Nehariyya, Israel - photo by @amosbarzeev
If you are an adventurist, or simply want to find out who you are in new surroundings, travelling solo is the best opportunity for that. Even though the sole thought of travelling solo might give you chills, here’s some good news. There are plenty of places throughout the world that can make you feel super safe and welcome. And it doesn’t matter how long it is – solo holidays to the perfect destinations will provide you with an experience and memories you will cherish for many years to come.
If you want your own “Eat, Pray, Love” adventure, you should definitely try travelling solo. You might discover just as much about yourself as you will about the place you visit. Some people say that travelling alone for holidays has given them a feeling of more control over their lives and actions.
Travelling alone can play an enormous role in building your confidence and character. Think about it – you will have to navigate a city you visit for the first time, drive a manual car after a long time, or manage travel plans before you start travelling. Before you even notice it, you have already learned to be more creative and resourceful. And the “fruit” of your travels is all yours to enjoy.
When you travel by yourself, you have an opportunity to meet people from various cultures,. That is how you form new meaningful relationships, which wouldn’t happen as often if you were with a group of friends. For some people it’s easier to engage in a conversation with natives when they are alone. Plus, some of those little chit-chats with random people might turn into lifelong friendships.
Once you decide to travel alone, pack your bags and be spontaneous. A good holiday is not only about sightseeing and visiting museums. Try the country’s traditional dishes, experience their nightlife, learn a few steps of their traditional dances, and perhaps even learn a word or two. Those are the mementos that will give you a feeling of warmth every time you think of your holiday.
Even though it is pretty much possible to find inspiration and feel delighted almost everywhere in this world, there are a few places that stand out as great options for solo holidays. Here are some travel destinations that are really awesome for solo travellers:
WHY: CULTURE
There is no other destination that vividly represents the symbiosis between the East and West as much as Singapore. It is a cultural and culinary melting pot, along with spacious cultural sights, a great amount of green spaces, and a great variety of hotels and restaurants.
One thing is certain – solo travellers adore Singapore for its dramatic contrasts. Can you imagine: old Hindu temples between sky-high buildings, new steel and glass museums with rainforests as their gardens and spacious parks among the hustle and bustle of the concrete traffic? Singapore has it all. It enables its tourists to explore countless cultures and try different cuisines without even leaving the island.
Another great thing? English is the main spoken language. Along with the friendliness of its people and degree of safety, Singapore is one of the top destinations for solo holidays.
WHY: ADVENTURE
Even though Canada is famous for its classy, cultured cities, it is the wild nature within an easy reach that makes this country so attractive for solo travellers. The world’s second-biggest country offers travellers a great array of picturesque landscapes: high mountains, long uninhabited beaches, wild tundra and rich rainforests. Kayaking and rafting Canada’s rivers are just some of the highlights the trip to this country will give you. Make sure not to forget to pack warm clothes, and for those of you who enjoy trying out new cuisine, visiting Granville Island is a must!
WHY: NATURE
This has got to be one of the most unique places on this planet with its icy fjords and black sand beaches. This country offers its travellers the sight of the northern lights, geysers and truly incredible land formations – all in one spot. Not to mention the countless picturesque waterfalls, that is true natural beauty. Plus, Iceland is considered to be the safest country in the world, which makes it a great destination for solo holidays.
WHY: CHOCOLATE
If you are a person that enjoys indulging in the taste of creamy chocolate, the country that invented milk chocolate would be the perfect spot for your solo holiday. And if you have a sweet tooth and are not satisfied with a bite of Lindt, invest in a ticket to some of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate factories.
Tip: There is no better way to see Switzerland than by train. Buy a ticket and enjoy your trip past its waterfalls, forests and lakes. Besides, you can hop off the train to visit historic castles, hike through the Alps, and enjoy some Swiss wine. The best thing about your train journey? There are a few hacks which will help you save a few pounds!
WHY: HOT SPRINGS AND WILDLIFE
This country is on the list of happiest countries on the globe, and it is very easy to see why that’s so. Costa Rica offers plenty of activities to satisfy its solo travellers’ adventurous spirit. Ziplining through gorgeous big rainforests, rock climbing down the sides of waterfalls and hiking in the Arenal Volcano National park are just a few of the things that should be put on your bucket list if you visit this country.
There is nothing better than spending a few hours in Arenal’s hot springs and relax after a day filled with challenging activities. And if you are more of a beach person, you can enjoy the white sands and a great variety of wildlife at the tropical beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park.
WHY: GREAT FOR A FIRST TIME SOLO HOLIDAY
If you made a decision to go on a solo holiday for the first time, the Netherlands would be the perfect spot for you. Amsterdam, with its friendly, laid-back citizens and culture will most certainly make you feel welcome. This city offers picturesque canals and bridges, and numerous urban parks more than pleasant for the human eye. Plus, when visiting Holland, try to book a ticket between mid April and the first week of May.This way you will get the chance to witness an enchanting view: fields full of tulips.
Tip: Do as its locals do and make sure to explore the cities on bike, because you will be able to see a lot in a short period of time.
WHY: MEETING NEW PEOPLE
It is very easy to create new acquaintances in Finland, all thanks to the traditional sauna experience this country offers to tourists. With more than 3 million, this country might be the globe’s home to saunas.
However, there is a lot more to Finland than its saunas. You can visit a great variety of museums, markets and parks and and enjoy the view of its magnificent architecture. The best thing about it is that you can easily get everywhere thanks to their great system of public transportation.
Tip: If riding a reindeer was one of the bullets on your bucket list, it’s time to cross it.
WHY: SELF DISCOVERY
Even though a dessert might not sound like the best place to enjoy by yourself, it can be quite the opposite. A trip to this place can give you the necessary space to think and feel. That can play an incredible role for your personal development. Besides, the weather in Namibia is warm and dry, which makes the sky ideal for stargazing at night. And not to mention the sun at sunrise! What is so great about this travelling spot is that it is adventurous and social, and yet very safe. Namibia is an amazing destination in Africa that isn’t crowded and chaotic. This means it will provide you with the peace and quiet you have been longing for a long time.
Tip: If you are in a mood for a bigger company once you get there, join a tour or safari, and you will meet plenty of other solo travelers.
Travelling alone is a gift to your soul. You will be challenged with many opportunities to learn and grow, and you will become twice as close to who you really are. The hardest part is making the decision to go. However, everything will fall into place as soon as you find yourself on the road. That is why you should gather the courage, pack your suitcase, book a ticket and get ready to enjoy the solo adventure of a lifetime!