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Travel Hacks

32 Best Places to Travel Alone

By
Business Insider
Business Insider
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By
Business Insider
Business Insider
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October 6, 2017, 4:45 PM ET
Kiyomizu-dera Kyoto Japan
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Although traveling solo can seem daunting, it’s something that everyone should try at some point.

Solo travel allows for more self-reflection, and chances are, you’ll take in more of the culture.

We’ve put together a list of 32 places that are ideal for traveling alone, from the bustling streets of Taiwan to the beaches of southern Portugal.

Because the majority of the US is safe for solo travel, we decided to focus more on international destinations.

Vietnam

Residential district of Ho Chi Minh City at sunset
Getty Images
Getty Images

Vietnam is considered one of the most female-friendly places to travel in Southeast Asia. In its largest cities, like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, you’ll find a safe and vibrant environment with markets like Ben Thank and Dong Xuan Market.

Click here to get a glimpse into Vietnam’s beauty >

Source: Travel Channel

Vienna

Horse carriage, Josefsplatz, Vienna
Getty Images
Getty Images

The city of Vienna is just one of the reasons that Austria is a good choice for a solo trip. It’s perfectly normal to enjoy a treat by yourself at one of the city’s many upscale cafes.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Getty Images
Getty Images

It’s easy to get around in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the city offers great hiking, historic forts, and beaches that offer close-up views of the old town and city walls.

Cinque Terre

Manarola Cinque Terre
Getty Images
Getty Images

Life is slower in the charming seaside villages of Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera; the winding cobblestone roads are great for meandering on your own.

Read more: Why I think everyone should travel alone at some point in their life

New Zealand

New Zealand, Auckland, Skyline with Sky Tower, blue hour
Getty Images
Getty Images

New Zealand offers plenty of adventure for the single traveler: bungee jumping, boat cruises, bike rides, and hikes. Chances are you won’t even think about the fact that you’re solo.

South Korea

Gyeongbokgung palace
Getty Images
Getty Images

South Korea hasn’t always been a top tourist destination, but in recent years that’s changed, and will continue to change thanks to the fact that Seoul is hosting the 2018 winter Olympics. Plan a trip for April to see the cherry blossoms and the Lotus Lantern Festival.

Source: Vogue

Norway

Henningsvaer, picturesque Norwegian fishing village in Lofoten islands
Getty Images
Getty Images

Norway’s beautiful fjords and high safety rating make it ideal for solo travelers. The OECD Better Life Index reported that the country has low crime rates.

Click here to see more of Norway’s fjords >

Click here to learn more about Norway’s safety >

Switzerland

Kapellbr?cke in Luzern
Getty Images
Getty Images

Despite its small size, Switzerland has breathtaking landscapes. Plus, its efficient and clean public transportation make it an accessible place to explore on your own.

To learn more about Switzerland, click here >

Costa Rica

hanging bridge, Costa Rica
Getty Images
Getty Images

Costa Rica ranked No. 1 on the Happy Planet Index, and there’s plenty to keep you busy: water sports, zip lining, and walking through the famous Cloud Forest.

Click here to learn more about the Happy Planet Index >

Ubud, Bali

Ancient Traditional Hindu Religious Temple in Bali, Indonesia
Getty Images
Getty Images

Enjoy the serenity of Ubud, Bali on your own and be sure to pamper yourself at one of the town’s many world-class spas.

Lagos, Portugal

High Angle View Of Rock Formation In Sea Against Sky
Getty Images
Getty Images

Almost everyone you’ll encounter in Lagos, a town that sits on Portugal’s southern tip in the Algarve region, is friendly and speaks English. Chances are, you’ll meet fellow solo travelers in town.

Vancouver, Canada

Aerial Image of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Getty Images
Getty Images

A young city with a diverse population, Vancouver, Canada, has a vibrant downtown, but also plenty of outdoor options such as Stanley Park.

Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Kyoto Japan
Getty Images
Getty Images

Having been the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto offers plenty of majestic temples, gardens, and parks.

Kruger National Park

five giraffes on the road
Getty Images
Getty Images

While some parts of South Africa aren’t safe enough for a trip alone, Kruger National Park is. Treat yourself to a luxury safari; the animals that you’ll encounter will take the place of any travel companions you may need.

The Alhambra

Alhambra in Granada at twilight. One the 7 New Wonders
Getty Images
Adivin Getty Images

The best way to tour the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex that dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries in Granada in Spain, is by yourself with a tour guide, or with an audio guide.

Angkor Wat

Panorama of Angkor Wat Cambodia Ruins and Reflection
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leezsnow Getty Images

Ranked as the No. 1 tourist attraction in the world by Lonely Planet in 2015, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a must-see, and a great place for a little solo self-reflection.

