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Traveling alone can be pure pleasure because only one person is responsible for the route. You.
But if you choose the wrong destination, the “alone” part of the deal can suddenly become a problem. Especially if there are safety problems.
So what are the ‘right’ destinations?
See below. We spoke to travel experts from The Points Guy, Aditi Travel and Travel City for their top tips on the best cities for a solo adventure, from a city in the ‘safest country in South America’ to places where making friends is a breeze thanks to ‘welcoming locals’ and plentiful hostels.
Scroll down for more information – and don’t forget to vote in our poll for your favorite solo destination…
Tbilisi, Georgia
Solo travel expert Helen Youngman recommends Georgia’s capital Tbilisi (above) for a getaway for one. She says the ‘welcome locals’ are one of the many positives
Helen Youngman, who runs a solo travel holiday company Aditi Travelrecommended the 1,500-year-old Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Helen told MailOnline Travel: ‘Tbilisi is a creative and eclectic city with a historic old town, colorful Ottoman architecture and warm and welcoming locals, making it perfect for solo exploration.
Relax in the city’s famous sulphur baths, enjoy wine tasting in cozy cellar bars and book a meal with a local family to taste the famous Georgian hospitality and cuisine.
‘Stay at: Rooms Hotel Tbilisiset in a beautifully restored building and an excellent base for exploring the vibrant local culture.’
Santiago, Chile
Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy said Santiago (above) is ‘one of the safest countries in South and Latin America’, with ‘breathtaking natural scenery’ and ‘a huge hostel culture’
Nicky Kelvintravel expert and editor-in-chief The points manrecommended a hotspot in South America surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and the Chilean coast: Santiago, the capital of Chile.
Nicky explained to MailOnline: ‘Chile is considered one of the safest countries in South and Latin America, and the capital has a particularly low crime rate.
‘Leaving Santiago behind, you can go skiing in the Andes, hike in the Atacama Desert and even take part in wine tasting tours by bike.
When it comes to breathtaking natural landscapes, Chile’s wild landscapes are hard to beat.
‘Plus, the whole country has a huge hostel culture (with both budget and luxury options), making it easy to make new friends. Prefer to stay in the city? Santiago also has plenty of accessible viewpoints, fantastic museums, and delicious restaurants.’
Berlin, Germany
Nicky recommended Berlin for a solo European city break, noting its ‘excellent public transport, high level of spoken English’ and plentiful hostels
Travelers looking to explore Europe are spoiled for choice, but Nicky recommends the German capital for those venturing out on their own.
He noted: ‘Berlin is a city with a low crime rate, excellent public transport, a high level of spoken English and a progressive atmosphere that makes almost everyone feel at home.
‘With many hostels and free tours, you can easily meet other solo travelers in a low-pressure environment.
‘Berlin also has a fantastic public art trail, so wandering around the city on foot is particularly easy and enjoyable.’
Melbourne, Australia
Travel City co-founder Lee Dobson suggested Melbourne because it has a “vibrant cultural scene, diverse neighbourhoods and welcoming locals.” Above – Melbourne Flinders Street train station
Lee Dobson, co-founder of Travel citythat offers reviews and suggestions on where to go, recommended vacationers.
He told MailOnline: ‘Melbourne is a great city break destination for solo travelers because of its vibrant cultural offering, diverse neighborhoods and welcoming people.
‘The city is known for its street art, coffee culture and countless festivals. Solo travelers can visit the National Gallery of Victoria, explore the streets full of unique shops and cafes and relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens.
‘Melbourne’s extensive tram network makes it easy to get around. The city is also a gateway to natural attractions such as the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley – perfect for day trips.”
Taipei, Taiwan
Nicky Kelvin recommended Taipei for solo holidaymakers, noting that it is “as good as Japan” in terms of safety, but “much cheaper” than Tokyo. Above: Taipei’s National Concert Hall on Freedom Square
Nicky from The Points Guy recommended that solo travelers wanting to explore Asia head to Taiwan, an island nation off the east coast of China.
And while he was there, he recommended going straight to Taipei.
He explained: ‘Taiwan is on par with Japan in terms of security – and [capital city] Taipei is much cheaper to visit than Tokyo for a solo traveler.
‘With a huge selection of budget and boutique properties, as well as big brand hotels that are also well-priced (think Kimpton and Hilton), solo travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options.
‘Free walking tours are offered in many neighborhoods and are an excellent way to connect with like-minded travelers, as are street food tours.
‘An added bonus: Taipei’s metro system is clean, organized, and safe. They even play classical music as the trains approach.’
