Okay, picture this: Me, a newbie traveler, heart pounding like a drum, traveling solo and landing in Dubai for the very first time. Not just my first time in Dubai, but my FIRST trip EVER outside Nigeria! Needless to say, I was a hot mess of excitement and pure terror. But let me tell you, by the end of that trip, I was a changed woman.
Facing My Fears:
Safety was my biggest worry. Where were the safe areas in the UAE? Was staying alone in a hotel a good idea? How would I navigate this giant, glamorous city all by myself?
Planning (Mishaps and All):
Turns out that planning a solo trip can be a rollercoaster. Don’t ask me how, but I got scammed while applying for my visa! Thankfully, I eventually found a legit guide and finally got my e-visa in my hand, and then only could I really make bookings. Of course, booking everything; from flights to a place to crash, was a mission, but hey, you have to learn somehow, right?
Landing in Wonderland (and a plot twist!):
Dubai hit me like a ton of bricks (in the best way possible). It was SO different from anything I’d ever seen – towering skyscrapers, dazzling city lights, everything. I remember looking outside my Uber ride and feeling a rush of dizziness and excitement at the buzz of the city at night. This city that I had heard so much about, I was finally here!! But here’s the thing: my amazing host, who I planned to stay with, lived in Sharjah, not Dubai itself. Talk about a plot twist! Prior to this I didn’t know that the UAE was actually made of 7 cities, and staying outside of Dubai was not something I planned for.
Daily Adventures (and Unexpected Kindness):
As a result of the distance from Dubai, getting around turned into a challenge. Dubai has this great public transport system, but who knew I would need a bus card? Luckily, my host saved the day by lending me one of hers. That small gesture meant the world to me, she asked me to keep it, and guess who still this bus card 7 years later?
Memories For Life:
Exploring Dubai was pure magic. From the luxurious Marina to the iconic Palm Jumeirah, every corner was a new discovery. This trip wasn’t just about the sights, it was about pushing myself and feeling that incredible freedom of solo travel.
Lessons Learned:
Looking back, the only thing I’d change is staying closer to the heart of Dubai. On my next trip (because yes, there was definitely a next trip to Dubai!), I stayed in the Marina district, and it made a huge difference in the things I got to do, places I visited and people I met.
Your Solo Travel Toolkit:
So, you’re thinking about taking the solo travel plunge? OR you’ve been on the fence and looking for inspiration? My advice is to just go for it, stop waiting for others before you travel. Imagine if I never took that one trip, I wouldn’t have done 20 countries now. I took major lessons from that trip and applied it to my subsequent trips and haven’t looked back since.
Here’s what I learned:
- Connect with Locals: Consider staying with locals or using Airbnb. Your host could be useful for helping you navigate the city (with insider tips!). Just make sure you stay in an accessible area.
2. Research Like a Boss: Safety, transportation, weather, local customs – knowledge is your best friend!
3. Plan the Big Stuff: Secure your stay, have a rough itinerary, maybe book some tours – adulting is fun, I promise!
4. Be a Go-with-the-Flow Master: Things rarely go exactly as planned, but that’s where the best adventures happen!
5. Embrace the Journey: Don’t let fear hold you back. Every trip is a chance to grow and discover yourself (plus, bragging rights!).
The Final Farewell:
Dubai wasn’t just a trip, it was a transformation. It taught me independence, resilience, and the pure joy of exploring the world on my own terms. It’s an adventure I’ll always cherish, and one that continues to inspire my future travels.
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