From breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant cultural hubs, whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or embarking on your very first solo adventure, there are plenty of must-see destinations to add to your 2023 bucket list. The world is your oyster!
Over the past decade, adventure seekers have started to favour solo travel. Travelling on your own gives you the chance to venture outside of your comfort zone and learn new things, whether your goals are to explore different cultures, sample new delicacies, or simply enjoy some alone time. Solo travelling might sound lonely at first but both novice and experienced travellers alike may find it to be a gratifying and enlightening experience. In this guide, we’ll look at the safety advice for travelling alone, and the top solo travel locations for 2023. Get ready for a “eat, pray, love” experience!
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Why Travel Alone?
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Solo travelling offers a unique set of benefits that can’t be found in group travel. It allows you to plan your trip on your own terms, without having to worry about anyone else’s preferences. Here are some of the key benefits of solo travelling:
- Freedom and Flexibility: Solo travelling gives you complete control over your itinerary. You can choose where to go, what to do, and when to do it, without having to compromise with anyone else’s preferences.
- Personal Growth: Solo travelling allows you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. It can help you develop new skills, increase your confidence, and gain a new perspective on life.
- Meeting New People: Solo travelling offers plenty of opportunities to meet new people from different backgrounds and cultures! It can be a great way to make new friends and expand your social circle.
- Budget-Friendly: Solo travelling can be a budget-friendly option, as you have complete control over your expenses. You can choose budget-friendly accommodation, transportation, and activities without having to worry about anyone else’s budget but your own.
Tips for Staying Safe while Solo Travelling
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While solo travelling can be exciting, it is essential to take proper precautions to stay safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind while solo travelling:
- Research Your Destination: Before travelling, research your destination to learn about local customs, laws, and potential safety concerns. You can also find out about the best places to stay, eat, and visit.
- Stay Connected: Stay connected with your friends and family back home by sharing your itinerary and checking in regularly. You can also use social media to share your travel experiences and connect with other travellers.
- Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings at ALL times. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave immediately.
- Avoid Overdrinking: Drinking too much alcohol can impair your judgement and make you vulnerable to danger. It’s best to avoid excessive drinking while solo travelling.
- Use Common Sense: Use common sense and take basic precautions like locking your doors and windows, avoiding dark alleys and unfamiliar places, and keeping your valuables safe.
Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer
Now that the necessary introductions are covered, let’s explore the best destinations for solo travellers in 2023. We evaluated these places based on their safety, activities, and accessibility to transportation:
1. Bali, Indonesia
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Bali, Indonesia is a paradise for backpackers and digital nomads, with modern amenities against a tropical backdrop and a community of helpful locals and foreigners. It’s also a safe and accessible destination for solo travellers — both beginners and seasoned ones. Bali offers a range of activities such as beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine, which are perfect for keeping solo travellers occupied. The island’s infrastructure caters to tourists and is rather well-developed, making it easy to get around and explore on a scooter, which is the local vehicle of choice.
Bali also offers many opportunities for experienced travellers to get off the beaten path and explore hidden gems such as island hopping, secluded beaches, and authentic villages. Generally, crime rates in Bali are relatively low but of course, never let your guard down as there are still concerns like taxi scams or souvenir scams. Also, beware of the Bali Belly! Keep in mind to drink bottled water instead of Bali’s tap water and avoid improperly cooked food. Overall, Bali is a destination that should definitely be on any solo traveller’s bucket list.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our 5D4N Bali Itinerary
2. Bangkok, Thailand
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Bangkok, Thailand is a safe and accessible destination for solo travellers, whether they’re newbies or experts. Bangkok offers a range of activities that are perfect for first-time solo travellers. The city’s famous temples, such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, provide a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. Street food and markets are also popular attractions, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes and unique souvenirs. Travellers can also take a tuk-tuk ride or river cruise to explore the city’s main attractions.
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For seasoned travellers, Bangkok offers many opportunities to explore the city’s less touristy neighbourhoods. The city is home to many hidden gems, such as Chinatown, Thonburi, lesser-known temples, and humble local villages. These areas provide a more authentic experience of Thai culture and daily life, away from the crowds of tourists.
Bangkok is known for its friendly locals, and safety is a top priority with measures taken to ensure visitors’ safety. The city has a well-developed transportation system and English is widely spoken, making it easy to navigate and communicate.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our guide to Bangkok tourist traps and scams you should avoid
3. Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto is a great destination for solo travellers, offering an endless variety of unique cultural experiences for both first-timers and those who have already visited before. You can explore the city’s iconic attractions, including Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, and participate in cultural activities such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, garden tours, and more. The possibilities are pretty much endless whether you’re travelling alone or with a group.
For adventurous folks, Kyoto offers many opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore the city’s less touristy areas. The city has many narrow streets and alleys that are home to local shops, traditional cafes, and hidden temples. Gion, a traditional geisha district, is also worth exploring for those interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture. The Nishiki Market is a great place to sample local food and drink, and the city has many izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs) that are popular with locals.
Kyoto is well-connected by public transport and has a well-developed tourism infrastructure with accommodations to suit all budgets and needs. English is widely spoken, and the city offers a friendly and welcoming culture, making it an unforgettable destination for solo travellers.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our guide on the best things to do in Kyoto & Osaka
4. Sydney, Australia
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Sydney is a popular destination for travellers of all types, offering a range of attractions to suit both beginners and seasoned solo travellers. For beginners, the city boasts famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which offer guided tours and spectacular views of the city and the harbour. In addition, the city has a rich cultural heritage and offers museums, art galleries, and historic districts such as The Rocks to explore.
