5 BUDGET TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR FIRST SOLO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Travelling alone can be scary and exciting at the same time. The uncertainty, making decisions all by yourself, being responsible for your own actions and doing everything on your own. It takes a lot of courage, bravery and self trust to take that step and travel on your own especially when it is a foreign country you are travelling to. But do not worry! Here's 5 TIPS that may come handy during your trip:

1. BOOK THAT TICKET AHEAD OF TIME and WAIT FOR PROMO FARES

While I know you want the best 1st solo international trip experience I'm sure you also do not want to spend all of your travel fund on tickets alone. So early booking is the key and wait for promo fares. Airline companies usually announce their promos and so make sure that you already have atleast 3 countries in mind that way if your 1st option is not included on their promo you still have plan b and c.

2. CHOOSE A COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A VISA and CHECK FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Nowadays, it sure is hard to schedule an appointment just to get a passport here in the Philippines so do not add another burden of getting a VISA. Choose a country that does not require one since it is your 1st International trip like HONGKONG, SINGAPORE, CAMBODIA, MALAYSIA, TAIWAN and more. Research on any additional rules like the length of stay and any ither conditions that may be unique per country. Also make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months.

3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH & RESEARCH

Knowledge is power. So equip yourself with knowledge of the country, it's culture and people. Search for destinations that you would like to visit and it's distance from each other. Check their transport system so you know what to ride from point a to point b. Read useful blogs so you would have a guide from people who have already been there. It is best to go to a battle prepared so please do your research.

4. SET AN ITINERARY & BUDGET

It pays to plan especially that you are on a foreign land on your own. Make bullet points of the places you want to visit, book a hotel in advance, book a tour or do it yourself whichever way it would help if you have an itinerary to follow and an allocated budget set aside.

5. BE READY WITH DOCUMENTS & TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER

Although you have chosen a Visa Free Country, you will still be interviewed by the immigration officer before leaving the country. Bear in mind that the documents you have to bring and the answers you will make should be able to prove to the officer that you will be returning to our beloved country. It is better to be over prepared than not ready as there are instances that you will be denied to leave the country. Here are some of the most commin documents you could bring:

Certificate of Employment or Business Permit
Payslip or Bank Statement
Company ID or bring atleast 2 valid ID'S

When answering questions be straight forward and do not answer unless you were asked. As for my own experience during my 1st international trip, the officer simply asked where do you work? and I simply answered the name of my employer and got my passport stamped right away. But having those documents will also help just incase he/she has any follow up questions or will ask you to prove what you are saying.

Be confident. You can definitely do it. Now that you are all set for that 1st international trip, be friendly and do ot be shy to ask. Goodluck and Safe Travels.

      xoxo, 

Apryl Pinayaventures of Hungry Byaheros