From checking out the night markets in Taipei, Taiwan, to biking across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, here are five solo getaway ideas to spark your wanderlust.
Discover safe, affordable and impressive destinations worth visiting alone.
When traveling on your own, you can prioritize self-fulfillment on a journey to remember. After all, you can relax, reflect and step out of your comfort zone in a variety of ways while globe-trotting alone. As you face new challenges on a boundary-pushing adventure, you’ll not only gain self-awareness, but also enjoy the luxury of creating your own itinerary, avoiding kitschy tourist attractions and dining and sightseeing at your own pace. From checking out the night markets in Taipei, Taiwan, to biking across San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, here are five solo getaway ideas to spark your wanderlust.
Taipei
Taipei is located at the tip of Taiwan, within the Taipei Basin along the Tamsui River. If you’re a student on a budget traveling on your own, there’s plenty to see and do, from exploring storied shrines to contemporary galleries to cutting-edge shops. Get to know the city on a leisurely bus ride. And at night, you can’t miss getting your culture fix at the city’s famous night markets, which stretch across 10 blocks and feature everything from pop-up shops to lively street vendors selling local dishes. What’s more, there are plenty of places to hike around the city to take in beautiful views.
(hat tip: Yangmingshan National Park)
hat tip: Yangmingshan National Park
Toronto
A diverse and welcoming city, Toronto offers a wonderful mix of big-city life and alluring green spaces. And though upscale hotels tend to lean toward the pricier side, you can save money on transportation since most top attractions are situated within walking distance of one other. During your visit, you won’t want to miss strolling through the historic St. Lawrence Market, which features vendors ranging from crafters to farmers, or strolling along the Harbourfront Centre. After crossing top sights off your list, explore the Toronto Islands on a scenic ferry ride. Once there, you can bike, walk and enjoy people-watching over a leisurely picnic.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/carlosbezz)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/carlosbezz
DublinDublin, with its plentiful free walking tours, fun-loving locals and vibrant green spaces, offers an appealing place to explore on your own. If you’re a beer or whiskey lover, don’t skip checking out the best pubs and Irish whiskey distilleries, the Guinness Storehouse or the Irish Whiskey Museum. Best of all, there are a wealth of free attractions and budget-friendly accommodation options to pick from, including hostels, bed-and-breakfasts and boutiques. What’s more, getting around Dublin is easy. You can walk, bike or take the DART bus system to explore outside the city and the pastoral countryside.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/littleny)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/littleny
Johannesburg
South Africa’s largest city offers plenty of historical sights and urban thrills that cater to intrepid types. Home of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, Johannesburg’s rich heritage especially appeals to history buffs. You won’t want to miss checking out the Apartheid Museum, the Mandela House or Maboneng Precinct. After taking in must-see attractions, catch some amazing views from atop the Carlton Centre. South Africa also has unique natural wildlife and scenery to explore, and food and drinks are generally very affordable for tourists, making it an ideal pick for adventure-seeking soloists on a budget.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/Thissatan)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/Thissatan
San Francisco
A breezy, easygoing and culturally rich city, San Francisco offers plenty of enticements for outdoorsy types, foodies and art aficionados alike. From the Ferry Building Marketplace to Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf, there are plenty of areas worth exploring. Plus, the BART, the city’s transit system, makes exploring each neighborhood quick and easy. If you’re an art enthusiast, pick up a map of the many art galleries in the Mission. Another highlight: biking across the Golden Gate Strait, a 7-mile-long stretch of the Golden Gate Bridge. Catch a view of the fog rolling out from the bay and the sun shining over the bridge.
(Getty Images/iStockphoto/RudyBalasko)
