I Took My First International Trip Alone and It Was the Best Gift I Gave Myself
For the first time in my life, I booked a flight, packed my bags, and flew out of the country alone. No family, no friends, no group tours.
Just me, my birthday, and a dream I held onto quietly for years.
As someone who worked as a social worker for 8 years, I was used to pouring my time, energy, and heart into others. Travel wasn’t even on the horizon back then. I couldn’t afford to go anywhere. No paid leaves, no savings, just a lot of responsibilities and reasons to stay put. I don’t regret those years. But I always wished for a day when I could go somewhere.
Now I work as an SEO virtual assistant. I still live simply, still budget everything to the last peso, but I have something I didn’t before: freedom.
I get to take my work wherever I go. And for my birthday in 2024, I gave myself the one thing I’ve always wanted:
A solo trip to Thailand.
It wasn’t perfect. I was scared, awkward, and anxious. But it was mine. And that trip changed everything.
After I got home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I started booking flights again because I was hooked.
That birthday trip was the beginning of something I never knew I needed: A life of travel, on my own terms.
💌 Dear Future Me,
I hope you never forget this version of you, scared but still willing, unsure but still moving.
I hope you remember the girl who shook during takeoff but still boarded the plane.
The girl who stood at immigration with trembling hands and a folder full of proof because all she had was courage and a plan.
The girl who celebrated her birthday in a foreign country, alone but not lonely.
I hope you always look back and smile at this moment, because this is when it all began.
This is when you gave yourself permission.
You didn’t wait for the right time. You created it.
Wherever you’re going next, I hope you carry this version of you with grace and gratitude.
Love,
You. 💛
🇹🇭 Why I Chose Thailand (And Flew From Cebu, Not Manila)
When I finally decided to take my first international trip, I didn’t choose Thailand by accident. I chose it because I needed somewhere gentle, somewhere solo-traveler-friendly, rich in culture, but not overwhelming. A place where I could eat well, wander slowly, and feel safe.
Thailand felt right.
I also chose to fly out of Cebu instead of Manila. I’m from Mindanao, and Cebu is closer to home, and it also felt more manageable. The immigration horror stories in NAIA (long lines, random offloading, stressful terminal experiences) were enough to send my anxiety through the roof. Cebu felt safer, quieter, and more familiar.
That tiny decision made a difference in my peace of mind.
My Solo Thailand Itinerary (March 2024): Dipolog – Cebu – Thailand
Planning the trip was a mix of excitement and figuring things out as I went. I was doing it all on my own: flights, accommodations, day tours, everything. I just remembered the first thing I booked was the Elephant Care experience at Chai Lai Orchid, then I looked for flights after that.
Here’s the full itinerary for anyone curious or planning a similar route:
💸 Note: All costs listed below are based on the actual amount and currency I paid during my trip in March 2024. Also, I mostly used the Bolt app to get from point A to point B. The clueless me was honestly scared of getting lost on trains, only to later become a little obsessed with them after trying the trains in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Funny how that works.
| Date | Route / Activity | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16 | Dipolog → Cebu (Cebu Pacific) | 12:45 PM – 1:40 PM | PHP 4,854.24 (RT) |
| Cebu → Bangkok (Philippine Airlines) | 9:10 PM – 12:10 AM | USD 316.18 (RT) | |
| March 17 | Bangkok → Chiang Mai (AirAsia) | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM | THB 3,751.82 (RT) |
| Check-in: Hoh Guesthouse, Chiang Mai | Booked 3 days | THB 1,380 (total) | |
| Michelin Food Trail: Khao Soi Mae Sai, Roti Pa Day, Lung Khajohn Wat Ket | |||
| Temple Walks: Wat Lok Moli, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Tha Phae Gate | |||
| Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market | |||
| March 18 | Chiang Rai Temple Tour (via Klook) | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | PHP 1,792 |
| March 19 | Chai Lai Orchid Elephant Care Experience | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | THB 2,500 |
| Chiang Mai → Bangkok (AirAsia) | 6:25 PM – 7:45 PM | — | |
| Check-in: D&D Inn, Khaosan | Booked 5 days | PHP 9,905 (total) | |
| March 20 | Michelin Food Trail: Jay Fai, Thipsamai, K. Panich, Go Ang Chicken Rice | ||
| Let’s Relax Massage Spa (Self-care day) | |||
| March 21 | Bangkok Temple Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun | ||
| K. Panich Mango Sticky Rice (again) | Because… priorities 💛 | ||
| March 22 | Shopping: Icon Siam, Pratunam Mall | ||
| Street Food: Go Ang Chicken Rice + Night Stalls | |||
| March 23 | Bangkok → Cebu | — | |
| Check-in: Cozy Cabin, Cebu | Overnight stay | PHP 896 | |
| March 24 | Cebu → Dipolog (Cebu Pacific) | 11:15 AM – 12:25 PM | — |
It might look like a lot, but I gave myself space to rest, too. I didn’t want a trip that left me more exhausted than when I left.
