How To Plan A Solo Trip: Top 24 Tips For Solo Travelling

Travelling with friends and family is fun and all, but have you ever travelled solo before? Exploring a foreign country alone is a whole other experience.

Everyone always says that travelling overseas solo, at least once, is life-changing. Cliche as it sounds, it’s true. Travelling solo can be an exhilarating and transformative experience, regardless of your travel expertise or budget. But along with the excitement, comes a lot of precautions and dangers that solo travellers should be prepared for – particularly for younger or female travellers.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer seeking fun places to travel alone or flying alone for the first time, the allure of solo travel is timeless. Yet, travel tips and advice can vary quite substantially depending on which country or region of the world you visit. To help you navigate the world independently, safely, and memorably, here are 24 popular tips that we think every solo traveller should take note of. 📝🤓🌎

#1 Visit the country during low-peak seasons
#2 Get the best deals for your flights and hotels with the right credit cards
#3 Book overnight flights to save on accommodation
#4 Buy travel insurance
#5 Research what the common scam tactics are
#6 Choose between hostels, Airbnbs, or Hotels
#7 Always download the necessary apps before departure
#8 Download the most popular messenger app
#9 Download and set up the most common payments apps
#10 Download an offline map
#11 Download a language translation app
#12 Know the police hotline of the country you're visiting
#13 Have a mini first-aid kit on hand
#14 Choose the right SIM card, Portable Wifi Egg, or Data Roaming?
#15 Don't overpack; carry light
#16 Don't bring all your cash out with you, always keep spares in other belongings
#17 Always have emergency cash on hand
#18 Never share your real-life location with the public
#19 Find tours or cruise packages with “no single supplement”
#20 Find other likeminded travellers through online platforms
#21 Buy city or activity passes
#22 Visit free museums, parks, or ongoing festivals/events
#23 Eating out alone AKA Table for one
#24 Download your favourite podcasts, audiobooks, or music playlists
📝 Bonus tip: Apply for a miles credit card to book all your flights, accommodations, and activities

Looking for the best credit cards to complement your spending patterns and expenditure in 2024? Check out our Ultimate Credit Card Guide that covers all things credit cards in Singapore – from choosing between a cashback, miles, or rewards credit card to planning your credit card strategy.

Read Our Ultimate Credit Card Guide

What are some essential pre-travel tips for solo travellers?

It might be tempting to just be completely spontaneous and #yolo your solo trip for maximum fun and excitement; but let’s be real, it’s still safer to err on the side of caution for certain aspects of travelling.

#1 Visit the country during low-peak seasons

Identify the months of low-peak travel for your country of destination. Flight, accommodation, and experiences all tend to be cheaper during those periods which helps you keep your solo travel budget under control when you don’t have a travel buddy to split costs with. However, bear in mind that this may come with trade-offs such as less favourable weather or lesser retail, dining, or entertainment options to choose from. Always do your research as to why these are low-peak months, and be prepared to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

However, if travelling alone during low-peak months is not an option, opt for the shoulder season. Shoulder season refers to the margin months just before or after the high season so that you can avoid heavy crowds while still enjoying favourable weather – truly the best of both worlds. *chef’s kiss* 👌

#2 Get the best deals for your flights and hotels with the right credit cards

Curious to know which are the best credit cards for booking flights and hotels? While almost all credit cards offer some kind of benefit or privileges to its users, miles or rewards cards are typically favoured by the jet-setting crowd for their added savings when booking your next flight, accommodation, or lodging overseas. These cards are designed specifically to benefit frequent travellers, and as a solo traveller, using them can lead to significant savings plus perks like complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access, and faster accumulation of miles which can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays.

To finetune your travel strategy further, research on each card’s unique advantages. Some offer higher miles per dollar spent, while others might provide exclusive deals with airlines or hotel chains. By leveraging these benefits, you can make your solo travel experience more affordable and enjoyable, whether you’re looking for the best trips to take by yourself or embarking on a journey to find yourself.

#3 Book overnight flights to save on accommodation

This one is kind of common sense because you want to be as cheap cost-effective as possible to maximise your solo trip experience. So why not save on accommodation by booking an overnight flight and just sleeping on the plane? 😁🛫

You might not wake up the most refreshed but hey, a dollar saved on accomms means a dollar more to spend on delicious food and exciting experiences!

