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Hayley on Holiday

My 23 Favourite Solo Travel Destinations Around the World

March 22, 2018 in Solo Female Travel, Top Posts
Colourful houses of Notting Hill in London, one of the world's best solo travel destinations.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here.

Today, I reveal 23 of my favourite solo travel destinations around the world. From Las Vegas to London, this post is guaranteed to inspire you to go on your own solo travel adventure.

It’s about time I compiled a list of my favourite solo travel destinations in one post, right? In case you didn’t know, I am a big advocate for solo travel. I have travelled alone across four continents (so far), and I have no plans to stop anytime soon. In the beginning, the thought of travelling alone and moving across the world by myself made me have an actual breakdown in a San Francisco hostel room.

Today, I don’t think twice. I don’t believe you should let anything get in the way of you and your travel dreams. Yes, visiting places with friends is amazing. But so is visiting Brussels and spending a weekend with new people from different countries. So, from North America to Europe to Asia and Australia, here are my (tried and tested) favourite solo travel destinations for fellow solo female travellers.

This post was updated in April 2020

Table of Contents Show
1. Before we get into the solo travel destinations, here are my top solo travel tips
2. Must-visit solo travel destinations around the world
2.1. 1. Dublin
2.2. 2. Amsterdam
2.3. 3. Las Vegas
2.4. 4. Adelaide
2.5. 5. London
2.6. 6. Vancouver
2.7. 7. Copenhagen
2.8. 8. Singapore
2.9. 9. Belfast
2.10. 10. Portland
2.11. 11. Brisbane
2.12. 12. Brussels
2.13. 13. Bruges
2.14. 14. Honolulu
2.15. 15. Edinburgh
2.16. 16. The Canadian Rockies
2.17. 17. Ljubljana
2.18. 18. Tokyo
2.19. 19. San Francisco
2.20. 20. Paris
2.21. 21. Wrocław
2.22. 22. Melbourne
2.23. 23. Vilnius

Before we get into the solo travel destinations, here are my top solo travel tips

Firstly, I want to quickly talk about the four boxes a place has to tick before I deem it solo travel-worthy 😉. Most importantly, I have to feel safe and comfortable. Secondly, it has to have some good attractions you can enjoy alone and it must have easy-to-navigate public transport. Finally, the language barrier can’t be too much of a struggle.

Now, let’s look at some of the other helpful solo travel posts scattered across Hayley on Holiday. There is a post on how to meet people as a solo traveller and tips on staying at a hostel solo. Then we have my post on how to travel alone in Europe, which is helpful no matter what continent you visit. Finally, I have comprehensive guides similar to this one on my solo travels through Europe in 2017 and North America. Okay, I think that just about covers it 😂.

The colourful waterfront buildings of Nyhavn in Copenhagen, one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe.

Copenhagen – one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe.

Must-visit solo travel destinations around the world

1. Dublin

I wouldn’t say Dublin is my favourite place in the world, but it’s a great place to visit alone in Europe. Although I only took one bus during my visit, there were different transport options available. I also felt very comfortable walking around the entire city early in the morning and at night. There’s plenty of things to do in Dublin as well. You can base yourself in Dublin and do day trips to places like Northern Ireland, Cork and Galway too.

Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel

Related post: My 12 day Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary

Colourful flags and buildings in Dublin, Ireland - one of the best solo travel destinations.

2. Amsterdam

To be honest, travelling around Europe solo did make me nervous because of the language barrier. But I constantly see UK residents on Instagram hopping over to mainland Europe for the weekend. So I thought if they could do it, so could I. Amsterdam was the best city I visited in Europe in terms of the minimal language barrier. Every local who served me – whether it was at a shop or cafe – spoke amazing English and were so polite. I was honestly blown away by the hospitality and this is why Amsterdam is now one of my favourite cities in Europe. I also spent a lot of time walking around admiring the architecture and eating a lot of good food.

Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam

Related posts: Where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam and my Amsterdam guide

Buildings reflected in an Amsterdam Canal - one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe.

3. Las Vegas

I’ve written previously how I was sceptical about visiting Las Vegas alone. But it turns out, travelling solo to Las Vegas is still a lot of fun. I walked up and down the Strip (even at night) and felt safe. Next, I went all out and hit the buffet. I also did two tours: a night tour with Big Bus and a day tour to the Grand Canyon. Yes, Las Vegas would be a lot of fun with your favourite people, but I am here to tell you that you can still enjoy yourself in Vegas alone.

