How to never feel alone while travelling solo: Our expert reveals her ultimate guide to the countries where you'll be most welcome, avoiding shady characters - and how not to be charged rip-off single supplements

PUBLISHEDSat Jun 29 2024 11:07 GMT

UPDATEDSat Jun 29 2024 14:23 GMT

More of us are going solo than ever before. In the last year, the number of people jetting off alone has risen by as much as 45 per cent, according to research conducted by ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents). Plus, tour companies are increasingly waking up to the idea that it’s not on to be charging absurd single supplements.

Personally, I’ve been to 15 countries on my own, nine of which I visited on a six-month career break, enjoying the freedom and meeting many interesting new people —something that’s much easier, I’ve found, when going solo.

It’s not all sunshine in paradise. From sickness to shady characters, safety concerns (especially for women), lonely moments and missed connections, there are pitfalls aplenty. Yet, with street savvy and good planning, none of this should stop you.

So here’s our expert guide …

NEW ZEALAND: BEST FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

A massive humpback whale frolicking in the sea off Kaikoura, New Zealand

Peaceful New Zealand offers amazing biodiversity. Hop on guided buses to meet new people and explore verdant rolling hills in the North Island or be dazzled by the dramatic scenery of the South Island, from ginormous glaciers to snowy mountain passes and fjords.

Highlight: Gasp at giant sperm whales in Kaikoura, home of sacred Maori legend.

How to do it: A 17-night ‘New Zealand Explorer’ over-50s tour (solosholidays.co.uk), with all hotels B&B, from £7,999. Includes return flights from the UK.

COSTA RICA: BEST FOR THRILL-SEEKERS

Take it easy! Sloths are among the creatures visitors can spot in Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica is particularly safe and English is widely spoken. Hike over hanging bridges around Arenal volcano, then steam in La Fortuna’s natural hot springs and spot sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park. Or, escape to Santa Teresa beach for a yoga retreat.

Highlight: Brave the zip lines, jungle swings and bungee jumping above dreamy cloud forests in Monteverde.

How to do it: The ‘Real Costa Rica’ 12-day tour (justyou.co.uk), with all hotels and jungle lodges B&B, is from £4,739. Includes return flights from London.

JAPAN: BEST FOR A WORRY-FREE BREAK

Mount Fuji is a big draw, along with Japan's culture of kindness and respect

With notoriously low crime rates and a culture of kindness and respect, you’re guaranteed to feel safe and welcome. Stay in affordable ‘pods’ at capsule hotels, then zip around on the high-speed railways from anime-obsessed Tokyo to Kyoto’s golden temples.

Highlight: A sunset glimpse of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko’s five-storey Chureito Pagoda.

How to do it: The 18-day ‘Japan and The Cherry Blossom’ tour, with hotel accommodation, is from £10,890 (onetraveller.co.uk). Includes all meals, except one lunch, and return flights.

THE NETHERLANDS: BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Amsterdam is easy to explore on foot, by bike or on public transport

Hop on a short flight for a hassle-free long weekend in Amsterdam, where friendly locals usually speak good English. It’s easy to explore on foot, by bike or on public transport. Marvel at Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ painting, amble around the canals for a coffee and pay a visit to the Anne Frank House. All this follows a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, home to more than seven million flower bulbs, around an hour and 15 minutes away from Amsterdam by train.

Highlight: Keukenhof Gardens, where 800 types of tulip bloom from mid-March to May.

How to do it: A three-night ‘Amsterdam and The Bulbfields of Keukenhof’ tour for over-50s (solosholidays.co.uk), with all hotels B&B and a welcome dinner, is from £1,399. Includes return flights and transfers.

ICELAND: BEST FOR DIGITAL DETOXING

After a spa day at Blue Lagoon (pictured), explore the Golden Circle's geysers, glacial waterfalls and astounding views of the tectonic plates

Ranked the world’s safest country by the Global Peace Index, Iceland is especially well-suited to women travelling solo. Either go on a self-drive trip or book bus tours — Reykjavik Excursions is a good pick. After a spa day at Blue Lagoon, explore the Golden Circle’s geysers, glacial waterfalls and astounding views of the tectonic plates.

Highlight: Clear winter skies increase your chances of spotting the ethereal Northern Lights.

How to do it: A five-day ‘Icelandic Splendours’ tour (justyou.co.uk), with all hotels B&B and three dinners, is from £2,324. Includes return flights from London.

CROATIA: BEST FOR ADVENTURE

The scenic waterfront in Komiza, seen through a traditional stone window

Croatia's dazzling landscapes are ideal for solo travellers. Game Of Thrones fans flock to Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town, where much was filmed. But don’t miss Plitvice Lakes for the glittering waterfalls and emerald-topped limestone canyons.

Highlight: An age-specific singles sailing trip.

How to do it: A seven-night ‘Croatia Cruise’ from Split (gosingles.co.uk), with single-occupancy cabin B&B, is from £1,749. Includes lunches onboard and return flights from Gatwick.

