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<\/p>\nWho said you had to be home for Christmas? Having a solo Christmas in some of the best cities is a great way to make lifelong ties with people from all over the world. There\u2019s the bonus that you don\u2019t have to see family members who get on your nerves, and you can save more money for travel! Depending on where you go, it could be cheaper and less busy than travelling in peak season. Whether you want sun and beaches or snow and Christmas markets, we\u2019ve got a variety of destinations for you to choose from.\u00a0Here\u2019s our list of the 10 best places to spend Christmas alone.<\/p>\n
Stop that resting Grinch face, it\u2019s time for some holiday cheer!\u00a0\ud83c\udf20<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udcf8:@nicolebaster<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with the obvious one, shall we? Bruges is arguably the Christmas capital of the world, so it\u2019s a very suitable place to spend Christmas as a solo traveller<\/a>. The city\u2019s Christmas lights and picturesque cottages will make you feel like you\u2019re in a life-sized snow globe.<\/p>\n Be sure to check out the Burg (which dates back to the 2nd<\/sup> century), the Rozenhoedkaai for some picture perfect views, and the Markt for a bite to eat. This town is perfect for spending the day wandering around!<\/p>\n Pick up some presents for your loved ones or have a mulled wine for yourself (cause it\u2019s the most wine-derful time of year)!<\/p>\n How many days:<\/b>\u00a03<\/p>\n Our hostels in Bruges<\/a> will have you feeling the holiday cheer. St Christopher\u2019s Inn Bauhaus<\/a> is a super social hostel with its very own bar for you to ring in the New Year right.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@bradhalcrow<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t want another cold Christmas? Head to Australia<\/a>! Byron Bay is the perfect spot to spend Christmas alone sunbaking by the beach. The locals\u2019 friendly and welcoming nature will have you feeling less like a solo traveller and more like a native! Grab your surfboard and ride some serious summer waves or check out the coastal views from Cape Byron Lighthouse. Then party with your new hostel friends into the early hours. All you need to do is fire up an Aussie BBQ for Christmas lunch.<\/p>\n How many days:<\/b> 4 \u2013 a great amount of time to wind down and surf.<\/p>\n Wake Up! Byron Bay<\/a> will help you grasp the Aussie beach culture, with bike, surfboard and paddleboard hire, yoga classes by the beach and pancake breakfasts \u2013 all free! It\u2019s definitely the season for giving in Byron Bay.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@rathanakh<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s not the most traditional place to spend Christmas \u2013 but it\u2019s definitely a party. Christmas is a great time to visit Cambodia<\/a> as it\u2019s the dry season and the weather is much cooler around this time of year. It\u2019s also a very popular destination for solo backpackers!<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be welcomed by hospitable people, lively bars and a fascinating culture. Why not spend Christmas morning bike riding around Angkor Wat or Christmas eve watching a traditional Apsara dancing show? For a traditional feast try deep-fried tarantula or crickets to really feel like a local!<\/p>\n How many days to stay<\/b>: 3-4 \u2013 Basically everything is open over Christmas, so you can make the most of your time there.<\/p>\n The hostels in Siem Reap<\/a> are known for their great party and social atmosphere. No matter what day it is, Lub D Siem Reap<\/a> is always celebrating. Stay there for a wild Christmas you\u2019ll never forget (and hey, maybe New Year too?)<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@liammckay<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Budapest<\/a> is a backpacker\u2019s dream \u2013 even more so at Christmas! With a bustling social scene and nightlife, it\u2019s the perfect city to meet other solo travellers. During the winter, the city is decorated with Christmas lights and hosts two Christmas markets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Take the time to wander around Buda Castle and Fisherman\u2019s Bastion, and don\u2019t forget to grab some traditional Hungarian cuisine at the Central Market Hall.<\/p>\n Make your Christmas a sleek and alternative one, by sipping on a cocktail at one of the city\u2019s many ruin bars. These super cool bars are located in former warehouses and abandoned buildings. Szimpla Kert<\/a> is the most famous of them all, with massive greenery, colourful fairy lights and quirky themed rooms. It\u2019s open on the 23rd <\/sup>of December \u2013 time for a pre-Christmas sesh with your new hostel mates?<\/p>\n How many days to stay:<\/b> 4<\/p>\n Meander Hostel Budapest<\/a> has a unique 12 days of Christmas countdown, with drinking games, decorating activities, parties and more, to get you into the Christmas spirit(s)!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@jezael<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Tacos and Santa! Can it get any better?<\/p>\n In Mexico, the Christmas celebration starts in mid-December and runs right into February, and is called Las Posadas. The \u2018zocalo\u2019 (AKA the Plaza de la <\/em>Constituci\u00f3n \u2013 main square) is decorated with the ornaments and lights known as \u00c1rbol de Navidad. Buildings throughout the city are also lit up in Christmas lights throughout the month. The zocalo also has a skating rink for your wintery needs. Prepare for lots of fireworks, music and parades. <\/em><\/p>\n You can also try bacalao, a festive dish of salted cod. Or there\u2019s ensalada de noche buena, with lettuce, beets, jicama, oranges and carrots. It\u2019s typically served on Christmas eve.<\/p>\n With a surge of solo travellers, plenty of culture, food and major Christmas celebrations, it\u2019s one of the best places to spend Christmas alone.<\/p>\n How many days to stay:<\/b> 3-4<\/p>\n Our hostels in Mexico City<\/a> are sure to get your holiday festivities going! Stay at the funky Casa Pepe<\/a> or the chic Selina Mexico City Downtown<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@ashleyjurius<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Why not embark on a South African adventure this holiday season?