The Philippines was my first solo travel experience! Solo travel is so stressful. I am used to relying on others when things go south, but on this trip, I had to rely on myself! I realized how little I trust myself which is weird! However, by the end of my trip, which was a week long, I’ve made up my mind that I will be doing solo traveling again! I had so much fun and have lots of takeaways! Here are some of the things I’ve learned traveling alone in the Philippines.

1. You can make a lot of new friends. You just have to be open to speaking to random people.

2. You won’t get the 5-star hotel experience at a hostel, but it’s the best place to meet people and get experienced travel trips from other travelers.

3. Solo travel is safe. Like anywhere else in the world, you just have to be aware, do research about your destination and have common sense about certain situations.

4. Just because you meet people who have traveled around the world and have experienced different cultures, doesn’t mean they aren’t racist and ignorant.
   

5. People might not have the same standards as you do. So, don’t have high expectations for people you just met.
   

6. You can have deep and meaningful conversations with a complete stranger.
   

7. You’re never really alone.
   

8. Never underestimate the fact that because you are alone you don’t have to be on anybody’s schedule! So, having a lazy day in your hostel and occasionally going out to eat is totally fine! And therefore “FOMO” is a myth.