Traveling alone in a foreign country was both the scariest and most exciting thing I’ve ever signed myself up for.

It’s an adventure that’s one level higher than what I am used to. I once camped on a distant farm and spent a night in an earth dome just by the lake, but that’s in my home country. I’m still within my comfort zone. However, the idea of flying off to Dubai – a place so far, so different, and with a timezone my family isn’t even awake in seems intense!!

It definitely came with a mix of excitement, and anxiety. I also had ENDLESS questions! What should I pack? Will it be safe? What if I get lost?

Today, I feel like reminiscing about everything I’ve experienced in my Dubai travel, so I’m not gatekeeping the information from you. If you have a few minutes to spare, then I hope this also helps you out in some way. 😉🤓 Here’s everything I’ve learned from my first-ever overseas solo adventure!

(Side note: Given the current tensions in the region and how it’s affecting travel routes, especially to Dubai, it’s completely fair to feel uneasy about flying at the moment. Hopefully when skies are clearer and it’s safer to do so, I reaaaaally hope you’ll treat yourself to a trip here! This beautiful city is a destination worth waiting for and definitely not exaggerating).

Pack like a pro (or at least try)

While many travel guides advise packing light, I think it’s still on a case-by-case basis. The general rule is that you are responsible for all your belongings — whether they are fully packed with your different outfits or light with just the essentials. (I’m saying this because I didn’t pack light hahaha)

• Clothing: Either bring versatile clothing that you can easily mix and match, or prepare several sets that you can use for different occasions. A capsule wardrobe is also your bestfriend to ensure it’s neatly packed in your luggage. Don’t forget your comfy shoes & accessories too!
• Tech: Don’t rely on just one powerbank. If you can, please bring two. And don’t forget your charger, universal adapter, and sturdy phone strap. Even if I’m traveling in a safe location, I want to have that level of comfort that I won’t lose my phone. I also brought another phone with me so I could use for navigation, while the main one would be more for pictures, videos, and communication. Lastly… I was traveling for leisure, but I had some urgent work assignments that required me to bring my laptop. Make sure to check your other gear or gadgets that might be needed for work or entertainment!
• First Aid Kit: Bring your usual medications, including others that you might need in case of minor injuries or inconveniences (band-aids, lozenges, Immodium, etc)
• Toiletries: I want to emphasize the importance of bringing sunscreen, ideally with a minimum SPF of 50+. Plus, don’t forget to bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, haircare and skincare products, tissue, pads, insect repellent (because you’ll never know), deodorant, body wash/soap, lotion, cotton buds, and makeup. I’m not sure if it’s because I only stayed at a 3-star hotel in Dubai, but they didn’t have toothbrush, toothpaste, and room slippers. It’s best if you have yours ready!
• Courage: Haha. It’s my first time traveling to such a far place. There was a 4-hour time difference as well, so I had to have not just the presence of mind, but the courage to be on my own throughout the trip.

ALSO READ: I Traveled to Dubai After a Natural Disaster (Here’s What Happened)

Getting my act together before flying out

Your preparation makes all the difference. As much as I want to be spontaneous all the way, I can’t forgo planning for the most part because I’m a female. It’s also my first time going abroad solo so it’s good to be prepared!

Anyway, I’ll try my best to give you valuable information that will serve you well in your travel, girly.

Allot some time for research

I’ll include the top rule here even if your destination differs from mine. Ideally, if you’re planning a solo trip, it should be somewhere safe, easy to navigate, and have locals who speak the same language. You’ll be pushed out of your comfort zone as you explore the place on your own, but there are still things that are in your control, so you better be smart.

I chose Dubai because it’s one of the safest cities in the world. It was also highly recommended by my dear friend and sister. I got so many tips from them, so in a way, it made my preparation that much easier.

Here are other (bare minimum) things to research before you embark on your trip:

The Basics. Once you’re set on a certain destination, it’s time to check the airfare and accommodation costs, including the visa requirements to help with your budgeting. This is one of the things you can review before committing to travel to a certain destination. As for me… I come from the Philippines so my passport is not as strong as others. I applied for a Dubai visa prior to traveling here. Good thing it only took a while!

