Travelling alone can be quite daunting, especially if you’re a first-time traveller. From deciding on where to go, planning, booking of flights and accommodation. The first thing solo travellers should always consider is their safety in a foreign country, whether you’re on a working holiday, immigrating or participating in international volunteer work. Alliance Work & Travel has compiled a list of countries that have been voted the best by solo travellers. So, if you’re undecided on where to go for your next holiday, take a few minutes to read what we have to say about the Top 6 Countries to Visit for Solo Travellers.
- Canada
Solo travellers love this location because, well, it’s Canada, after all. Canada has a solid reputation as one of the safest nations for solo travellers, and for good reason. Canada is a great place for solo travel because its citizens are among the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. Canada is also listed as the 8th safest country in the world. With numerous picturesque landscapes, you will never get bored or run out of fun activities to enjoy. With most of the nation being native English speakers, communicating with locals will not be a challenge for travellers from English speaking countries. Canada has is not the most affordable country to visit however it does have a special working holiday visa, which will allow you to take a much needed vacation, while earning money on the side.
- New Zealand
New Zealand is a favourite destination for solo travellers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, possibly because it is the world’s second most tranquil country, according to the Global Peace Index. The country is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and one of the greatest places to meet other travellers. Take a cruise through Milford Sound’s fjords, rainforests, and waterfalls; heli-hike into Franz Josef Glacier; climb part (or all) of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; visit the Waitomo Glow -worm Caves; or go whale-watching in the Bay of Plenty.
- Spain
Spain has something for everyone: art museums, beautiful architecture, excellent food, beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife scene, and breath-taking treks. Wander through Barcelona’s Parc Güell, a public park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes mosaics, sculptures, and modern architecture created by Catalan architect Antoni Gaud. Continue your Gaud tour with La Sagrada Familia, albeit work on it hasn’t been finished for nearly 140 years! then on to the Picasso Museum. When you start to feel hungry, head to La Boqueria, the city’s oldest market. Some of the top beaches in the world are also found in Spain, including Socorro Beach in Tenerife and Ocata Beach close to Barcelona. Those who are daring and truly adventurous can embark on a journey along the renowned Camino de Santiago or take part in a scheduled hike through Málaga’s Caminito del Rey.
- Japan
Tokyo is the first stop. You’ll never run out of things to do in the opulent city, whether you choose to shop in the posh Ginza district, ride to the top of one of the tallest towers in the world, tour the Sens-ji Temple, eat ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (the famous chain serves steaming bowls of ramen in solo booths), or take a leisurely stroll through a traditional Japanese garden. You can take a bullet train to Kyoto to find a bevy of shrines, gardens, and temples if you need a break from the noise and activity. Since Kyoto is where the tea ceremony originated, you might want to participate in the custom while you’re there. No matter where in the country you go in Japan, make sure to visit in the spring to view the stunning cherry blossoms in bloom. In Japan, the majority of people are extraordinarily polite, and if not, they at least keep to themselves. Nobody looks at you strangely or wonders why you’re by yourself, and it’s common to see ladies eating alone or travelling alone on public transportation. There is even a dedicated overnight bus for ladies alone.
- Ireland
Visit Ireland if the thought of going alone to a place where you don’t speak the language makes you uneasy. In Dublin, you can explore Grafton Street’s busy shops, partake in a literary walking tour of the UNESCO City of Literature, and unwind with a pint of the city’s most well-known stout in the Guinness Storehouse. Galway is also not to be missed, thanks to its beautiful surroundings and welcoming locals. While you’re there, take a stroll down the charming Salthill Promenade or find a spot to sit in an old-fashioned bar in Eyre Square and take in some live Irish music. Take a bus to the well-known Cliffs of Moher for stunning vistas or board a ferry to the adjacent Aran Islands to discover historical ruins and forts from the Middle Ages. Ireland is also known for its friendly citizens, breath-taking landscapes, vivid history, stunning coastlines, and prehistoric sites. A trip to the Guinness Storehouse is essential for beer lovers. Ireland is placed #1 in Bounce’s analysis of the safest nations for female travellers and third on the GPI. It received good marks for its local attitudes towards violence against women and its laws protecting women from violence, ranking it among the top countries for nearly all eight of the study’s variables.
- Germany
There are various large cities in Germany that are reachable by independent travellers. Berlin’s plethora of museums, historical monuments, cafés, nightclubs, and parks can all be explored on bicycles. Munich is certainly worth a visit during Oktoberfest, but if you’d prefer to skip the crowds, you can visit at any time of year and take advantage of the city’s beer gardens. In the increasingly well-liked city of Frankfurt, you may also find a diverse selection of museums, cafés, shops, restaurants, and even a botanical park.
There are over 20,000 notable castles in Germany, so you might want to think about scheduling some side trips to see some of them. Any of Germany’s stunning ancient castles, from the gothic Liechtenstein Castle to the dramatic Neuschwanstein Castle, will make you feel as though you’ve stepped out of a fairy tale.