MEXICO: BEST FOR FRIENDSHIP AND FIESTAS

After visiting the Chichen Itza ruins in Valladolid (pictured), go for a swim in nearby cenotes, sacred underground caves

Mexico is safer than you think if you’re sensible and stick to touristy areas. The well-established backpacking route has a slightly older demographic, and it’s easy to buddy up.

Indulge in tequila and tacos in Mexico City, then party on mariachi gondolas in Xochimilco’s canals. On the Caribbean coast, skip crowded Cancun for Holbox Island’s pristine sands.

Highlight: After visiting the Chichén Itzá ruins in Valladolid, go for a swim in nearby cenotes, sacred underground caves Mayans considered the entrance to the underworld.

How to do it: A 14-day ‘Classic Mexico Adventure’ tour (theadventurepeople.com) is from £1,247, excluding flights. Includes a shared room or you can upgrade to private for a small fee. Return flights to Cancun from £471 (tui.co.uk).

VIETNAM: BEST FOR BUDGET BACKPACKING

Looking out over the shimmering, turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay

One of the safest countries in Southeast Asia, you’ll find Vietnamese locals friendly and hospitable. Plus, hostels and train travel are cheap.

Wander the imperial citadel in Hanoi, then kayak the shimmering, turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay and explore patchwork rice terraces in Sa Pa, up north. Head south to celebrate the full moon with floating lanterns in Hoi An, and brave the sea of motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City.

Highlight: Don’t just gorge on mouthwatering street food, try your hand at making pho or bun cha with a cookery lesson.

How to do it: A 13-night ‘Ha Long Bay & The Red River’ tour (vjv.com), including ten nights all-inclusive cruise cabin and return flights, is from £5,345.

GUATEMALA: BEST FOR CULTURAL IMMERSION

Challenge yourself to summit Antigua's dormant volcano, Acatenango

Guatemala is renowned for its cheap language-learning programmes, especially around Lake Atitlan where private Spanish classes, accommodation with a local family and heavenly home-cooked meals can cost £200 a week.

Tag on a visit to Tikal in Flores to turn back time wandering the wild, Mayan jungle ruins.

Highlight: Challenge yourself to summit Antigua’s dormant volcano, Acatenango. A two-day hike gets you close to its live, lava-erupting sibling Fuego.

How to do it: The ‘Guatemala — Land of the Maya’ 15-day tour (explore.co.uk) is from £2,199, with all hotels B&B. Flights not included. Returns from £610 (united.com).

SPAIN: BEST FOR REMOTE WORKING PARADISE

Single steps: Palafrugell, on the Costa Brava, is friendly to all

If you have a remote job, join Spain’s booming digital nomad community and spend the summer soaking up Barcelona’s buzzy beach nightlife and culture with like-minded buddies.

Or, chase winter sun in Gran Canaria, which isn’t all resorts. Co-working spaces are plentiful in Las Palmas.

Highlight: Learn to catch waves at surf schools like Las Palmas’ Buen Surf.

How to do it: The ‘Lisbon, Seville & Madrid’ nine-day tour (cosmos.co.uk), with all hotels B&B, is from £1,099 excluding flights. Return flights to Madrid from £110 (easyjet.com).

Ten worst places to go solo

BRAZIL: High crime levels, particularly in Rio de Janeiro. Phone theft is common, sometimes at gunpoint. Beach raids happen frequently, even in Ipanema and Copacabana.

Tip: Take a dummy wallet in case of robbery.

CUBA: You’ll mostly stay in casas, essentially locals’ spare rooms. Pay-as-you-go cards are required for internet access. Limited public transport and taxis are expensive.

Tip: Download a VPN before arriving to use your phone online in an emergency.

INDIA: The Foreign Office warns women of ‘unwanted attention’ and ‘verbal and physical harassment’.

Tip: Hire female drivers. Try Women with Wheels in Delhi (sakhaconsultingwings.com).

COLOMBIA: During express kidnappings, taxis temporarily abduct tourists, forcing them to drain their cards at ATMs.

Tip: Never hail a taxi, book in advance (cabify.com/en).

SOUTH AFRICA: Crime rates are high, including carjackings and muggings.

Tip: Pick secure hotels, don’t leave belongings in your hire car and use Uber, even for short distances.

MOROCCO: In Marrakech, harassment and petty crime are common. For women, the staring can be uncomfortable.

Tip: Never say you’re travelling alone. Women can wear a fake wedding ring and tell anyone hassling them that their ‘husband’ is at the hotel.

CHINA: Getting around can be confusing, with few English speakers outside main cities.

Tip: Try approaching college-aged students to find English speakers. Carry printouts of your hotel name in English and Mandarin for taxis.

ITALY: High petty crime rates and pickpocketing in Rome.

Tip: Only take one card out for the day, with a lower limit. Lock away other valuables.

EGYPT: Scammers in Cairo pressure tourists into high tips and overcharge for taxi or camel rides.

Tip: Always agree on the price before getting in a taxi.

FRANCE: Pickpockets in Paris, especially after dark in places such as Gare du Nord.

Tip: Learn French phrases to handle tricky situations.