Just because you don't have someone to tag along with doesn't mean you should give up travelling. In fact, travelling alone can even be more enjoyable. You can choose what to do and what to see, wherever and whenever you want, according to your own schedule and without arguments, except with yourself.
It is also a great opportunity to meet other people. When you travel with a partner, your focus is usually all on them, so you are not so easy-going, travelling alone often offers the chance to make a friend or two for life.
Whether you're an experienced solo traveller or new to the experience, these destinations offer some of the best opportunities for solo travel.
Credit: bigstock.com Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is full of history, culture, beauty, friendly people and delicious food and wine. The hardest thing about travelling to Lisbon is leaving, and many people fall in love with this wonderful city straight away. Here you will find that people are proud of the country they live in and are almost always more than willing to give advice on how best to live. Although English is not the mother tongue, most locals can speak it, which can also make communication much easier. Although it is a big city, it is quite walkable, with a small-town feel that makes it easy to get around. You will discover a lot of spectacular views, but you are unlikely to run into hordes of tourists. Don't miss shopping at the Feira da Ladra flea market, relaxing and enjoying soulful fado music, visiting the Jeronimos Monastery and exploring the old town of Alfama.
Credit: bigstock, .comDubrovnik, CroatiaDubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is not only incredibly beautiful, this 'Pearl of the Adriatic' is particularly suited to solo travel. Venturing here in the spring or autumn months is particularly ideal with warm temperatures, cheap accommodation and few crowds. Enjoy the magnificent white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters with a vibrant city life and Baroque palaces. You could also take a day trip to one of the sparsely populated islands of Kolocep, Lopud or Sipan where you will discover a number of pristine beaches. Or, if you want something more active, consider joining an excursion and meeting others with similar interests. Staying in the digs near the city centre, you'll also find plenty of common rooms for socialising, such as Jinx and Jinxy or Stari Grad.
Credit: bigstock.com Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This city famous for its picturesque canals, colourful houses, cafés and rich culture is a solo traveller's dream. You can easily walk and cycle everywhere in the city, in fact most locals get around on bicycles. It is also exceptionally safe and a good deal when it comes to accommodation, especially B&Bs and hostels, which can allow you to easily meet up with other travellers. Have fun exploring the museums and markets or go to the beach. A stretch of sand located on the artificial island of IJburg offers swimming, sunbathing and many beach parties where you are likely to be asked to join in.
Credit: bigstock.com Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden
The Swedish capital, spread over 14 islands overlooking the Baltic Sea to the east, is one of the best European cities for solo travel. This culturally vibrant city rich in history is safe, clean and easy to navigate. You will also find a multitude of attractions that do not require a companion to enjoy. Treat yourself to some of the world's freshest and tastiest fish at Nystekt Strömmingvagnen and you may never see food carts the same way again. Head to the City Hall Tower and take in the sweeping views of the beautiful city and explore the medieval history in the old town, Gamla Stan. After dark, enjoy the exciting nightlife in bohemian Södermalm.
Credit: bigstock.comReykjavikReykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland
This incredibly breathtaking country often tops best lists of solo travel destinations as one of the world's friendliest places to visit. It's easy to meet up with other travellers or even a local or two by hanging out at the Laundromat Café in the capital, where you'll find all kinds of people drinking coffee, reading books, sharing travel tips, casual dining and laundry. It is also a great place to eat if you are afraid of dining alone. If you arrive for a late lunch, chances are, you'll meet up with a few others and stay for dinner or even join in on trips across the country. While you're there, be sure to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon with its warm, mineral-rich waters.
Credit: bigstock.com The Aran IslandsThe Aran Islands
The Aran Islands, Ireland
The entire Emerald Isle is ideal for solo travel. If this is your first time, it's a great place to live as some of the nicest people in the world here are usually ready and willing to help you with any problems. You can also stay in B&Bs, with your own cosy room with a comfortable bed and bathroom for a peaceful night's sleep with fantastic homemade breakfasts and hospitable hosts who treat you like an old friend or family member, making you feel right at home. In the Aran Islands, just off the west coast of Ireland, you'll find an ideal retreat for a peaceful holiday. If you want to enjoy a livelier nightlife, head to the largest island, Inishmore, where you'll find plenty of pubs and frequent live music.On Inisheer, the smallest island with a population of around 250 people, you'll have the chance to get to know the locals, walk the entire two-square-kilometre island and discover Mediterranean-style beaches along with many ancient historical sites, and enjoy the last in quiet solitude.
Credit: bigstock.comDublin, IrelandDublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
For single travellers who prefer city life, Dublin is a great option, where anyone can make friends over a pint of Guinness with a multitude of friendly pubs to choose from. The locals are particularly welcoming to tourists and more than willing to offer advice. Be sure to explore some of the best museums in the world, such as the National Museum, home of the Ardagh Chalice, Tara Brooch and the famous peat bogs. Since you're on your own, you can spend as much time as you want. You'll also find plenty of walking tours to join if you'd like to meet other travellers, including everything from a haunted history tour to exploring literary greats like Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.
