While solo traveling is an appealing adventure for some, it ensures complete satisfaction as one will get to know the pleasures of traveling on their own. It becomes essential for a person regardless of being a novice or an expert regarding solo travel to select a great destination. This guide will cover best practices for solo travel including safe places which are fun and interesting as well as how to budget and interact with locals of that place. We are also going to give advice geared to solo women travelers and also recommend sites where solo travelers can sign up for groups in order to ensure the trip is safe and pleasant.
Also read – How to Plan an International Trip on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide
Why Travel Solo?
Now before we go into the specifics of the countries, let’s think about this issue. Why do people all over the world seem to be so keen on doing solo travel? Solo travel does let you articulate and are able to work under minimal restrictions. It helps you to grow as a person, embrace self-reflection with full confidence and introspection. There are no distractions such as tone or background noise as one is traveling alone and thus possibilities of meeting new people become stronger.
Safe and Exciting Cities for Solo Travelers
1. Tokyo, Japan
- Why Go: Speaking from personal experience, Tokyo is a dream come true when it comes to corners of the world and places that tourists dream about. It is known for its magnificent fashion industry as well as its detailing and craftsmanship. It is famous especially because it is one of the safest cities in the entire world with its very low rates of crime. It has great public transport which makes it easier to travel from one place to another.
- Top Attractions: Delve into the bustling Shibuya Crossing, explore centuries-old places like the Sensoji Temple and savor real sushi at The Tsukiji Outer Market.
- Safety Tips: Remember to take care of your belongings and respect local practices such as going shoeless in some areas.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
- Why Go: Denmark continuously ranks as one of the happiest nations in the world and Copenhagen, there, is equally easy for a single traveler to navigate through. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of greenery, as it encourages biking which is nice and casual.
- Top Attractions: Stroll along the waterfront in Nyhavn, admire the stunning Rosenberg Castle and dine in one of the culinary downtowns of Europe.
- Safety Tips: Copenhagen is quite secure but watch out for a bike lane as the people are avid cyclists.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
- Why Go: Lisbon has very hospitable citizens, inexpensive lodgings, and abundant historic sites. It would be an ideal destination for independent tourists who appreciate active nights, stunning buildings, and a slow pace.
- Top Attractions: Walk through the Alfama quarter, get on board the famous Tram 28 and go on a short excursion to Sintra that is in close proximity.
- Safety Tips: Lisbon is fairly safe, however, avoid crowded places or be very cautious as pickpockets tend to be very active in big cities around tourist hotspots.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
- Why Go: Women, especially solo travelers, can feel secure in Iceland since its capital is said to be one of the safest cities in the world. Cape Town acts as a base from which Iceland’s stunning geographic features such as waterfalls, volcanoes, and the popular Blue Lagoon may be visited.
- Top Attractions: Go for a day trip in search of the Northern Lights, have a soak of geothermal pools, and go around the Golden Circle attractions.
- Safety Tips: Iceland is generally a safe place but pay close attention to the weather forecasts as they do change very rapidly.
5. Melbourne, Australia
- Why Go: Melbourne is colorful with different cultures and a hub for artist which is great for solo travelers looking out for adventures and creativity. There are many art galleries, museums and quirky cafes in the city.
- Top Attractions: Go to the National Gallery of Victoria, walk across the Royal Botanic Gardens and get familiar with the street art in the Fitzroy laneways.
- Safety Tips: Of course, safety is not that much of an issue in Melbourne, but it is prudent to stay alert in busy areas.
Top Activities to Enjoy Solo
1. Take a Cooking Class
Going for a cooking class is a perfect option for getting acquainted with local food as well as bonding with other travelers. It’s common to book a cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Florence, Italy that lets you learn some street food style or even haute cuisine.
2. Join a Walking or Biking Tour
Visiting new cities on your own can be quite anxiety-inducing, which is why there have been many regulated guided tours that have become a popular option for many. Companies like Context Travel and Intrepid Urban Adventure, offer city tours, however they give their clients a chance to explore lesser-known sights by themselves as well.
3. Attend Cultural Festivals
Another great idea would be to visit specific cultural festivals in places, which may allow them to better understand and appreciate local customs. Great suggestions include:
- La Tomatina in Spain for the more adventurous.
- Oktoberfest in the German city of Munich, which is a popular places for traveling people to meet.
- Diwali in India, a colorful, entertaining and music-filled event.
