Everyone's itching to get back on the road in 2022. Since travel was restricted and people had to cancel their vacations for the past few years, 2022 will definitely be the year of the wanderer.
Even though we've all been cooped up inside our homes, there's still a world of mountains, beaches, and cities to see. You might not be able to jump on a flight immediately; the new year is still ringing in some optimism, and you hope to travel again.
So while you wait for restrictions and bands to lift, do some travel planning. Check out the best destinations when travelling alone. Whether you're looking to explore a new city or get lost in nature, there's a destination that's calling for you to visit.
Why You Should Travel Alone
When most people think of a vacation, they imagine going with family, friends, or a significant other. Travelling is such a great experience that, understandably, you would want to share those memories with another person.
That's why solo travel is so unimaginable for some people. The idea of being alone in a foreign country you've never been to is easily overwhelming. But that doesn't negate all of the benefits of traveling alone.
Solo travel is a completely different experience, and that's the best part. When you travel alone, you can make decisions that will create the best trip for you.
You'll get to see all the sights you want to see, visit the cities on your list, and spend as much time there as you want. Travelling alone means creating the trip that's ideal for you.
Many people come back from solo travel feeling more confident and independent. Solo travellers are not just bringing memories back home, but also the ability to adapt, be more assertive, and act more decisively in their decision making.
Sure, solo travel may be scary at first. Especially when you're used to travelling with friends and family. But the experience is worth those first few days of fear and discomfort.
What better way to find yourself than to be alone in a foreign country?
Solo Travel Tips
You should always aim to travel safely, especially if you're travelling alone. As incredible as the solo travel experience is, it does have its own challenges. You will blend into crowds better as a single person, but you may be more vulnerable to crime.
A solo travel trip requires more research before you leave for your destination. Before you leave home, leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family, and keep regular contact.
Register with the Canadian Embassy in the country you are travelling to so you're able to get help in the instance of an emergency. And importantly, do not forget travel insurance! It will provide peace of mind and help you stay covered when you're a hop, skip, or jump away from home.
It's also a good idea to know how much it costs to get from point A to point B. For example, from the airport to the hotel, or the hotel to the city centre. This will help protect yourself against drivers who may try to take advantage of your solo state.
Another essential travel tip is to book a hotel with a front desk that's open 24 hours. If you arrive late, you'll still be able to check-in, and if you need someone, they'll be there to help.
You should always carry good identification in a theft-resistant bag. Stay in open and public places as often as you can, especially at night. And avoid appearing like a tourist to make yourself less of a target.
Exude confidence when walking around since it will help you blend in. And in the case of solo travel, it's okay to lie sometimes. If you're asking for directions or feeling uncomfortable, you can always say that you're meeting a friend.
Best Solo Travel Destinations
Now you know why you should travel alone, so it's time to figure out where you should go. The world is full of solo travel destinations.
For 2022, here are a few of the places where you can create some of the best memories as a solo traveller.
The Netherlands
Ideal for solo travel for its safe cities that you can wander through at night, The Netherlands should be at the top of your travel list. This country is unique and diverse, so you will always feel welcomed by the residents.
If you're a fan of solo travel tours, then one of the first items on your itinerary should be a walking tour. You'll be able to get a good look at a city like Amsterdam and get the chance to meet other travellers.
Biking is the preferred method of getting around Dutch cities, so rent a bike. If you time your trip right, you can take a day trip outside the city centres to the world-famous tulip fields. Definitely a travel bucket list item.
Iceland
Every traveller should go to Iceland at least once, but especially as a solo traveller. It's easy to get around, and the people are friendly. So Iceland is one of the safest countries globally, so it's ideal for beginners who want to get used to the solo feeling.
It's a country that takes pride in the community and where locals are willing to help you find your way. Iceland is also a great destination for nature lovers. From black sand beaches to fjords to active volcanos, you'll never run out of sights to see.
Don't worry if you don't love the cold. July and August are warm, and with their proximity to the arctic, you'll experience the midnight sun. But if you don't mind a bit of a chill, you can visit in February, March, October, and September to see the Northern Lights.
New Zealand
Spend one day in New Zealand, and you'll understand why travellers flock to this country. It's a popular tourist destination but also feels like one of the world's best-kept secrets.
The stunning landscape of distant snow-peaked mountains is the ideal backdrop for the nature-loving adventurer. Spend the entire trip backpacking through the scenic rural trails. But if you're more of a fan of the beach, the snorkelling attractions are for you.
And if you feel the open road is calling you, rent a campervan. You can travel up and down the islands, seeing a little bit of everything. Skiing, bungy jumping, and abseiling are just a few activities that get your adrenaline pumping in New Zealand.
