From crowded futuristic cities to endless lonely roads, rest, explore and discover new places with no friends or family to alter your plans.
Traditionally seen as something weird, traveling alone is not easy: the best deals are aimed at couples, many menus in restaurants are meant to be shared, and there are some unfriendly destinations for the more explorers – but our solo trip ideas are here to help. We would like to stand up for going solo, because it's one of the purest ways to travel: it challenges your abilities, makes you more adventurous, allows you to meet new people and empower your freedom. Want to live a memorable experience? All you need is yourself.
Best places for solo trips
Singapore
Considered one of the safest places in Asia, this vibrant metropolis is the perfect place for those looking for something interesting to do at any time. Futuristic architecture, massive shopping malls and street food for all tastes match with spotless streets and an state-of-the-art public transport system. Its population, a melting pot of Chinese, Malays and Indians is friendly to tourists. Perhaps its nickname of Switzerland of Asia is more descriptive.
Iceland
The place to be for nature lovers: glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls bloom in a rocky landscape small enough to see it all in a few days. Reykjavik, its capital city, is more like a small village where everyone knows each other. English is widely spoken, and its streets are so safe that even cars are not locked. Its popularity has increased in recent years, making it easy to meet other travellers from all over the world.
Cayman Islands
One of the largest cruise ports in the Caribbean, its main island, Grand Cayman, has many attractions for those who enjoy the beach, sea life and good weather. Along the coast you can swim among stingrays, snorkel to admire the coral or take long walks on its white sand. To recover from so much activity, its restaurants offer succulent cuisine, which has made this place known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
New Zealand
Quite far from anywhere in the world – unless you're reading this from there – the Kiwi country is the perfect destination for those lonely souls who need a break from crowded places. Along its endless roads follows a series of breathtaking landscapes, such as high mountains, exhilarating waterfalls, dream fjords and dark rainforest. Don't be afraid to get lost, local people are always ready to help travelers.
Austria
Fine culture, classical music and coffee are in the very heart of this country in Central Europe. Well-known for its imperial architecture, wide avenues and vast parks, its capital, Vienna, gathers up to 100 museums for all tastes, and its State Opera House hosts the performances of the most important stars of this musical style. Thanks to its excellent railway network it is easy to reach Salzburg, Mozart's birthplace and the location of the stunning Hohensalzburg Fortress.
How to travel solo for first-timers
Going on an adventure alone is not very different from doing it accompanied, although if you have not done it before there are certain tricks to encourage you take the step. You won't regret it.
Safety first
We have already recommended some of the safest places to travel, but if your destination is another, check before on this list how friendly is that place to travel alone. Even if you don't have a predefined route, try to leave an itinerary for your family and friends, and make sure you can use your phone at all times.
Pack light
Traveling solo is synonymous with freedom, so don't let a big luggage keep you from doing what you want. Backpacks are still the best option: comfortable to carry, they can hold just one week's worth of luggage. Since you will probably use different transportation, don't forget to bring a travel pillow to ensure a few moments of rest.
Meet local people
Travel guides are a great help to know where to go in an unknown place, but no one like the locals to know the real deal. Asking bartenders or storekeepers is a great way to discover new and amazing places. And you never know when you're going to make a new friend.
Enjoy your freedom
With no one to tell you where to go or what to do, you are the absolute master of your destiny. Don't be afraid to make decisions or let yourself go for the moment. The most exciting adventures are those that are not planned.
After all this solo trip ideas, have you already chosen your next destination?
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Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
Photo by Kace Rodriguez on Unsplash