Take the Leap and Travel Solo
Everyone should travel solo at least once in their life. Taking on the world alone might seem daunting at first, but once you set off on your solo expedition you will discover how rewarding the experience is.
If you’re just setting out as a fledgling solo traveler, and you’re a little nervous about how it will go, consider planning a trip to one of the following destinations. Balancing security with a reputation for welcoming visitors and just the right amount of adventure, these are some of the best places to travel alone.
New Zealand
New Zealand is arguably one of the safest places on earth. It was recently named the least corrupt country in the world (sharing the number one spot with Denmark) and holds fourth place as the most peaceful country.
Kiwis have a well-deserved reputation of being incredibly friendly, so wherever you go you will feel safe and secure. Often you don’t even have to ask for directions — if you look lost, don’t be surprised if a passerby comes to your rescue!
If that wasn’t enough to convince you that New Zealand is one of the best places to travel solo, consider the surreal landscapes and endless beaches you’ll be able to pack into your itinerary. Sweet as.
Costa Rica
Despite its small size, Costa Rica manages to dip its sandy toes into both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and lay claim to vast tracts of primary rainforest teeming with an incredible amount of biodiversity. There are even six active volcanoes, for good measure.
Costa Rica is also one of the safest countries in Central America (it’s so peaceful they don’t even have an army), so it is perfect for those traveling alone. The tourist infrastructure is also sturdy; there is a well-established network of backpacker’s hostels around the country, so you will always be able to find fellow travelers, and while some of the roads are potholed, there is always a bus bouncing along to ferry you to your next destination.
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Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a massive city, but it is widely regarded as one of the safest in the world. It has an intriguing mix of modern and traditional, with Chinese customs existing alongside all the amenities you would expect from a megacity.
Eastern and Western influences, along with the fact that English is spoken by the majority of the population, mean Hong Kong is ideal for first-time solo travelers. The best part about Hong Kong is that there is so much to do you won’t have the chance to sit around and feel lonely.
Throw yourself into exploring the city, shopping, or even take some tai chi classes.
Switzerland
Switzerland is more than just mountains, lakes and gorgeous villages (although it does all these things very well). It’s also one of the best vacations for solo travelers.
You can happily take advantage of all the amazing hiking trails without worrying about your safety. Being Switzerland, transport links around the country are also very efficient, making your solo trip stress free.
Plus you get ridiculously beautiful vistas everywhere you look, which doesn’t hurt either.
Chile
Chile is a spectacularly diverse country. Running up the backbone of South America, Chile’s narrow borders encompass an eclectic range of landscapes and climates.
From the vast and wild Patagonia in the south, to the lush green the Lake District, to the rolling vineyards around Santiago, all the way up to the surreal Atacama Desert, Chile is a veritable buffet of travel experiences.
Chile is also as famous for the openness of its inhabitants as its natural beauty. Chileans welcome travelers, so don’t be surprised if you get invited to eat an asado with a local family.
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Indonesia
When it comes to solo travel destinations, Indonesia is just the ticket, particularly for adventurous types. With more than 18,000 islands, there is something to suit everyone.
The tourist darling of Indonesia, Bali, is always full of other foreigners, so you won’t feel out of place. Alternatively, if you would prefer to get off the tourist trail, you can do that too, with no shortage of secluded paradises tucked away in the archipelago.
Throughout Indonesia, there are yoga classes, meditation retreats and plenty of peaceful resorts where you can embrace the solitude and devote time to yourself.
Norway
It’s not a budget destination, but Norway ticks all the boxes when it comes to where to travel solo. Safe, peaceful and crammed with colorful fishing villages and some of the most beautiful views in the world, there is a lot to satiate the solo traveler’s appetite.
It’s probably not the first place you think of when someone mentions cruises either, but Norway’s jagged, fierce coastline sets the scene for a trip on a boat from north to south. If you’re happier on land, trek high into the fjords and look down at the sea from there.
The Netherlands
A laid-back bike culture and plenty of liberal and progressive social policies make the Netherlands one of the best places to travel solo. The Dutch are not only the tallest people in the world, but some of the friendliest and most accepting.
It’s easy to feel at home in the Netherlands; it must be something to do with the adorable canals and picture-book windmills. They feel vaguely familiar, but new and exciting at the same time.
Amsterdam is every bit as pretty as you imagine it to be, and you could while away days getting lost in the tiny streets.
Take the Leap and Travel Solo Everyone should travel solo at least once in their life. Taking on the world alone might seem daunting at first, but once you set...
Iceland
Iceland seems like it was custom-made for solo travelers. With a population of just over 300,000, there is a neighborly, small town feel everywhere you go.
Crime is practically non-existent and it seems like everyone speaks English. Tourism is a big industry, so there are plenty of tours you can join to go see all the natural wonders, or you can easily rent a car and bob around by yourself.
The Golden Circle is a well-laid-out route, making it easy to check off some of the major highlights. All considered, for such an exciting and invigorating place, Iceland is incredibly calm, peaceful and easy to travel alone.