The Best Destinations For Solo Travellers

Are you an avid traveller but not sure where’s best to visit alone? We’ve assembled a list of countries we recommend to solo travellers. You can choose to join our organised tours or arrange your own journey. Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

Portugal

Portugal is a gorgeous country filled with medieval castles, cobbled streets and beautiful beaches. What more could you want? When travelling alone, you can do whatever your heart desires. For example, you could follow the Douro River to Lisbon, stopping at whichever cities take your fancy. You can taste local food, see intricate architecture and learn the area’s history along your way.

If you enjoy discovering cities at your own pace and experiencing their day-to-day hustle and bustle, Porto is the perfect place for your solo travel tour. Lovers of stained glass windows and pointed archways should wander inside Igreja de São Francisco, a magnificent Gothic church in Ribeira. Visit Porto’s best art museum, Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, if exhibitions are your forte.

There are plenty of smaller towns along the Douro which you may prefer due to their unique features. Why not try Coimbra and walk around one of the world’s oldest universities? It dates back to the 13th century and is known for its picturesque courtyard. However, if you wish to release your inner child, you can visit the lagoon in Obidos and try your hand at some water sports.

Vietnam

Vietnam has a great balance of breathtaking landscapes and busy megacities. Get ready to start ticking things off your bucket list, whether you visit your dream temple in the city or discover never seen before caves in the magnificent Ha Long Bay.

The capital, Hanoi, has a rich heritage, unique architectural buildings and narrow streets filled with locals selling street food. However, if you wish to start your solo tour away from the busy city, you should visit the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake. Here you’ll find the astounding, 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple and Rising Sun Bridge that makes for excellent photographs.

In Ho Chi Minh City is the Binh Tay Market, a courtyard filled with stalls, gardens and the famous clock tower. The types of food you can expect here include fruit, vegetables, meat and freshly caught seafood, so make sure you stock up on your favourites when visiting.

The final stop during your solo tour should be Hue - on the picturesque Perfume River - due to the Imperial Enclosure, a fortress in a fortress. It holds many beautiful buildings and is open during the summer evenings so you can enjoy cultural dance performances under the stars.

Spain

If you’d much rather discover places closer to home, Spain with its many diverse municipalities is a great place to start. Don’t panic if cities aren’t your cup of tea as you can explore a wide variety of landscapes here, whether it be climbing Sierra Nevada or hiking in Andalusia, you’ll enjoy the cool, fresh air.

Seville is one of the most vibrant cities in Spain thanks to its famous flamenco dancing and buzzing plaza, making it the perfect place for single travellers who wish to engage in the local culture. Here you can join in with the locals and see the famous flamenco dancer Cristina Hoyos. Afterwards - if you’re a real foodie - you can indulge in some local tapas and see which small plate of traditional homemade delicacies is your favourite.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing tour, escape the busy cities to Granada and gain an insight into Moorish culture at the Alhambra. With the backdrop of Sierra Nevada, you’re sure to get some stunning photographs with the 14th-century architecture and lush green gardens in the foreground.

Cambodia

Cambodia is home to many ancient temples you won’t see anywhere else. When visiting alone, you’ll learn the rich history of the Empires and be able to take your time when observing the intricate architecture. Visit Phnom Penh, the capital situated on the banks of the idyllic Mekong, if you love busy cities.

On your to-do list for this metropolis should be the Royal Palace, as it’ll give you an insight into the city’s history and allow you to be engrossed by the local culture. When wandering the well-maintained grounds, the unique design and detailed architecture of the ornate buildings will catch your eye. Tall, yellow walls enclose an area where locals feed the birds.

Are Buddhist temples what you’re looking for during your travels? Then visit Krong Siem Reap to see Angkor Wat, known for its iconic surrounding moat and intricate design. Keep an eye out for the 3,000 famous nymphs delicately carved into the walls. Bayon is another temple located in Angkor Thom and displays three mesmerising faces carved into the stone walls. The surrounding lush jungle creates the perfect exotic backdrop for budding photographers.

If you wish to book a tour around one of these extraordinary countries, call us on 0800 021 3237 or contact us via our website. Speak to a member of our team in person when visiting either our Woodbridge or Ipswich travel agents.