Over the winter holidays, I embarked on my first real solo trip to a foreign country: Singapore!
Spending much of my free time alone over the past year, I’ve grown to enjoy my own company. My confidence in traveling solo began with my last trip to China, where I ventured out on day trips alone in Shanghai. That experience gave me a taste of the freedom and fulfillment that solo travel can bring, and I wanted to challenge myself further. This time, I decided to explore a completely foreign country, one I’d never been to before.
Singapore quickly became my top choice. I’ve always wanted to see more of Asia, but up until now, my travel within the region had been limited to my home country, China. Singapore offered the perfect combination of familiarity and novelty: a multicultural city with a mix of Asian influences, a reputation for safety and ease of navigation, and the promise of delicious food and lush greenery.
The idea of traveling solo felt both exciting and daunting. On one hand, I’d have the freedom to design every aspect of my trip exactly the way I wanted. On the other hand, I knew I’d need to rely entirely on myself for everything—from planning and navigating to solving unexpected challenges. Despite these uncertainties, I felt ready to embrace the adventure.
What followed was a journey that not only took me to new places but also taught me valuable lessons about myself. As I ventured through Singapore’s bustling streets and serene parks, I discovered the unique joys—and occasional difficulties—of traveling alone.
What I gained from this experience went far beyond sightseeing—it was a chance to grow, reflect, and embrace my independence in new ways.
So here are some of my learnings and reflections on the joys, challenges, and lessons of solo travel.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Traveling Solo?
💡Complete freedom
Traveling solo means you can decide where to go and what to do entirely based on your own interests. For instance, I loved exploring malls in Singapore — especially toy stores and Japanese stores that sell quirky yet practical goods. After a day of sightseeing at typical tourist attractions, I spent my evenings hopping between different malls, indulging in my own little adventures.
💡 Set your own pace
I’m not an early riser and value sleeping in during vacations. My mornings started around 9 AM, with breakfast wrapping up by 10:30 AM. I also planned for downtime in the afternoons, taking short naps before heading out for late-afternoon and evening activities. This rhythm allowed me to fully enjoy the day without feeling drained.
💡Flexibility with food
Eating alone meant I could eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. One evening, I decided to have Ya Kun Kaya toast—typically a breakfast item—as a light snack in a mall. Later, I treated myself to a proper dinner. The freedom to indulge on my own terms was refreshing.
💡Spend (or save) as you like
I chose to splurge on clothes, cute keychains, blind-box toys, and snacks while saving money by using public transportation and walking whenever possible. Walking also doubled as daily exercise, which motivated me further.
💡No conflicts or drama
Traveling solo eliminates the need to coordinate plans or compromise with others, ensuring a stress-free experience.
💡Heightened awareness
Without the distraction of focusing on others, I found myself noticing and appreciating the details of my surroundings more deeply.
💡Increased confidence
Each challenge I overcame on my own—whether navigating unfamiliar streets or making spur-of-the-moment decisions—helped boost my confidence.
💡Self-discovery
Solo travel helped me learn more about myself. I realized I enjoy collecting small joys, like cute souvenirs and photos; I prefer photographing landscapes over being photographed; and I need a balance between sightseeing and rest to make the most of my days.
What Are Some of the Drawbacks of Traveling Solo?
💡Fewer photos of yourself
It was tricky to find someone who could take good photos of me, leaving me wishing I had more pictures to remember the trip by.
💡No one to watch your belongings
A particularly awkward moment was when I had to leave the toilet door slightly ajar just to keep an eye on my suitcase.
💡Being your own guide
Planning and managing every detail of the trip, from deciding where to go to ensuring my belongings were secure, required more effort than traveling with a companion.
Tips for Traveling Solo
💡Carry a portable charger or power bank
Your phone is your lifeline while traveling solo—it’s your map, camera, communication tool, and translator. Ensure you always have enough battery, especially if you’re out all day. Invest in a power bank with enough capacity to charge your phone multiple times, and don’t forget to bring the appropriate cables and adapters for your destination.
💡Use a phone lanyard or phone bag to protect against pickpockets
In crowded areas like public transport or tourist spots, keep your belongings secure. A phone lanyard or a crossbody phone bag allows you to keep your phone easily accessible while reducing the risk of theft.
💡Share your daily itinerary with a family member or friend
Always let someone back home know your plans for the day, including where you’re staying, the places you plan to visit, and approximate times you expect to return. This ensures someone can check on you in case of emergencies.
💡Schedule time to connect with loved ones during the trip to feel less lonely
Solo travel can sometimes feel isolating, so carve out moments to video call or message family and friends. Whether it’s a quick chat during a meal or a nightly recap of your day, staying connected helps you feel supported and reduces feelings of loneliness.
💡Avoid engaging with strangers who approach you
While it’s important to remain open to new experiences, not everyone has good intentions. Be cautious if someone initiates conversation and seems overly friendly or pushy. Trust your instincts and politely disengage if you feel uncomfortable. If you’re in a public space, staying alert and confident often deters potential scammers or pickpockets.
💡Stay healthy by eating well, sleeping enough, and staying hydrated
Solo travel can be physically demanding, so take care of your body. Prioritize meals with nutritious options, even if you indulge in local treats. Stay hydrated by always carrying a refillable water bottle, and ensure you get enough rest each night so you have energy for the next day’s adventures.
Conclusion
Solo travel is more than just an opportunity to explore new places—it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. My trip to Singapore was not just about seeing famous landmarks or indulging in delicious food; it was about reconnecting with myself, learning more about who I am, and pushing beyond my comfort zone.
One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling alone is the freedom it offers. Every decision—from where to go and what to eat to how much to spend—rests entirely in your hands. This level of autonomy is empowering and reminds you that you’re fully capable of steering your life in the direction you want.
Solo travel also encourages self-awareness and mindfulness. Without the distractions of coordinating with others, I was able to truly absorb the sights, sounds, and experiences of my trip. I discovered the simple joys that resonate with me, from collecting small treasures to taking photographs, and I learned the value of balancing exploration with rest.
Additionally, traveling alone boosts confidence as you navigate challenges on your own, whether it’s figuring out public transportation, planning an itinerary, or simply finding your way in a new city. Each small triumph builds a sense of accomplishment, reminding you of your inner strength and resourcefulness.
Perhaps most importantly, solo travel is a powerful way to learn about yourself. It reveals what you enjoy, what you value, and what truly makes you happy. For me, it highlighted my love for thoughtful, intentional experiences and reaffirmed my belief in the importance of rest and balance in life.
While there are inevitable challenges—like not having someone to take photos or the occasional logistical hiccup—the benefits of solo travel far outweigh the drawbacks. It’s a transformative experience that leaves you not only with memories of new places but also with a deeper understanding of yourself.
If you’ve ever considered traveling alone, I encourage you to take the leap. You’ll return not only with stories to tell but also as a more confident, self-assured, and reflective version of yourself.
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing the world—it’s about becoming the best version of you.
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