Lewis may have needed Clark, but for most trips, I think it’s OK to be a party of one. In fact, my favourite style of travel, #solotravel, is now trending on social media and in real life. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from adventuring alone in 65 countries, it’s this: some countries cater to lone wolves better than others. Whether you’re looking to lay on the beach, climb a volcano, or explore the big city, here are my top five places for solo travel.
These are the five best places to travel solo
Portugal
Western Europe’s most affordable country, Portugal has been my second home since 2016. Whether in Alentejo or the Algarve, I can always find a EUR 2 (RM 10) glass of wine and five-star hotels, including IHG’s new Vignette Collection properties in Porto and Lisbon, for under EUR 200 (RM 1,021) per night. It’s the fifth safest country in Europe, according to the Institute for Economics & Peace 2023 Global Peace Index (for comparison, Spain ranked 23rd and France 34th) and is home to the world’s largest standing wave. Since surfing solo is dangerous, I go with Onda Pura. In Lisbon, visit the Oceanário, voted the world’s best aquarium. Alone, you can linger at exhibits for as long as you want. I’ve travelled the country by train and bus, but I recommend renting a car for as little as EUR 25 (RM 127) per day. Pro tip: Learn how to drive a manual first.
Book your stay at Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection via Booking.com
Book your stay at Vignette Collection Convent Square Lisbon via Agoda.com
South Africa
While it’s not the safest country on the Mother Continent, ranking 32nd in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Global Peace Index, South Africa is the easiest for Americans to visit. United Airlines offers nonstop service from multiple US cities to Cape Town, English is widely spoken, and there are restaurants catering to every diet. I use Facebook to join group hikes and dinners and Airbnb to book guided, local experiences. I recommend doing the “From Prisoner to President Tour” hosted by Nelson Mandela’s former prison guard and friend, Christo Brand. To visit the wineries, take the Franschhoek Tram. I’ve also enjoyed solo safaris. Alone, you can choose your start time (I hate waking up at 5:30 am for game drives), and you always have the best seat. During low season, some lodges waive the single supplement. Year-round, the new Loapi Tented Camp only charges solo travellers 62% of what it would charge a couple. For travel within the country, book a package with a company like Kensington Tours; it includes all transfers.
Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Cape Town via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hyatt Regency Cape Town via Agoda.com
Costa Rica
Since I lived in Nicaragua, I have an impressive collection of passport stamps from Costa Rica. It’s the safest place in Central America, and it offers everything from volcano trekking to beach hopping on two incredible coastlines. I want to check out the new SP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, which hosts wellness retreats and is part of the Red Sofia Program (designed to make travel safer for single women).
Meanwhile, in Monteverde, solo travellers can’t go wrong at Hotel Belmar where you don’t have to venture off-site for adventure (book the canopy immersion and coffee tasting). For an all-inclusive, I recommend Secrets Papagayo. It’s not the place to stay if you don’t want to be around couples, but it’s adults-only and hosts theme nights, beach games, and cocktail parties where singles can mingle.
Book your stay at Hotel Belmar via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hotel Belmar via Agoda.com
Maldives
Good news! You don’t need to be with a romantic partner to visit the Maldives. I solo-mooned there and had a blast falling back in love with me, myself, and I. Highlights include visiting Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu’s turtle rescue center, reading by my plunge pool (“Eat, Pray, Love” is a must for solo travellers), and when I wanted company, hitting up the beach barbecues. You also don’t have to be a millionaire. The island of Maafushi caters to backpackers, and even at a resort, I stayed under USD 350 (RM 1,647) per day. Have a bigger budget? Consider booking the Gili Solo Experience. Boasting an underwater suite and restaurant, the Conrad Maldives is also on my list. For flights, try Emirates; round-trip fares from New York’s JFK to Malé start at USD 1,265 (RM 5,954).
Book your stay at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island via Booking.com
Book your stay at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort via Agoda.com
US
Not having anyone to split expenses with, domestic travel is the cheapest. I explore my backyard in Montana where I staycate at Lone Mountain Ranch. With its queen bed, the Meadowlark Cabin is ideal for one, and the group activities offer opportunities to socialise. For an urban escape, I prefer New York City, where I stay at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. Its lobby has a community table, fireplaces, and live jazz most nights. Since there’s no shame in doing the Great White Way without a date, I went to see “The Notebook” in April. Finding one centre orchestra seat is easier than finding seats together. For getting around, use the MTA’s new OMNY credit/debit card tap program; it’s the best value.
Book your stay at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue via Booking.com
Book your stay at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue via Agoda.com
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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
(Feature Image Credit: Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
Related: Hotspots Around The World That Are Perfect For Solo Travellers