Credit: bigstock.comTokyoTokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo has it all, with opportunities to indulge in amazing cuisine such as sushi, tempura and ramen along with world-class museums, markets, theatre, music, festivals and endless shopping. It is also a very safe city for solo travellers with an outstanding and efficient public transport system. If you want to meet English speakers, visit the Pink Cow bar in Roppongi, where you will find many expats sipping cocktails. Join young travellers and others at the Hub, a chain of pubs where it tends to be easy to connect with others. Try to learn at least a few Japanese phrases before you arrive - if you can communicate, you can talk to locals who will often take you to places outside the obvious tourist traps.
Credit: bigstock.comBaliBali
Ubud, Bali
Bali is considered a base for single travellers of all kinds. Here, it is easy to drift into a life full of beautiful scenery and plenty of food that is delicious and cheap, along with plenty of great options for affordable accommodation. Enjoy a wide range of organic restaurants and markets, spas, massages, spirituality and breathtaking beaches. The small village of Ubud is a magical and particularly peaceful retreat. Best known from the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and the subsequent film starring Julia Roberts, it is truly a place that can heal the soul. If you get lonely, unlikely to happen with such welcoming people, take a walk through Monkey Forest, where hundreds of monkeys will greet you.
Credit: bigstock.comBangkokBangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is much more than a 'party city', as it is often called. While there are plenty of nightclubs and go-go bars, there are also many Buddhist temples and monasteries that offer an unsurpassed experience for solo travellers, as well as some of the best food in Southeast Asia. Bangkok is a great place to unwind and relax, with virtually an endless number of affordable spas and resorts. While you're there, be sure to spend some time exploring the many temples and appreciating the culture.
Credit: bigstock.com San Juan Islands, Washington San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Islands, Washington
If you don't want to travel overseas, the San Juan Islands in Washington state offer an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy the opportunity for peace and tranquillity along with the possibility of adventure and an abundance of wildlife. In fact, the islands have been named among the best travel destinations in the world by National Geographic. Just off San Juan Island, the largest island in the archipelago, you'll find one of the best places for whale watching, with majestic killer whales often spotted near Lime Kiln Point. If you are the active type, consider a kayak tour where you can get a little closer to all kinds of marine life. Besides whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea lions and many other creatures are often seen. You don't need a partner, and it's a great way to meet other active people too.
Credit: bigstock.comTaipei, TaiwanTaipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
Tapei, located on the Tamsui River at the northern tip of Taiwan, offers the chance to explore an incredible variety of night markets. Hundreds of street food carts and pop-up shops line a 10-block stretch where locals and visitors alike can enjoy food, fashion and culture at a great price. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, you can also find a number of scenic hiking destinations in Taipei. The city is also known for being particularly friendly and helpful to all types of travellers.
Credit: bigstock.comParis, FranceParis, France
Paris, France
While many people consider the city of Paris an ideal destination for couples looking for romance, it actually has a lot to offer the single traveller as well. Indeed, Paris has a centuries-old tradition of solo exploration, personified by the pram. Walking and observing is one of the best ways to really get to know it. With a virtually endless number of restaurants, cafés and art galleries, it is perfect for those who enjoy long walks, good books, good food and wine. If you don't like eating alone, eat in markets or sit in an outdoor café and let time pass you by.
Credit: bigstock.comNara, JapanNara, Japan
Nara, Japan
Nara is an ideal destination for solo travellers in Japan. This ancient Japanese city in the Kansai region is particularly welcoming to visitors, although it is often overlooked in a busy itinerary.You will find a wealth of valuable experiences to enjoy, with the best of city life, culture and natural wonders. Staying in a guesthouse, or Ryokan, will allow you to see Nara through the eyes of those who were born and raised here, providing a true insight into what the city has to offer. If you like wild animals, you'll love Nara, with Sika deer roaming the streets and even roaming the shops and restaurants. While Nara Park is their home, the park also houses a museum with Buddhist paintings, statues, ceremonial objects, ancient treasures and archaeological artefacts.
Credit: bigstock.com Seville, SpainSeville, Spain
Seville, Spain
In the capital of Andalusia, you can enjoy some of Spain's best offerings, including Moorish architecture, flamenco and bullfighting. It is easy to get around on foot, wandering through cobbled alleys past colourful ceramics on restaurant facades, street signs, markets and doorways. It offers endless charms for travellers of all kinds, with the best in food and socialising. In this warm climate, locals often gather outside tapas bars, the foundation of community spirit, enticing travellers to join them and stay a while.
