5 of the best solo travel destinations for 2020

Solo travel can be a great experience. Whether you’re looking to make new friends or just soak up the sights without distraction, you’ll find that travelling by yourself can help you push your boundaries and make unforgettable memories.

 

Robbie Fowle from travel money providers H&T shares his insight into where a lot of solo travellers will be heading this year.

 

So, where should you go? With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are five of the top travel destinations for solo travellers based on safety, friendliness and — of course — their attractions.

 

Osaka

 

Japan is often credited with being one of the safest countries in the world, and its people are famously polite. The city of Osaka is also famous for putting friendliness first, so you’ll find a much more laid back, cool, and friendly approach than in other places such as Tokyo. Japan will be a great country to visit this year in particular, with the 2020 Summer Olympics taking place in the capital — but heading to Osaka instead will be a great way to absorb the atmosphere without having to deal with all the crowds.

 

Barcelona

 

Barcelona, Catalonia’s capital, is the ultimate all-rounder and perfect for solo travellers who want a bit of everything. There’s good food, weather, city life, and sandy beaches all within one great city, and the Montserrat mountains are close by if you fancy an adventurous hiking trip. Plus, with its unique street art and architecture, Barcelona is a great option to consider if you want to take lots of stunning photographs for your Instagram or blog.

New York

 

Movies and TV make New York city out to be the perfect destination for solo explorers, and it is actually just as charming to wander the streets of NYC alone as it looks. Plus, friendly and helpful New Yorkers always love recommending their favourite places for you to try. If you’re looking for the ultimate cosmopolitan trip, this is the place to see the sights, grab a slice of pizza at the singles counter, and go and see a Broadway show.

Lisbon

 

According to expats, sunny Portugal is the most welcoming country in Europe (Far and Wide) so you can be sure you’ll meet lots of friendly locals on your travels around its capital. In Lisbon, you can spend your time relaxing by the pool or on the beach, or you can explore the city and its surrounding landscape. Either way, you’re bound to fall in love with Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle and culture. It’s also one of the best value countries to visit in Western Europe, so it’s a great option if you’re on a budget.

Auckland

 

If you’re looking for a far-flung escape, New Zealand should definitely be on your list. The islands that make up this country are among the most unspoilt in the world and are incredibly scenic, filled with snow-topped mountains, green forests, vast lakes, stunning glaciers, and rolling plains. Auckland, the New Zealand’s biggest city, has excellent public transport that can take you from one tourist spot to the next, which is perfect for solo travellers.

 

These are just some of the best countries to visit this year if you’re planning to travel solo. From neighbourly Europe to the southern hemisphere, there are plenty of places for you to choose from.