Go Girls Travel Tips from Claire and Kaiz

Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of inquiries via mail and Twitter from women regarding solo travel. This is my way of answering them- GO GIRLS TRAVEL TIPS SERIES. My way of encouraging girls to just go and explore!

I asked another two great bloggers, please read what they have to say about some important topics on Solo Female Travel:

Claire of Lakwatsera de Primera

“Despite these precautions, I still trust strangers. I gratefully accept help and generosity on the road. Mingling with the locals and getting immersed in a new culture wholeheartedly make my travel experience more memorable.” 

Kaiz of MissBackpacker

Kaiz was inspired/forced to write a loooooong post when I asked her to contribute something, here’s some of her tips from the article “How to Lose your Virginity on Solo Traveling.”

1. Always bring any form of identification. If I were to rate the importance of bringing IDs during trips with 10 being the highest, I’d give this a 10. Why? If mishaps happen, concerned strangers will always look first for some sort of identification so they can contact your family, friends, or anyone related to you.

2. Pack light. You’re travelling and not attending a fashion event.

Indeed, experience is the best teacher. My first and failed attempt of solo travel made me realize that I ain’t joining Philippines’ Next Top Model to bring a handful of clothes. One must always consider the kind of activities and weather/temperature during the trip (beachineering, outdoorsy, rainy season, etc.). And remember that too attractive dress can get you into trouble; your party outfits can wait.

“My first and failed attempt of solo travel made me realize that I ain’t joining Philippines’ Next Top Model to bring a handful of clothes.”

Don’t bring too much gadgets. They’re not only heavy and will cost you more if you exceed your airline’s allowed baggage weight, they can also cause you to be the apple of the eyes of crime offenders. Most people go on a vacation to relax and be stress-free. Unless your boss is the type who always wants a report on an hourly basis, maybe you can disconnect yourself from the social world for a little some time by bringing just a phone and a camera to capture your trip’s cherished moments.

Kaiz at Montalban, Rizal

3. Let your loved ones know your plans and where you’re headed.

I am not contradicting myself with my statements. Yes, I said that you must cut off your connection from the world by bringing only a phone and a camera, but you should still let your parents or friends know where your next trip will be. Send constant messages to concerned people like your parents just by simply telling them that you arrived on your destination safe, that you are about to start your activities, that the weather is fine, and little things like that. You have a family who can worry the hell out of them once you’re away so sending brief messages won’t hurt.

“Send constant messages to concerned people like your parents just by simply telling them that you arrived on your destination safe…”

Another thing you can take note of is, don’t TWEET too much nor update your Facebook status with your whereabouts! You might be giving away too much information that a stalker or an outlaw can use against you. Let Paris Hilton alone do all of these.

4. Credit is good but we need cash. That’s a signage I always see from Filipino stores and this can pretty much apply during trips. Not all destinations have ATM or credit card machines specially those that are located in an extremely remote area so always prepare cash. But do not empty your bank accounts and bring just a little over your budget. It’s good to do accounting as well while on your trip so you at least have an idea on how much you already were spending and how much you have left.

5. Spontaneity is fun plus risk. Letter B comes after Letter A and so does Plan B after Plan A. Bad weather, delayed flights, sickness, over-budget, and accidents are some of the trip spoilers. When such things happen, your organized and almost-perfect trip can turn into a disaster. And so to avoid wrecking havoc, always include backup plans on your itineraries. Sure, being spontaneous is fun but not at all times as unseen and unwanted events may transpire.

Fun? Spontaneous planking by the waterfalls!

6. Watch your diet.

Oh yes, be mindful of what you’re eating not to avoid gaining weight but to avoid landing on a hospital. There are some delicacies that are so irresistible that we forget to ask how they’re being prepared, cooked, eaten. And so to prevent acquiring Amebiasis and other food-related disease, ask before stuffing your body with mouth-watering cuisines. This tip should be taken into consideration because of the following: (a) you are away from home and being hospitalized can be a lot more expensive and (b) no friends nor relatives can immediately attend to your needs and make decisions when you are unable to.

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"Go girl! You can do solo travel..."

GO GIRLS TRAVEL TIPS SERIES is my way of saying “thanks” and  “go girl, you can do solo travel” to my female readers I hope you many will try and embrace the adventures of female solo traveling.

I asked 10 female travel bloggers for help on topics like safety, solo travel, outfit & fashion, staying pretty while on the road, travel secrets and more girls talk.

Nina & Paula / Chyng & Lisa Marie / Claire & Kaiz / Lois & Monette / Gael & Gay