Solo travel has always been a part of my bucket list ever since I discovered the joys of traveling. I've been to lots of different Philippine domestic destinations but I've never had the opportunity to really try it. Most of the time, I always travel with a least one friend or two. 

This year of 2023, I am aiming to try different kinds of things and experiences that I've never had the courage to do before. As they say, going out of your comfort zone always brings unexpected learnings and growth. And so for this year's birthday celebration, I decided to try to solo travel. Solo travel to a destination where I've never been to or really stayed in before. I wanted to go somewhere where I can have the time to reflect, enjoy the beauty of the sunset, be carefree and probably meet new people too. My mind then led me to this famous tourist spot in the province of La Union or also popularly called Elyu, which is the town of San Juan.

As this is some kind of a challenge for me, the experience did bring about some realizations and learnings specifically about myself and how I adapt in certain situations. Let me share with you the following discoveries below.

1. As a solo female traveling, it's important to ensure your safety at all times. 

Always assess, observe and feel your surroundings. Let me share my back story. Unexpectedly during this travel, I arrived early at San Juan at around 2:30 am where there's literally nowhere where I can stay safely to kill time as I wait for the sun to come up. Looking and feeling around, I know it's not a good idea to risk staying where I was at that time so I used my phone and searched for the nearest 24 hours open fast food store where I can head to.

3. Don't share with everyone that you're traveling alone. 

This one is actually related as well with trusting your intuition. There are certain people that you will meet paths during your travel whom it's safe to share this piece of information and there are some who are not. Again, learn to assess but this time directing it to the people around you and the current circumstance when you met them. Going back to my personal experience, I bravely rode a tricycle to reach the fast food store. The driver seemed okay in my assessment but then when he asked again if I was alone, I lied and said that I'm meeting my friend at that particular fast food branch where I was headed. Only when I reached and entered the store then I let my guard down.

4. You'll learn to depend entirely on yourself. 

As someone who still lives at the same house as my parents since it is more economical that way, I definitely enjoyed this solo travel experience. That short time of entire independence and freedom felt like a long yearned treat for me. As you depend on yourself, you'll discover a certain extent of your skills, capabilities as well as your limits. Thus, making you know more yourself in a new kind of way.

5. Staying at hostels is a good idea to save money. 

But there are some disadvantages on this like the need to be mindful of your valuables at all times and making sure that you don't disturb your fellow travelers. If you're okay with sharing space with strangers, then it's okay for you to stay at a hostel. Always be kind to your fellow travelers or room mates.

6. You'll definitely enjoy traveling at your own pace. 

You have the liberty to decide entirely your itinerary or how to go about your entire day. You can follow your own whim without the need to consider the enjoyment and likes of other people with you. Definitely one of the perks of being alone. For this trip, I didn't really stick to my planned itinerary and more of let my mood and heart guide me, day by day. Most of my plans changed as unexpected things happened and that was okay.

7. You'll become more comfortable interacting with strangers and meeting new people. 

You are actually more receptive and focused with others as you are alone. You'll be more open to meeting new people, hearing their life stories and sharing a bit of yours as well. Unexpected talks and interactions with new people is one of the things that I love the most with traveling. During this Elyu trip, I actually met Ate Luz and Jessa and it was really fun getting that unexpected opportunity of meeting and knowing them. 

8. The bliss of solitude is real. 

As humans, we have this need for social interaction. But taking the time being alone and enjoying your own company is a need as well. I first heard the term "Me time" from one of my work colleagues at my first job and I immediately wondered what that means and later on, the understanding kicked in. In our daily busy lives especially at our work places, the need to adjust and socialize with the people around us can be overwhelming at times. I'm actually used to dealing and talking to lots of people everyday as an HR and also considering the fact that I'm always at the company of my friends everywhere I go. But surprisingly, I really enjoyed traveling solo and appreciated myself as my own company. It gave me more time to chill and reflect on my life's plans which I really need at this time. 

Traveling solo is a real treat and a wonderful experience one must do at least once in their life. The thought of it might be scary for most people and that belief of equating solitude with loneliness is understandable. But living is growing and traveling solo is one great way or step towards it. I highly encourage everyone to take this challenge and step out of their comfort zones.