#4 Buy travel insurance

While the thrill of travelling the world alone lies in its unpredictability and freedom, it also means facing potential challenges on your own. To help protect you against the unexpected, buying travel insurance should be at the top of your checklist when planning a solo trip.

Travel insurance acts as your safety net, providing peace of mind and essential financial support in various scenarios. This could be anything from unexpected natural disasters to lost baggage to transport delays that throw your entire itinerary out of whack.

Travel insurance is also especially important for solo travellers because you don't have the immediate support of travel companions in tricky situations. Having a travel insurance policy can give you instant access to 24-hour hotlines, panel clinics, and other facilities to handle everything from trip cancellations to medical emergencies, ensuring that your solo adventures don't turn into financial burdens.

#5 Research what the common scam tactics are

Better be safe than sorry; learn how to recognise the signs or behaviours of potential scammers to avoid being caught in their trap.

For example, a common scam that happens in Paris is the “friendship bracelet scam”. Essentially, a stranger will walk up to tourists, grab their arm, and start braiding a friendship bracelet around their wrist under the pretence of a goodwill gesture.

However, once they’re done braiding the bracelet, they begin demanding payment for it, despite initially fronting it free of charge. And if the tourist refuses to pay, a horde of other scammers from the group will come forth and won’t stop hounding until payment is made.

SOMPO-1

#6 Choose between hostels, Airbnbs, or Hotels

Depending on where you go, opinions on hostels, Airbnbs, and hotels vary (and can even be controversial).

Hotels

Whenever we travel with friends or family, we tend to opt for hotels, stay in our little bubble and don’t interact with locals or other foreigners very much – because there’s not much point really.

Hostels

Meanwhile, hostels are some of the easiest and best ways to make friends with other solo travellers overseas. It’s a great opportunity to meet people of different cultures and experience the local scene with some company.

But, be sure to choose a favourably-rated, reputable hostel for a safer stay. One kind of hostel I personally enjoyed was the pod hostel, specifically those with gender-assigned rooms. You get to enjoy your own little private pod, and can even draw the blinds/curtains for more privacy.

The pod hostel I stayed at while in Queenstown, New Zealand was the JUCY Snooze. Each pod was really cosy and cute, with a mini side ledge to charge my phone and hold other miscellaneous bedtime items.

The toilets were also clean, well-lit, and easy to use. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there.

JUCY Snooze Queenstown - Accommodation in Queenstown Source: JUCY Snooze

Airbnbs

On the flip side, Airbnbs are also a good way to connect more with locals and enjoy a more authentic experience overall through your host.

They’ll be able to provide guides, tips, and other underrated recommendations/secret gems that you wouldn’t have otherwise gotten from tourist information centres or visiting “overrated” tourist spots.

However, because Airbnbs are solely hosted by individuals and not proper management, they would be less equipped to resolve issues like power outages and water supply cut-offs.

Moreover, safety might be questionable if the Airbnb doesn’t have security or is situated in an unsafe neighbourhood. But the onus is on you to research the accommodation’s vicinity thoroughly first before choosing an appropriate stay – unless the Airbnb’s facilities and neighbourhood were falsely advertised.

💡 Pro-tip: When visiting tourist attractions, don’t be afraid to ask for free guided walking tours. You’ll be surprised how many/easily available they are. It’s highly recommended for those who want a more enriched experience visiting tourist spots.

#7 Always download the necessary apps before departure

One of the first lessons I learnt when travelling solo overseas is to always download important apps before my departure flight. Important apps could be apps for immigration clearance or highly-integrated super apps like Kakao (in South Korea), and WeChat (in China).

When I travelled solo in Seoul for a week, I thought I’d be relying mostly on the subway and not taking any taxis, so I wouldn’t need the Kakao app.

Unfortunately, I soon realised that switching between accommodations alone with overweight luggage by public transport was easier said than done. It was not practical whatsoever. I had to take a taxi.

As a result, I gave in to download the app but ran into a roadblock: I was prevented from registering an account.

Confused, I didn’t understand why I couldn’t register an account with my existing Singaporean [+65] number despite using a Korean SIM card. But no matter how many times I refreshed for an SMS verification code, I never received one. Hence, I couldn’t complete my Kakao account registration and couldn’t log into the app to book a taxi.

In the end, I had to resort to requesting the hotel concierge staff to book a taxi (with their Kakao app) on my behalf.