<\/p>\n The city hosts an annual Festival of Lights in the central Adderley Street that\u2019s sure to fulfil your Instagram dreams. In the first week of December at the switch-on ceremony, the street turns into a massive party! There are plenty of Christmas markets where you can get a unique present for your loved ones, including the Fab Ideas Christmas Market<\/a> in Kommetjie..<\/p>\n Christmas in South Africa<\/a> is in the glorious summertime, so pack plenty of swimwear and sunscreen for some scorching celebrations!<\/p>\n How many days to stay:<\/b> 3<\/p>\n Hostels in Cape Town<\/a> are really off the charts. ONCE in Cape Town<\/a> is close to the city\u2019s best bars and pubs. The hostel also has an outdoor fire pit for socialising under the stars, and a meditation garden for some private chill out time.<\/p>\n Keen to pamper yourself this Christmas? Head to MOY Accommodation & Backpackers<\/a> \u2013 the luxury backpacker hostel that won\u2019t break the bank!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t \ud83d\udcf8:@jezael<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Calling all city-slickers! Tokyo<\/a> is where you NEED to spend your next Christmas alone! The city\u2019s blinding lights are cranked up a notch with the addition of their stunning Christmas decs.<\/p>\n Shop till you drop as the country\u2019s end of year sales start at the Tokyo Midtown shopping complex. Close by is the famous Starlight Garden \u2013 where thousands of fairy lights cover an entire field of grass. Make sure you stop by the Shiodome too to see their annual winter illumination immersive display, where you can walk into an LED wonderland.<\/p>\n But if you want to make your Christmas celebrations really unique, there are plenty of things to try, like havinhostels g a traditional tea ceremony, spending time in a ryokan (traditional inns that serve dinner) or toasting in an onsen (outdoor hot spring bath).<\/p>\n If it\u2019s too cold outside, why not cuddle up with a furry friend at one of Tokyo\u2019s many cat cafes? Tokyo is a great place to be as a solo traveller because you don\u2019t need a group to do activities, and you can experience everything at your own pace.<\/p>\n How many days to stay<\/b>: 4-5<\/p>\n If you are wondering where to stay in Tokyo<\/a>, the central Kaisu Hostel<\/a>\u00a0provides a social vibe, while still being a calming refuge from the busy city. The hostel offers free breakfast and has an onsite bar and caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Rockerfeller Plaza<\/em>, \ud83d\udcf8:@eliasandres<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n New York City<\/a> is just yours for the taking, and it\u2019s one of the best places to spend Christmas alone. This concrete jungle has everything: art galleries, shopping, parks, historic landmarks – If you can think it, New York has it. Spend the whole day exploring, while the night is your time to shine! Take the time to see the main attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the MET and Times Square.<\/p>\n Christmas time in NYC is especially magical. You can go to Rockefeller Centre to see the iconic Christmas tree and ice skate at their famous rink. Stopping by the famous department stores of Barney\u2019s, Bloomingdales, Macy\u2019s and Saks Fifth Avenue to see their elaborate window Christmas displays is an absolute must too!<\/p>\n Ready to live out the plot of Home Alone in your very own Big Apple Christmas?<\/p>\n How many days to stay:<\/b> 5<\/p>\n Why not stay at Freehand New York<\/a> during your winter adventure? This chic hostel is located in Manhattan\u2019s Flatiron neighbourhood and oozes sophistication. You never know who you\u2019ll meet under the mistletoe \u2013 could it be love at frost sight?<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcf8:@sandraherrero<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n If you wanna be higher than the Christmas tree over the holidays, what better place to spend Christmas alone than Amsterdam<\/a>? You\u2019re virtually guaranteed to run into a backpacker in this funky city. But if all you want is some solo time, grab a bike and ride around, taking in the pretty canals and cute houses (extra cute with Christmas lights!)<\/p>\n Major attractions like the Van Gogh Museum<\/a> (open Christmas eve), Anne Frank House<\/a> (open Christmas Day and eve) and Rijksmuseum<\/a> (open everyday) are some major attractions that are worth seeing.<\/p>\n Amsterdam is full of great bars and clubs for spreading the Christmas spirit. Check out Waterkant<\/a> bar in Marnixstraat for some hipster vibes and craft beer.<\/p>\n Or ditch the plans, and watch the world go by in this uber-chill city.<\/p>\n How many days to stay:<\/b> 3-4<\/p>\n Flying Pig Downtown<\/a> have hosted a Christmas eve pub quiz, a Christmas day dinner and a Boxing day open mic night in recent years. Sounds like a great place to make unforgettable memories!<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t Spending Christmas alone can be a really enlightening experience, and something you should try at least once. The holiday spirit makes it easier to make friends, and there\u2019s something really magical about being in an amazing city around this time, whether there\u2019s rain, snow or shine.<\/p>\n Go on, believe in your(s)elf.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f\u00a010 best things to do during winter in Japan<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Where to stay in Amsterdam: a neighbourhood guide<\/a><\/p>\n2. Byron Bay, Australia<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3. Siem Reap, Cambodia<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n4. Budapest, Hungary<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n5. Mexico City, Mexico<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n6. Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n7. Tokyo, Japan<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n8. New York City, USA<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n9. Amsterdam<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n\ud83c\udf84Tips for solo travel at Christmas\ud83c\udf84<\/h2>\n
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Keep reading:<\/h2>\n