides them with a feeling of ease and confidence that I am aware of what I'm doing.'
Although solo travel comes with significant costs, Aleaya shares that she managed 'to save up by taking on many unusual jobs'.
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 income by sharing their passions.
The thrifty explorer sidesteps the usual error of reserving through a travel agency to keep their journey expenses low.
She cautions: "Although this might be wise for your initial journey or if you're anxious about traveling solo, it will double the expense."
She opts for carrying only carry-on luggage during her journeys, thus always facing the challenge of 'highly restricted space'. What strategies does she use to manage this?
She states: 'I use packing cubes to keep my baggage better organized. I ensure that when heading off to a new place, my suitcase starts out only halfway filled so there’s plenty of space left for numerous mementos.'
I'd argue that the most crucial necessity is medication since various nations carry differing brand names, making it challenging to locate what you need.
Although Aleaya maintains that solo travel isn't always glamorous, she has never regretted it since her first experience.
She concludes: 'The aspect I enjoy most about traveling solo is the sense of freedom it provides. No one is around to influence 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, immersing myself entirely in my surroundings. This experience brings liberation and deepens my connection with the place.'
Looking for more content from Aleaya? Follow her on TikTok – @aleayabella or Instagram - @aleayabella For additional travel advice and motivation.
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