The moral of the story is, don’t assume that you can just download important apps when you reach your destination country. Sometimes you might have an unstable wifi connection, or have limited data usage, or need to register and verify an account with a local number that you don’t have.

And in the case of WeChat, it’s not only a messaging app but also an all-in-one super app for e-commerce, payment, money transfer, and more. Plus, it’s one of the apps that can be used throughout China, without needing to fight against the infamous “Great Firewall”. Without it, your trip to China would definitely be way more difficult than it needs to be.

#8 Download the most popular messenger app

One key aspect of planning a solo trip is ensuring you have the means to communicate effectively, no matter where you are, so understanding the preferred messenger apps in your destination country is absolutely crucial to achieving as smooth and seamless a trip as possible. For example, in France, Facebook Messenger reigns supreme, while in Brazil, WhatsApp is the go-to choice.

Closer to home in Taiwan, LINE dominates the market. And that’s not just because it’s a messaging app but (similar to WeChat in China) a super app with value-add features that a solo traveller will find extremely useful. You can use LINE to reserve a spot to dine at a local restaurant, stay in touch with new friends, interact with customer service, and even receive exclusive promotions not available on other platforms.

Messenger apps like LINE don’t just let you stay in touch with loved ones back home. They connect you with the local culture and people of your next destination, making your experience of travelling the world alone more enriching and seamless.

#9 Download and set up the most common payments apps

In the digital age, mastering the art of solo travel often means being tech-savvy, especially when it comes to managing finances. A critical aspect of how to plan a solo trip has thus become understanding and adapting to the payment culture of your destination.

For example, in countries like China and India, traditional cash transactions are becoming a rarity, making digital payment platforms like WeChat Pay, AliPay, and Paytm not just convenient but essential. In situations where a country only has limited payment options, these apps may even be the only way you’ll be able to pay for your transactions.

If you’ve already gone cashless in your day-to-day life and are hoping to continue using Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or your cashless payment method of choice overseas, be sure to check if it’s available in your destination country. For example, it’s difficult to use Apple Pay in South Korea as most of the population uses Samsung phones and Samsung Pay instead, but you can still tap your physical credit or debit card for cashless payments.

#10 Download an offline map

Never underestimate the importance of downloading an offline map.

You never know when it might come in handy. It comes in clutch for times when you have no internet connection, especially if you’re extremely unlucky and both your phone and portable wifi eggs run out of juice.

It becomes even more of a necessity when solo travelling to more rural areas.

#11 Download a language translation app

If you’re still relying on Google Translate when solo travelling in a foreign country, we’re judging you. All jokes aside, although Google Translate has improved over the years, there are other better and more robust translation apps out there.

One such recommendation is Naver Papago.

Papago Source: Papago

I used Papago for the first time during my solo Seoul trip and I was pleasantly surprised by its consistency and accuracy in Korean-English translations. It even offered useful functions like speech-to-text, which enabled me to communicate with Korean strangers back and forth whenever I was requesting something.

Other good translation apps include iTranslate, SayHi, and Reverso Translate and Learn.

#12 Know the police hotline of the country you're visiting

Whenever you’re travelling solo, it definitely adds to your safety if you know the police hotline of the country you’re in. Because whenever you find yourself in a bit of a pickle, your family and friends won’t be able to offer immediate help. Instead, your first point of contact should be the police.

💡 Pro-tip: Consider setting the police hotline on speed dial for swifter calls.

#13 Have a mini first-aid kit on hand

You never want to go out alone unprepared, especially if you’re intending to go on some solo nature hikes in rural areas.

Your mini first-aid kit should contain essentials like band-aids, assorted bandages, blister treatment, anti-allergy meds, painkillers, bug spray, Mopiko, antibacterial cream, and more – you know your medical history best.

But if you’re just hitting the town with convenience stores at every corner, then maybe just slipping some ibuprofen, nausea meds, and a few band-aids into your bag will suffice for a night out.

#14 Choose the right way to stay connected: SIM card, Portable Wifi Egg, or Data Roaming?

Maintaining data connectivity overseas is a top priority for any solo traveller today. But is a SIM card, portable Wifi egg, or mobile data roaming the best way to stay in touch?

Well, this depends on the location you’re visiting.

SIM cards

SIM cards are good for city areas, offering high-speed connectivity and it equips your phone with a local number. However, it’s noticeably worse for rural areas because of their reliance on a single network provider.

But if you prefer SIM cards regardless, how do you decide between local SIM, travel SIM, or international data roaming?

