GO FIND YOURSELF: THE 10 BEST DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVEL

Wanting nothing more than to get away? Need an adventure that feels a world away from reality? A fairytale destination that makes you question if Harry Potter is indeed actually real? Here’s our top 10 best destinations for solo travel if you want to live the adventure...

10. Ireland

Ireland has been ranked the 11th most safe country in the world, so if safety is your concern there’s no issues here. It’s as cliche as you imagined – green, rains a lot, lots of open space. The perfect blend for an Irish road trip to wander at your own pace and experience some of the world’s most underrated scenery. Don’t know where to start? try 8 places you must visit in Ireland. 

9-Scotland

Rough, rugged and some of the world’s most stunning scenery – Scotland is a great adventure for the solo traveller. Be sure to check out Edinburgh for a few days before you head to the Scottish Highlands to get off the grid – think James Bond scenery without the blowing up of houses.

8. Fiji

You might be tempted to believe that somewhere as beautiful and scenic as Fiji would be expensive for travellers, particularly solo travellers, however that is surprisingly not the case. Fiji is great choice for backpackers on a budget looking to enjoy the island life.

7. Australia

As one of the safest countries to travel to but also home to some of the world’s deadliest animals… Australia is an adventure like no other. It’s also a great choice for English speakers as you won’t have to deal with a language barrier, and the people are very laid back/down to earth.

6. Chile

Chile on the list!? This might come as a surprise to you, but after travelling throughout Chile this year I must say it has been one of the best countries to travel solo in. There’s a great range of diversity from Patagonia through to the Atacama desert, all the way to Easter Island if you REALLY want to get off the grid.

5. Thailand

Known to most as the ‘land of smiles’, Thailand has been dubbed to have the happiest people in the world residing there. It’s impossible not to love Thailand. The beaches, outdoor adventures, FOOD, oh the food… You will also find many solo travellers in Thailand so it’s a great choice if you want to meet new people and make friends on the road.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica could be considered the capital of adventure. If there’s one thing for sure, it’s that you’ll spend a great deal of your time outdoors exploring, enjoying the scenery, soaking up the sun, and getting back in touch with nature. Think zip lines, hot springs, hiking, kayaking… just to name a few. This is also one of (if not the most) safest countries to visit in Central America, filled with expats and wandering souls.

3. Canada

Safe, scenic, and home to some of the best winter scenery you can feast your eyes on… Canada is a great choice for the active traveller looking to keep themselves busy with endless possibilities.

2. Finland

When I first visited Finnish lapland I promptly declared to my followers on instagram that I had found the real life Chronicles of Narnia. I’ll stand by that for as long as I shall life. Finland is such a beautiful country with so much diversity, from the winter wonderland that is Lapland, through to the rich autumn colours to be found in Savonlinna, close to the border of Russia. Finland is great for adventurous solo travellers and incredibly safe for foreigners.

1. Norway

Norway is ranked 9th on the Global Peace Index – so you’re pretty safe here. With 21 national parks and iconic fjords pretty enough to break your camera lens, there’s no doubt you’ll manage to find peace and quiet here in Norway. It’s the ideal getaway if you really want to get away.

MY TRIP TO JAPAN (A COMPLETE JAPAN ITINERARY)

Japan is a country I have long wanted to visit, with incredible mountain scenery, one of the world’s most chaotic & quirky cities (Tokyo), a long history of culture & tradition, and of course incredible cuisine with authentic sushi on offer everywhere you turn.

I have been asked many times over the past few years of blogging why I have not yet been to Japan, with the answer being that I was just waiting for a time that was right. This is a country I wanted to see as a whole over at least 2 weeks, instead of just flying in for a quick city trip to Tokyo or a ski trip in one of Japan’s famous ski resorts.

When I came across the Splendours of Japan Tour with Trafalgar (who I have travelled with previously in Peru), it seemed like a great opportunity to take one of my parents overseas to visit Japan, as I knew either of them would appreciate the culture and history unlike anyone else I knew – so I booked my dad a plane ticket, told him to pack his bags, and we were off!Tokyo

Japan’s capital Tokyo is weird, wonderful, and at time completely whacky – but that is precisely what makes it such a sought after city for international visitors.

Our trip started in Tokyo as it is the main gateway to Japan and a great city to spend a few days discovering its many pockets – from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya & Shinjuku, over to the quiet peace and serenity of Japan’s public parks, and all the way through to Tokyo’s gaming district; Akihabara.

Be sure to allow yourself at least 3-5 days in this city as there is much to see and do – including tourist hot spots like the Mieji Shrine; Sensō-ji temple; Ueno Park for remarkable cherry blossom viewing in Spring; Harajuku for young fashion, nearby Omotesando for grown-up fashion, Tokyo Tower for impressive views at sunset, and if you have more time, day trips to Tokyo Disneyland, Disney Sea, or nearby Mt. Fuji.

Stay:

For our Tokyo hotel we stayed at New Hotel Otani and I would highly recommend it, though for location I would have preferred to be position in Shibuya or Shinjuku.