Cuba
Cuba is known for its colourful capital city of Havana. But this entire country is brimming with culture, history, and vibrancy. So it's an incredible and unique travel experience.
Old Havana offers family-run bed and breakfasts that will make your stay feel like you're visiting family. Your host will love to share the local life and culture stories and give you tips on the best attractions to see.
Venture out to the beach at Santa Maria del Mar for a day. Or treat yourself to one of the trendy restaurants in Old Havana. This country is also known for the nightlife, so find the hottest venue and dance the night away.
Thailand
As a country with diverse landscapes, Thailand is definitely one to visit as a solo traveller. This southeast Asian country has been known as a backpacking hub for years, so it's ideal for the adventurer. It's also inexpensive and easy to get around.
Thailand has something for every traveller to enjoy. If you're a fan of bustling cities, you'll love the busy streets of Bangkok. Culture lovers will relish the Buddhist temples in the northern city of Chiang Mai.
Hike for hours through the incredible trails throughout the country or relax on the picturesque beaches of Phuket. There's so much to do in Thailand that exploring the country will feel like three vacations in one.
Spain
Spain is a destination that's on many people's travel bucket lists whether they're going solo or not. But Spain is an incredible country for solo travellers to enjoy. The culture, the language, and history are just three reasons why you should find yourself here.
Seville has stunning landmarks influenced by Roman, Arab, and Jewish culture that helped shape artistic heritage and gothic architecture. Throughout Spain, you'll find delicious restaurants and historical museums.
And if there's one country that knows the importance of nightlife, it's Spain. You'll find clubs open late into the night from Madrid to Majorca.
Japan
A must for all solo travellers, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. It's a great destination for beginners who want to get used to being in a foreign country alone with incredibly low crime rates.
Tokyo is a great city to start in because it already caters to the single-life. Many restaurants and cafes are made for single diners, so you won't stick out since it's part of the culture.
Japan is a very affordable travel destination so that you can pack many experiences on your trip. Explore the city centres with bustling restaurants and shops. Head to the beach one day and to a historic temple the next.
Greece
If you've ever seen photos floating around online of pristine white buildings next to clear blue water, you've probably seen Greece. And if those images alone don't get you to visit, the fact that it's great for solo travel should have you packing your bags.
You'll love Greece for the solo traveller and the great public transit and cities that are easy to walk. The food is out of this world, and the coffee and wine aren't half bad either. Explorers will love the outdoor adventure rife throughout the Greek Islands.
In Athens, you'll find a lot of history and can spend the day exploring the ruins of the ancient world. But the real gem of Greece is the islands. They offer an incredibly unique culture, all friendly people, all with the backdrop of that bright blue water.
Chile
Many travellers may not think of South American countries as safe for anyone going solo. But in Chile's case, that's far from the truth. Even the country's largest cities are well-suited for solo travellers.
Chile has well-organized transportation that makes getting around easy. And coupled with a lively atmosphere and many other travellers, you're in for a great experience when travelling through this country.
Chilean Patagonia should definitely be on your list of places to visit. You can trek across glaciers, hike up endless mountains and pristine forests, and get the chance to photograph penguins and sheep up close.
Costa Rica
As one of the lushest and most beautiful countries globally, Costa Rica is a must-visit destination for solo travel. It's ideal for the adventurer and for anyone who wants to be surrounded by nature.
Attractions like the Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuga Island, and Montezuma are great ideas for your travel itinerary. And for thrill-seekers, you don't want to miss ziplining in the jungle.
Costa Rica has reliable transport and lots of organized tours for stress-free travel. There are also many options for accommodations, from friendly hostels to luxury hotels and resorts.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Ensure your safety with proper travel coverage. Click here to find the right policy for you.
Get QuotesMake the Most of Travelling Alone
The world has been on edge, but the new year promises new adventures. If you've been missing the feeling of the open road or exploring a new city or being entranced by nature, then you probably have a travel itch that needs to be scratched.
Go ahead and add travel to your 2022 bucket list. Once all of the restrictions and bans lift, it's time to get back to seeing the world. But there may be one more goal you can add to resolutions: start travelling alone.
Try solo travel tours or take an unaccompanied hike. With all these solo destinations, you're sure to make memories that'll make being cooped up worth it.
There's a whole world out there waiting to be explored. So don't waste a minute; go out and see it.
When you do start traveling again, do so safely. Get travel insurance so you can be prepared for the unexpected. Get a quote and find out why travel insurance is the must-have travel accessory.