Local SIM is good for obtaining a local number and typically offers a good selection of data package variations. They can come in flexi-contract or SIM-only plans, allowing you to choose a customised plan for your period of stay overseas.

The downside is that it might be in a foreign language so set-up and topping up prepaid value might become inconvenient or difficult.

Alternatively, travel SIM is good for long-term travellers visiting several countries consecutively for a longer period of time, tends to be cheaper than data roaming but more expensive than a local SIM card.

Lastly, eSIM is the most straightforward of the bunch. It allows you to connect to a mobile network by downloading and installing a prepaid plan (requires an unlocked eSIM-compatible cell phone).

It doesn’t have any hidden roaming fees, allows you to stay connected in multiple countries and regions, and can be easily switched between data plans (no need for SIM removal) so can use it alongside your regular SIM card.

Portable wifi egg

A portable wifi egg is good for both city and remote areas because it has access to multiple network providers, so it has an extended range of coverage as compared to a SIM card.

It also provides internet connection to multiple devices at a go (e.g. phone and laptop requiring internet simultaneously), which makes it ideal when travelling with others.

The major downside is that you’ll probably need to share your portable charger’s battery between multiple devices if both your phone and wifi egg suddenly run out of power.

Nevertheless, popular vendors to rent a portable wifi egg in Singapore from include Klook, Shopee, or Changi Recommends.

International data roaming

International data roaming is the most convenient but has a very low data allowance. It can become costly in the long run, if you keep busting your data limit and have to constantly top up and buy new data.

#15 Don't overpack; carry light

Now, this might sound a bit contradictory to whatever tips we’ve mentioned, but there’s merit to packing light.

Admittedly, this tip is more relevant to solo backpackers because you'd want to pack sufficiently and intentionally. While being prepared for emergencies is good, you don’t want to be lugging around unnecessary baggage all day either.

Bring the essentials you need, but at the same time, if they can be found at a supermarket or convenience store easily, then you can weigh your choices on whether to bring them or leave them in your accommodations.

Moreover, packing light can help you avoid falling victim to potential theft.

Carrying a huge backpack or luggage (when you’re just casually exploring the area and not moving between places) is sure to draw unwanted attention from scheming pickpockets. Not only do you stick out as a tourist, but your bulkiness makes you vulnerable to having your belongings stolen without realising it.

Not sure if you’ve got all that you need for a successful solo trip? Our essential travel checklist will make packing a breeze!

What are some travel tips for solo travellers during the trip itself?

#16 Don't bring all your cash out with you, always keep spares in other belongings

Speaking of travelling light while solo, don’t bring out all your cash or valuables on your person. Storing all your money for the trip in one single wallet when going out is never a wise choice because again, pickpockets.

Distribute your travel money across your belongings. We recommend setting a budget amount to bring out each day and storing the rest in your luggage, or even the safe box that comes with hotel rooms.

If you brought along a credit card or multicurrency card for your trip, you can afford to store more cash safely in your accommodation. And for whatever cash or card you bring out, always keep it safe in more hidden pockets/compartments of your clothes and bags.

💡 Pro-tip: Carry a smaller fanny pack or cross-body bag in front of you and zip it up underneath a jacket for the best protection. However, this might be a double-edged sword because you might also look awkward/clumsy when taking out money to pay.

#17 Always have emergency cash on hand

Even if you rely mostly on credit or multicurrency cards on your travels, you should always have some spare, emergency cash. This is because not all merchants will accept cards or contactless payment, especially when it comes to traditional marketplaces, bazaars, or transport. As a solo traveller, you’ll also need to be fully ready for any financial emergencies as you won’t have a travel companion to rely on.

#18 Never share your real-life location with the public

Only share your real-life location with your family and friends; never make your current whereabouts public to strangers through location tags or social media apps tracking your location.

Stalking incidents are no joke, and you always want to play it on the safer side, especially for female solo travellers. While the majority of people you’ll meet during your travels don’t mean you harm, there’s always a chance that you’ll cross paths with a scumbag who’s not above taking advantage of a female solo traveller. If they happen to be staying near you, or get wind of where you’re lodging for the night, you could inadvertently be putting yourself at risk without any travel companions to potentially help or dissuade a would-be stalker.

And if you ever suspect yourself being followed, find the nearest police station immediately. Or if there’s none nearby, go to the nearest crowded venue to call for help. Because in case anything happens, at least there are eyewitnesses to assist you.

