Before, whenever we talked about “a trip to one person”, the first scene that came to mind was nothing more than Julia Roberts riding thoughtfully on the green path in Ubud, or Diane Lane dragging her suitcase into the villa in Toscana. This kind of film image on a solo adventure may be a bit too idealistic, and has slowly begun to fade away. For modern people, traveling alone is no longer a rare thing, and it can even be said to be quite common.
It is undeniable that one's travel will bring us some kind of freedom in our state of mind. That kind of commitment to complete independence, a 100% flexible itinerary, and a truly inspiring experience are all the beauty that cannot be obtained in group travel. Maybe you are embarking on a journey to commemorate a milestone in your life. Whether you lose a loved one or end a relationship, traveling alone can bring magical effects; or maybe you just long to find inner peace in a beautiful environment, no matter what the reason you set out, you will definitely find the best place for you to be alone in a corner of the world.
However, when choosing a destination for a separate tour, there are still some factors that must be considered. First of all, you must decide whether to plan your own itinerary or ask the travel agency to arrange your trip for you. Both have their pros and cons. Next, it is also crucial to choose a place with powerful auxiliary travelers to locate and guide. “This is very important for understanding expertise and respecting local customs,” said Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel agency Black Tomato. “It is also an important step to becoming a responsible traveler.” In addition, convenient transportation systems such as trains, ferries and buses can also affect your journey, especially if you want to get to places where it is not convenient to rent a car. Finally, a country known for its hospitality is naturally worthy of priority for solo travelers. “The reason places that are able to accommodate different cultures are suitable for traveling alone is because they are willing to invite travelers into their world, communities, and large families,” explains Tom Marchant.
Based on the above factors, Vogue has specially compiled the most suitable countries and cities in the world for traveling alone, from a rich culturally remote town, a sunny land suitable for outdoor activities, to a resort tailor-made for party carnivals. Are you ready to embark on a journey alone?
1. Thailand – Health and Wellness Journey
Island trips in Thailand sound like the best choice for body and mind, or more specifically, the vibrant Koh Samui is the perfect vacation you are looking for. Koh Samui is famous for its dense rainforests, secret waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The rich landscapes always bring an adventure that satisfys the five senses. The health resort “Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa” recently launched a suite experience “Radiant Bliss” that promotes women's health and wellness, which provides care for health at major stages of life such as fertility and menopause. Travelers participating in this experience can reward their body, mind and soul under the guidance of a team of experts such as naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine, massage therapists, meditation tutors and other experts. You can spend a quiet day in an environment that looks like the Garden of Eden, while enjoying courses such as Ayurvedic massage and facial pressure care, recharge your life and set off.
2. Japan – Food and Culture Journey
Japan has always been famous all over the world for world-class food, and it is also a paradise for single travelers who pursue a taste feast. “Especially in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, it's common for people to eat alone,” shared Elizabeth Harvey, a representative of the New York travel agency Indagare, who has just recently completed a trip to Japan alone. In addition to food culture, Japan is also full of friendly and kind guests. “The Japanese people have a strong sense of responsibility and obligation to help each other in their daily lives, which means that traveling alone is also very safe and can be well cared for,” she said. Most importantly, the transportation system across Japan is extremely convenient, so it will not be too challenging to visit more remote areas such as Hokkaido, Nara, Nikko, Kobe, Kanazawa, Yamaguchi and southern islands.
