Beaches of fine white sand. Lush tropical forests. Ancient cultures full of charm. Colourful local markets. Rushing rivers. You would like to see everything, but you have to start somewhere. If you have decided on a solo trip, but can't decide which destination is right for you, here are our tips: the best 9 places to discover on a solo holiday.
Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is perfect for solo travellers in search of adventure ©pabliscua/Getty Images
1 Solo adventure travel: South America
With mountains to climb, rivers to raft, ancient ruins to discover and jungles to explore, South America is perfect for adventure lovers. Don't let the distances put you off: no matter how long or short the itinerary, South America is more suitable for solo travellers than you think.
Experiences not to be missed
- Take a 4WD tour from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni in Bolivia through lunar landscapes and take selfies with salt flats in the background. The tours usually depart when the vehicles are full, so plan for the presence of other travellers.
- Admire the sunrise over Machu Picchu in Peru, which can be reached on a hike or train from Cusco.
- Tackle the 'Road of Death' in Bolivia by mountain bike and then have a beer with fellow adventurers.
- Wander the cobbled streets of Cartagena, Colombia, photographing glimpses of this beautiful, pastel-hued city.
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You can't visit Vietnam without indulging in its street food ©Matt Munro/Lonely Planet
2 The world's best food: Vietnam
Don't tell the Thais, but the best cuisine in South-East Asia is Vietnamese. Delicate in flavour and amazing in variety, it is a major tourist attraction. With countless street food tours and many cooking schools, Vietnam is an ideal destination for solo travellers.
Experiences not to be missed
- Learn how to cook a Vietnamese feast; the most prestigious school is the Green Bamboo Cooking School in Hoi An.
- Trace the Vietnam War at the Hanoi Military History Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City War Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels in northern Ho Chi Minh City.
- Join a day trip or an overnight tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The limestone towers emerging from the water draw crowds of tourists, but are still spectacular.
Bali is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation ©Tropical studio/Shutterstock
3 Best for meditation: Ubud, Indonesia
Whether or not you enjoyed writer Elizabeth Gilbert's autobiography Eat, Pray, Love, there is no denying that the artistic and spiritual heartland of Bali - where the author found love - remains a beautiful location where solo travellers can relax, reflect and recharge.
Must-see experiences
- Visit Ubud's museums and art galleries: the Neka Art Museum, Museum Puri Lukisan and the Agung Rai Museum of Art.
- Attend a Balinese dance performance in a theatre after visiting the city's temples; Ubud Tourist Information, in Jl Raya Ubud, will be able to advise you.
- Treat yourself to a holistic break - the choice ranges from yoga to reiki - at Taksu Healing Haven.
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An old Trabant in front of the Berlin Wall ©canadastock/Shutterstock
4 The best for nightlife: Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a great place to party. It is also one of the most informal and welcoming cities in Europe: a fantastic destination for all solo travellers.
Must-see experiences
- Step into a bar or nightclub and see where the night takes you.
- Visit sites of interest and get to know other tourists on a free walking tour of the city.
- Admire street art in Kreuzberg and head to Friedrichshain for the East Side Gallery, the longest section of the Berlin Wall.
- Spend a weekend at the flea markets - don't miss the one in Mauerpark and the one at Boxhagener Platz.
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5 Best for a group tour: East Africa
Is it your dream to spot gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda, meet a Maasai chief in Kenya or admire the 'big five' in Tanzania, but you've never had the courage to set off to East Africa on your own? A group tour might be for you.
Tour operators arrange permits in advance; if you are travelling alone, you should contact the Rwanda Development Board first. Also make a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Must-see experiences
- Cruise past hippos, elephants and crocodiles along the Kazinga Channel in Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Spot big cats on a 4WD in one of the many safari parks.
- Visit a Maasai tribe in Kenya on a group tour.
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
The colourful Sri Veeramakaliamman temple in Singapore ©Adrian Baker/Shutterstock
6 Best for a quick stopover: Singapore
With one of the best public transport networks in the world (including excellent airport connections), a plethora of cultural attractions and delicious food stalls on every corner, Singapore is ideal for solo travellers.
Must-do experiences
- Discover new flavours by joining a food tour.
- Wander through museums and galleries, such as the new National Gallery Singapore.
- Visit cafes and boutiques in the elegant 1930s residential district of Tiong Bahru.
- Go out for an evening stroll to admire the lights of Marina Bay.
- Explore the city's fascinating places of worship, from mosques and Chinese temples to Anglican churches and Hindu shrines. Cover your shoulders and knees before entering.
7 Best for a city break: Portland, Oregon, United States
Portland, one of the most fascinating cities in the United States, has all the cultural advantages of a metropolis, but the atmosphere of a small town. It is also one of the greenest cities in America, in every sense: the perfect destination for solo travellers looking for an eco-friendly holiday.
Experiences not to be missed
- Take a tour of the city's food trucks.
- Visit Powell's City of Books, the world's largest independent bookstore occupying an entire city block.
- Admire Portland's gardens: in particular, don't miss the ancient International Rose Test Garden.
- Explore the Alberta Arts District, possibly in conjunction with the Last Thursday art walk.
- Take a tour of Portland's breweries.
Caye Caulker, Belize ©Emma Shaw/Lonely Planet
8 Best for a tropical getaway: Caye Caulker, Belize
You don't have to be on your honeymoon to holiday on a tropical island like Caye Caulker, one of the most beautiful in Central America (if not all of the Caribbean), with sandy beaches and wonderful diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Experiences not to be missed
- Laze on the sand at The Split, a beach formed by a hurricane that split Caye Caulker in two. At the adjacent Lazy Lizard Bar you'll find music and beer.
- Snorkel or dive in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, home to turtles and sharks.
- Sip rum during a sunset cruise.
- Go on a day trip to spot manatees in Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Enjoy great Creole street food; fish, chicken and lobster grilled by friendly locals.
Sunset on the beach in Cairns, Australia ©Ewen Bell/Lonely Planet
9 Best for a road trip: East Coast, Australia
From glittering coastal capitals to quiet fishing towns and from magnificent national parks to deserted beaches that seem endless, Australia's east coast is fantastic. The classic Sydney to Cairns road trip is also one of the world's most recommended for solo travellers.
Must-see experiences
- Spread your beach towel on Sydney's famous Bondi Beach and walk to Bronte Beach.
- Learn to ride the waves at Byron Bay by taking lessons at one of the many surf schools.
- Drive to the villages and stunning waterfalls that dot the hinterland of New South Wales' north coast.
- Take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef; booking through a hostel in Cairns or Airlie Beach gives you more opportunities to meet other travellers.
- Explore the ancient emerald chasms of the Daintree Rainforest, north of Cairns.