Buzz
Tropical paradise Bali, the Kingdom of Bhutan off the beaten path, or the magical wonderland Alaska... these are the perfect destinations for solo travelers.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a spiritual destination with yoga, wellness clubs, organic eateries, and stunning beaches. Combined with the warmth and hospitality of its people, along with its rich cultural tapestry, Bali has become Indonesia's premier tourist hotspot.
It's an excellent choice because:
- You're almost guaranteed not to be the only solo traveler in Bali. Everyone here is known for their friendliness, so you're sure to encounter those wonderful personalities during your stay.
- Like an island for followers of Hinduism, Bali is the perfect place for you to engage in a spiritual retreat and mental relaxation.
- The Monkey Forest in Ubud is a 'holy land' of monkeys, making it a great destination if you're fond of these creatures.
2. Bhutan
Bhutan can be said to be one of the most culturally rich countries in the world, with its Gangkhar Puensum peak towering at 7,570m, unconquered by anyone. This sacred mountain has also been declared off-limits for climbing by the Bhutanese government.
It's an excellent choice because:
- You can only visit Bhutan through a pre-arranged tour, where you'll be escorted around by guides.
- Bhutan offers a truly 'pure' travel experience. It's a place without roads, electricity, motorized vehicles, and phones until the 1960s. Plastic bags have been banned in Bhutan since 1999, and in 2004, Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban the sale and use of tobacco.
3. Thailand
Thailand is an enticing destination for solo travelers as it is a Buddhist country with Buddhist beliefs promoting gender equality.
It's an excellent choice because:
- Thai people are known for their friendliness and hospitality, and it's also a 'hot' spot for tourism, so you'll have many opportunities to meet like-minded travelers.
- Known as a country with relatively cheap travel costs, especially in Northern Thailand. Therefore, it's a good choice if you have a tight travel budget.
- Thailand offers diverse tourist destinations to meet every traveler's needs, from sunny beaches to dense tropical forests. So, backpacking around Thailand is an easy feat to accomplish.
4. Hong Kong
Despite being one of the largest cities in the world, Hong Kong is a great place to relax, such as in beautiful Zen gardens and Tai Chi classes.
It's an excellent choice because:
- Hong Kong is considered one of the safest cities in the world.
- If language barriers have held you back from traveling, then you should feel at ease choosing Hong Kong as your starting point, as it blends Eastern and Western cultures. Being a former British colony, English is widely spoken in most of Hong Kong's central areas.
- There are plenty of things to do in Hong Kong. Whatever you want to do and whatever you want to try, you'll find it in Hong Kong.
5. Alaska
Alaska is no longer a stranger to solo travelers, as surveys show that nearly 20% of visitors to Alaska travel alone.
It's an excellent choice because:
- It's a natural wonderland with glaciers, narrow fjords, snow-capped mountains, and majestic icebergs.
- A great place for whale watching.
6. Malaysia
As one of the top solo travel destinations in Asia, Malaysia truly lives up to its reputation as a safe, stable country. With the somewhat conservative principles of Islam, there are plenty of interesting places suitable for solo travelers here.
It's an excellent choice because:
- Malaysia is a country with advanced technology in Asia, so things are often done quite well and on schedule.
- It's a country with many festivals and unique events.
- Malaysia is like a 'two-in-one' country, with the wild jungles of Borneo and the skyscrapers in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
7. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is a rather interesting tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant youthful atmosphere. It's an excellent choice because:
- Australia is considered a safe destination for international tourists, so many people have traveled here solo.
- Being an English-speaking country, so with a decent level of English proficiency, you won't encounter any language barriers here.
- Melbourne is extremely easy to explore because you can walk or bike to anywhere.
8. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a fantastic destination if you're seeking adventurous thrills with surfing, volcanoes, and other entertainment activities. Not only is it free from unsafe tourist spots, but Costa Rica also has plenty of interesting things to explore along with enthusiastic and helpful guidance from locals.
It's an excellent choice because:
- You'll never feel lonely because there are plenty of exciting adventures to embark on!
- Costa Rica has never experienced political instability, class struggles, or revolutions like other Latin American countries. Furthermore, it has no military or need for one as it is a peaceful nation.
9. Cusco, Peru
Once known as the capital of the ancient Inca Empire and a pilgrimage site for travelers for hundreds of years. In Cusco, you'll immerse yourself in a rich cultural scene, where you'll encounter locals in vibrant traditional attire along the way.
It's an excellent choice because:
- Cusco is very close to the 'lost city' of the Incas: Machu Picchu.
- It's home to some of the most captivating archaeological sites in South America.
10. Aran Islands, Ireland
The Aran Islands consist of three islands off the west coast of Ireland. This archipelago is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It's an excellent choice because:
- This is a very safe place, with rugged islands and locals who are very friendly.
- A perfect place for cycling – a popular mode of transportation on the island.
- It boasts fortresses dating back to the Iron Age, most impressive among all fortresses in Europe.
Some handy solo travel tips:
1. Plan ahead, at the very least knowing where you'll be staying on your first night.
2. Choose accommodations and dining in public areas, or crowded places if you worry about feeling... lonely.
3. Learn how to pack your belongings scientifically.
4. Always carry your phone and remember important phone numbers.
5. Tell everyone about your destination.
6. Always trust your instincts.
According to lifehack.org
