Travellers these days enjoy discovering the freedom of exploring a new place on their own, in their own terms. While the idea of hitting the road by oneself can be scary, conquering such fear would be the beginning of the ultimate journey.
Travelling alone will automatically draw the solo traveller to meeting new people and find out limits when there isn't the safety of a travel companion to lean on. It is quite common today and most travellers claim that it’s actually the best way to see the world. Here are 5 of the best
solo travel destinations.
Costa Rica
It is believed that the concept of adventure travel
originated in Costa Rica. Tourists have been
drawn to this particular destination for years to surf on the Pacific coast or try rafting on the white waters of the Reventazón and Pacuare rivers or even ziplining through the forest canopy. The saying ‘pura vida’ is popular in Costa Rica, which translates to pure life and is used to convey the sentiment that life is wonderful. A solo trip to Costa Rica within the friendly enthusiastic locals is sure to be a major plus in your journey of self-discovery and finding happiness. The beautiful country has been renowned as the safest destination in Central America.
New Zealand
New Zealand is known to be the adventure centre of the world. So, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, but your friends are not, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t discover this amazing country by yourself. You can go hiking, bungie jumping, diving, cycling, caving, or surfing, among many others, so boredom is not an option. The diverse scenery and breath-taking landscapes in New Zealand make it the perfect place for photography enthusiasts as well. New Zealand is one of the safest countries to travel and the locals (Kiwis) are very friendly. Language shouldn’t be a problem as Kiwis speak English, but you’ll have to get used to some of their different references.
Bali, Indonesia
If the idea of venturing off on your own is on your bucket list because you want peace, Bali is for you. Imagine attending a yoga class on the beach, having relaxing messages, or simply reading a good book with no interruptions. You can discover the temples to learn more about the fascinating culture and indulge in the exquisite cuisine. Bali is truly magical. The sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and surrounding lush terraced rice fields provides every feeling of serenity. The nightlight is quite exciting and the locals are very friendly too.
Singapore
Singapore offers one of the best solo travel destinations as well. It is very easy to get around using public transportation, especially the amazing subway system (MRT or Mass Rapid Transit). Don’t worry if you get lost as most locals speak English and are more than happy to help. The vibrant city is completely safe too and offers a wide range of activities. Shopping in Singapore is among the top in the world, from high-end designer boutiques and brands (Orchard Road) to bargain-priced shops for antiques. The Singaporean cuisine is also top-notch. Don’t forget to try their delicious Chilli Crabs! You won’t run out of things to do or places to go where you can meet other fellow travellers. Highlights include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, National Gallery Singapore, Siloso Beach, and Universal Studios Singapore. For a really cool experience, go for indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore, the world’s first and largest wind tunnel with speeds up to 300km/hour.
Switzerland
Switzerland has a mesmerizing beauty about it that make it among the most serene destinations in Europe. As a solo traveller, you can start with Zurich. The stunning pedestrian-friendly city is the largest in Switzerland and you can easily walk around to discover the entire city. Don’t forget your hiking boots and purchase a Swiss Rail Pass, used for every train, tram, and Lake Steamer which are considered among the best and safest in the world. You might want to head south to the shores of the breath-taking Lake Geneva where you can discover the bistros, the bustling nightlife, and the museums of Montraux and Lausanne. Cycling is very popular in Switzerland so try discovering the cities using the cycling routes all over the country.
By Amal Ahmed
