Top 5 Destinations for Single Travelers

Let’s be honest; solo trips can be nerve-racking. And they usually are. Anticipation, second-guessing, “where am I going?”, “why am I even going?”, “is it really safe?”, “what if I feel lonely?” can take a toll on us before we even board the plane. It’s a three-piece obstacle. We need to make a decision (and stick to it), plan our itinerary, and finally – hear one of the flight crew members announce: “Ready for takeoff. Please, fasten your seatbelts, place your seat back in the fully upright position, and secure the tray table in front of you.” Yes, it’s a mixed bag of delight and hypothetical dread. But is it worth it? 100%, absolutely, unconditionally, utterly worth it. Once we’re on the road, the jigsaw falls into place. Zero effort. It just feels right. Okay, so where to? Let’s explore our top 5 destinations for single travelers. Ready? Lift-off.

#1. Iceland

Any Björk fans out there traveling solo? From Snaefellsjokull Glacier (don’t bother, pronouncing it requires a Viking gene) to South Coast’s Black Sand Beach, Iceland is one big dreamland for the entire human species. Nature? A spectacle beyond your wildest imagination. What about safety? It’s been ranked the safest country in the world. (year after year…after year) Being a tight-knit community/country, Icelanders rarely lock their cars or even their homes. (their police force is supernatural – they don’t believe in carrying guns) Trust above all things! For any outdoorsy traveler, Iceland is a dream come true. Must-see sights:

  • Blue Lagoon
  • Gullfoss Falls
  • Jökulsárlón
  • Seljalandsfoss
  • Þingvellir National Park
  • Hallgrímskirkja

and many more. (do your research, and prepare to get amazed) Now, next-level greatness: it is also home to Earth’s most astounding phenomenon: Aurora Borealis, or, as the folks say: Behold, the Northern lights! Does it get any better than that? Ethereal beauty, all yours. Language barriers are a rare occurrence, as most Icelanders speak English. Downside? It’s pricey. Solution? Hostels and BYOF (buy your own food)

#2. Japan

Ohayō gozaimasu, beautiful stranger. (good morning!) Japan is a country of exquisite contrast, and that’s exactly why we love it. On the one hand, its geographic coordinate oozes rich, intense, bow-down history, yet, on the other hand, its technological innovation is simply unparalleled. The beauty of its collage lies in cohesiveness; it’s where tradition meets the future, and they walk hand in hand. (probably off to get some sushi) Anyhow, Land of the Rising Sun should be on everyone’s bucket list. I’m looking at you, single travelers. Shake hands with the enigma and its inexplicably intricate nature. Why go? The cities are out-of-this-world clean. The people? Polite doesn’t do it justice. Is it safe? A hundred times, yes. What to see?

  • Mount Fuji
  • Imperial Tokyo
  • Historic Kyoto
  • Temple City: Historic Nara
  • Osaka Castle
  • Chūbu-Sangaku National Park and the Japanese Alps
  • Sapporo, Hokkaido
  • Koyasan Okunoin

We can do this all day. From food to cemeteries – every single atom (made in Japan) is simply awe-inspiring. Whatever your destination, you can’t go wrong. Now, as for the practical side of travel, language can be a barrier. Some signs are exclusively written in Japanese (train stations can be a bit daunting!) and don’t be surprised if your hotel staff isn’t excelling in the English department. No need to panic; their friendliness and kindness make the miscommunication much less stressful. Money-wise, Japan isn’t exactly cheap. Be sure to get the best travel insurance policy. Better safe than sorry.

#3. Germany

Talking about destinations for single travelers; 30% of Germans spend their holidays in their motherland. What?! What, indeed. There’s more. It’s the seventh most visited country in the world, with tens of millions of visitors arriving each year. (alright, minus the COVID outburst era) So, what’s so special about this place? Other than its “economy giant” status. Well, it’s historic, eclectic, and just – beautiful. The combination of old-world charm and urban city vibes hits that sweet spot. Berlin, of course, takes the throne. Since the infamous wall’s demolition in 1989, Berlin has become one of the European epicenters of supreme nightlife, art, inclusivity, ethnic diversity, and, of course, cultural activities. With a wide array of gastronomic options and being fairly wallet-friendly, Germany is definitely a great contender. Things to see:

  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag Building
  • Neuschwanstein Castle
  • Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
  • Cologne Cathedral
  • Museum Island
  • East Side Gallery

Oh, and be sure to visit Munich, the birthplace of the world-famous Oktoberfest! If you’re in addiction recovery, please remember: staying active is important. Physical activity and traveling are the best remedies for mental health.

#4. New Zealand

New Zealand is held by many as one of the most beautiful countries on planet Earth. Remote, maybe. But is that really a thing anymore? Every known coordinate is just a plane ride away. Although modest in size, New Zealand packs a lot of history, attractions, and culture. If you’re an outdoorsy type, welcome to heaven. There are innumerable hiking trails that are simply next-level beautiful. Its dazzling wealth of otherworldly scenery (think Lord of the Rings filming location) is absolutely worth that plane ride. World-class surfing? World-class skiing? Yes, and yes. Mountains, glaciers, thousands of lakes, breathtaking landscapes. Oh, it’s worth it! An absolute must:

  • Lake Tekapo
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Mount Tongariro
  • Aoraki/Mount Cook
  • Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
  • Abel Tasman National Park

Just two things: 1. visiting this gem is a bit on the expensive side. 2. You should be comfortable driving long distances.

#5. Singapore

This Southeast Asian micro-universe of exceptional architecture, Michelin star food, lush green spaces, and century-old temples is a definite must. Food festivals, world-class museums, art galleries, and spectacular nightlife – it’s party and glitz 24/7. Ultimate enjoyment for all 5 senses. You will never, ever witness a cleaner country. (their laws prohibit chewing gums, spitting, let alone litter – and the city takes it very seriously) Be sure to visit:

  • ArtScience Museum
  • National Gallery Singapore
  • Haw Par Villa
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Fort Canning
  • Siloso Beach

Head down to Orchard Road for some of the best upscale shopping, restaurants, and coffee shops. The crime rate is extremely low due to the city’s enhanced security and laws. As for the language barrier, be still, thy heart! There are four official languages in Singapore: Mandarin, Tamil, Malay, and – English.

Finally

We hope you enjoyed our top 5 destinations for single travelers. And remember: there are no wrong choices, only personal preferences.