The thrill of a new city. The sights, sounds, and smells of a new place. Let’s see the world.
Whether you’re heading overseas alone or with friends, travelling for the first time without your parents/guardians is a huge milestone in your life. It can be a little daunting, but very exciting. To make your trip one you’ll never forget, and to help you along the way, our essential guide covers planning, budgeting, and safety advice.
Independent travel
Plan the trip of a lifetime
Young Singaporeans love to travel. According to our research*, 94% of young adults in Singapore are planning to take – or have already taken – a trip abroad without their parents or guardians. In fact, nearly half (44%) did so before they turned 18. 33% and 21% of respondents believe that the best time for a first trip without parents is while still studying in university and high school, respectively.
A trip like this is a chance to see the world and learn about yourself. You’ll meet people from other cultures and potentially make friends for life. Unique, exciting and enriching experiences are all on the agenda.
Travel timeline
Creating your perfect trip
From choosing your destination and booking your flights to getting the most out of your time outside of Singapore, our travel timeline has every element of your trip covered.
Cyndi Hui,
Skyscanner Travel Expert
Travel motivations
So, why are young adults planning adventures abroad without their parents? First, let’s look at the “why” and get you thinking about your reason for planning your first trip.
The main motivator
The biggest motivators for young adults in Singapore to book their first independent trip are stepping out of their comfort zone and enriching themselves with new experiences – 48% of people cited these motivations. This was followed by spending quality time with friends and loved ones (45%) and recharging mentally (45%).
Booking triggers
The majority of young Singaporeans (53%) book their first trip due to semester breaks, long weekends or public holidays, whilst 46% book for a special occasion with a trip to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or graduation.
Key moments across the world also trigger bookings with 45% wanting to travel to see seasonal phenomena like cherry blossoms in Japan or the northern lights in Scandinavia, or for concerts and sporting events. And movies, TV shows and social media trigger 34% to visit a trending destination – it looks like pop culture certainly plays its part in travel inspiration.
Important activities
Young people in Singapore are ambitious, and this plays into their travel plans too. According to our research, 65% are eyeing overseas trips to discover places to live or work in the future, whether Australia or elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Travel planning
A first trip abroad means much in the way of planning. It’s so important to think about the little details to make your trip a success. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a romantic partner or in a small group, let’s look at your essential planning requirements.
Creating an itinerary
Just over eight out of 10 (85%) young Singaporeans will plan an itinerary for their first trip abroad. And only 13% want the flexibility of heading abroad with just a one-way flight.
To create the perfect itinerary, start with your dream bucket list. It could be a wellness vacation in Japan or a unique trip to Tasmania. Create a calendar of events and map out the activities you want to do. Research the top areas to stay and the best time to visit each destination.
What to plan:
- Create a bucket list of events and landmarks
- Use map apps to plan your routes
- Don’t forget to factor in food!
Packing
Travelling without your parents for the first time puts the onus of responsibility on you. You need to be prepared for the unpredictability of travel and make sure you have everything you need with you. What you pack is so important. Yes, you’ll need essentials like sunscreen for the beach and exploring cities in spring and summer. But you’ll also need items like a first aid kit and a torch if you’re in remote areas. Plus all your tech and charging needs – a portable charger is always essential if you’re going into the wilderness.
What to pack:
- A global travel adaptor is a lifesaver!
- Pack for your environment – think insect repellent and sunscreen
- Can’t live without your favourite snacks? Bring them with you!
Travel fact file
Most young adults (36%) choose destinations in Southeast Asia for their first trip
51% consider travel outside Southeast Asia too expensive
Safety is a top factor for 58% of young adults when planning their first trip
Who you’re travelling with
You might decide to travel solo, as a couple or with a group of friends. Around one in three (36%) young adults choose to take their first trip in a small group of less than five friends, whilst 30% plan to travel with a romantic partner. One in five (22%) choose to travel solo whilst just 5% travel in a bigger group of more than five people. Think about what’s best for you. After all, the more people there are the harder it can sometimes be to plan a trip that caters to everyone’s travel tastes and desires.
