Jennifer ShreveExplore these safest and best solo travel destinations around the world for your next adventure.
It’s undeniable that it’s safer to travel with a group of people than to travel alone when you’re exploring a foreign country. However, solo travelers also say that when they travelled alone, it was one of the most liberating experiences of their life. Most importantly, they traveled safely around the world and brought home unforgettable memories. If you’re hesitant to travel alone, then this unique list of 12 safest and best solo travel destinations may motivate you to take the leap this year.
Montreal, Canada
A city filled with rich culture, history, and museums is a perfect spot for a solo traveler. From the trails of Mount Royal to the green spaces of Parc Laurier and the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, there’s something for every traveler. First, you can visit the Montreal Botanical Gardens if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing, and Instagram-worthy spot for the day. To continue, there’s also popular museums like The McCord Museum. It is a public research and teaching museum dedicated to preserving, studying, and appreciating Canadian history.
Explore Montreal’s nightlife by checking out their popular bars and clubs. Sample their popular nightlife at La Distillerie, a bar with a trendy 1950s vibe. On the other hand, if you’re searching for a pop culture nightlife adventure then Stereo After Hours is a great spot to visit for anyone who loves dancing.
City Hall in Montreal. Photo: Pedro Szekely via Flickr
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Described as an artsy town with outgoing locals, Bayfield is a quiet spot that’s perfect for anyone who’s looking for a nature-filled adventure. From kayaking, boat trips, and to driving to various orchards, Bayfield is the main gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and a nature lover’s ideal vacation.
For a fun and educational experience, consider visiting the Bayfield Maritime Museum. There you can learn about historical seafaring artifacts and the museum is free admissions too. This museums is only open from June to September.
If you love hiking, consider hiking the Big Ravine Trail for an early morning adventure. Last, this wouldn’t be a Bayfield guide without mentioning Lake Superior. On the big lake nestled admist massive sandstone cliffs, people kayak, sail, and swim too.
Bayfield, Wisconsin. Photo: Dls4832 via Wikimedia Commons
Aruba
A beautiful Caribbean island like Aruba is perfect for not only a family vacation, but for a solo trip too. There you will have so many activities to occupy your time that you forget that you’re traveling alone. From biking, swimming, to windsurfing, this a perfect spot for anyone who loves beautiful beaches. While you’re there, visit their popular beaches like Baby Beach or Eagle Beach.
Baby Beach is a calm, shallow, man-made lagoon that’s located near the Mangle Cora southeast of Aruba. Whereas, Eagle Beach is located closer to the locals in Aruba and it’s one of the most popular beaches on the island. It has soft white sand, the water is low-rise, and it’s very clean too. If Aruba is on your radar, then it’s good to note that the best time to visit Aruba is from April to August.
Photo: Rumblebee via Wikimedia Commons
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one of the most popular cities in the world that has caught many people’s attention in 2019. The best way to describe this city is that it is a wonderful mix of pop culture and traditionalism. The capital of South Korea is popular for skyscrapers, Kpop, and K-Beauty. However, this trendy city has loads of Buddhists temples, palaces, and street markets too. The best part about this lovely city is the fact that you can explore on foot because depending where you are in the city, most spots are within walking distance.
While you’re in Seoul, visit popular spots like Bukchon Hanok Village where you can see the palaces and cultural centers. This lovely spot is the best place to fully immerse yourself in Korean culture. If you who loves hiking, then consider hiking Bugaksan Mountain. It’s a fairly short hike compared to other mountains in Korea but it gives you a chance to explore Korea’s nature without having to hike all day. Therefore, Seoul is a wonderful spot to visit for solo travelers who love exploring something new all day.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, South Korea. Photo by Laura Nalin
Queensland, Australia
If you’re someone who’s in love with beach and water activities then Queensland is a perfect spot to visit this year. Queensland is an Australian state that’s popular for Great Barrier reef, art, museums and tasty food. For example, the Queensland Art Gallery has over 17,000 works of historical, modern, and contemporary art. As for delicious food, a number of travelers have suggested to visit Bundaberg for tasty cuisines like, Korean food and BBQ.
If you’re an animal lover, you’ll be thrilled to discover that you can literally be part of the wildlife in Queensland. For example, you can see koalas, kangaroos, or watch turtles during turtle season from October to February. There are more activities that you can enjoy like surfing, snorkeling, diving, and camping too.
Photo: Queensland via Wikimedia Commons
Boston, Massachusetts
One of my favorite spots to visit in the East Coast was the beautiful state of Massachusetts. Particularly, it was the lovely city of Boston that captured my heart the most during my time in the East coast. Boston is a perfect spot for someone who enjoys history while, exploring a vibrant city. One of the spots that I highly recommend visiting is Harvard Square, which is located by Harvard University. From coffee shops, to bookstores, and delicious Japanese style ramen, this is a must visit spot for a solo traveler. It has everything you need in one location and it has a few Instagram-worthy spots too.
On top of that, consider visiting JFK’s free museum which is also located at Harvard University. After you go on a tour around Harvard Square, take a trip to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for shopping and historic sites. Then end the night with a trip to downtown Boston for a delicious seafood dinner, night clubs, bars and a fun night time adventure in the city.
