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2018
24
May
Looking for Solo Travel Tips? Where Can I Stay Besides Hostels?

Question:

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Anastasi

Hey guys, any tips on places that would be good for solo travel? Im more looking to stay at nicer places, no hostels or anything like that. I've done contiki tours but dont really find that the ideal experience. How do you guys do solo travelling? Thanks!

Humans say...

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Stephani

I like visiting bigger cities solo, staying at one place and venturing out from there each day. I find big cities ideal because it's always busy, there's always something to do, and it's easy to slip into the crowd and explore on my own without sticking out or drawing attention to myself.
New York was great for that, the few European cities I've visited were the same.

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Paula

I’ve traveled solo allot and find it’s generally safe if you stick to the touristy places. Last place I explored was Tulum Mexico and I met tons off single travelers. I stayed here to avoid any single supplements, felt safe, and met nice people https://www.nativustulum.com/

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Joèl

Bali. Very safe. Easy to get around. Lots to see and do. Good food. Cheap spa treatments. And really nice places to stay around $100 CAD per night.

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Tanya

I've done New York and the UK & Ireland by myself - I felt safe in both places and there's plenty to do, so you're never bored. I like to take advantage of free walking tours to get oriented to a city and meet new people. Sandemans tours are really good. Some hostels are nicer than you'd think and I've stayed at ones that have private bathrooms as well so it barely feels like a hostel at all, other than the price.

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Wendy

Bali

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Chantale

Bali!!! I went there solo - first trip ever!
I hired an amazing guide as well for the first 3 days then I was on my own.

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Matti

Costa Rica is pretty amazing. Only takes 2 hours driving coast to coast. Tons of interesting plants and wildlife everywhere and lots of cool eco tourist options. The locals are very friendly too.

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Matti

Also the coffee and fruit is amazing!

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Sally

Especially if you are willing to tip...

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Annalyse

I did Bus About around Europe. It was a nice way to meet people and travel a bit with others while still doing your own thing. It was some nicer hostels and some others and I think there were a few options at each location.

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Matt

I've traveled solo all around different places. I can't think of any single place I would specifically recommend for a lone traveler. You can successfully travel solo no matter where you go. Pick a destination that really means something to you. I'd recommend not dismissing hostels right away. In Europe, there are hostels set in old castles or monasteries. I stayed in a hostel in Dubronik within the old city walls. I've also hosteled in Asia, Africa and South America. Stay away from cheap hostels and read the reviews (seriously, pay attention to the reviews). They're great places to meet people and to learn about different things to do.

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Fraser

Best hostel in Dubrovnik! Ahhhh thems were the days!

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Vïda

How about a cruise up and down the Norwegian Coast? 13 days with room and board and ~300 fellow passengers with stops in 33 towns, from Bergen to the Russian border. Delicious food, amazing views, beautiful towns, lots of history. Safe for a single (I did this in 2011 solo). Not lonely. In low season it’s inexpensive and no single supplement. The company is Hurtigruten, Norway’s BC Ferries but an order of magnitude or two more luxurious and much better run.

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Vïda

I also solo traveled to Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki - and to Iceland and Greenland. All were super safe.

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Kelly

I did Japan and New Zealand solo and both were great. Of course there was a language barrier in Japan, but even in the countryside where no one spoke English, everyone was very nice and helpful, and I always felt safe.

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John

Philippines! Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, Cebu! cant beat it!

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Rhonda

I just spent 5 weeks in Cambodia by myself and it was awesome. I’m a ‘mature’ woman and had no problems. Loved it. Please be aware that everything in Cambodia is in US$ so if Canadian it costs a bit more. I stayed at Baby Elephant in Siem Riep and Teahouse in Phnom Penh. Travelled on Giant Ibis busses.

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Barbara

croatia! If you like cycling the boat / cycle trips among the islands are great. And you don’t have to be super fit, there are electric assist bikes.

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Barbara

Inselhuepfen.com is the company we used.

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Fernweh

Southeast Asia eg thailand and Malaysia are easy for solo travel as is Europe. I traveled Thailand, Malaysia and Borneo solo in my 50’s for 5 months. I loved it.

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Maureen

Also cycletours.com from Amsterdam. Even have single rooms.

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Brianne

Depends what you're looking for. I've done Laos, Ethiopia, and Nepal alone. I thought all three were exceptionally safe and really enjoyed them. They all have everything I want when I travel. Great food, interesting culture, lots of history to learn, and most importantly, hiking opportunities.

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Stephen-

Dani White, tell them how it’s done

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Danyka

Eastern Europe!

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Donna

I've done France, Britain, Iceland, India, Guatemala, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and many places in Mexico. I usually prefer to start out with a group - yoga, cycling, hiking, volunteer,language lessons, pilgrimmage. This has always turned out to be a good introduction to the country and the culture. After a week or two of settling in, getting oriented and getting advice, I'm good to head off on my own (3 weeks to 5 months).

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Dayna

Bali, Indonesia!!! Im headed there right now, backpacking by myself!

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Alvin

It depends on what you want from the experience.
There are various types of solo travelers; those who want to explore just one big city (London, Mexico City, Istanbul), or one region (Croatia, Bali, Costa Rica).
There are those who want to meet other travelers (Thailand, Morocco, South Africa), and those want to be by themselves (Japan, New Zealand, Finland).
There are those who want to step into familiar territory (Portugal, Colombia, Oman), a little bit into the unknown (Sri Lanka, Georgia, Laos), or a lot further (Iran, Albania, Mozambique).
It depends on your travel style, interests, and comfort level.

