Hence, whether you’re interested in nature and hiking or culture and history, here are the best solo travel destinations in the world.
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As thrilling and exciting as it may sound, solo travel can also be very daunting and scary. With doubts and fears, especially if you’re travelling alone for the first time, navigating the process can seem overwhelming. However, mastering the art of solo travel begins with selecting the right destination.
Whether you have finally decided to embark on that Europe tour you always wanted or an epic adventure across Southeast Asia, some places are more suited to solo travel, and some are not.
To have a truly memorable
solo travelling experience, you need to figure out those destinations naturally suited to solitude and some places to meet other like-minded people. Solo travelling has no restrictions and boundaries; you can choose to travel in any season with a little bit of planning.
Hence, whether you’re interested in nature and hiking or culture and history, here are the best solo travel destinations in the world.
Japan
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Japan is one of the best destinations for solo travel, not just in Asia but around the world. With a picturesque natural landscape, from hiking trails along the Old Hakone Highway to forest bathing in the bamboo trails of Arashiyama, Japan allows travellers to unwind and calm down in solitude. For history buffs, Japan is steeped in culture with shrines and temples in Kyoto, Osaka and other historically rich cities.
Solo travellers can easily stay in a huge range of
hotels, whether a boutique city retreat, a futuristic skyscraper or a rustic countryside guesthouse. Japan offers a truly immersive experience that grounds the travellers with its hospitality, beauty and culture. It is a very safe place, totally recommended by solo female travellers as well.
Extremely easy to navigate, Japan’s transport system is one of the best and the fastest in the world. Solo travellers can purchase the Japan Rail Pass for exclusive foreign tourist discounts on long-distance trains and easily connect to different cities in Japan. While it is hard for solo travellers to go around without basic knowledge of the Japanese language, Japan National Tourism Organization operates a 24-hour English-speaking helpline for travellers.
Hence, this destination is one of the friendliest countries in the world, with exquisite cuisine that will blow your mind away. So, take as many pictures as possible with your
Xiaomi phone, as every nook and corner of this country is an Instagram-worthy destination.
Iceland
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Iceland truly embodies the reason people travel solo in the first place - untouched and pristine - this place is perfect to be experienced in solitude. One of the top destinations in the world for solo travel, Iceland carries an otherworldly aura that will make you reflect as you gaze at the natural beauty this world has to offer. It is nature heaven with friendly locals who can speak English quite well, unique photograph opportunities, with waterfalls and glaciers at every corner.
It is the perfect place to seek some well-deserved solitude while also being full of a welcoming community of locals and travellers who visit Iceland every year. Although much of the landscape consists of snowy glaciers and magnificent waterfalls, Iceland can be particularly harsh with its sunny days. Make sure you dab on your
Cetaphil sunscreen and enjoy a wide range of activities, from snorkelling in Silfra Fissure to Glacier Hiking, whale watching, ice climbing, and snowmobiling.
Some of the must-visit waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and volcanoes are located in Iceland. Some worth mentioning include the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Vatnajökull as one of the world's largest and most voluminous ice caps.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best countries to visit for first-time solo travellers. It is extremely safe; the locals are known to be friendly, and most top destinations are easily accessible. In addition, it is well suited for solo travellers as it offers many chances to encounter fellow solo travellers at hostel accommodations and attached pubs.
The best time to visit this beautiful destination is between December and February during summer. If you’re looking to enjoy some winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, June to August are good times to travel. With fewer tourists and a diverse landscape, New Zealand should be at the top of your list of places to plan that solo trip you’ve been dreaming of.
There are vast areas of mountainous and steep hills to climb as well as some challenging volcanic peaks, with Auckland and Wellington being the best cities to explore as solo travellers. If you’re looking to dive into history, you can also visit museums and watch Māori festivals to know more about the Kiwi people and their culture.
These were some of the best destinations we picked for solo travellers to begin their exploring journey. Many other destinations such as Cuba, Morocco and South Korea are also a haven for solo travellers to experience solitary and life-changing journeys. So, what are you waiting for?