My first time traveling alone also marked my first out-of-the-country trip. The year was 2018, and I had the best time when I had a short vacation in Singapore.
If you're planning your vacation overseas and it's your first time, check out this blog for practical tips from one traveler to another!
On my first trip abroad, my uncle drove me to the airport early in the morning. My flight was at 10:30AM and I was at the airport by 6:30AM. Early, I know. But I was also so stoked!
Tip #1: For international flights, you should be at the airport at least three hours before your departure.
This will let you avoid having a panic-filled travel experience, which you surely won't enjoy. And if you're traveling alone for the first time, you can familiarize yourself with the check-in and Immigration process with the extra time you have.
My first airport experience was unforgettable in the best way — I had never felt more like an adult! My partner, who previously surprised me by booking a flight to Singapore as well, gave me instructions on what to do at the airport and I simply followed them.
Tip #2: Don't be shy to ask questions, whether from the airport personnel or from fellow travelers.
I found out that I had to fill out personal details for the Immigration after I asked a fellow passenger what he was writing on while we were in line for check-in. By the way, it's best to bring your own pen and have it on hand, as you'll be filling out several forms.
Tip #3: Stay observant and alert at the airport. Watch over your belongings, especially your passport.
This is for your safety, as well as for your information. I committed the process I went through on my first trip abroad so I'll know what to do in my succeeding trips. And now I can write about it, too!
Here's a quick rundown of what you'll do prior to flying out (this is based on my Philippine airport experience):
Enter the airport and go through security. Prepare your passport and a copy of your printed or digital itinerary as they may be requested.
Pay for your travel tax at the designated counter if this wasn't included in the amount your airline charged.
Check in at your designated counter. Note that you can also do online check-in prior to arriving at the airport. You can weigh your hand-carry luggage at the counter, too.
Fill out the Immigration form, which you'll submit at the Immigration counter.
Line up at the Immigration for a short interview, verification, and a final check of your hand-carry luggage. This is the last process before you can wait for your flight at the designated gate.
Perhaps the most daunting process I went through at the airport was the Immigration interview. Since it was my first time traveling and I was alone, the Immigration officer asked me several questions. Some officers are irritable and downright intimidating, so pray that you won't have to deal with those!
Tip #4: Answer the Immigration officer's questions honestly, but be careful of the words you use.
Be mindful of what you say, and if needed, turn on your persuasiveness. It's the Immigration officer's job to find out if someone is traveling illegally, so some of their questions might sound intrusive. I was actually asked where I graduated from, which I found totally irrelevant.
For instance, if you're not traveling for work, clarify that your purpose for going abroad is vacation. There's no need to become flustered nor to crack even if the officer asks you a lot of questions, as long as you're being honest.
Tip #5: Bring the necessary documents and identifications.
You might be asked for government and travel documents, as well as identification cards, to prove the legitimacy of your travel. It's important to bring the original and photocopy in case you're asked for them.
Some people take a long time at the Immigration counter due to lengthy questioning and because they are unable to produce the documents asked of them. You can cut your time by presenting the documents you'll need to show upon reaching the counter, such as your passport and itinerary.
Take note of the following when you get to the Immigration process (this is based on my Philippine airport experience):
You aren't supposed to hang around behind the counter and wait for companions. You have to line up towards the baggage check after being verified by the officer.
Hand-carried foods are allowed.
Liquids are not allowed. For instance, I was asked to finish my water and surrender my small bottle of rubbing alcohol (which was bothersome because I had to open my luggage to get the item).
Sharp objects like nail care items might be flagged and you may be asked to surrender them.
© The Straits Times
Once you get past the Immigration, all you have to do is wait for your flight to be called. You can eat at cafés and restaurants while waiting, buy souvenirs from the gift shop, and exchange currency.
I didn't have Singaporean dollars with me prior to flying out, so I exchanged some money at the airport. But alas, that was not a smart move after all.
Tip #6: Don't change your money at the airport or hotel.
Experienced traveler and vlogger Camille Co shared this in her travel tips video: airport foreign exchange rates are almost always higher than they would be in the city. I believe this basically means you will get less than the amount you're exchanging for because of the discrepancy in the exchange rate. Do correct me if I'm wrong!
It's best to change your money before you go to the airport. You can buy currency from your local bank and currency exchange center, or even from people whom you know have the currency you need.
Also, don't exchange all your pocket money. Keep some of your local currency so you'll have something to use for emergency expenses.
With more than an hour to spare before departure, I made the mistake of not eating anything before my flight.
Tip #7: Fill up your tummy before your flight if you don't have in-flight food service. Also, keep a calming essence or candy on hand to fight off nausea.
I didn't have breakfast at home because my uncle arrived early to take me to the airport. I also didn't want to spend money on expensive airport food so I didn't buy any. In retrospect, those weren't smart decisions.
Just before landing in Singapore, I got nauseous. To my horror, I felt the urge to throw up. Thank goodness my seatmates were kind enough to let me borrow their calming essence, since I didn't have my calming oil nor candies. Thanks to their help, I managed to keep everything down for the remainder of the flight.
Take note that some countries like Singapore and Indonesia require travelers to fill out an Immigration form. This is usually distributed to passengers in the plane right before landing (and yes, you can ask for another form if you make a mistake).
Click on the link below to read the last part of my first-time traveler tips!
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