9 destinations for a solo trip
Beaches of fine white sand. Lush tropical forests. Ancient cultures full of charm. Colorful local markets. Raging rivers. You would like to see everything, but you have to start somewhere. If you have decided to travel alone, but cannot decide which is the right destination for you, here are our tips for entertainments in different parts of the world: the best 9 places to discover during a solo trip.
Best for Adventure: South America
With mountains to climb, rivers to raft, ancient ruins to discover, and jungles to explore, South America is perfect for adventure seekers. Don’t be put off by the distances: for any type of itinerary, no matter how long or short, South America is more suited to solo travelers than you think.
Experiences not to be missed
- Take a 4WD tour from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia as you drive through lunar landscapes and take selfies with salt flats as a backdrop. Tours typically depart when vehicles are full, so expect other travelers.
- Watch the sun rise over Machu Picchu in Peru, which can be reached on foot or by train from Cusco.
- Take a mountain bike to Bolivia’s ‘Road of Death’ and then have a beer with your fellow adventurers.
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cartagena, Colombia, photographing glimpses of this beautiful city in pastel shades.
Best for food: Vietnam
Don’t tell the Thais, but the best cuisine in Southeast Asia is Vietnamese. Delicate in flavors and amazing in variety, it represents a great tourist attraction. With countless street food tours and many cooking schools Vietnam is an ideal destination for solo travelers.
Experiences not to be missed
- Learn to cook a Vietnamese feast; the most prestigious school is the Green Bamboo Cooking School of Hoi An.
- Trace the Vietnam War at the Hanoi Military History Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City War Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels north of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Take a day trip or overnight tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The limestone towers that emerge from the water draw crowds of tourists, but are nevertheless spectacular.
Best for Meditation: Ubud, Indonesia
Whether or not you appreciated the autobiography of writer Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat, Pray, Love”, there’s no denying that the artistic and spiritual heart of Bali – where the author found love – remains a splendid location where lone travelers can relax, reflect and recharge.
Experiences not to be missed
- Visit Ubud’s museums and art galleries: the Neka Art Museum, the Puri Lukisan Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art.
- Watch a Balinese dance show in a theater after visiting the temples of the city; Ubud Tourist Information, in Jl Raya Ubud, will give you the best advice.
- Treat yourself to a holistic break – the choice ranges from yoga to reiki – at Taksu Healing Haven.
Best for nightlife: Berlin, Germany
Berlin is the ideal place to party. It is also one of the most informal and welcoming cities in Europe – a fantastic destination for all solo travelers.
Experiences not to be missed
- Walk into a bar or nightclub and see where the night takes you.
- Visit the sights and meet other tourists on a free walking tour of the city.
- See the street art in Kreuzberg and go to Friedrichshain for the East Side Gallery, the longest section of the Berlin Wall.
- Spend a weekend at the flea markets – don’t miss the one in Mauerpark and the one at Boxhagener Platz.
Best for a group tour: East Africa
Your dream is to spot gorillas in the Rwanda jungle, meet a Masai chief in Kenya or admire the ‘big five’ in Tanzania, but have you never dared to leave for East Africa alone? A group tour could be for you.
Tour operators arrange permits in advance; if you are traveling alone you should contact the Rwanda Development Board first. Also make a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Experiences not to be missed
- Navigate to admire hippos, elephants and crocodiles along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
- Spot the big cats aboard an off-road vehicle in one of the many parks that offer game drives.
- Visit a Masai tribe in Kenya by joining a group tour.
- Relax on the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Best for a quick stopover: Singapore
With some of the best public transport networks in the world (including excellent airport connections), a wealth of cultural attractions and delicious food stalls on every corner, Singapore is ideal for solo travelers.
Experiences not to be missed
- Discover new flavors by joining a food tour.
- Wander through museums and galleries, such as the new National Gallery Singapore.
- Visit the cafes and boutiques in the elegant 1930s residential district of Tiong Bahru.
- Go out in the evening for a walk to admire the lights of Marina Bay.
- Explore the city’s fascinating places of worship, from Chinese mosques and temples to Anglican churches and Hindu shrines. Cover your shoulders and knees before entering.
Best for a city stopover: Portland, Oregon, United States
Portland, one of the most glamorous cities in the United States, has all the cultural advantages of a metropolis, but the atmosphere of a small town. It is also one of the greenest cities in America, in every sense: the perfect destination for lone travelers looking for an eco-friendly vacation.
Experiences not to be missed
- Take a tour of the city’s food vans.
- Visit Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore occupying an entire block.
- Admire Portland Gardens: in particular, don’t miss the ancient International Rose Test Garden.
- Explore the Alberta Arts District, possibly in conjunction with the Last Thursday art walk.
- Take a tour of Portland’s breweries.
Best for a tropical escape: Caye Caulker, Belize
You don’t have to be on a honeymoon to take a vacation to a tropical island like Caye Caulker, one of the most beautiful in Central America (if not all of the Caribbean), with sandy beaches and wonderful opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
Experiences not to be missed
- Laze on the sand at The Split, a hurricane-formed beach that split Caye Caulkers into two. In the adjacent Lazy Lizard Bar you will find music and beer.
- Go snorkelling or diving in Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, home to turtles and sharks.
- Sip rum on a sunset cruise.
- Go on a day trip to spot manatas at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Enjoy excellent Creole street food; fish, chicken and lobsters cooked on the grill by the friendly locals.
Best for a road trip: East Coast, Australia
From sparkling waterfront capitals to quiet fishing towns and magnificent national parks to deserted beaches that seem endless, Australia’s east coast is fantastic. The classic Sydney to Cairns road route is also one of the most recommended in the world for solo travelers.
Experiences not to be missed
- Spread out your beach towel on Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach and stroll down to Bronte Beach.
- Learn to ride the waves in Byron Bay by taking lessons at one of the many surf schools.
- Drive the villages and beautiful waterfalls that dot the hinterland of the north coast of New South Wales.
- Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef; By booking through a hostel in Cairns or Airlie Beach you will have more opportunities to meet other travelers.
- Explore the ancient emerald depths of the Daintree Rainforest, north of Cairns.