Solo Travel Diary: Day 1

I’m currently on my first solo international trip. I’ve flown alone many times to US cities in the past for continuing education classes and to meet up with friends. I’ve also gone back and forth to the Philippines by myself to visit family. But this is my first legit trip where I’m truly on my own from start to finish.

I typically travel with my husband Glen, who is the chief planner and organizer of our trips. He maps out the details of the trip, while I give my input on activities and destinations. I also help with research and booking. I’ve been lucky because we have similar interests and travel personalities, so our plans are usually in sync.

This time, I am responsible for everything.   At various times leading up to the trip, I went back and forth between being thrilled at the prospect of the adventure to tearfully anxious about not having my travel buddy to share the experiences and responsibilities that traveling entails. Still, here I am now. I’m sitting on a Ryanair flight to Malta, coming from a day’s layover in Dublin. As I look out of my window, I see that the green hills and plains with a smattering of communities from a few minutes ago have given way to the sea.

I’m still kicking myself for forking over 3 euros for a small bottle of water from the inflight beverage cart. It’s highway robbery but I blame no one but myself. Budget airlines like Ryanair offer low airfares but will charge for most everything else, including pre-selecting your seat and checking in at the airport.   I should have remembered to get water at the airport before boarding. It’s a good thing I have my emergency Snickers bar. A few years ago, I desperately paid $10 for precious candy when I was starving and freezing at the top of Egypt’s Mt. Sinai in the wee hours before dawn. Since then, chocolate sustenance has been part of the required travel supplies. Today’s episode will hopefully remind me to be as vigilant with water in the future.

I try to calm down by reminding myself that this trip marks another first: my first business trip as a travel writer and coach.   I’m flying to the tiny Mediterranean island nation of Malta for the Second Regional Conference of the European Filipino Diaspora.   I’m doing this as part of my research to get to know the travel habits and patterns of European Filipinos, a segment that I hope to reach and serve with Viajera Filipina. I’m curious to find out if they get to go around Europe, living so close to many cities and destinations that many dream of visiting.  I wonder how they compare to the their Filipino-American counterparts in terms of exploring their continent. I’m eager to share my findings with you in the coming posts.

Let me end my diary entry today with a few travel tips for your future trips.

1. Do not pay 3 euros for bottled water from the beverage cart. Buy it for cheaper at the airline shops after you pass through security. If you’re flying a budget airline, consider buying a snack or a meal that will most likely be cheaper than the one offered during the flight.

2. If you’re in town for a long layover, consider leaving your luggage at the airport’s Left Luggage or Locker service. Explore the city with only your daypack.   For a successful run to the city center or even a nearby town, research bus or shuttle services. Look for those with express buses or ones with few stops, to maximize your time. Make sure to allow for enough time to come back claim your luggage when you return.

3. I used to find Hop On- Hop Off buses cheesy and touristy, especially after an unpleasant experience in Barcelona. However, if you’re pressed for time, using this service could be an efficient way of seeing the area without having to deal with parking.

4. If you will be in a city or country for several days and access to internet is important, research the local mobile companies that offer prepaid SIM cards. Look for the one with the best deal for data plan, especially if you’re going to rely on it for maps, directions and the occasional social media post.