Confessions of a Solo Female Traveler

Taking the Leap: My First Overseas Adventure at 26

If you’re to scroll through my socials, you’d think I’ve got this whole traveling thing down. From finding Instagram-worthy spots to devouring local cuisine, I look like That girl … or do I? 

Don’t let the curated photos fool you. Immigration? A total nightmare. Navigating unfamiliar streets? Let’s just say Google Maps and I don’t speak the same language.

I was in my late 20s when I traveled alone and overseas for the first time. The initial plan was to visit my best friend in Vietnam. But, the ambitious, thrifty Asian in us wanted to make the most of my trip.

Having explored Southeast Asia multiple times, my best friend suggested I visit Thailand and Cambodia solo. Me? A directionally-challenged, clueless girl going to completely foreign countries where I don’t speak the language? Well, my overheating phone couldn’t help me even if it tried. 

Facing the Infamous Immigration Officers

As a first-time traveler, the prospect of facing Philippine immigration officers filled me with anxiety and dread. Horror stories of intense questioning and passengers being offloaded swirled in my mind. I researched possible questions and prepared the paperwork, but I still couldn’t help but be nervous and tense. To my relief, the process was smooth and easy. 

The nervousness I had felt like a requirement—a rite of passage for every first-time Filipino flyer.

The Unexpected Southeast Asian Trip

What started as a solo trip to Vietnam quickly turned into an unexpected Southeast Asia adventure. I caught a 5 AM flight to Thailand after landing in Vietnam to drop off my stuff and see my best friend. I hadn’t slept or recovered from the first trip, yet I was hopping on the next flight.

It sounds dreamy, but it felt more like jumping on the next anxiety train. Although I researched, I realized that knowing something is totally different from actually experiencing it.

My first impression of Thailand was a blur. Sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, the reality of being alone gave me a whiplash. 

After several hours of temple runs and mall-hopping, I was ready to hit the sack but couldn’t find my hostel. My phone died, and the main road was blocked for weekend parties.

With no one to turn to, I asked some drunk partygoers for directions, but they couldn’t care less. I could taste panic in my mouth; music was blasting so loud, and I could smell the mix of liquor, cigarettes and my own desperation.

But I didn’t have time for a meltdown when I had a bus to catch to Cambodia the next day. Crying could wait. After retracing my steps, I finally found my hostel and let out a hysterical laugh of relief. I was so exhausted I couldn’t even cry.

After my mini-panic and a well-deserved Pad Thai, I boarded a 12-hour bus to Cambodia.

Siem Reap was nothing short of amazing—the incredible temples, the welcoming people, the stunning views. Surprisingly, staying in a hostel full of college party kids turned out to be a comfort, offering a sense of safety in the lively crowd. it. By this point, I felt more confident roaming the streets and sampling the local cuisine without anxiety or apprehension. If Bangkok tested my adaptability, Siem Reap felt like a reward—a straightforward, laidback trip that kept me completely at ease.

Navigational Challenges: Getting Lost and Finding Myself

I lost count of the times I turned into the wrong alleyways or took hair-raising motorbike rides because I was lost. But I learned not to mope during a crisis—I compartmentalize. With each new place I explored, my confidence grew. I became better at reading Google Maps, using it to improve my navigational skills along the way.

Meeting Fellow Travelers: A Global Community

Along the way, I met fellow travelers exploring Southeast Asia. These encounters enriched my journey, providing companionship and shared experiences beyond cultural boundaries. 

I knew better than to trust strangers, but my gut feeling led me to the right people. The solo travelers I met were kind and generous. It made my solo trips more enjoyable. I learned that people look out for you when you travel alone and join a tour. Whenever I went to the bathroom, someone from the group would point out my absence. Solo travelers look after each other, too. It felt like we had an implicit understanding of a buddy system.

While I had positive experiences with strangers, I don’t encourage just kicking it with random people, especially as a solo female traveler. Things could go south in an instant. Balancing trust with caution gives you a more rewarding and safe solo female traveling experience.

Transformative Power of Solo Travel

Growing up in a typical Asian household means being sheltered from experiencing the fullness of life. Our families have their reasons, but being sheltered makes us second-guess ourselves. Had I been more confident and assertive about what I wanted, I would have traveled way earlier. Being scared to experience things alone for the first time made the idea of solo traveling scarier than it is. 

Despite the challenges—from navigation nightmares to packing mishaps—each obstacle became a learning opportunity that shaped me into a more confident and self-aware traveler. I still get lost, but my perspective has changed, and I’ve learned to enjoy the entire process.

Final Thoughts: The Beginning of a Lifelong Adventure

My journey through Southeast Asia wasn’t just about visiting new places but also about discovering myself. I learned to trust my instincts, adapt to new situations, and find joy in the unexpected. Most importantly, I reinforced the idea that I enjoy my own company.

That first trip at 26 may have been filled with rookie mistakes and moments of self-doubt, but it awakened my wanderlust. 

To anyone contemplating their first solo adventure, take the leap. The world is your oyster, and you might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

Your solo travel story awaits!