A vast range of destinations are there to be explored so why not take the plunge and travel by yourself!
Travelling solo gives you a sense of freedom and allows you to see and experience things entirely from your own perspective. Going on holidays by yourself means being in control of what activities or experience that you would like to have.
Optimise Travel has researched the best destinations for the solo traveller to experience and you can also view our previous article on tips for solo travellers.
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Best Destinations for the Solo Traveller – USA & Europe
New York City
A city that never sleeps! There are so many tours, activities and experiences to be had in this exciting city. It will be hard pressed for you to be bored if you are on your own in New York City. There is something for everyone including visiting famous attractions like the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Museums like The Metropolitan and MONA are popular, tours of filming locations in shows like Seinfeld and Sex and the City, theatre shows on Broadway and see a basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The large variety of food and nightlife options allow solo travellers to mingle with New Yorkers and tourists alike. The hustle and bustle of New York City will ensure you never feel alone!
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Berlin
History is a big part of Berlin and you can really feel it when you walk around certain parts of Berlin. A great way to experience Berlin is to do a free walking tour. Many great tickets for attractions can be found through museuly. It allows you to learn about this fascinating city and you may make friends as well along the way! Visit attractions like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Charlie Checkpoint and allow yourself to soak in the significance that these places hold in history. If you’re looking for nightlife, Berlin is one of the best places in Europe to go out. Cool and trendy bars, in particular in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, are a great way to meet new people. The city is full of creative, artistic types and this helps enable social interactions with new people. English is spoken widely in Berlin so you won’t have to worry too much about the language barrier!
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Best Destinations for the Solo Traveller – South America
Colombia
For the more adventurous solo traveller, Colombia is a great country to visit. Solo travellers need to be cautious like all other destinations that they travel to. It also helps to learn some Spanish prior to visiting as English is not always commonly spoken. Bogota is the capital of Colombia and has some great areas to visit like La Candelaria, the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum, grand old colonial buildings and colourful street art. An hour’s flight north of Bogota is Medellín, which is situated in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Places in Medellín worth a visit include Plaza Botero filled with over-sized sculptures and the Botanical Gardens, which is a nice area to wander around by yourself. Pueblito Paisa has incredible views of Medellin in the evening and is where you can find locals having a hot drink or eating from a range of street food.
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Brazil
The largest country in South America, Brazil is an expansive nation waiting to be explored. Learning basic Portuguese will help on your travels along with taking caution, common sense and keeping to busy areas. Rio De Janerio offers attractions including Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and Escadaria Selarón. If you’re looking for beach action, head to Copacabana beach and Ipanema beach where you can relax by yourself and are great places to people watch! Visit Sao Paulo and immerse yourself in the São Paulo Museum of Art. The city centre has wonderful street art and the Parque Ibirapuera is one of the largest city parks in Latin America. Make sure you don’t miss out on exploring the Amazon rainforest with its biodiversity, rivers, and wildlife!
Visit our comprehensive guide to Brazil and why 2016 is the year to visit here.
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Argentina
Viewed as the most cosmopolitan and European style country in South America, Argentina has a variety of attractions for the solo traveller. Buenos Aires is a city filled with attractions including Recoleta Cemetery, the neighbourhood of La Boca, Casa Rosada and the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires. Wander by yourself around the cobbled streets of Palermo Viejo and explore San Telmo, the oldest part of the city. Other places to visit in Argentina include the mesmerising Iguazu Waterfalls (on the Brazilian border), the Perito Moreno glacier, the Patagonian Steppe, the Andes, and the lush Lake District. Foreigners in South America really warm to each other and can be more open than in other continents.
Click here to see why you should visit South America in 2016.
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Best Destinations for the Solo Traveller – ASIA
Beijing
The language barrier can be a challenge for those travelling solo in China. Larger cities like Beijing are better in terms of finding people who speak English. It would be useful, however, to have a translation app on your phone and if you have any food allergies to have them written down in Chinese. Beijing has a range of attractions to visit including The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square. Solo travellers will find there are many attractions to keep them occupied including getting together with locals and travellers and enjoying some karaoke. Oh and make sure you try the delicious Peking Duck in Beijing!
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Shanghai
A vibrant city filled with a younger generation of people who like to party and are not afraid to mix with foreigners. Attractions in Shanghai include the lovely Bund river which lights up at night, the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower and Shanghai History Museum. Nanjing Road and Xintiandi are busy entertainment districts, home to many restaurants and cinemas and the Shanghai Museum are worth visiting.
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Xian
Xian was the ancient capital of 13 dynasties and features numerous historical sites and culture sites. The main drawcard is the Terracotta Warriors with a collection of terracotta figures showcased in three main square-shaped pits filled with warriors, chariots, and horses. Other attractions include Muslim Street, the Bell Tower and the music fountain in the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which is synchronised with the sound, light, water, and colour. It is a popular destination among foreign tourists in China.
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Hong Kong
Previously ruled by Britain until 1997, English is spoken more widely in Hong Kong which makes communicating easier for the solo traveller. Attractions in this city to visit include The Peak, the Ladies Markets, the Victoria Harbour with its magnificent Symphony of Lights nightly multimedia show and named the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’ by Guinness World Records. Another attraction is Tian Tan Buddha, the most famous attraction on Lantau Island, is the largest outdoor bronze Buddha in China. Lose yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Hong Kong. There are many permanent expats working here and drinking in the small bars seems like it is part of the culture making it easy to meet new people on a night out.
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Singapore
Singapore is one of the best destinations for the solo traveller because it is very safe and it is easy to get around on your own with its efficient public transportation. The majority of locals also speak English and are friendly and helpful. If you enjoy food, you can’t go past Singapore with its variety of cuisines! Eat your way through the hawker places for a fraction of the price you would pay in Australia. A city that is always busy with shops and restaurant open until late at night. Explore places on your own including Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Muslim District and Marina Bay Sands. Shop till you drop at Orchard Road, Bugis Street, and Vivocity.
Click to view our stopover guide to Singapore
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Indonesia
Solo travellers looking for wellness and health resorts will be spoilt for choice in Indonesia. People will be able to focus on a body, mind and soul transformation. Numerous holistic and wellness sanctuaries are available where people can relax and revitalize their physical, psychological and spiritual well-being in a natural setting. Bask in Ayurvedic spa treatments, participate in daily yoga, meditate and experience positive transformational change. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a full detox or a yoga immersion, chances are Indonesia has a retreat that’s tailor-made for you!
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If you have any tips for the best destinations for the solo traveller please share them in the comments section below so others can benefit from your experiences.
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