Solo holidays: Our guide to single travel

1. Vietnam

We realise that Southeast Asia is already a popular destination for solo travellers and backpackers. However, we decided on Vietnam specifically due to the diverse landscapes and variety of activities to do there.

From the bustling, moped-laden streets of Hanoi in the north to the tranquil beaches of Phu Quoc island in the south, Vietnam offers it all. For history buffs, there are the tunnels in Ho Chi Minh city whereas those wanting a quieter trip can head to the countryside and the rice fields of Sapa.

Travelling around the country couldn’t be easier — or cheaper for that matter. With internal flights costing as little as a lunch in the UK and busses departing cities on a regular basis, hopping around Vietnam, even on your own, couldn’t be more straightforward.

The great thing about travelling around Vietnam — especially in more urban areas — is that there is a wealth of free WiFi spots. So if you get into a pickle, a hotspot will be close by!

2. USA

Since a number of low-cost airlines have released direct routes to both the East Coast and West Coast, travel to the USA has never been more affordable as a solo traveller.

This huge continent offers everything any budding solo traveller could want, from the bustling cities of New York and Los Angeles to the drama of the Rocky Mountains and The Grand Canyon.

Booking accommodation on your own can be as cheap or as luxurious as you wish. With more and more affordable accommodations and funky hostels popping up all around the country, you really are spoilt for choice.

Don’t fancy just focusing on one place? Car hire is super cheap! Head out on your own American road trip or opt for someone else to take the wheel and book a cheap fare with one of the many cross-country bus companies.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

European cities are a great way to kick off your solo travelling journey. Not only are they relatively cheap to fly to but they usually offer accommodation options that suit every budget.

If safety is one of your main concerns when travelling solo, Copenhagen has recently been voted as the safest place to travel. Offering a number of budget-friendly accommodations from classy hostels to Scandi-styled hotels, there’s something to suit all in this quaint city.

Looking elsewhere in Europe? We like cities like Prague and Budapest as they have a buzzing vibe about them without being overly populated. Larger cities like Barcelona and Paris may be a little overcrowded for your first solo trip.

4. Bali

Made famous by countless Instagram images of beaches, swings over rice fields and luxurious hotels, it’s no wonder that the bucket list Indonesian island of Bali made our top 5.

Offering a huge range of accommodations from budget to luxury and bamboo bungalows to bubbles, Bali has it all. The only thing to take into consideration when in Bali is that taxis can be pricey.

Public transport is sparse, so taxis are the most convenient form of getting around but fares can add up.

5. New Zealand

Made famous by the Lord of the Rings movies, New Zealand is made up of two islands that offer so much more than Hobbits and Mordor.

Auckland, located in the north of North Island, is where many travellers begin their adventure. It’s worth noting that flights to Auckland vary dramatically in price, depending on your layover times, airlines etc. Once you’re there, if you have a driver’s licence then hiring a camper van is by far the most cost effective way to travel and sleep. For those who aren’t that confident driving in another country, internal flights with Air New Zealand can be picked up very cheaply if booked in advance, as can nationwide buses.

North Island is home to a number of major cities in New Zealand like Auckland and Wellington. But head out of the city limits and there is a wealth of things to discover. Phenomenal beaches and coastlines, thermal spas and pools as well as sweeping vineyards and fantastic hiking opportunities.

South Island feels like a whole other country, as its landscape is a lot more dramatic. Shaped over millions of years by slow-moving glaciers, the island offers snow-capped mountains and glass-like lakes. Queenstown is a favourite for travellers as it has a number of extreme sports on offer. On the opposite coast lies Christchurch, a quaint, small city with oodles of personality — head up the coast for a few hours to Kaikoura for whale spotting experiences.

Many people travel solo around NZ so it offers opportunities to meet new people from around the world. If you get stuck, locals are known as some of the friendliest in the world and most will stop to help a lost tourist.

6. Tanzania

We’ve added in Tanzania, which may not be the first country to come to mind when you think about solo travel. However, this is a destination bursting with personality and culture.

Looking for some relaxing beach time? Head to the paradise island of Zanzibar. Lying off the coast of the mainland, Zanzibar is full of activities like dolphin spotting. It is also home to Freddie Mercury's birthplace in the main town of Stone Town as well as Insta-famous restaurant The Rock.

Head to the mainland by plane or boat — flights are generally pricer but take a fraction of the time whereas the ferry can get a little crowded. Flights depart for either the country’s capital of Dar Es Sallam or Arusha. We would generally advise against Dar Es Sallam as its streets have an unpredictable nature. However, if safaris and stunning mountain views are your bag, then Arusha is where it’s at! As the gateway to Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s many national parks, travellers tend to create a base here before going on treks and day trips.

Moshi is a small yet busy town that sits at the base of Kilimanjaro, with plenty of accommodations to suit all budgets available. Hiking not your thing? There are other tours you can do. Head partway up the mountain by bus for amazing jungles, waterfalls and coffee plantations. Walking tours can be arranged at a number of outlets both in town and online.

Safari-wise, talk to your accommodation. They can usually come up with an itinerary to suit you and your budget. For the ultimate experience, book a private tour. Here you will have your own knowledgeable driver to take you to locations in your selected park frequented by wildlife. This level of service, however, comes with a price tag. For a more budget-friendly option, select to join a group safari. These usually need to be booked further in advance as jeeps fill up fast.