Where to stay in Las Vegas: Hostel Cat

Related posts: Visiting Vegas solo (still one of my most popular posts), my budget travel guide and the best Vegas tours for solo travellers.

Las Vegas at night from the top deck on the Big Bus Night Tour - one of the best Las Vegas tours for solo travellers.

4. Adelaide

My solo long weekend in Adelaide in 2018 was one of the best solo vacations I’d had in a while and it cemented Adelaide in my list of top solo travel destinations in Australia. Firstly, it has to be one of the friendliest places in Australia. Secondly, there’s actually a lot of things to do and see in Adelaide. I had a busy few days visiting free attractions, going to the beach and exploring neighbouring Hahndorf. I highly recommend adding Adelaide to your Australia bucket list.

Where to stay in Adelaide: YHA Adelaide Central

Related post: My weekend guide to Adelaide

Watching the sunset at Glenelg Beach in Adelaide, South Australia - one of the top solo travel destinations in Australia.

5. London

London is one of the best first-time solo travel destinations. The city’s public transport is fantastic – expensive, but extremely efficient. There’s also possibly too much to do in London. I have now spent nearly a month in the city altogether and I still have so many things left on my bucket list. This time I stayed near Tower Bridge and felt comfortable walking around here once the sunset too. I met up with a born-and-bred Londoner (who I’d previously met in a Vancouver hostel dorm room) and she said she’s never once felt unsafe walking around London after dark.

Where to stay in London: Wombats City Hostel

Related posts: Christmas in London and my comprehensive London travel guide.

The colourful buildings of Notting Hill in London - one of the world's best solo travel destinations.

6. Vancouver

My home sweet (second) home. Even if I hadn’t spent over two years living in Vancouver, I would still recommend it as one of my favourite solo travel destinations. Firstly, public transport is fantastic. Secondly, there are lots of things to do. Thirdly, there are plenty of accessible day trip options, like getting the bus to wonderful Whistler.

Where to stay in Vancouver: I’ve written a post on where to stay in Vancouver, but for solo travellers, I recommend Samesun Backpackers and this Airbnb.

Related posts: Where do I begin? Well, we have my 24-hour itinerary, the best free things to do, my favourite things to do at night and where to take the best skyline photos.

Picture-perfect Vancouver, BC, with boats in a marina, skyscrapers and snowy mountains as a backdrop.

7. Copenhagen

Copenhagen is definitely not the cheapest place to visit alone, but it’s still one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. It’s easy to walk between the city’s main attractions, locals speak excellent English and did I mention you can do a day trip to Sweden?

Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger

Related post: Don’t worry, I’ve got you – here’s my Copenhagen budget travel guide, filled with free things to do in the city.

Free things to do in Copenhagen: go for a walk along the canals in Christianshavn.

8. Singapore

Singapore is one of Asia’s best solo travel destinations, as transport is excellent and the city is very safe. I felt totally comfortable visiting sights at night and walking back to my hostel from the train station. I also loved the different tourist attractions on offer in Singapore. Oh, and the cheap meals from the hawker centre near my hostel were the BEST.

Where to stay in Singapore: I’ve now stayed at Dream Lodge three times!

Related posts: My favourite Singapore photos, top things to do in Singapore and how to visit Singapore on a budget.

Singapore photos: looking up at Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay and Marina Sands.

9. Belfast

I heard a lot of mixed reviews about Belfast prior to visiting. However, I wanted to see it for myself and see if what people were saying was true. In Belfast, I found a city with fantastic day trips and a very interesting (albeit sad) history. I felt safe walking the 10 minutes from the city centre to my hostel at night and had a great day exploring the city. Don’t always believe what you hear.

Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds Belfast

Related post: My Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary

Colourful Victorian buildings in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

10. Portland

Oh, how I love you Portland. It wins for being one of the best places to visit alone in the United States and for being one of my favourite cities, period. I have written a lot about Portland on the blog, as it’s just such a friendly, beautiful and walkable city. I have visited three times now and always find something new to do with every visit.

Where to stay in Portland: HI Northwest Portland

Related posts: 20 things to do in Portland, all of the reasons why I love Portland and the best Portland desserts.

Eating a Froot Loop-covered doughnut from Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland, Oregon

Speaking of solo travel destinations in the United States, check out my guide to the best places to visit alone in the US of A.

11. Brisbane

Brisbane is another city I’ve called home, but I’ve also visited it as a solo traveller on multiple occasions and I think it’s one of the best places to visit alone in Australia. There is plenty to see and do around the CBD and South Bank, but it’s also easy to walk or get a bus/train to other interesting areas, like West End, Kangaroo Point and Fortitude Valley.

