Several veteran cabin crew members from Emirates have shared useful tips and insights for Filipinos planning to travel solo this year, based on their extensive experiences flying around the world.
“Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to explore the world on your own terms, without having to accommodate the whims and wants of travel companions,” Emirates explained in a press release.
A recent report by Airbnb revealed that solo travel in the Philippines grew by a staggering 185% in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting the growing trend post-pandemic.
UK-based cabin crew member Alessandra Piper, who has been with Emirates for over 9 years, advised booking hotels with flexible policies to avoid cancellation fees if plans change spontaneously.
For gastronomy enthusiasts, Eabha Sloyan from Ireland highly recommended immersing in local food markets like Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji Market for an authentic culinary adventure.
Shamiso Guvava from the UK, who joined Emirates over a year ago, credited her cabin crew training for fostering vigilance, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse people – essential skills for safe solo travel.
Bosnian crew member Irfan Huseinovic, also with Emirates for over a year, suggested walking as much as possible to fully explore a city at one’s own pace, recounting his magical 25-day solo trip in Malta.
Micaela Olivieri from Argentina, a 2-year Emirates veteran, emphasized being situationally aware, respecting local cultures, trusting one’s intuition, and keeping personal belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
Piper added, “The best thing I’ve learned so far: don’t be glued to your phone! Keep it in a secure place so you aren’t tempted to keep checking it. Look around, take in the sights and enjoy the view!”
With its highly trained, multicultural crew of over 21,500 from over 200 nationalities, Emirates operates 25 weekly flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to its Dubai hub, connecting Filipino travelers to over 140 destinations worldwide.
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