Some people can’t imagine traveling anywhere without a few travel buddies. But between everyone’s hectic schedules and responsibilities, it sometimes feels impossible to plan a trip for a family or big group of friends.
But why should you wait for everyone to be available when you can pack up a bag and start adventuring on your own? Solo traveling certainly sounds daunting at first, but it offers a unique and special kind of freedom that can’t be experienced in any other way. If you’re not convinced, here are a few amazing benefits of traveling solo, plus some destination ideas for your next trip to the Philippines.
1. Enjoy a Solo Room in Cebu
Let’s face it: sharing a hotel room can be tough, especially for long trips. For those who value their privacy and alone time, it can be hard to fully relax in a hotel room if you’re sharing with someone. Plus, no one likes waiting for their turn in the bathroom.
Traveling solo is the perfect opportunity to discover and enjoy the luxuries of getting a hotel room all to yourself. Consider booking a luxurious room in a five-star hotel in Cebu City, a bustling urban city with access to gorgeous views of the sea, beautiful beaches, and incredibly rich Filipino culture and history. You’ll be able to enjoy the various amenities and services all for yourself, then explore Cebu and experience a fun balance of natural wonders and modern tourist spots.
2. Have a Flexible Itinerary in Boracay
Planning an itinerary can be one of the most challenging parts of planning a group trip. More often than not, everyone will have their own tourist spots and activities that they want to see or do in the new destination. Since some vacations can be short, such as during long weekends, there’s a chance that you will have to give up on some activities to make room for other plans. Meanwhile, a solo trip gives you full control of the trip itinerary. You can add in as many of the activities that you want to try as you want or leave a few gaps in your schedule to see where the wind will take you.
Boracay is a great destination for a trip with a flexible schedule. You can do a number of water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, or banana boating whenever you want and as often as you want. Alternatively, you could commit to a full day trip of island hopping without having to worry about leaving anyone behind. And if you want to enjoy a day without any plans at all, you can do exactly that—just taking a walk along the beach strip, sunbathe for a few hours, and watch the sunset over the horizon.
3. Boost Your Mental Health in Palawan
Days filled with work and household responsibilities are typical for the average adult, but the same routine can cause a nasty case of burnout if you’re not careful. Sometimes a quick vacation is all you need to recharge yourself and come back to your everyday life feeling refreshed. Doing it solo just means you don’t have to wait for someone else’s schedule to free up before taking the plunge.
Palawan is one of the most idyllic destinations in the Philippines, with its gorgeous beaches, clear waters, and unique natural wonders. Immersing yourself in one of the country’s most beautiful destinations, even for a few days, can be just the mental reset that you need.
4. Meet New People in Manila
Just because you’re traveling alone doesn’t mean you won’t be speaking to anyone during the trip. In fact, traveling solo gives you the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about the locals, their everyday lives, and more details about the destination in particular.
Manila, for example, is a dream for city crawlers with friendly locals that are more than happy to tell you what you can do during your trip. Those interested in the local history and culture would enjoy Intramuros, a walled district in Manila with carefully preserved Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful landmarks. Many locals would be happy to tell you more about Philippine history and the role that the oldest district in the capital played. As a bonus, Intramuros is also conveniently located near museums and other historic landmarks.
5. Achieve Self-Growth in Davao
Traveling by yourself can, without a doubt, be a difficult challenge—but that’s exactly the reason why you should consider it. Overcoming the obstacles that you may face during your travels by yourself is a great way to test your independence, resourcefulness, and instincts. It can also build your self-confidence and help you get a better grasp of your strengths and weaknesses.
If you really want to push yourself, why not try climbing Mount Apo in Davao? Known as the highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo can be a fun challenge for your endurance, skill, and wit. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful sights throughout the journey as you pass through rainforests, grasslands, and rivers.
Traveling with friends or family can give you plenty of beautiful memories but so can going on a solo trip. It’s a great opportunity to bask in the freedom to go at your own pace and do what you want to do—which is exactly the point of traveling and going on vacation!