Where to stay in Brisbane: I’ve stayed in a few different places, but I keep returning to Brisbane City YHA.

Related post: My ultimate guide to Brisbane

South Bank's man made pool surrounded by palm trees and skyscrapers in Brisbane, one of the best places to visit in Australia.

12. Brussels

In the end, I visited Brussels twice during my European adventures in 2017. Once again, it was another welcoming and walkable European city. The locals I interacted with spoke very good English and were also very friendly. Plus, there are so many cities within easy reach for day trips (I visited Bruges with girls I met in my dorm room). Don’t stay anywhere else, this guesthouse is the best!

Where to stay in Brussels: Sleephere Brussels

Related post: 26 things to do in Brussels

The photogenic Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries in Brussels, which is one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Europe.

13. Bruges

While we’re on the topic of Belgium, I also recommend visiting Bruges alone. Although I visited on a day trip in 2017, on my return to Europe in 2019 I did a solo weekend in Bruges. Because it’s a very compact city, it’s very easy to walk between all of Bruges’ photogenic attractions (as you will see in my blog post, there are a lot). Bruges also gets points for delicious food and for being close to other Belgium solo travel destinations. You could do a day trip to Brussels or Ghent, which is just as picturesque.

Where to stay in Bruges: Lybeer Travellers’ Hostel

Related post: The best places to visit in Bruges for beautiful photos.

The best places to visit in Bruges - Rozenhoedkaai

14. Honolulu

Could you get any more opposite than Bruges and Honolulu? 😂 Anyway, I’ve visited Honolulu twice now and it may not be an obvious choice, but I think it’s one of the best solo travel destinations in the USA. Honolulu is a huge tourist destination, so it’s overflowing with restaurants, shops and hostels. Even the buses are geared towards tourists, with voiceovers detailing attractions at each stop. While in Honolulu, take advantage of the plethora of day trips and tours available and visit other Oahu attractions too, like Hanauma Bay and the North Shore.

Where to stay in Honolulu: The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel

Related posts: My Oahu travel guide and a day tour review

Sunsets over Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, one of the best solo travel destinations in the United States.

15. Edinburgh

If I was to do the ex-pat thing again, Edinburgh would be the city I call home. I loved its gorgeous brick buildings, free attractions and pub offerings. I also only walked around Edinburgh, because both the New and Old Towns were easily accessible from my hostel. Yes, why I did do a heck of a lot of walking in Europe! If you have time, I also recommend doing a day trip through the Scottish Highlands.

Where to stay in Edinburgh: Kick Ass Greyfriars (I’ve also stayed here twice).

Victoria Street in Edinburgh, which features brick buildings overshadowing colourful Victorian shopfronts. Edinburgh is one of my favourite solo travel destinations.

16. The Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are still one of the most beautiful solo travel destinations I’ve visited. Banff is actually very accessible if travelling solo and without a car. It’s only 1.5 hours by bus from Calgary and you can walk or get the public bus to a lot of the town’s main attractions. I also did a tour to Lake Louise, which was as incredible as I hoped.

Where to stay in Banff: Samesun Banff

Related posts: My solo travel guide to the Canadian Rockies and two days in Banff.

Exploring Banff in the Canadian Rockies, one town on my big North America itinerary.

17. Ljubljana

Ljubljana makes the cut on this solo travel destinations list as it’s the place to base yourself to see Lake Bled if you’re a fellow solo female traveller. I found it quite seamless to get a local bus to and from Lake Bled, although I was anxious beforehand. In Ljubljana, everyone I met was very friendly: from the walking tour guide to the hostel receptionist. It isn’t overrun with attractions, so two days is a perfect amount of time in Ljubljana.

Where to stay in Ljubljana: Vila Veselova

Related post: How to do a Lake Bled day trip

2017 travel highlight: visiting Lake Bled, Slovenia.

18. Tokyo

Another place I was anxious about visiting solo was Tokyo. That city is a sensory overload! There were so many bright lights and people and noises. But I loved it and I hope to return soon, now that I’m based in Australia again. I felt comfortable walking to my hostel at night and the Japanese people I interacted with were all very friendly. The public transport is also fairly easy to use, as there are thankfully signs in English everywhere, directing you where to go. I also did a day trip to Mount Fuji, which was awesome.

Where to stay in Tokyo: bAKpAK Tokyo Hostel (the tiniest rooms you ever did see).