Credit: http: //www.bigstock.com Kuala Lumpur skyline
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The city often tops lists of lonely, travel-friendly cities, with the vast majority of locals genuinely warm and friendly. Kuala Lumpur offers both cutting-edge sophistication and old-world charm, with towering skyscrapers nestled alongside graceful colonial structures and pre-war ornamental shops. With its warm climate, lush vegetation and abundance of colourful blooms, it has been likened to a tropical version of New York City. Here, it is easy to enjoy yourself, with many locals speaking good English. Discovering Bukit Bintang, a world-famous shopping mall and exploring the local markets for exceptional arts and crafts is a must.
Credit: bigstock.comQueenstown, New ZealandQueenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is a winning destination for travellers of all types, with an abundance of stunning scenery and friendly people. Adventure seekers looking to enjoy the great outdoors can join an organised tour to meet others with similar interests or hire a car and travel on their own. Queenstown is the adventure capital of the country and a mecca for travellers that could leave you exhausted trying to fit it all in. Since you're on your own, you can try to do it all or take it at an easy pace. Enjoy everything from hiking and bungee jumping to sky diving and horse riding with excellent dining and nightlife.
Credit: bigstock.com Valparaiso, Chile Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso, Chile
This colourful seaside village has much to offer visitors of all types. As a port city, you will also find that it has been influenced by many cultures over the years. Have fun exploring the lifts, the famous cable cars that go up and down the city's steep hills, built as an alternative to the tiring stairways that led to the highest parts of Valparaiso. You will immediately see why the hills are called 'Little San Francisco'. Stretching around a horseshoe-shaped bay, the city is particularly attractive after dark when the exciting nightlife really kicks in.
Credit: bigstock.com Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a great place for a successful first solo travel experience and is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. If you don't want to be alone when you get there, it is also one of the easiest places in the world to meet friendly locals and other single travellers. Most Danes speak English as a second language, so communication is rarely a problem. Rent a bike by the hour, day or week and ride into town. The many parks are a great place for residents and tourists to socialise, play a game of football or just hang out. Be sure to see the Danish crown jewels, housed in Rosenborg Castle, in use since the mid-17th century.
Credit: bigstock.comTulum, MexicoTulum, Mexico
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is best known as the spectacular seaside backdrop of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, although in recent years it has become increasingly popular for meditation and yoga retreats. The many eco-friendly resorts and hotels along the azure waters of the Caribbean are basic, but offer a perfect place for solitude and contemplation. Who needs a TV with visuals like this? Visitors can take part in daily yoga classes, guided meditations or even freshwater cave diving and snorkelling. Spending a few quiet days here on the idyllic white beaches is a perfect way to relax and return home feeling refreshed.
Credit: bigstock.comZurich, SwitzerlandZurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, is renowned for its magnificent landscape and for being a world leader in the financial sector. Although probably not for travellers on a budget, if you have the money, you will find many ways to spend it along with inspiration and beauty in almost every corner. The city is quite safe, extremely walkable and also has one of the most well-organised and efficient public transport systems in the world. Stay in the medieval city centre and you will find practically everything easily accessible. This area also has an abundance of bars and restaurants for all tastes. Be sure to take a stroll along Bahnnofstrasse, a street that is home to the rich and famous, as well as underground bank vaults. You also won't want to miss the breathtaking scenes around Lake Zurich.
Credit: bigstock.com Vancouver, British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is also surpassing clean and relatively safe. This laid-back city is particularly attractive in the summer months with its multitude of options for outdoor activities. The transport system is convenient and safe, but it is also a great place to live on foot or by bike with many bike-friendly paths and bridges. Take a stroll around Stanley Park, explore the museums and savour the many culinary delights, including everything from fantastic food trucks to the Granville Island Public Market and the wide variety of restaurants.
Credit: bigstock.comSeoul, South-KoreaSeoul, South Korea
Seoul, Korea
Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world, but it offers an unbeatable experience for all types of travellers and is also quite safe. No matter what your budget, you will find the perfect option when it comes to accommodation, restaurants and almost everything else. Tasting the fabulous cuisine, especially Kimchi and Samgyeopsal (grilled meat) is a must. A walk through the beautiful historic district of Bukchon, a traditional Korean village located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace and the Royal Shrine of Jongmyo, offers the chance to experience a 600-year-old urban environment and the wide range of markets is safe for shopping enthusiasts.
Credit: bigstock.comAntigua, GuatemalaAntigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala
While much of Guatemala is impoverished and crime-ridden, the Spanish colonial city of Antigua is an exceptional exception. By staying in high-end hotels, particularly in the former monasteries, and taking an escorted tour with a guide, you will enjoy an added sense of safety and security. Here you can stroll along cobbled streets, wander past brightly coloured shop windows, impressive cathedrals and tree-lined parks and browse the arts and crafts markets. You will find that this beautiful city is full of wonderfully warm and beautiful people to connect with.