Facing My Biggest Fear: Flying for the First Time
Here’s a fact: before this trip, I had never been on a plane. Ever.
Well, unless you count that one field trip back in Day Care, when I was five. We visited a stationary aircraft at the airport. We didn’t fly anywhere. We just climbed aboard, looked around the cabin, and imagined what it might feel like to take off. That was it. My only “flight” experience was with both feet still on the ground.
So this? This was the real first time. The engines, the runway, the sky, everything.
And thanks to all the crime shows and airplane disaster documentaries I’d watched over the past few years, my brain was already in panic mode before takeoff. I probably should’ve skipped all those. 🙃
That day, as I boarded my 1 p.m. Dipolog to Cebu flight, I was sweating so badly.
The moment the engines roared, I started shaking.
I wasn’t embarrassed. Thankfully, the seat beside me was empty, but I was scared.
Every jolt of turbulence felt like a sign. I couldn’t relax. My whole body was tense. I gripped the armrest like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.
But then, as we soared above the clouds, the sky opened up.
The sea of clouds below reminded me of mountaintops I used to chase.
And somehow, in between the nerves, I caught my breath.
When we landed in Cebu, I felt relief, but only halfway. First thing I did? Rush to the nearest restroom and change clothes. My anxiety had soaked through every layer. Clean shirt, clean slate, I told myself.
But the bigger fear was still ahead: immigration.
And the Cebu to Bangkok flight.
Immigration Anxiety as a Solo Female Traveler from Mindanao
If you’re a Filipino traveling solo for the first time, you’ll know this feeling too well. If you’re from Mindanao? The anxiety triples.
I knew how I looked on paper.
Young.
Female.
No previous international stamps.
Flying alone.
In the eyes of immigration, I was a walking red flag.
But I also understood where they were coming from. I wasn’t angry. I’ve seen the dangers of human trafficking. I know they’re doing what they’re trained to do, to protect us.
Still, it didn’t make it any easier.
So I came prepared. I asked my boss for a Certificate of Employment, saved screenshots of PayPal and GCash transactions, and printed my full itinerary. I had everything in a folder, ready to show with a trembling hand and a hopeful heart.
And because I was so nervous, I even practiced a little monologue in case they tried to offload me. 😂
I remember practicing along these lines:
“Gusto ra man unta ko magcelebrate og birthday sa Thailand. Gusto sad ko mu experience mu-laag sa lain country. Ga sige ra kog trabaho and gusto ra ko mulaag karun kay naa na koy means og time.”
In English:
“I just want to celebrate my birthday in Thailand. I also want to experience what it’s like to travel to another country. I’ve been working non-stop, and this is the first time I finally have the means and the time.”
It sounds dramatic, I know. But it was also true.
And thankfully, I made it through!
There was no dramatic scene. Just a few questions. A few explanations. And then that sweet, beautiful sound: the thud of my passport being stamped.
I had to stop myself from yelling ‘YES!’ out loud. I held in a cheer, but the grin gave me away. 😁
I finally breathed. All the tension I had carried from home to the airport (mostly from immigration anxiety) started to fade. For the first time that day, I let myself feel the excitement.
But I was still scared during the flight. lol
Every bump made my heart jump. But after a while, I started observing the flight attendants. And when they didn’t rush back to their seats during every small turbulence, I slowly began to relax. If they were calm, maybe I could be too.
