You know what? I can’t believe it but I actually DID IT!

yataa! やった!

Yeah officially, I have “solo travel experience” parked under my belt right now and I never thought that the day would come where I would dare to muster the courage to do so! Granted, it was merely a short 3 day solo travel experience in Tokyo with my first solo flight back as well but you know? I really learnt quite a number of things during this short stint 🙂

1. It’s not that bad. In fact, it was A-W-E-S-O-M-E and you kinda feel empowered after that! 😀
2. It was not lonely. Not at all for me 🙂
3. Some people go out of their way to be nicer to you
4. Most people don’t really care if you are a solo traveller or not. Especially when you are on the train and everyone’s on their phone.
5. Sometimes you do get sidelong glances when people realize you are a solo traveler. Yeah I noticed hahhahaha!
6. I discovered how much I loved the freedom of doing my own thing. Gawd I love it!
7. I also realized I love my independence too!
8. I get really good at self entertainment.
9. I enjoyed living in the moment. Nope I didn’t even bring my earpiece to lose myself in music or a book or anything. I enjoyed the present.
10. You don’t answer to anyone but yourself.
11. Sometimes things don’t work out but that’s okay. Like I travelled all the way to the Cup Noodle Museum and it was closed!
12. Have a backup plan ready just in case though. I went to the Anpanman Children’s Museum instead that day!
13. Perhaps check the opening timings and dates prior to your arrival so you don’t make a wasted trip. However if it was an impromptu trip then well .. too bad~
14. Things do get sold out when you get there. I faced 2–3 disappointments when I reached and they were all sold out. Sigh~
15. You learn to move on from the above disappointments and continue on your merry way. Essentially you learn to go with the flow. Trust me, it usually turns out to be an awesome day in the end!
16. I learnt what fulfilled me and what didn’t. Still figuring it out but it gets better 😀
17. I started doing and eating what I liked.
18. I woke up late, left late (like 2pm?!) and slept late (latest was 5am!). And it was totally cool.
19. Eating alone is totally cool too. Especially in Japan!
20. An itinerary is just an itinerary. Explore and wander to your heart’s content and you will discover hidden places on your own! In fact, I had no itinerary planned for this solo stint. I either ‘made up’ one the day before or made impromptu decisions like taking a day trip out to Yokohama whilst on the train to Nagasaki Station.. LOL.
21. Travel experiences are more important than the tangible or physical momentos.
22. Having data is so important for Google maps and navigation! Oh and also for researching those hole in the wall establishments that you chance upon!
23. Moving out of my usual comfort zone was a FANTASTIC experience!
24. It feels SO good to be able to recharge during this trip. Taking time off with no worries and concerns about the future or work..wow. That was SO awesome I can’t even!
25. Tokyo train maps are no longer as foreign to me. I’m getting the hang of it! I used to only stick to the Yamanote line cos it was the easiest but now I kinda know my way around and utilizing all the metro/subway/JR lines etc!
26. Time really flies when you are exploring and wandering around.
27. Getting better at memorizing my route back to my apartment / train station etc. I used to be so awful and directions but I just go with my gut now and my feet seem to know the way. Self reliance level up perhaps?
28. Eat where the locals eat — that’s where you can get good food!
29. You learn to be braver and more confident alone.
30. Fear judgment? Nay my skin got thicker. Heck, sometimes I just whip out my phone to vlog my experience while walking along a crowded street!
31. Your true personality just gets stronger.
32. I learnt to enjoy the art of slow travel and a slower pace of life (ironic, considering that Tokyo is so fast paced) but surprisingly, I enjoyed it! I based myself in Central Tokyo for 12 days (including this solo stint) and there’s so many places that I have yet to explore! Traveling is not just about ticking all the things off on that bucket or to do list!
33. Packing light is not my thing. I need a huge ass luggage and a check in bag at the minimal.
34. I realized that I am stronger than I think — physically and mentally.
35. I am totally not a hostel kind of girl and that’s okay. I enjoyed staying alone in my own apartment!
36. Social media disconnection is great! Think I only went on my socials to update my IG/FB and IG stories once in awhile a day.
37. You’ll probably want to do it again. I only had three short days but I think I can definitely do longer! However that’s another story all together!
38. Most importantly, JUST HAVE FUN!

Ever thought of doing a solo trip? I’m sure most of us have had the thoughts before but the fear of actually doing it can hold us back.

All I can say is this: just do it — I’m glad I did. And I LIKED it. You may not, but that’s okay because at least you TRIED! It is better to have tried than not experience anything at all, right? 🙂

P.s Book your accommodations on Booking.com using THIS link here for S$40 cashback (min S$80) on your credit card! Alternatively if you prefer Airbnb, sign up HERE for S$45 off your first stay (min S$100)! Save money at the same time ^^

If you’re scared, start small. Solo staycations in Singapore first perhaps and then work your way to a solo jaunt whilst with your friend like what I did! I prepared for this solo travel experience since last year starting off with going for solo Airbnb staycations at first (which I blogged about here!).

Alternatively, if you are a risk taker — you can just throw all caution to the wind and just book that solo flight. Lol. Japan is a great place to start. Very very safe; especially for women imo 🙂

Thanks for reading by the way! 😀

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Till later,
♥ mitsueki

Originally published at mitsueki.sg on May 18, 2018.