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Naomi

What are you looking for?

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Alison

How do we do it? Buy a plane ticket and go! Lots of solo traveller blogs for recommendations. Check out this FB page-Solo Travel Society.
www.solotravelerworld.com

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Liv

Vietnam is great...you can use SViet Travel for your trips/tours and airport pick ups http://www.sviettravel.com/

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Andrew

I rented a car in France. Did 4 days in Paris and then a planned loop tour of 10 days that took me through the Champagne region, Loire Valley, and back up to Paris. Booked all my hotels via Trivago. I wanted to get to some obscure places though. If you just stick to major cities in Europe, it would be easy to get between each by train.
I suspect solo travel might be different for a middle aged guy vs a young woman. I think there are quite a few websites dedicated to solo female travel. Also a few that connects solo travelers together.

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Sally

My mother's advice was always to have the first night's accommodation booked. I've generally gone for 1 or 2 more nights booked depending on a place. But apart from knowing I want to go somewhere (and I've been to all 7 continents solo so haven't felt particularly restricted except I avoid war zones...), I always found it handy to go to the local tourist info places (or hotel foyer), grab brochures of tours and sights that appeal to you and then go do them! Sometimes doing the tour is good... Sometimes it's just more fun to get there yourself. As for places to visit that are very safe and friendly, Japan and Vietnam are top of my list. Getting around Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia Chile is great... Just do the odd day tour so you can talk to people...

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Lois

I’ve travelled alone in the UK, US, Mexico, Morocco, Egypt, France and Italy. I’m most comfortable when I know some of the language so took Italian and brushed up on Arabic with a tutor. not that I knew either well enough to speak it, but I could be aware of what was going on around me. And I’m mid-60 so have been pretty well invisible as a woman traveling alone for the past 15 years. Otherwise, I do plan accommodation ahead of time as it’s cheaper, and always stay 3-4 night minimum in any one place.

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Jamie

If you're into food, I highly recommend Japan. I just did a two week solo trip to Japan last month. Japan is a very safe country, I saw lots of other women travelling alone too.

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Karen

Don't eliminate hostels. There are a lot of very nice ones out there that have private rooms with bath. Check on Hostelworld. I used them for my RTW trip in Beijing, Sri Lanka, Muscat, Doha & Istanbul.

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Larissa

Great page is Over 40 - The Solo Female Travel Network. Loads of info and experiences.

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Darlene

Turkey and Greece was my favourite. You have left the world wide open, not sure what you seek!

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Nancy

Well I'm at the tail end of my first solo travel experience. I've been traveling in Portugal. Have used buses, planes, metro and very occasional taxi. Did a hiking tour on Madeira Island. A friend was with me for part of the trip. My solo part has been a good experience for this old lady!(I'm 65). My solo time has been in Nazare and I've felt very safe here. Best wishes as you take on this adventure! My daughter and niece have done extended solo trips and I just had to try and keep up with them!

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Nancy

Oh, and my best experiences were with airbnb


A.I. says...

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Solo Travel: Exploring the World on Your Own Terms

Solo travel is an exhilarating and rewarding experience that allows you to immerse yourself in new cultures, challenge your comfort zone, and discover yourself in ways you never imagined. While group tours like Contiki have their charms, there's something truly special about navigating the world on your own terms. If you're looking to ditch the hostels and enjoy a more luxurious solo travel experience, here are some tips to consider:

Choose Destinations Wisely

When traveling solo, it's essential to prioritize your safety and comfort. Consider destinations with a strong tourism infrastructure, friendly locals, and a well-established expat community. Some great options include Iceland, New Zealand, Japan, and parts of Europe like Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Splurge on Accommodation

One of the perks of solo travel is the ability to indulge in luxurious accommodations without breaking the bank. Treat yourself to a cozy boutique hotel, a charming Airbnb, or even a sleek apartment rental in the heart of the city. Not only will you have a comfortable base to return to after a day of exploration, but you'll also have the opportunity to interact with locals and gain insider knowledge.

Embrace Slow Travel

Instead of rushing from one destination to the next, consider slowing down and spending more time in each place. This approach allows you to truly immerse yourself in the local culture, make connections, and experience the destination at a more leisurely pace. Rent an apartment for a month or two, take language classes, or volunteer in the community – the possibilities are endless.

Join Local Tours and Activities

While you may want to avoid large group tours, consider joining smaller, more intimate tours or activities tailored to your interests. This is an excellent way to meet like-minded travelers, learn from knowledgeable guides, and gain a deeper understanding of the local culture. From food tours and cooking classes to art workshops and historical walks, there's something for every taste.

Stay Connected (But Not Too Connected)

Solo travel can be daunting at times, but staying connected with loved ones back home can provide a sense of comfort and security. However, be mindful of striking a balance – spend too much time glued to your devices, and you might miss out on the magic of being in the moment. Share your adventures, but also make sure to unplug and fully experience the world around you.

Solo travel is an empowering and transformative journey that allows you to discover the world and yourself on your own terms. By embracing the opportunities and navigating with wisdom and care, you can create unforgettable memories and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.









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