A few hours later, on the Cebu to Bangkok flight, I dozed off for a bit. When I woke up, the cabin lights were dim, and we were already flying over Bangkok’s airspace.
I had a window seat, and the view outside nearly made me cry.
The city lights were glowing beneath us, and for a moment when the plane swerved slightly and tilted toward the ground, I saw the entire city stretch out like a sea of stars. As a first-time girlie, I was not ready for that kind of beauty. It was giving main character moment… and yes, I teared up.
Then the pilot kept doing it. Swerving. Tilting. Banking like we were in a scenic aerial tour. At some point, it stopped feeling magical and started feeling personal, like the universe was mocking the innocent first-time flyer who just got teary-eyed over city lights. 😂 I clutched the armrest again, whispering “Lagi uy! Nindut na lage!” (Okay, okay! I get it, it’s beautiful already!) to the plane window like it could hear me.
🪷 Highlights from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai felt like a warm hug after months of overthinking and worrying. It was quiet, slow, and kind.
I stayed at a charming little spot called Hoh Guesthouse, tucked in a quiet alley within Chiang Mai’s Old City. From the moment you step through the gate, you’re greeted by a garden path framed with lush plants and soft sunlight. It’s like entering a friend’s cozy home rather than a hotel.
I booked a Standard Queen Room with a private bathroom and a small balcony, and it honestly exceeded all my expectations. The room was spacious, warm, and felt like a quiet hug after a long travel day. Everything was clean, peaceful, and thoughtfully arranged.
The location was ideal, just walking distance to Chiang Mai’s main temples, cafes, and night markets, yet far enough to enjoy slow, quiet mornings away from the crowds.
But what really made my stay special was the atmosphere. The staff were incredibly kind and polite, always smiling, always ready to help. In the common area, they offered unlimited free coffee and snacks. A small detail that I always appreciate.
For anyone planning a slow and peaceful stay in Chiang Mai’s Old City, Hoh Guesthouse is a gem. Friendly staff, big cozy rooms, and the kind of quiet you don’t always get in the city. I booked through Booking.com, but it’s also available on Agoda if that’s your go-to.
Chiang Mai Eats & Temple Walks
My little temple run in Chiang Mai included Wat Lok Moli, Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn, and a calm walk by Tha Phae Gate. Each temple had its own quiet charm. Old walls, orange robes, and the smell of incense in the air.
In between those peaceful stops, I indulged in some of the best meals I had in Thailand. I tried Khao Soi Mae Sai, Roti Pa Day, and Lung Khajohn Wat Ket, all Michelin-recognized and absolutely worth it. I also fell in love with the Tom Yum Soup, mango sticky rice, and traditional Thai tea from Coconut Shell Thai Food. And if you’re on a pad Thai hunt like I was, the one at Chai Lai Orchid is a must. It honestly rivals Thipsamai in Bangkok.
My first night in Chiang Mai was spent at the Sunday Night Market, and wow, so much food, crafts, and traditional music!
The moment I first saw the street, it hit me. This was the same night market I had only ever seen through videos, reels, and blog entries.
My very first night market experience. It felt surreal.
I was smiling, heart full, a little overwhelmed, but in the best way. That kind that bubbles up when something you’ve long imagined finally becomes real.
I didn’t buy much. Just wandered, bought small souvenirs, sipped Thai milk tea, and smiled like an idiot the whole time. The smell of grilled meats, the beautiful synchronized chaos, and the gentle hum of Thai music made it all feel like a scene I didn’t want to end.
Well… until it did feel like it needed to end. 😅
Because let me tell you, that Sunday Night Market? It’s endless. I swear it stretches into another dimension. By the halfway point, I was full, broke, and spiritually done, but still walking. 😂
The next day, I joined a full-day Chiang Rai temple tour. We visited the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black Temple. Each one looked like it came straight out of a dream or a fantasy film.
Chiang Rai Day Tour Highlights
If you’re already in Chiang Mai, don’t miss the chance to explore Chiang Rai. It’s a magical day trip that’s absolutely worth it.
We visited the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House, and each one felt like walking through a surreal painting. The details, the colors, the architecture… I was honestly in awe the entire time. There was also a short stop at Mae Kachan Hot Spring during the tour.