💡 Pro-tip: Only post your social media stories one or two hours after leaving the premises.

For greater assurance, create and entrust an excel sheet or document containing all your essential travel details (e.g. flight number, accommodation) to someone trustworthy/reliable, like a family member.

This is a good safety precaution to practise because at least one person is aware of your main whereabouts at all times.

#19 Find tours or cruise packages with “no single supplement”

Single supplement refers to the surcharge imposed on solo travellers when purchasing tour and cruise packages. Oftentimes, if tour packages usually charge on a “per person based on double occupancy” basis, solo travellers end up paying more than what half a couple would.

Essentially, you’ll be paying a much higher premium than the quoted or advertised price.

So when booking your next tour, cruise, or activity package, be sure to check the minimum pax requirement per booking to ensure you don’t get double-charged or overcharged a premium.

#20 Find other likeminded travellers through online platforms

Who said you have to be completely alone while solo travelling? Sure, you might start off your adventure alone, but with the right opportunities or resources, you can easily find and connect with other solo travellers in the area.

For instance, meetup.com is a website organised by cities and interests all over the world. It’s a fun (usually free) method to make friends with locals and other tourists looking for spontaneous hangouts or activities to do. TravelBFF is another similar site where you can find a travel buddy, or you might even find your next long-distance friend through signing up for group activities on Klook and similar event platforms.

#21 Buy city or activity passes

Another fun method to explore a country is to take advantage of city or activity passes. These usually come in Day Pass packages and comprise public transport and activity discounts (e.g. Discover Seoul Pass on Klook).

In general, they’re cheaper than buying individual tickets.

#22 Visit free museums, parks, or ongoing festivals/events

In the spirit of spontaneity and free stuff, just google for “free activities to do in ____” or “things to do in ____” to find the ongoing or upcoming activities happening in the city.

Another method I’ve been liking recently is using TikTok as a pseudo-search engine itself because of how good the search algorithm is.

Usually, there’s a good chance that museums offer free entry. 🤓🎨🖼

#23 Eating out alone AKA Table for one

Don’t be afraid to dine out in restaurants or eateries alone. Just because you’re a table of one, doesn’t mean you have to always order takeaway to eat alone at your accommodation.

Dining out on your own is underrated because not only do you get to enjoy eating at your own pace, but it also teaches you to enjoy your own company; and who knows, you might even have an opportunity to strike up a conversation with neighbouring diners and make new friendships.

#24 Download your favourite podcasts, audiobooks, or music playlists

In line with our previous point, you soon learn to get used to your own company when travelling solo. It might be daunting and intimidating at first, but a good audiobook, podcast or favourite music definitely helps you get through the initial loneliness.

That’s why we recommend curating and downloading these media files in case you wind up in a place with limited data connectivity. But as long as your favourite tunes are downloaded, you can listen to your tunes offline, anywhere you like.

📝 Bonus tip: Apply for a miles credit card to book all your flights, accommodations, and activities

Want one of the fastest and most fuss-free methods of collecting miles?

From our experience, applying for a new miles card and subsequently charging all your flight, accommodation, and overseas activity transactions to it is the easiest way to both rack up miles and meet minimum spend requirement for sign-up reward/welcome gift (if any).

The minimum spend requirement usually hovers between S$500 to S$1,000 eligible spend per month. This amount can be easily fulfilled with a couple of flight tickets or a 3D2N stay at a 4-star hotel.

Read Our Ultimate Credit Card Guide

Embark on the solo trip of your lifetime!

Before embarking on solo travels, it's crucial to reflect on the key insights and strategies that will make your journey both enriching and secure. Planning out your solo trip is more than just settling on an itinerary; it's about preparing for a personal journey of discovery and independence.

Whether you're seeking fun places to travel alone or looking to travel to learn something new about yourself, the essence of solo travel lies in its ability to open new horizons and perspectives. It's about immersing yourself in new cultures, meeting diverse people, and overcoming challenges that ultimately lead to personal growth.

Along the way, you’ll need to be prepared for any scenario, from flying alone to handling unforeseen challenges to understanding local safety norms. The key is to remain flexible and adaptable, turning potential hurdles into learning experiences. By doing so, you embrace the true spirit of travelling the world alone, where every experience, whether planned or spontaneous, becomes a valuable part of your journey.