Related post: My solo travel guide to Tokyo

Shibuya in Tokyo, one of the best solo travel destinations in Asia.

19. San Francisco

Another US destination, San Francisco is a great city to visit alone. You certainly won’t be bored visiting all of its different neighbourhoods and attractions, like Haight-Ashbury, the Mission District, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. I won’t list all of my favourite things to do in San Francisco because we will be here all day, but you should add it to your list of solo travel destinations to visit in the United States.

Where to stay in San Francisco: I’ve stayed at both USA Hostel and Orange Village Hostel and I would recommend both.

Best places to travel alone in the US: San Francisco, California

20. Paris

Paris is synonymous with romantic escapes, but I’m here to tell you it’s also one of the best places to visit alone in Europe. Although some French people won’t converse in English, I think you can get by just pointing at the delicious pastry you want. I also love Paris because there is just so much to see and do, like London. I used the Metro daily as well and found it easy to navigate, which helps in a big city.

Where to stay in Paris: Le Village Hostel

Related post: My solo travel guide to Paris

Eiffel Tower views from Galerie Lafayette's rooftop in Paris, one of my favourite solo travel destinations in Europe (and the world).

21. Wrocław

Wrocław may be an interesting addition to this list, but I really enjoyed my time in this Polish city and I think it’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. Let me begin by saying Poland, in general, is a very cheap country to visit. So if you’re like me and enjoy solo travel with a dash of budget travel, head to Wrocław. Secondly, it may be a small city with an incredibly colourful Old Town, but there’s actually a lot of things to do and see. Wrocław is also a total foodie destination (hello, oven-baked perogies) and the locals are very friendly. When can I go back?

Where to stay in Wrocław: TOGOTO Hostel

Related posts: Other cheap cities I recommend visiting across Europe

Colourful Old Town buildings in Wroclaw, Poland, another one of Europe's top solo travel destinations.

22. Melbourne

I have to give a shoutout to Melbourne, my current home, as it’s one of the best places to visit alone in Australia. There are plenty of transport options and too many things to do (like, my list is still long and I’ve lived here for nearly two years). Go to brunch, visit St Kilda, spend a day wandering around the city’s many laneways and go on a day trip. I promise you’ll love it.

Where to stay in Melbourne: I’ve written a post on where to stay in Melbourne, but for solo travellers, I’ve stayed at and recommend Space Hotel.

Related posts: I mean, there are all of the links above, but I’ve also got posts on free things to do, things to do at night and another Melbourne food diary, just in case 😉.

Move to Melbourne for views like this - looking across the Yarra River towards the Melbourne skyline.

For more solo travel destinations in Australia, check out this post.

23. Vilnius

Like a lot of people, I visited Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn over 10 days in 2019. Although all of these places are great solo travel destinations, my personal favourite was Vilnius. I really enjoyed my time in Vilnius, which you can read more about in the blog post below. But from quirky Užupis to the abundance of street art to the delicious food, I highly recommend visiting Vilnius. I should also mention that Vilnius is another very walkable city and day trips are very inexpensive if you use local buses (on my list for next time).

Where to stay in Vilnius: Old Town Trio Hotel

Related post: Things not to be missed on a visit to Vilnius

Don't miss the view from the Bell Tower of St John's Church in Vilnius, Lithuania, one of Europe's top solo travel destinations.

I hope this list of solo travel destinations gives you solo vacation ideas and inspiration, no matter where in the world you’re located.

From the best places for solo female travel in Australia to my top solo travel destinations in Europe, this post covers all bases. Click through the related blog posts spread throughout for more inspiration as well. They will definitely keep you busy.

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Hi 👋🏻. I’m Hayley, an Australian freelance writer who has been solo travelling around the world for over 15 years. 40+ countries and two working holidays in Canada later, Hayley on Holiday is my one-stop resource for solo, budget and digital nomad travel. I hope it inspires you to take the leap and explore this wonderful world we live in.

