It’s amazing how much travel can teach you about yourself: your strengths and limitations, your morals and ethics, and your capacity to endure no matter what.
Can I do it?
There’s nothing more rejuvenating than taking a vacation. But when you’re single, the thought of going somewhere (anywhere) alone can seem overwhelming, challenging and frankly a little lonely. But it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s absolutely worth facing up to it. Because when you set sail on your own, you’re the one handling all the problems, taking the responsibility, and making the decisions. Research by a US-based travel-insurance provider, Travel Guard, found that solo travel is more common today than it was 10 years ago and women are leading the way, in fact taking more solo trips than men.
Why should I travel alone?
Traveling solo forces you to engage in conversations with people you may never otherwise interact with, stretching your horizons to places out of the ordinary, or discovering exotic lands–finding the freedom you lose while making your way through the daily grind.
Take a risk, have an adventure, eat some bugs, spend some hard-earned money get off your couch before you wake up find all you’ve achieved is successfully watching the entire season of Lost on Netflix.
Is it safe?
Safety should be your top priority while traveling alone — and women should take special care to protect themselves. Research is the first rule, especially considering that preparation is half the battle of a journey. With careful planning, common sense (dressing to observe rather than to be observed and respecting religious and societal differences), you can minimize your risks and maximize your chances of having a safe and successful trip. Also, travel light. Not only to protect yourself against loss or theft of money and valuables, but you’ll be less vulnerable and more independent if you’re not weighed down with a lot of unnecessary luggage.
What you just might learn.
Travel solo can be an empowering, even transformative, experience. Don’t rob yourself of that sense of adventure just because you don’t have a built in travel buddy. But if you’re still a little hesitant and feeling too much like a “scaredy cat”, read Eat Pray Love for a little strengthening inspiration! Or book yourself on a great women-only tour if you need the security of traveling with a group.
Whatever you do, however you decide to go, the important thing is to face your fear, and take that first step.
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Best Travel Destinations for Single Women
Costa Rica
If you’re game for leaving
your makeup behind and enjoying some serious outdoor adventures in a
place where the locals are warm and welcoming, Costa Rica is your best
bet. A place to be truly yourself and enjoy the experience of a
lifetime: grand escapades, tropical beaches, and lively culture. This
Central American destination is perfect for the active woman seeking to
try out activities like zip-lining, hiking, white water rafting and even
bungee jumping! Oh, and if you aren't brushed up on your Spanish, the
locals will help you find your way around if you happen to lose your
way.
Japan
It's 100 percent safe. Okay,
maybe not 100 percent safe, but it's so safe that you can walk around in
the middle of the night without worry--in part by forbidding almost all
forms of firearm ownership, Japan has as few as two gun-related
homicides a year.
Even if travelling alone, this
huge cosmopolitan city is busy 24/7, so you'll never actually be alone,
per se: especially in Manhattan. But as with any bustling, crowded
place, it's wise to keep your eyes open. There are endless options for
shops (NYC is a treasure trove of vintage stores for you to forage
through), bars, cafes, and nightlife.
If you want the royal treatment, book a fancy afternoon at Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria and then head off to a weekend brunch, a party ritual that makes 2pm feel like the new 2am. If you're ready to mingle in the Big Apple, you may want to drop by Jay-Z's 40/40 Club or the Empire Hotel rooftop bar. Admit it, you're secretly hoping to be swept off your feet by a Wall Street banker, hunky model or actor.
If you want the royal treatment, book a fancy afternoon at Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria and then head off to a weekend brunch, a party ritual that makes 2pm feel like the new 2am. If you're ready to mingle in the Big Apple, you may want to drop by Jay-Z's 40/40 Club or the Empire Hotel rooftop bar. Admit it, you're secretly hoping to be swept off your feet by a Wall Street banker, hunky model or actor.
Australia
Can you handle a lengthy plane
ride? We sure hope so. After arriving Down Under and stretching your
legs, get ready to explore. Australia is an amazing country for solo
women travelers. It has everything you could ever want in a getaway:
fine white sand beaches, adventure, and a posh lifestyle. And it doesn't
hurt that locals are super friendly, good looking and speak in your
native tongue.
Vietnam
Fabulous, safe cities in
Vietnam? Try Hanoi or Saigon. Both of these cities are remarkable. You
can book a few nights in a swanky hotel and then venture off to see
ancient temples, endless valleys of lush landscape, the stunning beaches
of Nha Tran and Phu Quoc and eat delicious food (food is so cheap you
can get a tasty bowl of Pho for less than a dollar). There’s more than
one excuse to extend your visa after visiting for the first time.
Just remember: Be bold, be smart, and be safe. And make sure you go.
Who knows, you may come back and wonder what else you could do
alone. You may even start staring at a map of the world and viewing it
like a series of boxes unchecked on your list of to-do’s.
We wish you a joyful and trouble-free journey!
We wish you a joyful and trouble-free journey!
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