See why Angkor Wat was named the world’s best tourist attraction »

Read more: 9 ways to meet people when you’re traveling alone

Greek Isles

Getty Images
Getty Images

Wandering through the clusters of beautiful white and blue buildings that make up the Greek Isles is a great solo activity. You can also lounge on the beach or go for a boat tour to see surrounding islands.

Taipei, Taiwan

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan
Getty Images
Getty Images

There’s so much to take in in Taipei, Taiwan, that you might be better off without a travel companion. The many night markets in the city are a great way to explore the country’s culture and food.

Chile

Parinacota volcano
Getty Images
Getty Images

In Chile, it’s possible to ski, surf, and enjoy the city all in one day. Don’t miss the bustling city of Santiago and the untouched region of Patagonia.

Click here to see some of Chile’s best coastal towns >

Ireland

Kenmare, Ireland
Getty Images
RoBeDeRo Getty Images

Stay in one of Ireland’s many bed and breakfasts and enjoy friendly locals, pubs, walking tours, and miles of green hills and coastal cliffs in the countryside.

Click here to learn more about Ireland >

Iceland

Stop and Stare
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Ingólfur Bjargmundsson Getty Images

Iceland’s dramatic landscape of glaciers, national parks, and waterfalls allows for peaceful reflection. There’s also the world-famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.

Click here to see just how stunning Iceland can be >

Marseille, France

Marseille
Getty Images
Getty Images

The port city of Marseille in southern France is loaded with historical sites that range from a cathedral to a fort to an abbey. Walking along the waterfront and watching the boats come and go is another great way to pass the time.

Finland

Summer of Helsinki, Finland.
Getty Images
Getty Images

In Finland, you can walk through the many design stores, museums, and outdoor markets of Helsinki, take a day trip to the seaside town of Hanko, or enjoy a live performance in the arts-centric town of Espoo.

See how beautiful Finland looks at night >

See why everyone is traveling to Finland this year >

Ambergis Caye, Belize

Getty Images
Getty Images

Ambergris Caye is a small island in Belize that’s home to incredible marine life, gorgeous beaches, seaside bars, lush rainforests, and even Mayan ruins.

Source: Huffington Post

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden, Old town and town square
Getty Images
Leonardo Patrizi Getty Images

Stockholm, Sweden, is a quaint and compact city that you can bike through or kayak along.

Click here to learn more about what makes Sweden such a delightful country >

Australia

Opera & Lights
Getty Images
Getty Images

With an array of young gap year travelers, single voyagers, and friendly locals, Australia is a destination in which you’ll never feel alone.

Click here for the top 25 places to visit in Australia >

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) at the beach of Espanola island
Getty Images
Getty Images

There’s no shortage of species to see on the Galapagos Islands. The volcanic archipelago is located in the Pacific Ocean and is home to everything from blue-footed boobies, seals, tortoises, and iguanas, and more. Visitors can choose from activities like hiking, kayaking, and diving.

Source: Tripping.com

Amsterdam

Amsterdam
Getty Images
ugurhan Getty Images

The Dutch are considered some of the most laid-back and accepting people in Europe, according to Travel + Leisure. Wander through the streets of Amsterdam by foot or bike and marvel at its spectacular canals and brightly colored houses.

Click here to check out the amazing miniature park in the Netherlands >

Source: Travel + Leisure

Singapore

Singapore Skyline at Marina Bay at Twilight with glowing sunset illuminating the clouds
Getty Images
Deejpilot Getty Images

Singapore’s strict laws make it extremely clean, safe, and orderly. Wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the National Orchid Garden before going shopping on Orchard Road.

See why Singapore is also known for its mouthwatering street food >

Read more: How to dine alone while traveling — and like it

Panama

XXXL: Fishing Boats with Panama City skyline
Getty Images
OGphoto Getty Images

Adventure-seekers should head to Panama; an array of tour companies offer day trips and tours from Panama City to help you safely explore the outdoors.

Source: Fox

Berlin

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin Germany
Getty Images
Getty Images

Traveling is easy with Berlin’s U-Bahn system — its inexpensive underground subway — and the city is home to polite residents and an array of historical sites including the Berlin Wall.

Click here to see all of the places pieces of the Berlin Wall have ended up >

Source: Time Out

England

Big Ben, London
Getty Images
TangMan Photography Getty Images

England has drawn solo travelers for years, with cities like York and Cambridge being favorites. London has eclectic outdoor markets and theater shows, while Manchester is known for its counterculture scene.

Click here to learn about Manchester’s vibrant underground scene >

Source: Travel + Leisure

This article originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com

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