The benefits of traveling solo are numerous and wide-reaching. More and more people are shrugging off stereotypes of lonely travellers and embracing the chance to travel with complete freedom, meet new friends, and travel without having to rely on others taking time off work.
If you’re like most people, you may have tried to plan a trip with different friends many times. The trouble is people may be enthusiastic when you begin planning travels, but unable to take time off work. Traveling by yourself means you’re not restrained to any particular places, you can spend as much or as little time in each place as you want, and you don’t need to compromise with anyone about what you do and what you see.
Here are some of the best places for traveling solo in 2016:
Dublin, Ireland
If you’re hoping to get to know locals, consider a trip to Dublin. The Irish are famous for their welcoming attitudes and hospitality, and the many pubs will give you a chance to meet both tourists and locals. Be sure to take a walking tour around the city to learn more about the literary greats who lived in Dublin over the years.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
If you’re traveling through Southeast Asia by yourself, Siem Reap is the perfect place to begin. The town is relatively small, but still has bars, restaurants, hotels, hostels and none of the pollution and traffic of Phnom Penh. The biggest reason to visit is Angkor Wat, which is just a short tuk tuk ride from the centre of town and a 3 day pass to explore all of the temples in the park will cost just $25. In fact, Siem Reap is remarkably kind to your wallet, and you’ll be able to live it, staying in nice hotels and eating out every night for less than you’d pay for a hostel in Europe.
Las Vegas
Like many people, you may assume that Vegas is only for bachelor and bachelorette parties, and getting messy with a large group of friends. But you’d be surprised how much fun you can have by yourself in the City of Sin. With so many great shows to watch, hotels to explore and buffets to try, you’ll have plenty to do and are sure to meet other solo travellers lounging by the pool.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is popular with tourists, expats and digital nomads from around the world. It’s actually more rare to find large groups of travellers here, so head to the closest cafe (Rist8o on Nimmanhaemin does some of the best coffee in Thailand) and strike up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. There’s also a couch surfing community which meets regularly each Friday so you can go for a few drinks and get some advice about traveling through the region.
It can be a little scary traveling by yourself for the first time, but once you try it you’re sure to love it. Traveling solo makes you more approachable to locals and you’ll be likely to find friends to travel with at different stages of your trip.
