Ever get the itch to go and explore a different country and new cultures, but you just can’t quite convince your favourite buddies to hop aboard with you?
Well, you’re certainly not alone. But why should the reluctance of others not allow you to scratch that itch and cure your travel bug?
Solo travel can be a liberating experience that allows you to venture out on your own, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. It’s a chance to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself in ways you never thought possible.
A study from 2022 showed around 16 per cent of Americans have taken a solo vacation, while approximately 25 per cent have said they would consider going it alone. That equates to 53 million Americans taking a trip by themselves.
So, if you are thinking of taking the plunge, delve into the benefits of individual travel and check out some of the best places to visit as a solo traveler.
The thrill of solo travel
The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to all of our travel plans, but since restrictions globally were lifted and we could pack our cases once more the industry began to boom again.
Pre-covid, around 14 per cent of travelers were going solo, but by mid-2021 that figure was around 23 per cent.
There are copious benefits to journeying places alone, especially in a world where millions of others are doing the same.
Going on adventures by yourself offers a sense of freedom and independence that perhaps you might not get if you were accompanied by a partner, friend or relative.
Additionally, you will meet likeminded people, perhaps from other countries, which could open up avenues for further exploration down the line.
For many, a trip alone can be a journey to find themselves and discover more about who they are as a person. It can help you realise that you don’t need other people to feel whole, can really cleanse the soul and – perhaps most importantly – be a great way to contend with depression, anxiety and stress.
Where to visit on your solo adventure
If by now you have been convinced that solo travel is the thing for you, now it’s time to have a think about where you might want to go and visit.
If good-time vibes is your thing, then road-tripping down the East Coast of Australia is right up your street. Take the winding roads from Sydney to Cairns, checking off Bondi Beach, Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef along the way.
Staying in Australasia, there are plenty of solo activities to partake in on New Zealand’s South Island. Horse riding, skiing, kayaking, bungy jumping and skydiving to name a few, all with the added bonus of extraordinary scenery and landscapes to take in.
If Europe is what floats your boat, then a trip to Rome where you can view the Colosseum, Roman Forum and St Peter’s Basilica is a great spot or perhaps Barcelona where La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are among the beautiful landmarks to check out would be more to your taste.
Maybe your dream trip is to do with nature. If so, then solo travel in East Africa is ideal. See gorillas in Rwandan jungles or look out for the “big five” in Tanzania. Book a safari and meet other solo travelers on your vacation.
Newfoundland in Canada with the lively St John’s port is a great place for first-time solo travel, while Ubud in Indonesia is a great place for self-reflection and to get in touch with your spiritual side.
