Things To Remember When Travelling Alone

So you've decided to go on that solo travel? Here are some friendly reminders when you're about to go on your own adventure =)

· Secure your luggage. If they can be bolted with even a small lock, the better. Lagyan mo ng alarm kung medyo praning ka.

Dorm Type Room in Harold's Mansion

· Notify a relative or close friend of where you’ll be staying. Provide your accommodation’s contact information and details of your accommodation such as check-in/check-out times, kind of accommodation you are availing, etc. If you're sharing a room (Dorm Type), how many people are you sharing it with.

· Share your itinerary and let them know where you are from time to time and who you’re with just so they’d have an idea.

· Bring only what’s necessary. Do you really need to bring that laptop on this trip or can you do away with it? DSLR vs. Digicam. Is tripod necessary o mgpapicture k na lang kaya sa dumadaan? Travel light.

· Avoid being extra flashy especially with gadgets, etc. You are travelling on your own and not modelling for SM appliance center. Ikaw din, Walang hahabol na iba sa snatcher kundi ikaw.

· If you are a girl, wear decent clothes. Avoid attracting unwanted attention. You will be treated depending on how you appear. Dress simply and you might even get great bargains pag napagkamalan kang lokal ;)

· Do not have more money on your pockets than you will actually need. And prepare smaller bills if you can. Hindi yung maglalabas ka ng isang libo para magbayad ng bente pesos worth na manga. Baka masabuyan ka ng bagoong ng wala sa oras.

· Know the extent of time when public commutes going back to your accommodation will still be available BEFORE setting forth. You don’t want to be stuck in a remote area by yourself. Or with unwelcome company.

· Most remote areas are accessible by habal-habal or motorcycles where you might be the only passenger. Ask the driver’s name POLITELY and get the plate number and notify a family/friend. Making the driver aware that you know their identity will also give them a sense of responsibility, kumbaga iingatan ka kasi kargo ka nila. Parang jowa lang. Also let another person know the estimated time you’re supposed to be back so they’d know when to start sending a search team for you :P

· When meeting new people, take their photos. Upload it somewhere like facebook or twitter. In case something comes up, you’d have the photo safely broadcasted. If they turn out to be good people, you'd have memories of meeting them. It's a win-win photo OP :))

Friendly group I met in Pulang Tubig. 

And the night trip that ensued. Dinner and Videoke :P

Band performing in Hayahay Bar and Grill along Rizal Boulevard and 

Bismark Cabanlit, super makulit and funny Dive Master from Harold's Mansion.

· When asking for directions, do not ask just one person for the purpose of cross-checking information. Mamaya direksyon pala papunta sa bahay nila yung binibigay sayo dba.. Pero lumakad ka naman ng konti bago ka magtanong ulit sa ibang tao. Baka ang tanungin mo eh yung katabi din mismo, di ka talaga makakauwi ng buhay niyan. 

· Keep emergency numbers on speed dial. At siguraduhing may extra load ka te. Ndi puro pang-unli txt!

· Limit phone usage. You’ll never know when you’re gonna need your phone the most. Iwasan ang minu-minutong pagcheck ng newsfeed sa facebook.

· Do extensive research on places to avoid, etc. It’s fun to be spontaneous but you should make it home alive to tell of your adventures. It pays to do your research. Kesa maging sample ka ng “Babala. Wag gayahin. Nakamamatay.”

Happy solo lakwacha to you! =]

Categories: Dumaguete, Solo Travels, Thoughts