What to consider:
- Whether you’re ready to travel as a couple
- Pick friends with similar travel tastes
- Choose destinations you’ll all enjoy
Researching your destinations
Learn about the go-to activities in the location, the must-see attractions and the hidden gems. Consider the best areas to stay in and the best time to come. Properly researching your trip can make or break it. So, where to start?
The highest number of young Singaporean travellers (66%) go to their friends first for their travel advice, followed by 51% that seek advice from their parents. Just under half (47%) use online search engines. Social media research is important too, with 46% relying on advice and travel tips from influencers and online communities.
What to research:
- The top locations to stay in
- The weather at various times of year
- The must-see spots and hidden gems
Insider tip:
Think carefully about when you plan to visit certain destinations. For example, Krabi in Thailand has the best weather between November and March, but this is peak season. Expect tourists and higher prices. Outside of peak season is cheaper, but you may have to contend with some rain.
PACKING CHECKLIST
• Travel documents
• Smartphone
• Chargers
• Portable charger
• Adapters
• Headphones
• Any prescription medication
• First aid kit
• Torch
Travel concerns: Budgeting
Nearly six in 10 (56%) young adults consider their budget – for accommodation and airfare – as one of the most important factors for their first trip. One in two adults are wary of travelling outside Southeast Asia, viewing it as too expensive.
For the majority of young Singaporeans (54%), their travel funds come from income from their jobs whilst 41% have financial support from parents or guardians. Many young adults in Singapore (41%) believe the best time to book a trip is after they get their first pay check, whereas 33% want the security of a permanent job before booking their first independent trip.
We know from our data that the average spend on flights is $938.64, but how can you get the best value airfare? Setting Skyscanner Price Alerts is the first thing to do – it’s super simple to set up and you’ll get instant notifications when flight prices decrease.
Also, don’t be fussy about your preferred airline – shopping around can get you great deals.
Insider tip:
When searching for accommodation, be flexible with your dates and change up your searches to compare prices. Hotels have in-demand days during holidays and over the weekends, so a few days’ difference can save plenty of your budget.
Safety
Over half (58%) of young adults in Singapore believe safety is one of the biggest concerns when travelling abroad.
Safety is also more of a critical concern for women. Specifically, eight out of 10 women (80%) consider safety to be one of their top concerns for their first independent trip overseas, compared to just 47% of men. Men (56%) are twice as likely to go on their first trip without parents before they turn 18 than women (23%). And women (65%) are more likely to travel in a group for their first trip than men (35%).
Before you travel, research your destination fully so you know the safest areas to stay. Scan any important documents and make plenty of copies. Always keep your family and friends updated on your whereabouts. This includes if you’re going on a trek or trip where you might not have Wi-Fi or a phone signal for a few days.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you want to take a picture at a famous tourist spot, do it quickly and wait until you’re back in your hotel or at a restaurant to take your time posting on social media.
SAFETY CONCERNS CHECKLIST
• Properly research your destination
• Take care of your valuables in public
• Scan your important travel documents
• Lock your travel documents in a safe in your room
• Be careful accessing public WiFi
• Regularly update family and friends
• Buy comprehensive travel insurance
• Only carry small amounts of cash
• Don’t walk with earbuds/headphones
• Only use official taxis
Travel aspirations and destinations
When it comes to the chosen destinations for a first trip away, most young adults (36%) choose Southeast Asia. For women, this is as high as 51% compared to 28% for men. Outside of Southeast Asia, young adults in Singapore want to travel to North or South Asia (15%) or Europe (13%). When considering lesser-known destinations, 26% of men prefer these spots compared to just 10% of women. Overall, approximately 1 in 2 are open to exploring lesser-known destinations. For women studying abroad, 60% make choosing a safe destination one of their top concerns.
The culture of Japan. A road trip in Western Australia. Or a break to one of Europe’s spectacular cities. Wherever your first trip takes you, you’ll discover new cultures and learn about yourself at the same time. Remember to budget, stay safe and pack for a trip you’ll never forget.
Thinking of planning your next trip? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
*First Trip with Skyscanner OnePoll survey results based on answers from 1000 respondents
