At first, I wasn’t the type who would easily greet strangers — not even fellow Filipinos — whenever I was on vacation. I’d usually just keep to myself, take photos, and quietly enjoy the moment. But sometimes, the universe has its own funny way of bringing people together.
That’s how I met Sean, a young and brave Filipino solo traveler in Melaka, Malaysia.
☕ The Unexpected Second Meeting
We actually saw Sean the first time at our hostel. He looked friendly, but I didn’t strike up a conversation yet. Maybe it was shyness, or maybe I just didn’t want to intrude on someone’s solo moment.
Fast forward to the next day — we went out for lunch at a local café called Kopi Harian, and guess who was sitting right next to me? Yep, it was Sean.
Without thinking much, I said, “Hey! Kabayan!” — and just like that, the ice broke. He smiled back, and I asked if he wanted to join us for lunch since he was eating alone. He said yes.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
🧳 A Young Solo Traveler with Big Dreams
Over lunch, we started talking about travel, life, and dreams. Sean shared how he decided to travel solo before starting a new job. It was his way of recharging, reflecting, and preparing himself for the next chapter of his life.
I was quietly amazed by his courage. At such a young age, he already had a strong sense of purpose — traveling not for show, but for growth.
He reminded me of something I’ve always been curious about: solo travelers. How do they do it? How can they look so carefree, happy, and content being alone in a foreign place?
I couldn’t help but think — I wish I had done that when I was younger too.
🎥 Capturing the Moment on Video
That simple lunch turned into something special. We eventually decided to film a short interview for my vlog. Sean’s insights were so raw and honest — about traveling solo, about facing fears, and about learning to enjoy your own company.
The video is now up on my YouTube channel DinxTV, and it’s one of those stories that just happened naturally — no script, no plan, just real connection. I also embedded it here below.
I’m not sure if the video will have automatic English captions for now, but I’m working on adding English subtitles soon, so everyone can understand the lessons and ideas he shared. Trust me, you’ll learn a lot from him.
💡 Lessons and Tips from a Solo Traveler
Inspired by our conversation with Sean, here are a few tips and reflections I’d love to share — especially for those who dream of trying solo travel someday:
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1️⃣ Start with curiosity. Don’t overthink. Sometimes, the best experiences begin with a simple “yes.”
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2️⃣ Stay where stories happen. Hostels, cafés, or local hangouts — those are where you’ll meet real people, not just tourists.
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3️⃣ Travel light, but keep essentials close. Comfort is freedom. You move easier, think clearer.
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4️⃣ Be brave, but stay wise. Trust your gut feelings — they’ll guide you more than any map can.
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5️⃣ Talk to locals or fellow travelers. You never know what friendships can grow from one “Hi, kabayan!”
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6️⃣ Reflect while you explore. Traveling alone isn’t about loneliness — it’s about learning to be at peace with yourself.
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7️⃣ Take breaks. Sit, breathe, observe. Don’t rush the journey; feel it.
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8️⃣ Capture memories, not perfection. It’s okay if your vlog or photo isn’t picture-perfect — what matters is the story behind it.
❤️ A Simple Greeting That Started a Story
That lunch at Kopi Harian reminded me how travel isn’t just about places — it’s about people. It’s about those little, unplanned encounters that make the world feel smaller and warmer.
From being strangers at the hostel to sharing stories over coffee, our paths crossed for a reason.
Sean’s courage and openness inspired me to see travel in a new light — not just as a creator or vlogger, but as a human being always learning from others.
So next time you see a fellow kabayan abroad, don’t be afraid to say hi. You might just end up sharing a table — and a story — that stays with you forever. 🌍✨
