Planning to go on a holiday by your own sweet self? These amazing destinations may be your golden ticket to an exciting solo adventure
Got a solo trip on your mind? Doesn’t matter if you’re embarking on first solo trip (we’re proud of you!) or are seasoned solo traveller secretly planning your next big adventure, this list of destinations ought to be travel bucket list.
To steep in history and culture
If you’re looking to soak in some culture, strap on your trusty backpack and make your way these cities. They are well-connected, safe even at night and have a lot to offer. Montreal, Canada might be freeze for us tropical folks, but with its riverfront Old Port, 17th-century architecture, museums and old French restaurants, it’s on the culture-rich list. Usual suspects for good ol’ cultural steeping include Melbourne and Berlin. While Melbourne is celebrated for its live music scene, galleries, theatres and Victorian-era structure (and the beach!), Germany’s eventful history, resilient spirit and remarkable reputation make it entirely alluring.
Can’t talk about world history without mentioning the United Kingdom. Sure, you can do a lot in London with our nifty guide but if you appreciate art in all its facets, you might want to check out Edinburgh during July – August for the Scottish city’s annual and widely popular art festival.
To explore nature
So you’ve always dreamed of chasing those Northern Lights? We hear it’s a divine experience (it’s on our bucket list too) and a stellar choice for a solo trip. Generally speaking, the Scandinavian countries are famously popular with nature-loving single travellers. Oh, those cosmic lights, picturesque landscapes, pristine fjords and lush wilderness waiting to be explored in super safe countries, what’s not to love! Since you’re up there might as well give skiing a go. The ski-resorts at Swedish towns of Ramundberget and Are (not a typo, it’s pronounced ‘Aura’) and Norways’ Trysil and Stranda are top-notch.
Beach bums, are we? Head over to Palawan in the Philippines. From the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the Coron Islands to the Kayangan Lake and many limestone cliffs, you’ll never want to leave this dreamy tropical paradise. Bonus points as the locals are said to be friendly and kind. And in the grand scheme of things, the land that gave us Guinness and U2 – Ireland – is a safe tourist destination for single travellers too. The picture-perfect landscape and cliff-side views are straight out of a storybook.
To rejuvenate the body and soul
Book a ticket to this icy paradise and marinate in healing hot springs. Apart from the Northern Lights, glaciers and frozen lakes, Iceland has several geothermal pools, hot springs and crisp pure air. Treat yo’self to a spa and wellness retreat in gorgeous cities and towns like Reykjavik, Akureyri, Hofn and more.
If the thought of Iceland makes you shiver, spend a summer in Italy. There’s more to it than high-end fashion labels, beauty brands and architecture. A geologically active country, it has got several hot springs and a booming wellness culture. For instance, the state of Tuscany is filled with spas and retreats where you can vegetate in a thermal bath, soak in the goodness at a hot spring and just pamper yourself silly.
And if you only have a short weekend to spare, check in to a lush wellness and spiritual retreat in Bali or Lombok, both considered rather safe places for solo trips. Be sure to subscribe to Honeycombers’ Bali to be in-the-know on all that’s happening on the lovely island.
To shop, eat and party
If you need a quick weekend getaway for retail therapy, you know Bangkok and Hong Kong will do you good. Alone or in a group, you can wander around these big cities in peace – just steer clear of back alleys (duh!). In Bangkok, make your way to Khao San Road for late night drinks with fellow travellers, Ari for a dose of hipster goodness and Rod Fai Market if you’re into vintage collectables. As for Hong Kong and Seoul, it’s easy to see why so many of us flock there every year – night markets, fancy malls and all kinds of delectable food. Bring your wallet and stretchy pants.
For the ultimate Eurotrip, count on the safest cities on that continent – Amsterdam and Stockholm. Unlike the “anything goes” city of Amsterdam, Stockholm does have some rules (no drinking in public!), but nothing stops these two cosmopolitans from being a party slash shopping paradise. Clubs and pubs are open all night and even all day in Amsterdam. Solo travellers who need a massive shopping haul can hit up the many luxury stores and vintage boutique.
And then there’s Andorra – a tiny country (smaller than Singapore) wedged between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains with a very low crime rate. Its sole purpose in life is to be the greatest duty-free shopping haven on the planet. Plus, there are a bunch of ski-resorts there too.
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