1. Lombok and the Gili Islands, Indonesia
Not as overrun as its more famous neighbour Bali, Lombok is
gaining a sterling reputation with independent travellers who want to learn to
surf, snorkel or dive. Inland, lush green paddy fields stretch away to the
massive Gunung Rinjani volcano with its waterfalls and hot springs. The three
tiny but increasingly popular Gili Islands off Lombok’s northwest coast are also
easy to access – Trawangan is where the party’s at.
2. Cuba
The Cuban capital of Havana conjures images of crumbling
colonial architecture, 1950s Chevys, salsa and cigars. However, with the
political scene inside Cuba shifting, private enterprise is being encouraged
and small businesses across the country are opening and expanding. Now is a
great time to visit those tiny back street restaurants and artisan shops.
3. Guatemala
If you’re looking for the best places to travel alone in
Central and South America, don’t overlook Guatemala and its ancient Mayan
ruins. It’s an inexpensive place to travel, which means you can stay for a
while – to learn Spanish or even volunteer. Many come here for adventure activities
like hiking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Exploring the jungle is another great way to see the country. You can
also get up close and personal with Central America’s most active volcano – the
volcán de Fuego. Haggling for fresh produce in one of the country’s colourful
markets is an adventure in itself.
4. Kenya
With its incredibly diverse ecosystem and reputation for the
“Big Five” (elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), Kenya is the
place for a safari. You can easily join a big group or arrange for a guide to
take you out into the wilderness alone. The country has a good infrastructure
and it’s easy to get around and find accommodation. Take care of your
belongings, particularly in Nairobi; but don’t hide away in your hotel when it
gets dark. Venture out to discover the city’s burgeoning nightlife scene
(though taxis between venues are recommended).
5. South Island, New Zealand
The list of solo activities you can do on New Zealand’s
beautiful South Island is endless: zorbing, horse riding, skiing, hiking,
kayaking, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting… With
jaw-dropping scenery around every corner, the small country is one big outdoor
playground. Mountains, glaciers, lakes and craggy coastline form the backdrop
for a place that is regularly voted one of the most beautiful in the world.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Busy Barcelona is one the best places to travel alone. Its
café-lined boulevards are perfect for people watching, or you can escape the
hustle and bustle by heading out to one of the city beaches on the super
easy-to-use public transport. In the evening you can avoid eating alone in a
stuffy restaurant by doing as the Spanish do: grazing on tapas in one of the
city’s cool bars.
7. Ireland
Ireland is famous for the welcome it extends to strangers;
pull up a stool in a traditional Irish pub, offer to buy your neighbour a pint
and you’ll have a friend for life – or at least the evening. Stay a while and
you might get lucky and catch a traditional Celtic music session. If you don’t
have your own transport, then it can be tricky to get out to the remote west
coast, though some people still hitchhike (of course not without its dangers).
Here you’ll find some of the country’s most sacred sites including Skellig
Michael, Rock of Cashel and Croagh Patrick.
8. Nepal
Although earthquakes have recently rocked Nepal, many of the
regions famous for hiking are largely unaffected – and the country is in
desperate need of your tourist dollar. If you’re an experienced altitude trekker,
the Annapurna circuit can be tackled independently, but it’s wise to hire a
porter or set out with an organised group. Hiking this Himalayan circuit
typically takes three weeks and it’s a great way to get up close to traditional
mountain people; you need very little gear as you stay in comfortable teahouses
along the way and buy food as you go.
9. New York City, USA
Explore the streets of Manhattan and the outer boroughs with
no arguments over which world famous museum, cutting edge art gallery or iconic
landmark to visit. If you aren’t as brave as Carrie Bradshaw and don’t want to
face a restaurant alone, then there are plenty of gourmet food markets to eat
on the hop. You could also browse a Brooklyn flea market, people watch in Times
Square, go rollerblading in Central Park or take a sightseeing cruise on the
Hudson.
10. Hokkaidō, Japan
Japan is a very friendly country and outsiders, especially
those travelling alone, are made welcome as a matter of course. Hokkaidō is the
most northern and least developed of the country’s four main islands and
although its capital city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympic Games and brews the
famous Sapporo beer, Hokkaidō is best known for the great outdoors.
So go on, pack your things and put it in your bag for you are about to embark on a journey you will never regret.
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