There’s no wrong season for solo travelers to take to the skies and explore the world, but fall and winter are some of the most underrated times of year to take advantage of some much-needed alone time.
Think about it – everyone has different jobs and interests, and most people with regular 9-to-5 vacation time in summer use up their vacation time, meaning you shouldn’t have to wait around for others to collect more passport stamps.
One of the best places in the world to keep busy and enthrall your senses is Asia, where Agoda is the leader in travel insight.
Based on their own data, the popular travel agency just released the top Asian cities for solo travelers right now.
These are the top 3:
3) Seoul, South Korea
Now that you’re all grown up venturing out into the world on your own, you gotta admit Mom was right: safety comes first.
While Asia is home to some notable places deemed off-limits for tourists, Seoul is on the opposite end of the spectrum, widely regarded as one of Asia’s safest destinations.
In a place where you may stand out like a sore thumb, it’s good to know you can wander freely without the concern of being harmed.
Instead you can check out postcard villages like Bukchon Hanok Village, ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung or if you’re really feeling yourself, perform some K-Pop karaoke in the buzzing nightlife scene in Gangnam (yes, it’s ground zero for the hugely popular hit Gangnam Style).
Like most of Asia, it’s a foodie’s dream come true. As Korean BBQ restaurants are all the rage in the States nowadays, you can take part in the real deal or even hang out at unsuspecting local favorite, 7-Eleven, for cheap noodles – yep, it’s true!
Most importantly, Seoul is easily navigable by public transit, and you’ll be surprised by how many locals speak English, making your trip as seamless as possible.
The city is also well stocked with nonstop flights from the U.S. and there are numerous cheap stays from hostels to boutique hotels like Hostel Korea Original with Twin Rooms for $12 or Nox Boutique Hotel for $40 on, you guessed it, Agoda.
2) Bangkok, Thailand
While not quite as easy to reach as Seoul, Bangkok is worth the extra bit of effort. Trust me; I’ve been.
To be honest, I loved Thailand so much I check the real estate market every week ready to pounce on a good deal once I get my girlfriend’s permission.
It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular cities for solo travel right now, as it’s impossible to have a dull moment, whether you’re temple-hopping, market-hopping, or wandering this wild urban jungle on foot.
Eating street food is a must, and it’s dirt cheap. You can easily find a fresh batch of Pad Thai for a dollar, if not less.
While Agoda highlights the city action as a draw for solo travelers, which is true, I encourage anyone here to go outside the city limits to elephant sanctuaries for unforgettable experiences feeding and bathing these rescued gentle giants.
But if you do stay in the city, Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) is a must for unmatched cuisine and people-watching.
Like Seoul, Bangkok also offers many cheap stays with capsule hotels like Khaosan Social Capsule Hostel for $19 or boutique hotels like Cherie Bangkok Boutique Hotel as low as $50 near the awe-inspiring Grand Palace.
1) Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo had to make the list, right? It’s no shocker it’s number one.
As one of the most connected cities in Asia, especially with their very own budget airline ZIPAIR connecting to multiple U.S. cities, solo travelers can potentially start off their trip right away saving money on airfare.
Besides safety, budgets tend to be the main concern when traveling alone since there’s no cost-splitting and Tokyo is a mixed bag when it comes to expenses.
Unless you have the urge to splurge, it’s best to find cozy accommodations to save some dough since ritzy hotels come at premium price points.
Good news is Japan’s famous eats won’t break the bank and neither will getting around by Metro will cost about $2.
Tokyo is one of those cities that are best for getting lost as you’ll never fully experience it all. Wander the back-alley izakayas, eat random foods, and become mesmerized by all the surroundings, instigating sensory overload.
Bottom line is it’s impossible to be bored in Tokyo whether it’s real-life Mario Kart rides or enjoying the serenity of ancient temples such as Sensō-ji.
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