So your friends all bailed on the awesome trip you had planned and without warning you are faced with a choice - postpone the adventure and spend the next few weeks at the office doing the same menial tasks you do every other day. Or, throw caution to the wind and travel to a foreign land on your own. The choice seems obvious to us, but many people may be anxious about the prospect of traveling solo. We can assure you: it's one of the most freeing and exhilarating feelings in the world to be completely out of your comfort zone. Make friends where you can, lose yourself someplace new, and follow your feet.
We've compiled a list of the best travel destinations for people to travel on their own. Just remember, you're never lonely if you like who you're with.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The land of the Vikings, the coastal capital of Iceland offers visitors unique cultural museums, art galleries, and of course bars and clubs. This city is renowned for its nightlife and as such, is a very popular place for young people to travel. A relatively safe country located halfway between North America and Europe, the locals are almost all friendly and know at least a little English. The surrounding area is comprised of gorgeous mountains and fjords, all of which visitors can get a view of from the city’s elevated rotating glass dome.
Paris, France
While Paris is often touted as the "City as Love," it is also a place where it's easy to fall in love with yourself. Over the years, artists, writers, architects, philosophers, and other creative types have been drawn to the city to gain inspiration from the many cafes and culture. The food in Paris is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, the music floats effortlessly down cobbled streets and landmarks sing of their regality and history. Check out the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or any of the city’s numerous other landmarks. When you're ready for some deep soul searching, grab a cup of coffee and chill street-side, taking in all the people and the scene.
Bali, Indonesia
If you're looking to Eat, Pray, Love it up, the sights, sounds and tastes of Indonesia can be a sacred experience. Feast on cheap, local seafood and enjoy the nightlife of some of the bigger cities like Kuta. Hang out on the beach and soak up the sunshine, letting the rays heal your soul. Rent a surfboard for 50 cents an hour and ride the waves, becoming one with the ocean. You can find yoga classes and retreats on the northern side of the island, or hike the volcanoes that speckle the landscape. Explore some of the local villages, and drink coffee in bamboo forests with monkeys, chickens and birds as your only neighbor.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The people of New Zealand are some of the most friendly folks you’ll meet anywhere and renowned for their adventurous spirit. Queenstown is a wonderful place to start your Oceania adventure. Resting on Lake Wakatipu in the South Island, surrounded by the dramatic mountain landscape that pervades in New Zealand, it is not only a beautiful place, but an exciting one. The area is famous for it's pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards, ski peaks, and just about any other adrenaline-sport you could possibly imagine. Want to check sky diving or bungee jumping off your bucket list? There's no better place to do it. Queenstown makes the list of radical solo travel destinations because of the jovial, amicable people and the incredible adventures to be had.
Seville, Spain
Many people regard Seville as the architectural capital of Spain, and it is easy to see why. Oddly abstract buildings protrude from the Andalusian skyline, which, according to legend, was founded by the Greek god Hercules 3000 years ago. Roman ruins still stand in some places, a testament to the age and importance of this southern Spanish city. In the Santa Cruz quarter evidence of the moorish era still exists like architectural signatures left by cultures who came and left. And the Arenal is completely suffused with colonial glory. You get a little bit of everything in Seville - charisma, personality, and looks. It's one of the best places to wander as a solo traveler because between the art, the food, the people, and the nightlife, it's easy to lose track of time and get sucked into the city's magic.