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Places to visit in Australia: Mount Wellington in Hobart, Tasmania

The 10 Best Places to Visit Alone in Australia

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. I’m back with another solo travel-focused post today. This time, we’re talking about my favourite solo travel destinations in Australia for solo weekend getaways. Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Australia alone. My solo travels are not limited to overseas destinations. Yes, I’ve travelled solo across Europe and North America. But I’ve also visited many Australian cities alone as well. Don’t be daunted by solo travel in Australia, because I guarantee you can have a great time Down Under with or without a travel companion. Based on my personal experience (and wishlist), here are the best places to visit in Australia alone. Can you tell I’m a Queenslander? 😂   Note: Australia is a big country and most people will recommend hiring a vehicle to see all the best sights: from cute country towns to cosmopolitan cities. However, I chose these Australian solo travel destinations as you can visit them without hiring a car and still have an unforgettable vacation. The best places to visit in Australia for solo travellers 1. Melbourne Let’s start with my current home, Melbourne. Thanks to the immense amount of things to do and its great public transport network, I believe Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia if travelling alone. However, I would recommend spending more than just a solo weekend here. Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne include visiting St Kilda, having brunch and a browse of the boutiques in Fitzroy, spotting street art in the CBD and going for walks through the city’s many gardens. You also shouldn’t leave Melbourne without doing a trip along the Great Ocean Road. I did an organised tour a few years ago and thought it was excellent. Where to stay in Melbourne: I have a post on where to stay in Melbourne. But my parents have stayed at the Atlantis – great location, good price and comfortable beds. I also recently stayed at Space Hotel, which has dorms and private rooms. The central hostel is fantastic and has a rooftop deck, lounge and gym. I’ll be back on return visits to Melbourne for sure. Read more: Where to eat in Melbourne, free things to do and general things to do, where to take the best photos and other day trips to check out. 2. Magnetic Island This may be a surprise entry, but I had to include Magnetic Island on this list of solo weekend getaways in Australia. Located a 20-minute ferry ride from my hometown, Townsville, this is where my parents live. It’s one of the best solo travel destinations in Australia because it’s made for tourists. With public buses and two great hostels located in different bays, Magnetic Island is one of the best places to visit in Australia if you’re travelling alone. On Magnetic Island, I recommend doing the Forts Walk, seeing the sunset at Horseshoe Bay, feeding the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay and swimming at Alma Bay. You can get to Townsville by flying or taking the Greyhound bus from two other destinations on this list: Cairns and Airlie Beach. The bus even drops you directly at the ferry terminal – now that’s convenience 😉. Where to stay on Magnetic Island: Bungalow Bay or Base are the two hostels I mentioned. Bungalow Bay is probably my favourite though, purely because it’s located in Horseshoe Bay. Read more: Things to do on Magnetic Island, favourite photo locations and where to find koalas. 3. Sydney Ah, Melbourne’s rival and Australia’s biggest city. Sydney is another one of Australia’s best solo travel destinations. Although I think Melbourne has more things to do, Sydney does have the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach. However, I found that it takes longer to get places in Sydney when using public transport, so be prepared. You can get the bus to Bondi and do the Bondi to Bronte Walk. Then you can hop on the train to Instagram’s favourite place: The Grounds of Alexandria. Where to stay in Sydney: Can we talk about the epic views from both Bondi Backpackers and Sydney Harbour YHA?! They’re also top-rated on Hostelworld, which is what matters most to me. Read more: Fun things to do in Sydney As you’ll see with these places to visit in Australia, I only recommend hostels for solo travellers. Read this post for my top hostel tips and check out this post for great ways to meet people when travelling alone. 4. Hobart I know Hobart isn’t the first place you think of visiting on a solo weekend getaway in Australia. But if you have the time, it’s a short flight from Melbourne and a totally different city. It’s home to beautiful architecture, Australia’s most unique museum and some delicious food. I recommend visiting Mount Wellington, getting up close to Aussie animals at Bonorong Sanctuary and wandering around Salamanca. Where to stay in Hobart: I stayed at The Pickled Frog and wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else. They offer free day trips to MONA and Mount Wellington, and the hostel is conveniently located in the CBD. Read more: A visit to Mount Wellington, top things to do and where to eat in Hobart. 5. Cairns So Cairns is located a five-hour drive north of Townsville (the two cities have been frenemies forever). Thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s the fourth most-visited destination in Australia. Because it’s such a tourist hotspot, Cairns is also one of the best places to visit in Australia when travelling solo. The city centre is compact and easily walkable, and there are plenty of tours available. Top attractions near Cairns include Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, Kuranda and Fitzroy Island. You could easily spend a week enjoying Cairns and its surrounds. Where to stay in Cairns: I’ve stayed at Gilligan’s before for a friend’s 21st and it’s […]

Lake Bled, a great day trip from Ljubljana.

