Solo Travel ... Part 1

 

Turning 30 was a big milestone for me.
Last year, I decided to celebrate it by taking my first-ever trip abroad with a friend, through a travel agency. We booked a trip to Georgia, and it was everything I hoped for: exciting, fun, and full of unforgettable memories.

That experience lit a spark inside me.
I made a promise to myself: every birthday, I would travel to a new country.
But as 2025 approached, I realized I wanted something more — something deeper.
This time, I decided to travel alone. I  wanted to live the full solo experience.

Before the year even began, I started planning.
I knew two things for sure:

• I wanted to book everything myself.

• I wanted to travel safely and smartly.

I started by searching for flights online, making sure to stick to trusted airlines like Qatar Airways to avoid scams.
After some searching, I found a two-way ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — at a great price!
Without overthinking it, I booked the ticket.
No detailed plan yet — just a ticket and a lot of excitement.

This was about two months before my departure date.

After securing my flight, I moved on to the next important step: finding a hotel.
That’s when I discovered something amazing — Malaysia has some of the most beautiful and breathtaking hotels I’ve ever seen, and at really reasonable prices!
High-rise suites, infinity pools, dreamy city views, it felt like a luxury dream within reach.

Because it was my first solo trip, safety was my number one priority.
I decided that staying in a hotel with strong security systems would make me feel safer and more comfortable.

I spent hours on Booking.com and, of course, TikTok (my favorite travel search engine!) hunting for the perfect place.
After lots of searching, I narrowed it down to two stunning hotels. Both were social hotels, designed for travelers who want to meet new people.
But there was a catch: one of them was pet-friendly... and I’m honestly a little scared of animals!

So I chose the second option — the one that truly felt right for me.
(Which hotel did I choose? You’ll find out in my next blog!)

Planning my first solo trip wasn’t just about logistics.
It was about trusting myself.
It was about proving that I could handle the unknown, all on my own terms.
And honestly? Hitting that "book now" button on my flight was the moment everything changed.

In the next part of my series, I’ll share all about how I prepared for the trip emotionally and practically — from visa applications to calming those pre-travel nerves.
Stay tuned!