Travelling alone: the 10 most popular destinations
Backpacking and travelling solo are two things that go hand in hand. It’s like bread and butter, or Forrest and Jenny. So it’s no surprise that every year more and more independent travellers are choosing to stay in hostels to enjoy their more sociable side and a relaxed atmosphere. But… what are the best destinations to travel to on your own?
To give you all the information you need and help you organise your next solo adventure, we’ve been looking for the places that are currently most popular amongst solo travellers. It’s high time to treat yourself a little and for you and your belongings to set off on the trip of a lifetime!
Here are the 10 most popular destinations among independent travellers, based on the number of solo bookings made last year.
1. United States
📍 San Francisco, California 📷: Jamie Street
The United States is one of the best destinations for solo travellers thanks to its vast and varied landscape. In other words: there’s something for everyone in the US (and forgive the cliché, but it’s true!). Fancy going skiing in Montana? Or go surfing in Los Angeles? Or perhaps take a city break to New York? Well, here you can do it all! And if you add to that the classic American friendliness and a touch of Southern hospitality, it’s no wonder the United States recorded the highest number of individual bookings in 2017.
The Land of the Free isn’t exactly a cheap destination, but luckily we’ve got some excellent hostels that’ll help you make the most of your euros!
2. England
📍London, United Kingdom 📷: Heidi Sandstrom
Another old favourite. In second place on our list of destinations for solo travel is England, and within it, London stands out as the city most booked in 2017 by our most independent travellers. Those who visit London do so to experience that authentically British vibe: seeing the red buses, the iconic black cabs (London’s black taxis), taking a trip to Buckingham Palace to say hello to Queen Elizabeth… and also to enjoy a delicious curry on Brick Lane, have a pint in a traditional pub and have a brilliant time partying in one of Europe’s best nightlife scenes.
3. Spain
📍Barcelona, Spain 📷: Toa Heftiba
Every city in Spain has its own vibrant and distinct culture, so you could spend months and months exploring them and never get bored. Although each city has its own unique flavour, there is one thing that connects them all: their cuisine. As you’d expect, Spanish food is out of this world! Make the most of it by enjoying tapas and Spanish wine until you’re sleepy enough to collapse and have a proper siesta… are we dreaming?
4. Australia
📍Sydney, Australia 📷: Mahdis Mousavi
When you think of “backpacking” or “travelling solo”, one of the first destinations that springs to mind is Australia, so it’s no surprise that it’s managed to secure a place amongst the top five countries in the world for individual bookings last year. Australia is full of incredible hostels, tanned surfers and some of the best diving spots in the world (though do try not to think too much about those toothy, finned ‘friends’ lurking about…). In fact, travelling to Australia is a sort of rite of passage for any self-respecting backpacker. It’s also a popular stop-off for solo travellers looking to work abroad, and boasts a wonderfully friendly population who are always keen to help and give you the best advice. For all these reasons and many more, Australia is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for solo travel.
5. Italy
📍Rome, Italy 📷 Christopher Czermak
I could tell you about the classical beauty of Roman architecture, the fairytale houses perched on the edge of a cliff in Positano, or the fascinating history of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but let’s not kid ourselves. When you go on holiday to Italy, you know that what you’re really after is its delicious cuisine. Italy is considered the centre of the carbohydrate universe! Its food is famous all over the world, so we can’t think of a better way to sample it than by going to its place of origin and enjoying top-quality produce. That said, do try to avoid the tourist traps. Instead, ask the staff at your hostel to recommend the best places to eat – the ones the locals actually go to. Oh! And PLEASE, don’t leave without trying a pizza in Naples, the city where this world-famous dish was born.
6. Thailand
📍Phra Nang, Thailand 📷: Farsai C
One of the most popular destinations for first-time solo travellers is Thailand, a country that attracts thousands of backpackers year after year. Its capital, Bangkok, is considered by many to be the gateway to South-East Asia, making Thailand a natural stop-off on any trip to this part of the world. That said, you should know that there’s plenty to see in Bangkok, so don’t even think about giving it a miss! Bangkok is noisy, chaotic and a wonderfully exciting capital that could well rival New York for the title of ‘the city that never sleeps’.
If, on the other hand, you’re not so much of a city person and you’re more into the beach vibe, the islands are the perfect place for you, my friend. You’ll be spoilt for choice with hundreds of islets to choose from, so it’s best to do a bit of research beforehand: do you prefer an island where you can party until you drop, or a secluded beach in the middle of nowhere? Whatever you decide, get ready to enjoy breathtaking beauty, white sandy beaches, really cool beach bars and loads of amazing spots for snorkelling.
7. Germany
📍Berlin, Germany 📷: Pablo Hermoso
Famous for its beer, bratwurst and for having the best nightclubs in the world (and the most exclusive ones too!), Germany is the perfect destination for solo travellers looking to meet fellow travellers. In summer, Berlin turns into one giant beer garden where you’ll find both locals and other travellers sharing a jug of ice-cold beer.
Berlin’s nightlife is also unrivalled in Europe. The doormen at the nightclubs are famous for letting in solo travellers and small groups in particular, so if you’re travelling alone, you’ll have no trouble getting in. And as well as the nightclubs, Berlin is also known for its street art, its festivals and its grunge aesthetic…prost!
8. France
📍Paris, France 📷: John Towner
Flashpackers and the chicest travellers often choose the City of Love as their favourite getaway to experience first-hand the fashion, culture and style that only Paris has to offer. It’s the city of hopeless romantics, aspiring poets and art lovers, and year after year it enjoys a steady stream of bookings from people who like to travel solo.
And once you’ve fallen head over heels in love with Paris, head out to the stunning French countryside or visit the wonderful beaches of the south of France. You might even bump into a celebrity on the hunt for their new yacht!
9. Japan
📍Osaka, Japan 📷: Alexander Smagin
Travelling to Japan is like taking a trip into the future. Everywhere you look, you’ll find all sorts of fascinating technological gadgets, modern megacities and space-inspired capsule hostels. Tokyo’s bright lights are as eye-catching as they are overwhelming, and the street food is absolutely sensational!
But it’s not all about modernity. In Japan, you’ll also find unspoilt nature and centuries of ancient tradition, so be sure to visit its temples and marvel at the picture-postcard view of Mount Fuji. Add to that the country’s highly efficient transport network and top-class hostels, and Japan is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel to on your own for your next adventure.
10. The Netherlands
📍Amsterdam, The Netherlands 📷: Javier M
The Netherlands is truly wonderful. Its people are among the friendliest in the world, so if you’re travelling alone, they’ll always be ready to welcome you with open arms. Its capital, Amsterdam, is one of the best places to visit in Europe, with its incredible tulip fields, winding canals and, of course, its legal cannabis. It’s no wonder you might find yourself feeling more relaxed than usual (whatever the reason…), which is why we think Amsterdam is the perfect city to travel to on your own, meet new people and have new experiences.
Thanks@gabe.nitrofor the cover photo!
Have we sparked your desire to travel solo? 👇
👭 Travelling solo: Tips for meeting people whilst travelling
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