Solo travel has been surging in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to understand why…
Solo travel affords maximum freedom and flexibility. Go where you want when you want and explore on your own terms, rather than acquiescing to a companion or group’s wants and concerns.
It gives you a chance to reconnect with yourself. There’s only one agenda when you’re traveling alone, and it’s the one that you create for yourself. You’ll tune into yourself to discover your needs and wants.
It can provide a sense of empowerment. You leave your comfort zone when you go on any trip. Going alone means that you’ll rely solely on yourself to navigate all situations, which can boost confidence.
It can even be a cure for loneliness. In 2023, more than half of Americans reported feeling lonely consistently. It’s counterintuitive, but going abroad alone can open you up to meeting new people. You may be more inclined to strike up conversations with strangers than you would be if you had a travel companion.
If you’re nervous about traveling on your own, you can go solo with a group. There are tours and trips you can join that are designed for solo travelers.
In fact, solo travel has become so popular that an entire industry has emerged to cater to it. Cruise lines, resorts, and tour companies are rolling out “packages for one” to accommodate this new consumer.
But you don’t have to buy one of these packages to enjoy a solo trip. Independent travel and traditional boots-on-the-ground exploration and adventure are available to solo travelers as well.
The key to having a good experience as a solo traveler is picking the right destination.
If safety concerns, loneliness, and boredom are the main drawbacks of solo travel, then you should choose a destination that’s safe, friendly, and vibrant, with plenty to see and do.
Here’s my shortlist of destinations that are ideal for solo travelers.
Montevideo, Uruguay
For someone taking their first trip as a solo traveler, the capital of Uruguay—despite not being on many people’s radar—is a great choice.
It’s safe, so solo travelers can feel comfortable exploring on their own. In fact, Uruguay is the highest-rated South American country in the 2023 Global Peace Index, coming in at #50.
It’s affordable and offers plenty to see and do—from learning about Guacho (cowboy) culture and attending barbecues to watching soccer matches and enjoying mate (tea made from the yerba mate plant).
It also has a long coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, with a beach accessible from Montevideo and another nearby in Punta del Este.
Uruguay may live in the shadows of Brazil and Argentina, but it outshines them when it comes to standard of living, with strong social safety nets and infrastructure.
Everything works as it should here, from its public transportation system to its U.S. dollar-dispensing ATMs. That user-friendliness makes it an ideal destination for solo travelers.
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Seville, Spain
Seville is the beating heart of Andalusia, a proud, culturally rich area in the south of Spain.
It’s replete with historically significant landmarks; architecture from the Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance eras; parks with walking trails; cycle lanes; flamenco music and dancing; river cruises; café and tapas culture; and more.
It’s also vibrant, with people socializing in plazas or on the terraces of restaurants until late in the evening most nights of the week. This constant presence of others at night can make a solo traveler feel more at ease, although this city is very safe to begin with.
Locals are friendly and welcoming. However, the English-speaking ability of those not in the tourism industry is limited. Speaking a bit of Spanish definitely enhances your travel experience in Seville.
Hanoi, Vietnam
With its bustling streets, constant traffic, quick-moving scooters, vibrant markets, and street hawkers, Hanoi has a buzz about it. It pulls people in and keeps them constantly entertained.
Its chief attraction is its Old Quarter, a labyrinth of a neighborhood that features a mix of architectural styles, from French mansions to Chinese temples to Buddhist pagodas. It’s a dense neighborhood that’s full of landmarks, restaurants, and cafés and is best explored on foot.
Hanoi is safe and affordable. It has a flourishing tourism industry, with tours and experiences available for all kinds of travelers.
Street food tours are a great way to sample the best of Hanoian cuisine and can also be a way to give back, as they’re often hosted by local university students who are eager to practice their English skills.
Dining in Hanoi is a casual affair; meals at local-style restaurants tend to be quick and informal, so you’ll never feel uncomfortable going to a restaurant by yourself.
Until next time,
Kathleen Peddicord
Founding Publisher, Overseas Opportunity Letter
Editor´s note: This article was first published in Forbes.
