In the past three years, I have been traveling to certain countries with my family. As I am a grown-up girl now, my father granted me permission to travel alone and enjoy my life. Means to say here that my father doesn’t want me to be on his trip anymore! He will be in Europe for two weeks in December. Sobs. Envy much! So, last October, I went to Bandung with my friend and it was my first time being out of Malaysia without my parents! I managed all those things alone and I thought everything will be easy sledding. But sadly I made some mistakes during my travel which is quite a turn off for the trip. Everything that I write here is based on my own experience.
1. Overlooked The Expired Date of My Passport
Since I traveled in October and the expiry date of my passport is in April, I really thought that it was still valid, seriously. As for Malaysian, our passport has to be valid for at least for 6 months or more. If less than 6 months, then you are forbidden to go out of Malaysia. I do read the requirement in my passport. But as I said, I overlooked it! But fortunately, the luck was on me. The lesson I learned from my very first trip, we should never take things easily when it comes to a passport. Do count from the date! For example like if the expiry date of the passport is on 17th April, then you really need to count it from 17th April. Never ever count by month! I used to do that (ahems I clearly know that I was wrong) and that is why it was a mistake.
2. Over Packing
I carried a backpack instead of luggage. It’s quite large and yes, the bigger space, the more stuff we would like to put in. Please, pretty please keep that thought away from your head or else you will regret it along your journey because it will be freaking heavy! I brought too many clothes just for one week and that was really a turn-off because my back hurt due to useless things in my backpack. If I’m not mistaken, the weight was around 10-20kg! Luckily I am strong enough (nasib baik aku sado haha ok just kidding lol). You will get mood swings and get tired quickly from carrying too many loads. Well, another lesson to learn, only packs the things you need! You can always buy cheap clothes from your travel trip.
3. Not Bringing Spare Shoes!
Okay I clearly know that I will be going to seek nature more when in Bandung. But since my backpack is full of useless stuff, I totally forgot about the shoes! I only used a sandal for the whole trip and after few days, my feet were blistered. I went hiking with that slippery sandal too and it was a real torture for someone who has anxiety and panic attacks cause your mind will be flooded by your imagination like you are worried that your butt might kiss the earth! Always remember to bring at least one pair of shoes just in case you are going away from the city.
4. Taking “Order” From Friends
Well, I know this seems to sounds cruel. But honestly, never ever agree when someone asked you to buy stuff for them when you are going for traveling. It’s better to keep it secret! My friends wanted me to buy clothes for them when I went to Bandung. I agreed. And guess what, my friend and I spent one whole day being around the shops and mall and factory outlet which is so not my favorite. I could see many views of Bandung in that one day okay but I have wasted it. It took so long because, well, you know, shopping and girls cannot be separated. The “choosing-picking-deciding” situation conquers all. It’s totally different from buying a souvenir! As for souvenirs, we can buy anything that we want and give it to them without having to ask them this and that. It just sincerely a small gift from us. But taking an order will put you in a guilty state. It’s like you have an important task to do and you must finish it quickly. Who wants to travel in such a situation? So it’s really a mistake! Not being cruel, but to save up time cause there are still more to see around the place.
So these are the four mistakes I made during my first-time travel without my parents. If you are going for a solo trip or any trip, avoid doing all the mistakes I have mentioned above. Trust me, it’s among the major turn off for traveling which might ruin your happy mood. Travel without parents will teach you how to be independent. It is quite a good pros as you manage to settle your own itinerary and others. You will eventually learn something from the mistakes! 🙂
Toddles! x