Top Destinations for Solo Travellers

Travelling solo is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Not only does it help build confidence, but you also get to see a side of yourself you never knew existed! Solo travel is scary and daunting but simultaneously exhilarating and extremely rewarding. There is something so appealing about travelling on your own; the total sense of freedom to go where you please, to do what you want, when you want and at your own pace.

For those considering travelling solo for the first time, here are some tips that can help make your journey a breeze:

- Stay safe: Always tell a loved one where you’ll be for the day. Keep your valuables close to you, be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.

- Plan ahead: Research your destination’s culture, language and local laws before you go.

- Chat with strangers: Learn to be comfortable going up to total strangers and striking a conversation with them. Often, it’s the locals who will take you to some of the most incredible experiences you’ll have in your life.

Here are some destinations ideal for solo travellers:

A favourite among Australians, Bali in Indonesia is breathtaking heaven on Earth. A location made popular by the hit book and movie Eat, Pray, Love, Bali is an incredible destination for solo travellers. Full of spectacular beaches and endless opportunities for watersports, countless five-star hotels and private villas, a rich culture focusing on balance and harmony for peace lovers, lush jungles and stunning scenery, Bali has something for everyone.

Although Bali boasts several five-star hotels and resorts, the most popular accommodation to book are private villas. These villas are scattered across the island and are housed by personal staff who will ensure all your needs are met. On a budget? Try out a backpacking hostel perfect for a solo traveller.

The Northern Lights, anyone? Visible from November to March, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, attract thousands of visitors annually. An incredibly humbling experience, the Lights are worth the cold temperatures of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Just be sure to pack a good quality camera with a long-exposure setting because the aurora is rarely visible to the human eye.

Visiting during the summer months? There’s still so much to do! Visit Oslo’s many museums and parks, book a cruise through the fjords, or go kayaking in the amazing kayak paddling spots like Sognefjorden, Flåm or Hardangerfjorden.

The capital city of Oslo has several accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. You can stay in the city centre near the Royal Palace and explore the city on foot or on a cycle, or you can stay near the waterfront and enjoy the views of Oslofjord.

With its stunning landscapes, active volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs, Iceland is a top favourite among solo travellers. If you’re seeking adventure and natural beauty, this is the place to be! As one of the safest countries in the world, Iceland has secured itself a top spot in this list of destinations for solo travellers.

Like Norway, Iceland is another location where you can chase the Northern Lights. Travellers can also visit the famous Blue Lagoon, hike through glaciers and waterfalls and explore the unique landscapes of Iceland’s Golden Circle.

In Iceland, the places to be are hostels and guesthouses, which are affordable and offer sociable common areas where you can meet other travellers.

A fascinating and unique country with a rich cultural heritage that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, Japan is incredibly safe and friendly to foreigners. Although there may be a bit of a language barrier, the locals are more than happy to help a tourist explore their country. Visit during the spring to witness the stunning cherry blossoms or at any other time of year for the ancient temples and traditional Japanese gardens in Kyoto. And who can forget the hustle-bustle and lights of the city of Tokyo?

Because the concept of solo living is huge in Japan, there are countless accommodation options for solo travellers. While there are several hostels in Japan offering traditional Japanese-style rooms, if you’re on a budget, look into booking a sleeping pod perfect for a single night’s sleep.

Our neighbour, New Zealand, is an adventurous playground for solo travellers, with its stunning natural landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and friendly locals. Did you know the breathtaking country was chosen as the set location for the Lord of the Rings series? The best part? As an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you don’t even need a visa to travel to this incredible country!

There are many adventures you can go on in New Zealand, from bungee jumping, kayaking, skiing and hiking. Some of the must-sees of this country are the Milford Sound, the Franz Josef Glacier and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

There are many hostels and backpacker lodges as inexpensive and feasible accommodation options in New Zealand.

A top destination for solo travellers looking for a mix of culture and relaxation, the Greek Islands offer stunning beaches, picturesque villages and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Because of their safe and friendly reputation, the Islands are a favourite among solo female travellers.

The place you choose to stay at will depend upon the island you visit. But wherever you choose to go, be prepared to book your accommodation months in advance—the popular tourist destination gets sold out pretty fast.

Why not enrol in a travel and tourism course or an event management course? Both of these options allow you to travel to new locations, whether solo or as a group, and earn a living while you’re at it. If you love meeting new people and exploring new places, languages and cultures, a career in tourism or event management may be for you!

Report this Page