10 best destinations for the solo traveller
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malaysia is known for being a generally safe country – a key factor in choosing the best places for solo travel. Travelling alone here will allow you the luxury of soaking in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of the beaches, affordable luxury hotels and fine cuisine, all without worrying about how safe you are on your own. Plus, the city is rich in architecture, magnificent mosques and historic sites. With tourists from all over the world, you’re guaranteed to meet friendly faces and make some new friends along the way.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is known for being one of the friendliest cities in the world, so the single traveller will feel right at home in no time. An affordable city with lots to see, like the Civic Theatre or the Sky Tower, Auckland is a wonderful place to visit on your own. Travelling with a group can mean conflicting interests. The beauty of seeing Auckland alone is that you can choose what you want to see and when, and you’ll always meet a friendly face along the way – among the friendliest of faces actually, according to a Condé Nast Traveler survey.
San Ignacio Town, Belize
If your desire for a solo trip comes from wanting total and complete relaxation, San Ignacio Town should be your next stop. This tropical city in Belize is the ideal getaway from stress, noise and anything else you may need a break from. A beautiful coastal view, warm weather, and sandy beaches are the perfect recipe for some good old-fashion R&R. As the country’s official language is English, San Ignacio Town is easy to navigate sans travel companion. Plus, history buffs will love that this city is located very close to ancient Mayan ruins.
Napa, California, USA
While many consider Napa to be a romantic destination for two, it’s actually one of the best places for solo travel, too. Known for its peaceful, beautiful vineyards, Napa is the perfect getaway from the everyday, where one can enjoy fine wines, five-star hotel accommodations and a relaxing environment. Plus, many hotels in the area are equipped with private pools and lounging areas, so you can avoid all disturbances.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An literally translates into “peaceful meeting place,” making it a great option for anyone looking to make new friends. When travelling alone, people tend to reach out and form new friendships more easily and Hoi An is a great place to do so. The city offers up the best of everything: beaches, historical landmarks, lavish hotels, and more. With so much to do and so many friendly locals to meet, you’ll never, ever feel lonely.
Lahaina, Hawaii
Located in West Maui, Lahaina is a perfect destination for the single traveller. Not only are the beaches serene and beautiful, but there is no shortage of adult-only resorts for guaranteed relaxation. You can choose from a plethora of five-star hotels with beach access, private pools and spa amenities. Plus, shopping and fine dining throughout the city are only a skip and a hop away from most resort hotels along the beach. Hawaii is considered a safe place to visit, and while one should always be cautious when travelling alone, there’s no need to be on high alert in Lahaina.
Vienna, Austria
If finding the perfect holiday buddy is more of a nightmare than anything else, you may want to consider packing up and heading to Vienna solo. This is a fabulous city to see on your own as it has so much to offer, you can’t possibly get bored. You can opt for a museum visit, a cruise of the Danube, or visit St Anton in winter, known for being the best ski party city in Europe. This is a great solo trip experience for anyone looking to break out of their comfort zone, meet new friends, and enjoy the beauty of one of Europe’s finest cities.
Sydney, Australia
In case there weren’t enough reasons to visit Australia (historical landmarks, beautiful sights, beaches, botanical gardens, and more), Sydney is also a safe spot to visit solo. Mild temperatures, fine restaurants and a fantastic nightlife for singles are a few more bonuses to visiting this amazing city on your own.
San José City, Costa Rica
If fear of boredom is keeping you from taking the plunge into solo travel, fear no more. With museums to see, beaches to lounge on and markets to visit, you won’t be short on activities in San José City. The temperature in Costa Rica is warm all year long and most of the travelling you’ll need to do within the city can be done on foot. The convenience of the city also makes it easy to navigate, so a lone traveller won’t have any problem going unaccompanied. Plus, hotel staff will go out of their way to make sure your solo adventure is perfect.
Nadi, Fiji
If you’re interested in a solo trip for some peace and quiet, a trip to Nadi will not disappoint. The locals and hotel staff are known for their friendly and pleasant nature, and the beaches could not be more beautiful. The weather is usually warm with a soft, gentle breeze, and the waters still. Plus, there’s no shortage of world-class luxury resorts that offer blissful peace and quiet.
Written by Maria Barillaro. This article first appeared in Reader’s Digest. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, here’s our best subscription offer.
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