As you embark on your solo travel journey, remember that each step you take is an opportunity for growth and adventure. Armed with these tips on solo travel, you're not just exploring new destinations; you're also uncovering aspects of yourself. So, pack your bags, embrace the anticipation, and set off on what could be the trip of a lifetime. Your solo adventure awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travelling

1) Should you bring a credit card or multicurrency card overseas on your solo trip?

As more countries are increasingly adopting cashless payment practices, which cards are best to bring overseas when you’re travelling solo? Credit card or multicurrency card?

While there’s no right or wrong, the general consensus is that multicurrency cards tend to be the more popular option these days. In a nutshell, multicurrency cards hold multiple currencies in an e-wallet to facilitate overseas transactions seamlessly.

Furthermore, the following benefits give them an edge over credit cards nowadays:

Low to zero foreign currency (FCY) fees
Attractive currency conversions based on interbank exchange rates
Free overseas ATM withdrawals

Examples of multicurrency cards include YouTrip, Revolut, Wise, Instarem amaze, and Wirex.

Meanwhile, the only credit cards worth using overseas are miles credit cards that reward bonus miles for overseas expenditures. Such cards include DBS Woman’s World Card, UOB PRVI Miles Card, UOB Visa Signature Card, and the Citi Rewards Card + Instarem amaze combo.

Miles credit card	Miles earn rate
DBS Woman’s World Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	1.2 mpd on overseas spend Extra 5% cashback on overseas shopping and dining
UOB PRVI Miles Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply. SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	2.4 mpd on overseas spend (including online shopping on overseas website)
UOB Visa Signature Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	4 mpd on online and overseas spend
Citi Rewards Card + Instarem amaze Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	Citi Rewards: 4 mpd on online and shopping purchases Instarem amaze: 1 InstaPoint per S$1 in FCY spend (Equivalent to 1% cashback)
DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply. SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	2 mpd on overseas spend
Citi PremierMiles Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	2 mpd on overseas spend
OCBC 90°N Card SingSaver's Exclusive TIQ Travel Insurance Promotion: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off plus 60% off on COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 31 April 2024. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 4 miles per S$1 spend on your premium. Valid till 2 May 2024 8:59 am. Travel Miles Campaign and Additional 2 Miles Travel Giveaway T&Cs apply. Complimentary lounge access with SingSaver via SmartDelay. Valid till 1 July 8:59 am 2024. T&Cs apply. Key in the promo code under the coupon code section on the next page after selecting your destination and dates. The prices shown are before discounts. Receive coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, and more when you purchase the COVID-19 Rider. T&Cs apply.	2.1 mpd on overseas spend

But even then, overseas transactions paid with credit cards are subjected to FCY fees (between 2.5% to 3.5%) and currency conversion fees charged by Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX payment processors (1% for Visa/MasterCard, 2.5% to 2.7% for AMEX).

2) Is it worth travelling solo?

Yes, we’d like to think that travelling solo is totally worth it! It’s an enriching and invaluable experience, offering unparalleled freedom and personal growth. It allows you to travel to find yourself, tailor your journey to your interests, and step out of your comfort zone.

Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or flying alone for the first time, the rewards of self-discovery and independence make it absolutely worth it. However, if you travel solo for the first time and don’t enjoy it as much as travelling in a group, don’t feel discouraged. Think of it as a necessary task you needed to do to figure out what your travel ‘personality’ is like! Plus, even if it’s not quite for you, it’s hard to deny the self-reliance and independence that it fosters in a traveller.

3) Is it safe to travel alone as a woman?

Safety is a valid concern for women travelling the world alone, but with the right precautions, solo travel as a woman can definitely be a safe and empowering experience. Researching your destination, staying in secure accommodations, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings are key. With careful planning and using resources like our guide to solo travel tips, solo female travel can be a remarkably rewarding and safe journey almost anywhere in the world.

Read these next:
Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans (2023)
Best Travel Insurance Plans and Promotions in Singapore (2023)
Best Travel Insurance For Travellers With Pre-Existing Conditions (2023)
How Much Repatriation or Emergency Evacuation Coverage Should I Get?
Travel Insurance Guide: Five Things All Travellers Must Know

Exploring the World Alone? Here are 24 Travel Tips That Every Solo Traveller Should Know

Emma Lam

Table of contents

What are some essential pre-travel tips for solo travellers?

#1 Visit the country during low-peak seasons

#2 Get the best deals for your flights and hotels with the right credit cards