My Top Picks For The 21 Best Places To Travel Alone In Europe

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. Looking for the best places to travel alone in Europe? Well, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling to discover the best cities in Europe for solo travel and my recommendations for the safest places to travel alone in Europe. So far I’ve published posts on the best places to travel alone in Australia and the United States. Hence it’s now time to turn my attention towards Europe. Altogether, I’ve spent approximately six months travelling solo across Europe and in that time I’ve visited (and revisited) many amazing cities. So, from my personal solo travel experience, here are 21 of the best places to travel alone in Europe.  I base whether a city is a good place to visit alone in Europe on a few elements. This includes good public transport and easy navigation, hostel options, a variety of activities you can do alone and friendly locals.  Before we begin, make sure you check out these two informative guides: top tips for travelling alone in Europe and my Europe budget travel tips.  Best places to travel alone in Europe 1. Dublin I flew into Dublin after visiting family in Bristol and my initial thought was, this city is BUSY. But besides the crowds, Dublin is one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel for multiple reasons. This includes the fact you can easily walk between most attractions or catch public transport. I only caught two buses: one from the airport and the other to the train station. Dublin is also overflowing with hostels and fun things to do. I recommend doing a free walking tour (how unusual), visiting the Chester Beatty Library, having a picnic lunch in St Stephen’s Green and going on a Dublin doors excursion.  Where to stay in Dublin: Abbey Court Hostel, which has pros and cons. Pros: central location and large common area. Cons: small eight-bed dorms and tiny ensuite bathroom. Related Dublin posts: 20 things to do in Dublin and my Ireland/Northern Ireland itinerary for solo travellers. 2. Amsterdam I’ve said this before, but when I first visited Amsterdam at the ripe old age of 18, it was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by the eccentrically-dressed locals, the smell of pot in the air and by our eye-opening adventures into the Red Light District at night. But when I returned 10 years later, it felt like I was visiting a different city entirely. Amsterdam is now firmly one of my favourite European destinations and it also happens to be one of the best places to travel alone in Europe. With friendly locals, good public transport options and many walkable districts, I highly recommend visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveller. Where to stay in Amsterdam: Generator Amsterdam, which again had pros and cons. Pros: modern facilities in a scenic park setting. Cons: expensive and located about a 30-minute walk from the city centre.  Related Amsterdam posts: My three-day guide to Amsterdam and where (and what) to eat in Amsterdam. Omg, that post makes me want a fresh stroopwafel immediately. 3. London Ah, lovely London. I don’t feel the need to live in London like so many fellow Aussies, but it’s one of my favourites cities in Europe to visit. I love that I’ve been there multiple times, yet I still have things to tick off my London bucket list. As one of the best cities in Europe for solo travel, spend your time visiting museums, having lunch at its many marketplaces, strolling through its colourful neighbourhoods and shopping along Oxford Street, of course. I also highly suggest seeing a show on the West End. I went to two matinees on my recent visit to London and my row alone was made up of multiple people seeing the musical alone. Where to stay in London: I’ve stayed at Wombats multiple times and it’s fantastic. Good common areas, kitchen facilities, an onsite bar with nightly activities, and modern rooms. I also stayed one night at Astor Victoria because it was close to the Victoria Coach Station, but it had nothing on Wombats. Related London posts: My solo traveller’s guide to London, an Oxford day trip from London and London at Christmas. 4. Copenhagen Copenhagen is definitely one of the most expensive cities to visit alone in Europe. Nevertheless, it’s a great city for solo female travellers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from, a long list of things to do and the friendliest locals. From the talkative guy behind the counter in 7/11 to the supermarket clerk, everyone politely switched to English without hesitation.  Where to stay in Copenhagen: Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger was expensive, but the dorm rooms were modern and large with plush beds. There’s also a kitchen, multiple common areas and you’re walking distance from many of Copenhagen’s main attractions. Related Copenhagen post: My budget travel guide to Copenhagen and if you’re interested in a Malmö day trip, check out this post. 5. Belfast Belfast may be one of the most surprising cities on this list of the best places to travel alone in Europe. However, I really enjoyed my weekend in the city. I did a day trip to Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and spent the following day seeing the sights and joining an eye-opening political walking tour. This is my top pick for things to do in Belfast if you want to learn more about the city’s history.  Belfast isn’t the city that instantly comes to mind when thinking about the safest places to travel alone in Europe. But I felt comfortable walking around the sleepy city centre during the day and along the main street at night to get back to my hostel. I didn’t know what to expect in Belfast as I’d previously heard mixed reviews, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re travelling alone in Europe and the UK. Where to stay in Belfast: Vagabonds, a very […]

