Traveling alone might raise a number of unsettling questions: will it be safe? What if I get lost? Who will take photos of me? Selecting the right destination is a major factor in mastering the art of solo travel. Some regions are more suited to the solo-travel experience than others whether it be a multi-country trip or a city break. With a plethora of possibilities, it’s hard to know where to start and fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of destinations for lone travelers, categorized by interest.
Try South America if you are adventurous
South America is the ultimate adventure destination having mountains to climb, rivers to raft, ancient ruins to uncover and jungles to explore. Don’t let its size daunt you – South America is more conducive to solo travel than you may think.
The well-worn Gringo Trail, which encompasses the continent’s most popular destinations along a vertical path, promotes recurring rendezvous with fellow adventurers and, for those inclined, provides ample opportunities to buddy up with travelers heading in the same direction. This, paired with the general warmth of local people and the continent’s premium hostel network, makes travel relatively simple, leaving you to focus your anxieties on the likelihood of long-dormant El Misti erupting during your morning ascent.
Indonesia – A great choice for self-reflection
Bali is a wonderful place for solo travelers to relax, reflect and recharge. This affirmation might remind you of the film Eat, Pray, Love. If you saw the movie, you know what to expect.
Ubud is also a magical place, nestled among emerald rice fields ringed by mist-wrapped mountains. No more probing glances upon arrival at a morning yoga class or when dining at one of the town’s salubrious vegetarian cafes, as solo traveling is so common here.
Berlin – the best choice for nightlife
Offering a collection of colossal clubs and graffiti-bespattered beer gardens, Berlin is currently the place to party, but the city’s attractions aren’t reserved for the hedonistic holidaymaker. From the Brandenburg Gate to the Holocaust Memorial, the sense of history surrounds you, while quirky cafes, cool boutiques, weekend flea markets and a growing food cart scene offer more leisurely delights; visit alone or as part of a walking tour.
Singapore – best for solo stopovers
There are few more stress-free solo travel experiences than finding yourself in Singapore on a sunny afternoon, like cultural attractions to explore, a growing offering of city hostels and one of the world’s best public transport systems.
The city feels well-suited to solo travel whether you choose to amble with an audio guide through the Chinatown Heritage Centre, gawp at the otherworldly Gardens by the Bay or plunge into a lavish rooftop pool.
Best for road-tripping: East Coast Australia
The classic road trip route is studded with bucket-list attractions, whether that be lolling on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, rambling through the ancient Daintree Rainforest or bobbing in the Great Barrier Reef.
Exploring the quaint villages and stunning waterfalls that dot the far NSW north coast hinterland by car.
Which option will you try on your next solo trip?