And listen, the coconut ice cream at the Blue Temple? The best I’ve ever had. Cold, creamy, refreshing, and sweet. I still think about it. 😂 When you see a long line outside a shop near the temple, that’s probably it. Trust the line. It’s worth it.
You can book the same tour here: Klook Tour link.
Super convenient, includes hotel pickup, lunch, and a smooth itinerary. It’s perfect for first-time travelers who just want to enjoy the ride.
But the highlight of Chiang Mai was definitely my visit to Chai Lai Orchid and it happened on my birthday. 🎂
I booked the half-day elephant care experience at Chai Lai Orchid, and it ended up being one of the most healing things I’ve ever done.
We fed the elephants, walked with them by the river, and took photos with the help of a kind photographer who captured this version of me.
Honestly, I was influenced by Jen Barangan and Kathryn Bernardo’s travel vlogs. Both of them had been to Chiang Mai and visited Chai Lai Orchid, and I remember watching those videos and thinking: I want to feel that kind of happiness too. The kind that comes from being present, calm, and surrounded by something as gentle and grounding as elephants. It looked so simple, so real, and I craved that.
So I followed the trail. And I’m so glad I did.
I’ve always been drawn to gentle giants, sea turtles, whales, and now, elephants. There’s something about their quiet strength and slow, steady presence that pulls at my heart. And their eyes are gentle.
And when I looked into the eyes of the elephant I played with by the river, it hit me. The elephant’s gaze mirrored the soulful eyes of my husky, Kimshin.
On that day, I wasn’t checking my phone. I wasn’t thinking about anything, just the soft hum of prayers in my head.
I was just there. In the mountains. On my birthday. With elephants.
No cake. No party. No noise. Just that soft breeze, the sound of leaves, and the gentle weight of freedom.
I remember riding the van back to town, tired but glowing. It was my last day in Chiang Mai, and I’d be flying to Bangkok.
But part of me wanted to stay there just a little longer. Like I had found a version of myself that didn’t need anything more than that moment.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any sweeter, it did.
As I was checking out of Hoh GuestHouse, the owner and receptionist surprised me with a birthday cake. T_T
They told me they noticed my birthday on my passport when I checked in. I didn’t expect anything, but they remembered. That small gesture left me speechless for seconds and blurted out “I think I’m gonna cry.” They both chuckled, happy that I was happy.
There I was, grinning like a kid, teary-eyed, and saying thank you over and over.
It was such a small, sweet moment but it made my heart feel so full.
Filipinos are known for being hospitable, but Thailand is on another level. Their warmth is polite, thoughtful, quiet, and sincere. That moment made me love the place even more. Chiang Mai was stunning, but its soul lives in its people.
I was riding the back of a Bolt motorbike on the way to the airport, sitting sideways like some soft girlie in an indie film: backpack on my back, birthday cake in hand, the wind in my face. It was one of those quiet emotional moments where you don’t say much, but you feel everything.
And right then, I promised myself:
I’ll come back.
Next time, I’ll come back for the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, when the sky turns into a sea of floating wishes.
Back to Bangkok: Food, Temples, and Slow Moments
I flew back to Bangkok the evening of March 19, just a few hours after the most peaceful birthday I’ve ever had. I checked in to D&D Inn on Khaosan Road. Yes, that Khaosan Road. The loud, chaotic, neon-lit backpacker capital of Bangkok.
And honestly? I didn’t party. I didn’t go bar-hopping. I was just… tired. In the best way.
I ordered food, took a long shower, and fell asleep with my heart still full from Chiang Mai.
The next few days in Bangkok were all about soft exploring. Trying the food I had only seen on screen, visiting temples I’d only seen in vlogs, and getting lost in the beautiful overstimulation that is this city.
Before I dive into the food and temples, I just have to say, I was genuinely amazed by Bangkok’s airport and transportation system. Everything was so smooth, organized, and efficient. It felt like the city was designed to help you move, not stress.
