Do you have itchy feet and feel ready for your next getaway? There’s no need to wait for someone to travel with you: just book a ticket and go it alone!
Solo travel is more popular now than it’s ever been.
Just over 1 in 2 solo travelers say affordability is the most important factor in their choice of destination.
And 60% say that the weather is a key factor in their decision-making!
Hoping to bump into other solo travelers on your adventure? Or just looking for some inspiration?
According to new research from Hostel World, these are the top 5 destinations where travelers are headed right now:
Thailand
Thailand is officially the top destination for solo travelers right now. And it ticks the boxes for travelers looking for both affordability and great weather.
From a practical point of view, Thailand has a well-established tourist infrastructure that makes it easy for solo travelers to get around and is appealing to even first-time solo travelers.
This includes the affordable public transport system, and the warm and welcoming people in the destination can also help solo travelers to feel safe.
If you want to travel on a budget then you’ll find plenty of hostels here, and staying in a hostel is also a great way to meet new people.
So what attractions shouldn’t you miss if you head to Thailand solo?
This diverse country has so much to offer, but for cultural vultures, you should explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This huge and ornate gold structure has to be seen to be believed. Entrance costs 500 baht ($11.43).
To relax and unwind, get out of the city and head to the beach. Thailand is famous for its epic beaches, and especially its beach parties.
Phuket draws travelers from around the world for its beaches, but for something a little more relaxing, try the views at Krabi instead.
Spain
I don’t have many opportunities to travel solo anymore, but when I do, I inevitably choose Spain!
I love Spain for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredible food. And as a female traveler, I always feel safe when I’m in Spain too.
Spain offers both rich and historic city break options as well as incredible beach resorts. And thanks to its excellent and affordable rail network, you can explore both in the same trip.
My perfect solo Spanish itinerary? Fly into Barcelona so that you can wander around the basílica de la sagrada família (https://superboxtravel.com/tours/) then sit in Pak Guell with an ice cream to watch the world go by.
From here take the train to Tarragona, which is home to a 2nd-century Roman amphitheater that faces onto the Mediterranean sea. Other Roman attractions in the city include a Roman circus and a Roman Forum, and the walled, medieval Old Town is the perfect place to meander.
The train ride takes just an hour and 15 minutes and only costs 8 euros ($9).
The cathedral in Tarragona is bigger, and more important, than the one in Barcelona. And the beach here is the perfect place to relax away from the crowds as it is generally overlooked in favor of nearby coastal towns.
Italy
Italy is a country that prides itself on its hospitality.
So if you want to experience some of Europe’s most iconic architecture, see the works of some of the world’s most remarkable artists, and enjoy steaming bowls of pasta served by smiling Nonnas then this is the place to visit.
Like Spain, Italy offers a diverse range of attractions, which means there’s a solo travel destination for everyone. From the chic fashion-fueled streets of Milan to the cuisine of Naples and everything in between.
One of my favorite places to visit in Italy in fall is Venice. The temperatures in fall are mild and the crowd levels are low. Meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The contrast between the red of the leaves on the trees and the blue of the lagoon is also a wonderful sight.
Australia
If your spirit of adventure means you want to visit the other side of the world, then the best place to go is the land down under.
Australia is a backpackers paradise, and because everyone speaks English there, it’s a great place for first time solo travelers to explore without a language barrier.
Its overwhelmingly large size means that it would be impossible to explore all of Australia in one trip: you’ll need to choose the territories that interest you most.
Friendly locals and stunning scenery are the main attractions of a solo trip to Australia. The sun, sea, and surfing are what puts the destination on my bucket list. That and the chance to get up, close, and personal with a koala bear!
Vietnam
If you love adventure and spending time in the great outdoors, then Vietnam is the perfect solo travel destination. It is a breathtakingly beautiful country with epic beaches and dramatic landscapes.
From a practical point of view, Vietnam is accessible and affordable and has consistently been voted among the world’s safest countries for travelers.
Visit Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO listed archipelago which covers a whopping 1,133 islands and islets. The landscapes here are iconic and this is a great place for watersports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
If you’re more interested in city explorations, then the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi is a great place to be.
Explore the food markets, and visit the city’s famous tailors to have clothes made that will fit you like a second skin.
Vietnam is a little more difficult to explore as a solo traveler than Thailand, but if you’re an experienced traveler, then it’s well worth the extra effort.
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