#if you wanna hear travel horror stories i have lots! from 'the airline went backrupt the day we were supposed to leave' to

[nako-doodles]

seeing tae traveling on his own (going to malta) made me realize how bad i am at traveling, nevertheless alone. i still dont understand the whole process ngl. i have horrible anxiety so even going thru checks makes me so nervous plus w/ how quick it goes and u gotta take all your stuff out and rush and its a mess so id probably forget my own bags if someone wasnt with me. u must've traveled a lot right, are u comfortable doing it on your own by now?

traveling alone is always going to be stressful, esp as an asian woman yknow? travel will always be a rush rush wait affair (unless ur hella rich) and murphys law will hit you at one point or other. however, research and preparedness will be your best friend, and the experience and sights you see will be worth it 🥰🥰🥰

im going to compile some tips after the cut if you need it:

i always keep a list of everything i need to pack, organized by: toiletries (if theyre in your carry-on, you need to make sure its within airline security regulations. creams count as liquids. BRING SUNSCREEN!), clothes, accessories, and shoes (make sure you have enough to change every day, plus 1-2 days extra. also make sure you have layers like a jacket/large scarf which can also be a blanket and COMFY shoes that has room for swollen feet. you can repeat clothes so you can pack light. check the weather! bring an umbrella!), electronics (AND THEIR CHARGERS! bring a socket/voltage exchange if its different from your country), medicine (check your destinations rules on drugs. DONT ASSUME), YOUR DOCUMENTATION (passport/photo ID, visas, vax records, emergency contacts, hotel/destination addresses. keep a hard copy of it away from where you store your OG docs, and keep pictures of your documentations in your phone), and itinerary (where are you staying? do you need travelers insurance? did you call your bank so you can access your cards at your destination? what is your budget? do you need to change currency? you should have emergency money for taxis and a night at the hotel IN CASH)

pack your things into your luggage and DONT TAKE THEM OUT. for last minute things, create a separate packing list for when you leave for the airport. if you are taking a carry-on, make sure it meets airline regulations. keep all of your documents and cash in a secure location AND DONT LET IT LEAVE YOUR BODY. if you need to bring small candies and snacks (like me, i get low blood sugar easily), make sure its packaged and processed. a lot of countries dont allow meats and vegetables and seeds/grains into the country. check customs and immigration. ditto for your meds and other controlled substances and liquids. when you cross immigrations and security, make sure your water bottle is EMPTY. there are water fountains and restaurants past security. if you have a big carryon, you can carry it past security, and if the airlines have space, they usually allow you to check large carryons for free at the boarding gate, you can keep an eye/ear our for that.

usually the airline attendant will stick your checked baggage tags onto your boarding pass as a reminder for you to pick it up, so dont throw away your boarding pass! stick in your passport pages for safe keeping. make sure to stand near the first half of the loop and put really identifiable ribbons/duct tape/buckets on your bags so someone else won't walk away w your stuff. (if youre in a country famous for sm*ggling dr*gs, make sure to plastic wrap your entire luggage, some big airports have this at the lobby before check in)you will not believe the variation of black/navy bags until youve been on the strip 🤣🤣🤣 DONT bring monogrammed luxury luggages w you. thats asking you to be mugged in broad daylight. use your knees and waist and core to lift your luggage out, OR if you look sad enough, usually someone will help you (not that ive had that happen to me....many times......)

look like you know what youre doing, even if you dont! if you look unsure, pickpocketers and bad actors will target you. THUS! always do your research first. be as accurate and specific as you can. learn some helpful language phrases if its a foreign country (i.e. where is..., direction words, thank you, please, could i have...). fake it til you make it fam 🥰🥰🥰 don't draw attention, and make sure you look out for arrows and signs to tell you where to go. remember to keep your hands on your possession at all time. if youre in places famous for pickpocketers, wear your backpack in your front.

dont be afraid to ask for help from airline staff/concierge/info desk. theyre usually really friendly and want to help you! so if youre lost and dont know where your boarding gate is, or you dont know which bus to take, or you don't understand the in flight menu or need extra pillows and blankets (ask early! right after the plane levels out is usually a good time to ask)

at your hotel, make sure to sweep for cams (under mirrors/smoke detectors/paintings/tv etc.), deadbolt your door, and close your curtains. dont let strangers into your room, even if they claim to be staff. be aware of your surroundings at all times, dont talk to strangers, keep your hands on your bags, stay in public spaces, stay safe!

tldr; research lots, pack light but right, keep your documents in order, stay in reputable places and public transport, be aware of your surroundings, and most importantly, HAVE FUN! godspeed darling 🥰🥰🥰