Fanueil Hall Marketplace in Boston. Photo via Pixabay
Madrid, Spain
Madrid is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and it happens to be one of the safest in Spain too. The streets are elegant and full of culture, which makes the city very eye-catching. To continue, Madrid is the perfect spot to educate yourself about Spanish culture and to sharpen up your Spanish skills too.
When you travel to Madrid, consider visiting El Retiro Park, which is a 19th century park with fountains and one of the largest parks in the city. Afterwards visit the Museo Naconal del Prado, which displays a world-class European art collection. To continue, one of the busiest places in the city is Puerta del Sol, which is a public square in Madrid. One of its famous landmarks is a clock that all Spainards and millions of other people on TV look at during New Year’s Eve. Therefore, a trip to Spain before New Year’s Day is the most ideal time to visit Spain.
Photo: falco via Pixabay
Crovie, Scotland
Located in the north in the UK, lies the beautiful country of Scotland. Visit Cairngorms National Park and explore hundreds of paths and trails. Also, visit the historic Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital, which is an old fortress with perfect city views. Afterwards, explore one of Scotland’s most secretive spots called Crovie. This area displays a unique side of Scotland as the cottages are only a few feet away from the sea and this area is usually brilliant for holidays.
Then there’s the Palace of Holroohouse, a 16th Century palace that’s filled with history and eye-catching architecture. If you enjoy pop culture, you’ll love the world famous Edinburgh Fringe festivals. Although Scotland has a lot of historic sites and mountainous areas, it is actually one of the most diverse and safe locations, making it one of the best solo travel destinations.
Covie. Photo: Cord von Limburg via Wikimedia Commons
Namibia
Namibia is the perfect combination of peace and serenity, but also thrilling and daring at the same time. This lovely country is best for someone who enjoys warmer weather and unlimited outdoors activities. From animal watching, to visiting a memorial in Windhoek, Namibia is the perfect solo vacation. First take a short trip to Etosha National Park. This is a wildlife reserve with diverse landscapes and you can spot animals like lions, rhinos, and elephants roam the area.
Then visit one of their most popular sand dunes call Dune 45. Dune 45 is 170 meters tall or (roughly) 558 feet high. Most people say that the best time to climb Dune 45 is before sunrise and you can capture the deserts beauty before sunrise too. Then explore Epupa Falls to view their beautiful waterfall and to have a relaxing day by the river. If all of the outdoor activities excites you then consider visiting Namibia during their peak season, which is from May to September.
Photo: SoleneC1 via Pixabay
Vietnam
This beautiful Southeast Asian country is located on the South China Sea and it is slowly becoming a popular travel spot for solo travelers. I’ve been to Vietnam and it was a magical experience. From the beautiful beaches to exploring the lovely city life, there’s something unique about Vietnam that gets many people (including myself) excited to visit this country.
If you’re someone who enjoys going to the beach and eating delicious seafood, then Nha Trang should be on your bucket list. It is coastal city in southern Vietnam that’s most popular for its beaches, diving sites and offshore islands. On the other hand, if you’re interested in history and cultural sites, then Hanoi is a great spot to begin your cultural adventures in Vietnam. As for their night life and bars, Ho Chi Minh (aka Saigon) is the perfect city to visit in Vietnam. The street food is undeniably delicious and everything in the city is conveniently walking distance too. There’s a spot for everybody in Vietnam, so don’t be afraid to travel all over this beautiful country.
Photo: J Y White via Wikimedia Commons
Rovaniemi, Finland
A trip to Northern Europe is an ideal vacation for someone who’s searching for an architectural gem and where art and culture thrives. Also, this lovely country is popular for its Nordic style, the fashionable Design District in Helsinki, and the capital’s vibrant harbour. And there’s more outside the capital…
Finland is a unique country that’s filled with a variety of activities that’s suitable for everybody. First, there’s Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi in Lapland, an amusement park that’s perfect for anyone who loves Christmas. The best part is that it is Christmas themed all year round here. Then there’s Arktikum in Rovaniemi, a science and museum centre that’s great for people who value culture, concepts of human life, modern life, and nature. Other activities that you can find in Finland is contemporary art museums, bird watching, and exploring cities for tasty food.
Helsinki, Finland. Photo: Sami C via Flickr
Belize
Belize is considered as a Central American and Caribbean country. It is a lovely spot to explore for your next solo adventure. From the 185 mile-long coral reef to snorkeling and diving, it’s undeniable that Belize is the best place to visit for a water and beach vacation. On top of that, you can also explore a world of historic and archeological sites while you’re exploring Belize.
While you’re there, dive in the Great Blue Hole. This famous sinkhole is located off the coast of Belize and it is 403 feet deep. Then visit Caye Culker, a small Caribbean Island that’s off the coast of Belize. On this island you can snorkel, enjoy some Reggae music, and try some delicious tacos too. Conveniently, the Great Blue Hole and Caye Culker are located in the same area. After your water adventures, consider visiting Xunantunich. This is an Ancient Mayan archaeological site located in western Belize.
Photo: tofoli.douglas via Flickr
We hope you enjoy exploring some of the best solo travel destinations listed here, but remember to always be on the alert. Safe travels!
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