4. Explore Nature and Adventure Spots
Naturally, there are many lovely spots that would be ideal for outdoor activities. Some examples include:
- Banff National Park, Canada – an area where one can invite friends for extended hikes, canoe trips, or just to enjoy the popular hot springs.
- Queenstown in New Zealand which has rightfully earned a name as the adventure capital due to the versatility of bungee jumping, skydiving and various beautiful hikes.
Meeting Locals and Fellow Travelers
1. Stay in Hostels or Co-Living Spaces
People who choose to travel alone will enjoy hostel life, as the high cost will be minimized and social opportunities abound. Many cities have also co-lo include Selina sites, which offers guests a lovely blend of private and shared areas.
2. Use Travel Apps for Connections
On first thought, social applications would never come to mind as a great medium for this type of tourism, however, apps like Backpackr and Travello are world-renowned meeting applications, allowing users to create groups, meet other like-minded people and even collaborate on plans.
3. Join Language Exchange Events
Language exchange meet-ups can be a great opportunity to learn and connect with the locals. Language exchange events are held on a weekly basis in Barcelona and Berlin, cities with a good number of expatriates and local residents.
Solo Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Journey
1. Research Local Customs and Etiquette
Appreciating the local culture can improve your experience and help you avoid causing offence. In Japan, however, this principle is the cult, and speaking on public street transport is generally considered bad mannerism.
2. Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
One of the strongest points about travelling by yourself is spontaneity. It can be useful to plan out most of the trip, but don’t be shy to seek out the unexpected.
3. Invest in Good Travel Insurance
For any solo trip, and particularly for trips in third world jungles, the one item that is a must is travel insurance. This will give one peace-of-mind when on the go and protect him, her or them from unexpected occurrences that may arise such as health complications, a suitcase going missing or having to cancel an airplane ticket.
4. Pack Light and Smart
Light packing is one of the many advantages solo travelers will appreciate especially on transit between destinations. It makes sense to pack a portable charger, a universal plug and light first-aid supplies.
Budgeting for Solo Travel
1. Plan for Shared and Single Occupancy Rates
In some cases, single travelers will pay a premium for single occupancy so options that are suitable for single people should be sought out. Hostelworld and Booking.com provide facilities that allow customers to restrict themselves to one room or a shared dormitory.
2. Use Public Transportation
Public transport is quite cheap and provides just the right opportunity to know the city better than like a tourist. It is the same case for London, Tokyo, and New York City. A solo traveler can be able to travel around all these cities cheaply, given the presence of an extensive transit system.
3. Book Activities Directly
Since intermediaries tend to take cuts, booking directly with activity providers helps in saving costs and enabling personalization. Look for activity offers on booking platforms to see if there may be discounts, for example on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Solo Travel Tips for Women
1. Choose Women-Friendly Destinations
There are some destinations that are rather popular as they have been reported to be friendly and pretty safe for solo women travelers. Scandinavia has become a favorite, along with friendly New Zealand or even Canada.
2. Consider Joining Women-Only Tours or Groups
There are corporations, including Intrepid Travel and Women Who Travel that have women only tours, thus being safe, creating bonds and custom experiences. Such tours usually focus on popular destinations that are often become the subject of women’s solo travel where such support adds extra value.
3. Be Cautious with Accommodation Choices
While looking for a place to stay, safety should come first. Paying attention to reviews on solo women-friendly accommodations or considering female-only hostel dorms or rentals on serviced websites like Airbnb could also help in the security aspect.
4. Be Aware of Local Dress Codes
In other cultures and in some religions, it is required to dress rather conservatively. Therefore, it’s worth planning ahead and investigating how to dress properly in advance, even more so in areas of religious significance or in villages.
Conclusion
Solo travel is a life changing experience that comes with the opportunity of self-discovery, independence and inner peace. The sites presented above strike the perfect balance that today’s budget solo travelers are in search of: they are safe, fun and cheap. Equipped with the right attitude, a willingness to interact with the locals, and good planning, your next solo adventure is bound to be full of learning and fun.
Use all these remarkable locations as the focal point for yet another journey; be it exploring the ancient ruins of Lisbon, Tokyo’s busy streets and neon lights, or the hikes New Zealand. Thus comes the traveling experience – the new adults sharing one vision and visiting new cities all over the globe.
[…] Also read – Best Destinations for Solo Travelers: Safe, Exciting, and Affordable Places to Explore […]