Further reading:

A Quick Guide to Tokyo

10 Weird & Wonderful things to do in Tokyo

Lost in Translation Filming Locations to visit in TokyoMt. Fuji Day Trip

After enjoying all of the chaos and craziness that is Tokyo, allow yourself one day to get out of the hustle and bustle and escape to nearby Mt. Fuji to view the impressive mountain where many Japanese and foreign guests make their climb to the summit each year.

Whilst here enjoy great views (weather dependent) from Lake Kawaguchi and enjoy a delightful blueberry + vanilla soft serve from the gift store.

Onwards from Mt. Fuji we proceeded to visit Hakone, a small village on lake Ashi, which also offers great views of Mt. Fuji from afar by taking the cable car to the viewing platform.

Further Reading:

Mt. Fuji Day TripTakayama

This gorgeous little city known as Takayama is the gateway to the Hida region. One day to explore this city is enough time to see most points of interest, though if time is on your side this would be a great town to slow down and spend a couple days immersed in Japanese culture and traditions.

Soft serve ice cream plays a big role in Takayama with many flavours available on the many street – don’t be afraid to try them all! There are also some great Izakaya restaurants here (casual Japanese food), offering a great chance to try regional food.

Stay:

For our hotel in Takayama we stayed at the three star Hida Plaza Hotel. I wouldn’t particularly recommend it and I believe Takayama is a great location to try a traditional Ryokan whilst in Japan.

Further Reading:

A Quick Guide to TakayamaGokoyama & Shirakawago

After two nights in Takayama, we made our way through countryside villages toward the busy city of Kanazawa – but as is often the case, today was all about the journey to get there.

En route we stopped at two traditional villages – characterised by thatched roofs and traditional wooden houses. These two villages are UNESCO World Heritage listed as they portray Japanese traditional in its truest form – so be sure to take plenty of photos!

Onwards we stopped at a Nomura House, a traditional samurai house where we learned the history of the local region, ongoing traditions and the history of the samurai.Kanazawa

Sadly I have only a couple of rainy, not-so-clear photos to show from our time in Kanazawa, as we experience rained for the two days we were though and thus mostly stayed indoors.

Should you be received in Kanazawa with sunshine, be sure to visit Kenroku-en, regarded as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens and just next door is Kanazawa castle, which is also worthy of a visit.

Kanazawa is a larger city (with multiple Starbucks and McDonalds if that gives any indication!), so I would recommend just one day to explore here, to allow for more time in the countryside or cities that have more to offer in terms of sightseeing and culture – like the next stop; Kyoto!

Stay:

For our hotel in Kanazawa we stayed at the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, which I would highly recommend for both location & a fantastic buffet breakfast!Kyoto

Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is as idyllic as one could ever imagine Japan to be. Although the charm of Kyoto lies beneath the bustling city that it is today, when you take the back streets you soon begin to discover the history, culture and traditions that live on in Japan to this day.

Be sure to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s most renowned Geisha district and an absolute mecca for green tea (matcha) lovers! Here green tea comes in any and all forms – ice cream, parfaits, frappes, hot lattes and more!

Kyoto is also home to the famous Fushimi Inari Taira – an incredible shrine of thousands of red torii gates that line the 4 kilometre stretch to the sacred Mt. Inari. Nature lovers will enjoy the bamboo groves, whilst those looking for a city escape can always make a quick trip to Osaka – just a 30 minute express train ride away!

Stay:

For our hotel in Kyoto we stayed at the Hotel Nikko Princess which I would highly recommend due to the large rooms, amazing service (particularly from the concierge), great location and a great breakfast buffet.

Further Reading:

A Quick Guide to KyotoOsaka

Although Osaka wasn’t on our itinerary for the tour, we had an extended stay at the end in Kyoto, which allowed for a spontaneous trip to nearby Osaka (30 minutes by express train from Kyoto). The trip happened completely by chance, as we were sat in our hotel room making a plan for the following two days, deciding when would be best to visit each location for less crowds, particularly as it was a public holiday that day. All of a sudden we made the decision to head out of Kyoto to nearby Osaka and experience the hustle and bustle of now my absolute favourite city in Japan.

My favourite areas to explore in Osaka were Shinsekai and Dotonbori. Shinsekai felt like a time warp as you quite literally step back in time to a Japan that time forgot, but of course with the added colour and livelihood of the 21st Century! Dotonbori is the main tourist thoroughfare in Osaka which is also home to the best street food in Osaka (and some of the best in Japan), whilst allowing plenty of opportunities to spend some cash.

Further Reading:

A Quick Guide to Osaka

 

World of Wanderlust experience the Splendours of Japan Tour as a guest, however my opinions and oodles of photos are all my own!

Blue Ice Experience | Glacier Hiking in Skaftafell

Walk on Svinafellsjokull Glacier Tongue in Skaftafell Nature Reserve, in the National Park of Vatnajökull.

Easy 2 hour walk on crampons.

This walk takes us on to the Svínafellsjökull, a breathtaking outlet glacier of the Vatnajökull Glacier and the scenery and views are simply stunning.

We walk through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, meandering through ice ridges and the deep crevasses of the glacier. At the outset of our tour, an experienced guide teaches you how to use basic glacier equipment like crampons and ice axes, the required equipment for this tour.