For accommodations, it’s also worth noting that Dubai hotels charge a “Tourism Dirham Fee” per night on top of your booking, payable at the property. In my case, I think it was already settled through my Agoda booking.

Cultural norms & social etiquette. The beauty of traveling is you get to be exposed to new perspectives and learn more about other cultures. Just be mindful of the local customs and etiquette. This means checking even the greetings, clothing, interaction, and more. Take note that Dubai outfits are mostly modern but also conservative in public spaces. You can wear swimsuits at hotel pools and beaches, but make sure to cover up and keep a scarf handy when you’re out elsewhere.

Additionally, do NOT eat or drink in public during Ramadan daylight hours. Bottomline is — you can have fun on your trip, but stay respectful.  

Weather. I went to Dubai April of last year, which meant that it’s warm and you can expect 10 hours of sunshine every day. It wasn’t really that hot, though. I mean… not as hot as I expected. I was still able to walk around comfortably. If you want the cooler months (but also the most popular times), you can go here from January to February. Other travelers suggest that May to September are some of the hottest months you’ll experience, while October to November is gradually cooler and can give you a more pleasant experience.  

Transportation. If you don’t want to get stranded somewhere, then you need to check which options are available for you between certain destinations, and time frames. This will also help you as you craft your itinerary. Some people want to take a taxi, while others prefer the normal commute. If you’re OK with the latter, my pro tip is to get the NOL Silver Card at the airport Metro station. It’ll save you time and money hopping on trains and buses around the city.

Scams. I do want to see the good in everything, but you can never be too careful. Be mindful of the common scams that are happening in the area. Tourists and solo travelers are prone to this one, but you can outsmart them if you’ve done your research. Some of the items I saw include being wary of fake gold (if you’re going to Gold Souk!), pickpockets, and missing meters in taxis. In my experience, I didn’t really encounter anything scary.  

Plan your trip well

Let me clarify — aim to complete a well-thought-out itinerary!

Thankfully, I got the help of both Google and a dear friend who also recently traveled to Dubai. Here’s how you can craft it:

List down your hotel accommodation, must-see attractions, and preferred tour/s.

When planning your activities, try to accomplish everything that you can in one area before moving to another so that you don’t have to go back and forth. Check the best times to go there, what you need to ride (bus? train?) including the admission. Is it free or do you need to get tickets ahead of time? Is it open during your planned date? Klook or Trip is also always a good idea for bigger savings!

Once you get all the important data, you can organize it a bit better so that it’s visually easier to look at.

Tip: Solo travel can be tiring so leave room for some downtime. You can use it to relax, self-reflect, complete a journal log, or embrace a spontaneous adventure to who knows where!

Secure your bills.

Now that you have your different schedules laid out, get ready to prepare your Dirhams. I used to exchange money before going on a trip abroad. However, I found that it’s even more expensive vs. simply withdrawing money from the ATM in my destination. It actually depends on a lot of factors to determine which one is “better” (bank, charges, exchange rates, the length of your stay, and even the availability of such money exchange centers in your destination). To be honest, if you don’t care that much about the savings from your exchanges, I’d say just get where it’s most convenient for you.

But if you really need guidance, take inspiration from The Poor Traveler blog:

For trips shorter than 5 days and if the foreign currency is widely available (examples: US dollar, Australian dollar, Japanese yen, Korean won, Hong Kong dollar), exchange in your country before the trip.

For currencies that are not usually available where you live, withdraw from the ATM when you finally reach the destination.

For longer trips, withdraw cash from the ATM abroad. Don’t use money changers anymore unless you can find really competitive rates.

Personally, I’d just withdraw from the ATM. When I landed in Dubai, I only had a few bills with me and I already used everything during my ride from the airport to my hotel. Good thing my credit cards saved me! I was still able to eat dinner and book another room (there was a booking issue and I almost had to find another hotel – but that’s for another story haha).

Get travel insurance.

We have this saying in the Philippines, “Bahala na si Batman.” But that doesn’t apply at all in this scenario. Haha. It’s NOT up for debate. Get the right plan so you have the peace of mind that you’re covered when an unfortunate situation (hopefully not) pops up! Save your butt when you suddenly need medical insurance, when you lose your luggage, have something stolen, or when your flight is delayed or canceled. It’s an additional expense from your end, but if something goes wrong, you don’t have to shell out bigger money.