Enjoying the view at Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia

The Ultimate Bali Solo Travel Guide – What You Need To Know Before You Visit Bali Alone

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. As someone who’s visited Bali, Indonesia on multiple occasions (both with my family and as a solo female traveller), here is my top advice for solo travel in Bali. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in Bali for solo travellers and the top things to do in Bali alone. Hi, my name is Hayley and I miss Bali. But seeing as we can’t travel there right now, the next best thing (for me, anyway) is to write about it. I’ve visited Bali on several occasions and last year I stayed for a whole month (and didn’t get sick 🙌🏻). Bali will always be one of my favourite places and it’s already been the focus of quite a few blog posts. But I thought I would talk about Bali from a solo female traveller’s perspective today. With detailed information on the best places to visit, things to do in Bali alone and general travel tips, this is the only travel guide you’ll need to read before you solo travel in Bali. General solo travel in Bali tips Firstly, I want to direct you to this post, as it covers all of my top Bali travel tips. But here are some additional tips, specifically in regards to solo travel in Bali. Getting around Bali as a solo traveller Arriving at the airport You’ll undoubtedly be arriving in Bali via plane. The airport has gotten a lovely renovation in recent years (I still have fond memories of the previous airport). Nonetheless, once you step outside you will be overwhelmingly greeted by hundreds of locals holding signs that display different names. Most accommodation in Bali will offer to organise airport transport for you. I take them up on the offer as it’s the easiest option, especially when you’re arriving in a foreign country late at night. Alternatively, you can visit the taxi desk at the airport. Day to day transport As for day to day transport, if you feel comfortable renting a scooter, it’s one of the most popular options. There are locals renting scooters everywhere in Bali, which shouldn’t set you back more than 60,000 IRP per day. However, if you want to hire a scooter I recommend organising an international driver’s licence before you leave your home country. Personally, I rely on walking and Blue Bird taxis as a solo traveller in Bali. Blue Bird has an app, but I’d just walk and wait for one to appear on the main road. Once you arrive in Bali you’ll understand what I mean. The Balinese streets are overwhelmingly filled with a lovely combination of scooters, cars and taxis. Now, Blue Bird is the best company because all taxis have meters for the most affordable rate. If you hop into a different taxi, the driver may try to barter with you or “forget” to turn the meter on and no one has time for that. Uber and Grab are also present in Bali, but drivers are prohibited from entering many of the main tourist areas. As for public transport, the only option is the Kura-Kura public shuttle bus service. It travels between Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and destinations. I’ve never used this bus network, but I have seen them travelling around Bali. Travelling around Bali alone On my last solo trip to Bali, I also travelled from Kuta to Ubud and back again. In the first instance, I got my family’s driver to drive me as I wanted to stop at a few different places along the way. He’s fantastic, isn’t pushy like some drivers and speaks great English. If you’d like his details, let me know. On the other hand, from Ubud to Kuta I paid 60,000 IRP to travel on a shuttle bus with other people backpacking Bali alone. I just booked it at the travel desk outside my homestay in Ubud. If you’re a fellow budget traveller, this is a good option.  Money tips When I visit Bali, I travel with my Citibank debit card as I don’t get charged any international fees. I also predominantly use official bank ATMs. If you prefer, you can also bring cash in your local currency and change it at a money exchange. Although a few high-end restaurants have card facilities, cash is king in Bali. Tipping is also always appreciated at both restaurants and spas.  What to pack for solo travel in Bali As luck would have it, I’ve already written a post that highlights the 10 things I highly recommend packing for a trip to Bali. Check it out here. How to avoid Bali Belly on your solo trip to Bali We have to get real for a second because Bali Belly is a menace I am, unfortunately, all too well acquainted with. It’s essentially an upset stomach or travellers’ diarrhea that you can get while travelling around Bali. Predominantly caused by contaminated food and water, stay away from Bali’s tap water as it isn’t potable. Although experts say to not drink the ice in Bali, it’s government-regulated now and safe to drink.  I also take Travelan before lunch and dinner in Bali and it seems to be the magic ingredient. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited as I was when I travelled around Bali for one month without getting sick. Life goals, friends 😂. If you do inevitably get struck down by Bali Belly, make sure you stay hydrated, take rehydration drinks (available from convenience stores) and stick to a bland diet. Bali Belly is also why I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your solo trip to Bali.  Is Bali safe for solo female travellers? This is probably one of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to solo travel in Bali. In my option, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. Personally, I’ve never felt afraid while walking around Bali alone. On my last trip, I stayed […]