It also opened my mind. I used to think things back home were fine, just the way they are. But seeing how systems can actually work made me understand the frustration of those who speak out, those who rant about inefficiencies. I get it now. It’s not just about comparison. It’s about seeing what’s possible. In that moment, I couldn’t help but dream. What if we had this back home? What if the Philippines had a system like this, clean, efficient, and accessible? It made me hopeful, but also a little wistful. We deserve this too.
Anyway, after that mini TED Talk in my head about infrastructure and national progress, I grabbed my backpack and reminded myself, I’m still on vacation. 😅
Michelin Food and Spiritual Sites
I didn’t come here to eat fancy. But I did want to try a few Michelin-awarded local spots, and I made sure to hunt them down:
- Jay Fai – The legendary crab omelette. I actually just went to see her in action. She was there, cooking in her goggles like a boss.
- Thipsamai – Their pad thai with egg wrap was incredible. I still crave it.
- K. Panich Sticky Rice – I went here twice. No shame. Their mango sticky rice was that good.
- Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
- Sausage Cheese Sandwich (24/7). Okay, not Michelin… but this one deserves an award in my heart. It was the first thing I grabbed at Suvarnabhumi, and it absolutely slapped. Warm, cheesy, and weirdly comforting.
Bangkok made me feel like I didn’t have to rush to do everything. I just needed to taste, wander, rest, and repeat.
I spent a full day visiting Bangkok’s most iconic temples: The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho.
There was something so grounding about being in those places. The scale. The quiet. The heat. The reverence. Even in crowds, I felt like I was in my own world. I didn’t need to say anything. I just walked slowly, taking in every corner of gold, marble, and incense.
It didn’t feel like sightseeing.
It felt like gratitude.
As my time in Thailand slowly came to an end, I started to realize it was a shift. Here’s what it left me with…
What This Trip Taught Me
I used to think I’d travel only when I had more money, more time, more freedom. But this trip showed me that I already had enough to begin.
I still work online. I still budget everything. I’m still figuring things out. But now, I carry the confidence of the girl who boarded her first flight from Dipolog shaking with anxiety, and came home with a quiet kind of strength.
What I Brought Home (Besides Souvenirs)
This trip didn’t just give me photos and stories. It gave me clarity. It taught me that:
- You don’t need to have it all figured out to start going somewhere. Just start.
- Peace isn’t loud. Sometimes it looks like sticky rice, an elephant’s gentle trunk, or a bed you finally feel safe in.
- I love being 30. Who knew this decade would come with so much clarity and calm. Just grounded. Quietly sure of myself.
- I realized how much energy I waste scrolling. Without that constant noise, I had more space to really connect with the place, the people, and myself. Stepping away from social media gave me back time. Time to be present, to laugh without checking my phone, to actually feel the moment.
- Courage doesn’t mean fearlessness.
- It’s okay to be misunderstood. Not everyone deserves an explanation, and not everyone wants one either. Some people will choose to believe the version of you that fits their narrative, especially when it protects their misunderstanding. That’s their weight to carry, not mine. In a place like Thailand, where karma feels like a quiet undercurrent in everyday life, I was reminded that energy moves. What you give, returns. What you release, frees you. I just need to keep walking in peace, and let the universe handle the rest.
- This trip to Thailand was the first time I felt the quiet pull toward Buddhism, and The Monk’s Candy was the moment I realized it wasn’t just passing curiosity.
🌸 Final Thoughts: It All Started Here
This trip happened in March 2024, but it still feels close like a soft echo I carry with me.
It was my first international trip and a birthday gift.
This was the moment I stopped waiting for “someday.”
This was the version of me that finally said, you can go now.
I didn’t have a solid plan. I didn’t have a lot of money.
But I had a heart that wanted to see the world and that was enough.
Since then, I’ve booked more flights. 6 flights, to be exact! 😂
I’ve wandered more streets. And each time, I carry the girl from this trip with me.
The one who shook with fear but still moved forward.
Whether you go solo or with someone you love, just go when your heart is ready.
You just have to be willing.
Safe travels!
Stories That Travel with The Orange Mermaid ✨
I write for people like you, curious souls, quiet wanderers, and brave first-timers. If you’re craving real stories, personal travel guides, and a glimpse into what it’s like to travel the world as a solo female traveler, you’ll feel right at home at The Orange Mermaid.
With love and a carry-on,
Michelle
