New Delhi, November 17 (IANS) Travelling alone brings clarity and a quiet sense of strength. Solo journeys build confidence, encourage awareness, and create space for genuine connection with people and places.
Safety measures
Safety and planning are key. Choose destinations known for reliable public transport, friendly communities, and steady law and order. Share your itinerary with a trusted person and send updates during your trip. Arrive in unfamiliar places during the day. Carry basic medicines and a small first aid kit. Keep scanned copies of your key documents in your phone and email. Eat fresh food, drink safe water, and step away from situations that feel uncomfortable. Respect local customs and dress codes. Small gestures such as greeting in the local language or understanding basic etiquette help build warmth and avoid misunderstandings.
Documents to be carried
Carry a government ID, reservation copies, emergency numbers, payment cards, and essential medical details. Pack your passport, visa, travel insurance, and vaccination certificates. Maintain a backup payment method and a small emergency fund. Keep physical and digital copies of documents.
These are destinations where a single traveller can feel steady, curious, and at ease.
1) Japan
Japan is ideal for solo travelers seeking quiet order, efficient transit, and rich tradition.
Tokyo’s highlights include Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace grounds, and museums around Ueno Park. Kyoto is famed for Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and tranquil gardens. Nearby Nara offers Todai-ji Temple and its great Buddha. Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island provide historical depth.
Cities are safe but remain vigilant in trains and busy areas. Use a transit card, know basic greetings, and keep digital document copies. Carry cash, though cards work in many places.
Japan has a reputation for being pricey, but a solo traveller can manage well with simple planning. Hostels, capsule hotels, and business hotels keep stay costs sensible.
Eating at convenience stores, ramen shops, and supermarkets is affordable and still tasty. Trains inside cities are fair, though long-distance travel needs budgeting.
Avoid peak cherry-blossom and autumn rush, choose regional passes if needed, and enjoy the safety and smooth public transport. With
thoughtful choices, Japan feels value for money rather than expensive.
March–May and October–November offer pleasant weather.
2) Thailand
Thailand is yet another a popular choice for solo travellers, offering a mix of culture, vibrant street food, temples, and accessible movement between city and coast.
Chao Phraya River boat rides and temple walks
In Bangkok, highlights include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, lively markets, Lumpini Park, and boat rides along the Chao Phraya River. Chiang Mai in the north is known for temple walks like Wat Phra Singh and Doi Suthep, night bazaars, and easy access to countryside and trekking. Ayutthaya showcases ancient ruins in a scenic setting. Southern islands such as Koh Lanta, Phuket, and Krabi feature calm beaches and opportunities for boat trips and nature excursions.
Use caution in crowded areas, keep belongings secure, and avoid poorly lit places at night. Registered taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Grab) are recommended for transport. While street food is a highlight, choose busy, clean stalls and drink bottled water.
English is widely spoken in tourist hubs; a few Thai phrases are appreciated.
The dry and cool season from November to February is the best time to visit.
3) Georgia
Georgia is an excellent destination for solo travellers who value friendly locals, charming streets, and scenic variety.
Sulphur baths, and cozy cafés
Tbilisi’s historic neighborhoods welcome visitors with ornate wooden balconies, renowned sulphur baths, and cozy cafés—perfect spots to pause over robust local coffee. The city’s easygoing vibe makes it ideal for riverside strolls, browsing flea markets, or watching daily life in public squares.
Day trips reveal Georgia’s rich contrasts. Kakheti’s vineyards, Kazbegi’s dramatic mountains, and Batumi’s Black Sea shores blend nature with culture. Public transport is efficient and affordable within cities, though reaching remote mountain regions often requires extra planning or private transport, as schedules may be limited.
The best times to visit are late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), when weather is mild and the grape harvest fills villages with energy. Winters attract snow lovers to places like Gudauri, but warm clothing is a must.
Georgia is considered very safe, especially for solo travelers, including women—locals are noted for their hospitality, though standard travel caution is advised.
The country remains budget-friendly with affordable hotels, homestays, meals, and transport.
Georgian is the main language; Russian is widely understood, and English is common in tourist areas.
Learning a few Georgian phrases earns extra goodwill.
4) Australia
Australia appeals to solo travellers with its open spaces and friendly cities. Australia usually feels expensive for a solo traveller. Accommodation in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne can take a good portion of the budget, and eating out costs more than in many Asian or European destinations.
Transport between cities also adds up because distances are long and flights are often the most practical way to move around.
Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s gardens Sydney’s Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and coastal walks, Melbourne’s gardens and museums, and the Great Ocean Road are highlights.
For adventure, see the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and Tasmania’s wilderness. The country is still not difficult to manage with careful planning. Hostels and budget hotels are common, and many offer shared kitchens, which helps with daily costs. Local supermarkets have ready meals and fresh food at reasonable rates.
Safety is high; follow local advice on weather and hiking. Public transport is good in cities, and English is the main language.
September–November and March–May often provide the best conditions.
5) Spain
Spain blends art, architecture, and sociable culture.
Musts include Madrid’s Palace and Prado Museum, Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Gothic Quarter, Granada’s Alhambra, and Seville’s Alcazar and Cathedral. Valencia and old towns like Toledo add variety.
Spain usually sits in the middle range for solo travellers. It is not as cheap as parts of Eastern Europe, yet it is far more manageable than places like Iceland or Australia. Major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid can feel costly in high season, especially for hotels near popular areas.
