Solo travel is in, and it doesn’t matter how old you are.
The empowering experience that is travelling alone can be done anywhere. Then again, there are certain destinations that are better suited to the lone nomad.
According to the 2015 Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, 25 per cent of people travelled alone on their most recent international trip, up from 15 per cent in 2013.
STA Travel’s head of marketing, Tara Sena-Becker, said, “The two biggest concerns people have when vacationing alone are personal safety and a destination’s attractiveness and visit-ability – not to mention the potential for meeting new people!”
“In this respect, group adventure tours are a fantastic option – but it’s ultimately important to pick a destination that is both welcoming and full of activities that are going to excite you,” she says.
Below are five global cities popular among solo travellers, m
1. Auckland
Our closest neighbour, New Zealand is a great testing ground for first time Aussie solo travellers. Auckland has enough similarities with Australia to make you feel right at home, but with plenty of unique and interesting experiences on offer to remind you that you are indeed in another country. With two breathtaking harbours surrounded by picturesque hills and farmland, Auckland is geographically blessed. If you are feeling a little adventurous, take a scenic half-hour ferry ride to Waiheke Island and spoil yourself with a stroll along white-sand beaches followed by a cellar door tasting at one of the Island’s award-winning vineyards. Like Aussies, Kiwis are some of the friendliest people so you are guaranteed to have no trouble making new friends.
2. New York
The big apple is definitely the city to visit on your own. With a plethora of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, flying solo is no problem, because New York is the most interesting character you’ll ever meet. Visit Manhattan for must-see attractions like the Met and some of the world’s best retail therapy. Ready for more? Spend a day in Brooklyn or hop on the subway and taste food from around the globe in Queens. This vibrant and unpredictable city will entertain you every second of the way. You will never see the end of New York!
3. Tokyo
Let yourself get “Lost In Translation” in Tokyo, one of the World’s most intriguing and engaging cities. A captivating mixture of buzzing retail precincts interspersed with tranquil gardens and palaces, it is the perfect place to explore at your leisure. Not to mention the fresh seafood…
4. Kuala Lumpur
A rich melting pot of flavours, Malaysian cuisine ranks among the most delicious and tastiest in Asia – and one of the best places to experience it all is the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The city is a culinary heaven for any solo traveller. With a palate underpinned by a wide diversity of influences including Chinese, Indian and Portuguese, not to mention the many spices characteristic of South East Asian food, you will find yourself planning your itinerary around your next dish. In between your meals, there are plenty of colourful temples and shopping malls to keep you occupied.
5. London
With several millennia of history under its belt, London is like a friend with endlessly fascinating stories to share, making it the ideal destination for history buffs. Britain’s capital boasts four World Heritage Sites and an enviable number of world-class tourist attractions sure to cater to every taste. But perhaps the best thing about visiting London as a solo traveller is its incredible connectivity. With more than 50 countries within a three-hour flight time, it’s the perfect place to book end any solo trip.
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