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!
I still vividly remember how my idea of traveling to Singapore became a reality. It was January 2018, a Friday. While I was working, my mind wandered to the travel fund I had been saving up for.
I thought about using it but the question was, where would I go? Then I came across a travel video that gave me the idea of traveling to one of the safest and most progressive countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore.
After I watched that video from Biyahe ni Drew, I started finding other reasons to go there. Discovering Central Perk Singapore was one of the things that got me super excited.
Visiting Central Perk SG is a Friends fan's dream come true.
I began chatting with friends who could potentially be my travel buddy. I needed someone who could make a quick decision to purchase a ticket with me, but sadly, the friends I asked were unavailable.
That made me pause and decide to sleep on the idea first. I told myself that I'll book a ticket within the weekend if my wanderlust didn't go away.
When Sunday came, I was still very excited over the possibility of traveling abroad that year. So my friend Jed, who has since then become my travel guy, helped me book a flight and a hostel.
Tip #1: Choose your travel dates carefully and find a flight that suits your time and budget.
Some considerations to make are the weather conditions and holidays. In Singapore, some days are rain-heavy, but most of the time it's hot and humid.
Going to another country during their holidays is debatable — there are festivities and holiday store discounts, but you might also find the shops closed. Flights may also be more expensive during holidays. It's best to ask for an experienced traveler's suggestion.
Tip #2: To lessen accommodation costs, book a room in a hostel with good reviews. Plus points if the hostel offers free breakfast!
Fair warning: this is a bit risky because you'll most likely share a room and bath area with other travelers. Your only personal spaces are your bed and luggage locker. However, this is ideal if you won't be staying long in your accommodation.
It's also advisable to ask what kind of electrical socket your accommodation has. If it's different from what you normally use, get a travel adapter.
Tip #3: It's good to book your trip months before the travel date.
I booked my flight in January and flew in July. This gave me time to save up extra bucks for my pocket money.
Even if you book your flight early, don't forget to print out a copy of your itinerary and booking confirmation. The itinerary is the email you'll receive from your airline which contains your flight details. The booking confirmation will come from the provider you used to book your accommodation.
Another friend of mine, Clare, helped me with my itinerary. She had a brilliant way of doing it — she plotted my daily trips based on the MRT route. So I had no trouble finding my way around and I didn't waste time commuting.
Tip #4: Make the most out of your itinerary by going to sites that are within walking distance or a few stops away from each other.
Consider the kind of transportation you'll use when you create your itinerary. Will you walk, rent a bike or scooter, take the public transport, or rent a private vehicle?
You certainly won't want to waste your time commuting or stuck in traffic jams, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
It's very easy to travel around Singapore because of their efficient public transport service. Based on my experience, their MRT system is much easier to navigate than their bus system. You won't have trouble walking around either.
A peek into my itinerary.
Tip #5: Familiarize yourself with the country's culture and no-no's.
I'd say that immersion and interacting with the locals are the best ways to learn a country's culture. But if you're visiting for the first time, it's good to familiarize yourself with the tourist do's and don'ts.
There are lots of resources in the internet, like YouTube videos, articles, and blogs. You can also ask family and friends for first-hand tips.
Tip #6: Take note of the payment systems available in the country.
Admittedly, this wasn't one of my concerns before. During my travels, though, I realized that if you're using cashless payment, the options can get confusing. So it's best to look into this if you're planning to use another payment method aside from cash.
Some countries also offer tax-free or duty-free shopping for tourists and tax returns at the airport prior to your departure. Don't miss these money-saving travel hacks!
Tip #7: Weigh your luggage and hand-carry items before you leave for the airport.
Airlines may not be always strict on your hand-carry weight, but you should still know how heavy your luggage is. Remember, it's more expensive to purchase extra baggage allowance at the airport
While we're at the subject, I personally think it's better to get a suitcase that has a double-lined zipper, compartments, and a secure lock. It's important to have peace of mind where your belongings are concerned.
There's more to come! Read the second part of my first-time traveler tips series by clicking on the link below.
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