Lewis may have needed Clark, but for most travels, I think it's okay to travel alone. In fact, my favorite style of travel, #solotravel, is now trending on social media and in real life. But if there's anything I've learned from adventuring solo through 65 countries, it's that some countries are better suited to lone wolves than others. Whether you want to lie on a beach, climb a volcano, or explore a big city, here are my top 5 places to travel solo.
5 great places to travel solo
Portugal
The cheapest country in Western Europe, Portugal has been my second home since 2016. Whether in Alentejo or Algarve, you can find a glass of wine for €2 (RM10) and a five-star hotel, including IHG's new Vignette collection in Porto and Lisbon, for under €200 (RM1,021) a night. According to the Institute for Economics and Peace's 2023 Global Peace Index, Portugal is the fifth safest country in Europe (for comparison, Spain is 23rd and France is 34th) and has the world's largest standing waves. Surfing alone is dangerous, so I choose Onda Pura. In Lisbon, visit Oceanario, voted the best aquarium in the world. Alone, you can explore the exhibits for as long as you like. I traveled the country by train and bus, but I recommend renting a car for just €25 (RM127) a day. Pro tip: Learn how to drive a manual car first.
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South Africa
South Africa is not the safest country on the Mother Continent, ranking 32nd in sub-Saharan Africa on the Global Peace Index, but it is one of the easiest for Americans to visit. United Airlines offers direct flights to Cape Town from several US cities, English is widely spoken, and there are restaurants for every dining style. I use Facebook to join group hikes and dinners, and Airbnb to book guided local experiences. I recommend taking the Prisoner to President tour, organized by Christo Brand, a former prison guard and friend of Nelson Mandela. To visit wineries, take the Franschhoek Tram. I have also enjoyed solo safaris. If you're alone, you can choose your departure time (I hate getting up at 5:30am for a game drive) and you always get the best seat. In low season, some lodges waive the single supplement. For domestic travel, book a package with a company like Kensington Tours. All transfers are included.
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Costa Rica
I lived in Nicaragua, so I have a huge collection of Costa Rican passport stamps. Costa Rica is the safest place in Central America, offering everything from volcano trekking to beach hopping on two incredible stretches of coast. I'm eager to check out the new SP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, which hosts wellness retreats and is part of the Red Sophia program (designed to make travel safer for single women).
Meanwhile, in Monteverde, solo travelers can't go wrong with Hotel Belmar, where you won't have to venture off-site for adventure (book the canopy immersion and coffee tasting). For all-inclusive, try Secrets Papagayo. While it's not the place for those who don't want to be surrounded by couples, it's adults-only and hosts theme nights, beach games, and cocktail parties for singles to mingle.
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Book your stay at Hotel Bellmar on Agoda.com
Maldives
Good news! You don't have to be with your significant other to visit the Maldives. I enjoyed a solo moon there and falling in love with myself all over again. Highlights were visiting the turtle conservation centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, reading books by the plunge pool (Eat, Pray, Love is a must for solo travelers) and going to beach BBQs when you want company. You also don't have to be a billionaire. Maafushi is a backpacker friendly island and even the resorts cost less than US$350 (RM1,647) a day. Are you on a budget? Consider booking a Gili Solo experience. Conrad Maldives is also on my list, boasting underwater suites and a restaurant. Try Emirates for flights. Roundtrip fares from New York JFK to Male start from US$1,265 (RM5,954).
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Domestic travel is the cheapest because there is no one to split the costs with. I staycate at Lone Mountain Ranch in Montana and explore my backyard. The Meadowlark Cabin with a queen bed is perfect for solo fun, and group activities provide a space to socialize. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, I prefer New York City and stay at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. There is a community table and fireplace in the lobby, and live jazz most nights. There is no shame in walking the Great White Way without a date, so we went to see The Notebook in April. It is easier to find a single center seat in the orchestra than to sit together. For transportation, I use the MTA's new OMNY credit/debit card tap program. It's the best deal.
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All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
(Feature Image Credit: Katie Jackson/Travel + Leisure)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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