Sydney is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a range of activities available such as surfing, hiking, and whale watching. The city’s beaches, such as Bondi and Coogee, are popular spots for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, while the nearby Blue Mountains offer hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whale-watching tours are also available, allowing visitors to see these majestic creatures up close.
Sydney is a vibrant and exciting destination that is both safe and accessible for travellers of all levels of experience. With its world-famous landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, Sydney has something to offer everyone.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our guide on the best things to do in Sydney during winter
5. Queenstown, New Zealand
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Queenstown is located on the South Island of New Zealand and is known for being the adventure capital of the world. If you’re new in town, Queenstown offers a range of fun and exciting activities such as jet boating, horseback riding, and zip-lining. There are also many scenic hikes and nature walks that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The town itself has a lively atmosphere, with many restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
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For thrill-seekers, Queenstown offers a unique experience with a range of adrenaline-inducing activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and white-water rafting. Get up to 5% cashback when you book on Klook via YouTrip perks with your YouTrip Mastercard — gotta maximise those savings! These activities provide an opportunity to push boundaries and experience the rush of adventure in a beautiful setting.
Queenstown also offers many opportunities for hiking and mountaineering, including the popular Milford Track and Routeburn Track. The town has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and nightclubs to enjoy. Whether exploring the stunning surroundings or trying out the local cuisine, Queenstown, NZ is a destination that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our guide to freedom camping in New Zealand with this 10D9N itinerary
6. Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona is a great destination for both novice and expert travellers. If you’re travelling there for the first time, the city offers many famous landmarks to explore, such as the Sagrada Familia, a stunning cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudi, and Park Guell, a whimsical park filled with colourful mosaics and sculptures also designed by Gaudi.
Barcelona offers many opportunities for seasoned travellers to get off the beaten path and explore the city’s less touristy neighbourhoods. The El Raval neighbourhood, for example, is known for its street art and vibrant nightlife, while the Gracia neighbourhood has a Bohemian feel with many trendy cafes and boutique shops.
Food and wine lovers can explore the city’s many local markets, such as the Mercat de la Boqueria, which offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landmarks, and vibrant safe neighbourhoods, Barcelona offers a unique and unforgettable experience for solo travellers.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Check out our guide to the best Barcelona tapas
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
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Reykjavik is an interesting city with contrasting charms; it’s small yet cosmopolitan, vibrant yet rustic. There are many attractions to explore, such as the city’s famous geothermal pools, including the Blue Lagoon, which offers a unique and relaxing experience to anyone looking to feel refreshed. You can also take advantage of the many tours available to witness the stunning Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that illuminates the sky with vibrant colours.
Feeling up for an adventure? Reykjavik offers many opportunities to explore the country’s natural beauty and engage in outdoor activities. You can go on a glacier hike or ice climb and even partake in whale watching in the surrounding seas. Those interested in history and culture can also explore the city’s museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Iceland and the Reykjavik Art Museum. This city boasts a well-connected transportation system making it easy to navigate and is also known for its safe and welcoming environment for solo travellers.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Find out what else you can do in Reykjavik, Iceland here
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The city offers a chance for newbies to explore some of its most famous attractions, such as tango shows and delicious local cuisine. The tango is a dance that originated in Buenos Aires, and there are many tango shows where you can watch professional dancers perform, and even take tango lessons yourself!
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Buenos Aires is famous for its delicious food, particularly its beef. You can try traditional Argentinian steak at one of the many steak houses, or “parrillas,” located throughout the city. Empanadas, a popular snack food made of pastry filled with meat or vegetables, can also be found at many street vendors.
Looking for something different? Explore the city’s less touristy neighbourhoods and experience the local culture by wandering through the colourful streets of La Boca, known for its vibrant architecture and street art. Another less touristy neighbourhood is San Telmo, which is home to many antique shops and traditional cafes. Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, but like any big city, it’s important to take precautions. Be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and you’d be alright!
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Find out what else you can do in Bueno Aires, Argentina here
9. Patagonia, Chile
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Patagonia is a remote and rugged region in southern Chile that’s famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. It’s a suitable destination for both beginner and seasoned travellers. For beginner travellers, there are many guided tours and excursions available, making it easier to explore the area’s national parks, glaciers, and wildlife without needing advanced hiking or camping experience.
If you’re a seasoned pro, Patagonia offers some of the world’s most challenging and rewarding outdoor activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and kayaking. However, as it’s a remote region, you should take necessary precautions to plan ahead with or without a guide & ensure your safety while being prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. If you pay heed to the above, Patagonia can be a rewarding destination for adventurous solo travellers.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Find out what else you can do in Patagonia, Chile here
10. Montreal, Canada
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Montreal is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city in Canada that offers a mix of European and North American charm. It’s known to be very safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a multicultural population. You can enjoy its rich history, art, music, festivals, and cuisine, as well as its nearby natural attractions like Mount Royal Park and the Botanical Garden. There are museums to visit like the Museum of Fine Arts and Musee d’art, and cafes for you to stop and take a break every now and then. Not forgetting, a lively and diverse nightlife to explore.
If you ever run out of ideas, Montreal also has many guided tours that can help any traveller discover the city from different perspectives and meet other travellers as well. Getting around in Montreal is convenient as it has a well-established public transport system with Metro and buses.
Solo Travelling In 2023: Must-See Destinations For The Independent Adventurer — Find out what else you can do in Montreal, Canada here
Ready To Embark On Your Solo Adventure?
Solo travelling can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both beginners and seasoned travellers. By following these tips and recommendations, you can plan a solo trip that is tailored to your interests and comfort level. Whether you’re exploring a new city or venturing off the beaten path, solo travelling offers a chance to discover new things and create lasting memories. Don’t forget to use your YouTrip Mastercard to enjoy those wholesale exchange rates!
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