ALSO READ: Got 24 Hours? Here Are 5 Taiwan Adventures That Are Perfect for Tight Schedules

What this trip taught me (Spoiler: A LOT HEHE)

• Traveling alone is good for the soul. In a way, you’d learn more about yourself, how to communicate and mingle with others, and even how to be street-smart.
• It will make you appreciate experiences over things. When traveling, I personally like going out more (exploring or eating like a local) than shopping because things eventually lose their value, while the experiences I seek out will stay with me for a lifetime.
• It’s a fantastic way to see the world at your own pace and on your own terms. You can take all the time you need before going on a tour, or live a fast life doing everything all at once.
• There will be mistakes here and there, but if you brush up on your survival and safety knowledge, you can effectively counter challenges.
• Baby steps!! It’s perfectly okay if you feel like you’re not yet ready for that big international trip. This is merely a guide and isn’t meant to give you any sort of pressure. You can ease into the “solo adventure” by going out to brunch alone, walking around a neighborhood you’ve always wanted, or taking a short trip nearby. It doesn’t have to be grand right away, girly! Once you’ve mustered up the courage from all your other solo adventures, then you can decide whether you want to go international or not.
• Research is your bestfriend — especially if it has something to do with transportation, getting around, local tips, and emergency numbers.
• The people matter just as much as the destination. In fact, people you meet along the way can make your trip much more wonderful than any attraction could. It’s so amazing how you can learn from locals or fellow travelers from completely different backgrounds. They will quite literally give you a front-row seat to the cultures, traditions, and lifestyle where they come from.
• Remember to have fun!

Dubai Bucket List

I’ll have separate articles for the places I’ve visited. But since you’re already here, I’ve listed destinations that are definitely worth checking out. You can’t miss these especially if it’s your first time! Make sure to click for DISCOUNTED rates.

• Klook Pass Dubai: Hear me out. This is the ULTIMATE hack if you want to tour attractions conveniently! I’m so glad I purchased it back then. There are up to 43 CHOICES AVAILABLE — each giving you a promise of an unforgettable city adventure — and the best thing is that you can choose up to 8 activities with a SINGLE PASS.
• Ski Dubai: Experiencing snow in the middle of the desert was a bucket list activity for me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do so since it was closed due to Dubai flooding (Apr 2024). Sky Dubai is the world’s largest indoor snow park, and you can ride a toboggan down the snow hills or get crazy zooming down the twin-track bobsled!
• Skydive Dubai: I’m summoning all adrenaline junkies reading this blog to try the once-in-a-lifetime experience of jumping out of a plane at 13,000 ft., and feeling the rush of freefalling at over 120 miles per hour! THIS IS THE BEST DEAL. I swear. I’ll also post a separate article about my experience here.
• Museum Of Illusions: Fancy hologram installations and tricks? You’ll have good time here!
• Aura Skypool: This is serene relaxation, refined dining, and breathtaking views rolled into one pass. While solo travelers will enjoy this place, I think it’s better to bring your significant other here! That might make for a more romantic and unforgettable experience.
• Dubai Helicopter Tour: Explore the city from a sky-high POV with this tour. Interestingly — on take-off, you are already at The Palm! 😆👌
• Museum of the Future: Lucky for Dubai travelers, there’s this unique museum that showcases the best possibilities of mankind and humanity! There are many immersive future environments here!
• Burj Khalifa At the Top Observation Deck: Well, I guess the most Dubai thing you could do is to look at the breathtaking views of the desert, skyline, and ocean from the world’s tallest tower! Ain’t that a treat?
• Aquaventure World (Atlantis Dubai): If only I stayed in Dubai longer, I would have tried this one as well. Those who love water parks will definitely appreciate this because it looks majestic (ehem it’s on Palm Jumeirah Island), and seems fun with the water slides, wild rides, and interconnecting waterways!

Take this as a sign to take that leap, girly!

It’s YOUR turn. And if you have any dilemmas or other questions, I’ll do my best to help. Haha! Just slide into the comments or send me an email.