However, if you book early, stay in hostels or small guesthouses, and eat at neighbourhood cafés or tapas bars instead of tourist spots, expenses stay sensible.
April to early June and September to October offer good weather, lighter crowds, and fair prices. Summer on the coast becomes expensive and crowded. In daily life, English works in tourist zones, but knowing a few Spanish phrases helps and adds warmth to interactions.
Spanish is useful and English is spoken in tourist spots.
6) Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a welcoming choice for solo travel, known for its diverse coastlines, green hills, and rich cultural sites.
The island’s compact size makes it possible to travel between different regions with ease. Colombo features vibrant markets and a thriving café scene, while Galle Fort provides tranquil mornings on historic stone walls and quiet lanes. The hill country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya is famed for scenic tea estates, cool weather, and forest walks. The eastern and southern coasts offer clean beaches and simple guesthouses, with peaceful spots for sunrise and sunset strolls.
The scenic Kandy-Ella trip
Trains and buses connect most parts of the country, and the train from Kandy to Ella is especially scenic, although public transport can be slow or crowded in rural areas.
The best time to visit varies by region. December to March is ideal for the west and south coasts, while April to September suits the east. Sri Lanka is generally budget-friendly, with affordable homestays, local meals, and public transport—though prices rise in tourist hotspots.
English works well in cities and tourist hubs, while Sinhala and Tamil are the main languages.
7) Indonesia
Indonesia appeals to solo travelers who value cultural diversity, scenic islands, and a blend of tradition and modernity.
Each region offers a distinct mood: Jakarta is home to the National Museum and showcases energetic city life. Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur and Prambanan, celebrated for their historical and artistic significance.
Bali’s temples
Bali draws many with its temples (such as Tanah Lot and Uluwatu), the green rice terraces of Tegallalang, and peaceful Ubud stays. Lombok and the Gili Islands provide tranquil beaches and accessible snorkeling. Komodo National Park is notable for its unique wildlife, including the Komodo dragon. Tourist areas in Indonesia are generally safe, but petty theft can happen—keep valuables secure in crowded spots and avoid isolated beaches late at night.
Exercise caution when riding scooters; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps. Hydration and sunscreen are important in the tropical climate. While local cuisine is flavourful, choose freshly prepared dishes if you have sensitive digestion.
Most people speak Bahasa Indonesia, and simple greetings help with daily interactions. English is common in tourist places.
The best travel season is May to September.
8) Vietnam
Vietnam is well-suited for solo travelers who appreciate history, bustling urban streets, and a changing landscape from north to south. Hanoi’s Old Quarter is popular for its narrow lanes, walks by Hoan Kiem Lake, and historic spots like the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Limestone islands
Guided boat trips remain the preferred and safest way to visit Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and riverside cafés are visitor favorites, and the nearby My Son sanctuary offers ancient ruins.
Hue’s Imperial City provides insight into Vietnam’s royal past. In Ho Chi Minh City, top attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and War Remnants Museum combine with energetic street markets.
Choose registered taxis or ride-hailing apps; keep valuables secure and cross streets at a steady, predictable pace, since traffic is dense and may not yield to pedestrians.
Street food is safe if you pick busy stalls with high turnover. English is widely spoken in tourist centers; basic Vietnamese greetings are welcomed. The best times to visit are February to April and October to December.
9) Cambodia
Cambodia is a rewarding choice for solo travelers, especially those who appreciate history, tranquil landscapes, and a relaxed pace.
The country’s spirit is best felt in Siem Reap, gateway to the spectacular Angkor temple complex. Angkor Wat at sunrise is unforgettable, and nearby temples such as Ta Prohm and Bayon reward slow and thoughtful exploration.
Museums, beaches
Beyond these, don’t miss lesser-known sites like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea. Phnom Penh, the capital, offers scenic river walks, bustling markets, and essential museums including the National Museum, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Royal Palace.
To the south, Kampot and Kep invite visitors with quiet riverside evenings and seaside cafés, and Sihanoukville is known for its lively beaches and access to islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, offering clear water and simple beach stays.
The dry season from November to February is the best time to visit for outdoor excursions and optimal temple experiences. March and April are hotter, and the May–October monsoon sees frequent rain though travel is still viable with flexible plans.
Affordable guesthouses, hostels, and local eateries are common, and tuk tuks keep transport costs low. Khmer is the main language, but English is widely spoken in tourist towns, hotels, and cafés.
Standard safety and respectful dress at religious sites are advised.
10) Dubai
Dubai is an excellent choice for solo travelers, offering a blend of modern architecture and traditional Arabian culture. The city is known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficient organization, making it suitable for first-time solo visitors.
Top attractions
Top attractions include the Dubai Mall (with its shopping, aquarium, and fountain), Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), and the historic Al Fahidi District with Dubai Museum and traditional souks. The Gold and Spice Souks are popular for their authentic market experiences.
Outdoor adventures like desert safaris, camel rides, and cultural performances are widely available.
Jumeirah Beach offers relaxion, while the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina provide scenic walks and dining options.
Precautions to be taken
Safety is excellent, but travelers should take common precautions: respect local customs, dress modestly, and avoid public displays of affection.
Keep personal belongings secure in crowds, use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers. Tap water is desalinated and generally considered safe for brushing teeth and cooking, but many visitors prefer bottled water for drinking. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though Arabic is the official language.
The ideal season to visit is November to March, when temperatures are comfortable.
–IANS/snj/mr