Tower Bridge in London, England

My Complete Solo Traveller’s Guide to Lovely London

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read the full disclosure policy here. My latest solo travel guide focuses on lovely London. Keep reading to find out where I stayed in London, solo London travel tips and the best things to do alone in London. It’s about time I wrote a guide on solo travel in London. I’ve spent nearly a month in London overall, so I’m basically a local 💁‍♀️. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit – there’s just so many cool neighbourhoods to visit and attractions to see. It’s also a great city to visit as a solo traveller. So here’s my guide to visiting London by yourself, including the best things to do alone in London. If you’ve ever wondered what to do alone in London, I have you covered. Solo London travel tips First up, here are a couple of travel tips for fellow solo travellers visiting London alone. Most importantly, be aware of your surroundings in busy places as there are pickpockets in London (like every other major city in the world). I also found I felt safe walking from the tube back to my hostel at night alone, as it was located on a busier street and there were always people around. However, I only did this on a couple of occasions. As always, do what feels right to you. All of the amazing things to do alone in London listed below are daytime activities anyway. How to get to London alone Hello, my name is Hayley and I am now a pro at travelling to London alone. So far I’ve arrived and departed from London by plane, train and bus. I’ve flown in and out of London from both Vancouver and Australia – check Skyscanner for the best flight deals. I’ve also taken the Eurostar from London to Paris and FlixBus to Bruges. Within the UK, I have taken National Express buses and the train from London as well. So yes, there are plenty of ways to get to and from London. How to get around London Public transport is fantastic in London, so take advantage. I used the tube most days and even caught a few buses. I simply relied on Google Maps to figure out which tube line or bus would take me to my destination. The best hostel in London for solo travellers In my opinion, the best hostel in London for solo travellers is Wombats City Hostel. I’ve now stayed there multiple times in a six-bed female dorm room (with an ensuite). It’s conveniently located 10 minutes from both Tower Bridge and Brick Lane in East London. The hostel is also within walking distance of two tube lines and two grocery stores. I like the large common areas at the hostel and the onsite bar. The bar hosts weekly events as well, which is the perfect place to meet other solo travellers in London. I’ve also stayed overnight at the Astor Victoria as it’s walking distance from Victoria Coach Station. Let’s just say, Wombats is 100 times better. I had to walk up seven flights of narrow stairs to my female dorm, which isn’t the easiest with a nearly 20kg suitcase. I also thought the shared bathrooms weren’t the cleanest and the common areas at Wombats are so much better.  Here are my top hostelling tips & travel essentials for fellow solo travellers Fun things to do alone in London  Here are lots and lots of things to do in London on your own. You won’t be bored in London after reading this list! 1. Walk along the Thames to see the best London attractions If you’re wondering where to go alone in London, here are several ideas. On my first day in London in 2017, I ended up walking from my hostel near Tower Bridge to Oxford Street. It was a lot of steps, but I passed so many beautiful London attractions on the way. Firstly, there’s Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. I haven’t been to the Tower of London yet, but I’ve heard it’s worthwhile. Then there’s St Paul’s Cathedral before you make it to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It was pretty quiet until I got to Big Ben, which is always overflowing with tourists. Don’t forget Westminster Abbey either. On another day, I walked on the other side of the River Thames to visit some Christmas markets. This is where you’ll find the Shard, the London Eye and Shakespeare’s Globe. A final, but nonetheless awesome option, is to take a cruise along the River Thames.  2. See the Queen at Buckingham Palace Can you even say you’ve been to London if you don’t visit Buckingham Palace? It’s fortunately located in central London, so there are other things to see and do nearby. If you happen to visit in autumn like me, don’t miss seeing all the falling leaves in St James’ Park and Green Park. It’s magical! While we’re on the topic, check out my autumn packing list 😉 3. Do a free walking tour Can you believe I’ve never done a free walking tour in London? I’ve done one in like every other country in Europe, but not London. Anyway, don’t be like me and join a free walking tour. It’s one of the best things to do alone in London (and any place for that matter). 4. Go shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets Oxford and Regent Streets are hectic, no matter when you visit. But Oxford Street is home to all of my favourite English stores (a.k.a. Primark), so it’s always on my personal list of things to do alone in London. If you end up visiting London at Christmas, you also must see the Christmas decorations along Oxford and Regent Streets. While you’re in the area, head to Carnaby Street, which has more independent stores. I loved the handmade products and unique London souvenirs inside We Built This City. Here are […]

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