Travelling Solo in 2021? Here Are the 5 Best Destinations

The pandemic may have resulted in cancelled travel plans in 2020, but that doesn’t mean 2021 has to be the same way. Being stuck at home for so long, there’s no doubt people would want to get out and explore new places sometime in the new year – once the situation settles down, of course. Even though virtual travel is an excellent option, there is nothing like travelling to your favourite destination in person.

While there are people who would want to get away with their families in tow, there’s also the ‘solo travel’ population – people who prefer to travel alone. There are different reasons why people prefer going solo instead of as part of a group – it could be for some much-needed soul searching, exploring new places on their own, or just simply to try it out once to see what it feels like.

Whatever may be the case, solo travel can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences. From the freedom to fully indulge your every whim to a sense of empowerment to opportunities for reflection, self-discovery and new friendships – there are numerous benefits of travelling solo.

Unfortunately, solo travel, like dining alone, gets a bad rap – mostly from people who don't particularly enjoy their own company. If you can put up with yourself, however, you can cover a lot of ground on your own. And once you’ve decided to take that trip alone in 2021, let nothing stop you. To help you decide, we’ve curated a list of 5 destinations that are prefect for a solo trip in the new year. Take a look…

1. Iceland

Iceland has consistently ranked amongst the hottest destinations in recent years. The country is a haven for travellers who love the outdoors, with caverns and caves to explore, volcanoes and glaciers to hike, and geothermal spas to soak in – what more can one want out of a good holiday? Being one of the most solo-traveller friendly places, Iceland is an amazing destination.

2. Barcelona

Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Barcelona in Spain. The busy city has a lot to offer for solo travellers. Its café-lined boulevards are perfect for people-watching, or you can escape the chaotic city life by heading out to one of the beaches on the super easy-to-use public transport. In the evenings you can avoid eating alone in a stuffy restaurant by doing as the Spaniards do – grazing on tapas in one of the city’s awesome bars!

3. Morocco

If you love travelling and photography, Morocco is your perfect destination. Nearly everywhere you turn, you’ll find something worth clicking. The sights of the land are seriously something to behold, and from city to city, Morocco always has something different to offer.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is a solo traveller favourite, especially if it’s your first time. If you are comfortable driving long distances, this could be an easy one for you. You could take the buses and trains, which are generally convenient and inexpensive, but to get to off-beat places, a car is much more ideal. Navigation is fairly easy and the locals are incredibly friendly and helpful. Overall, New Zealand is perfect for any outdoorsy person – with its stunning islands, blue dolphins, rugged glaciers, and gorgeous lakes, as well as various routes to hike through.

5. Canada

Another favourite, Canada’s cities are famously civilised, cultured and classy, but it’s the outdoorsy assets within easy reach of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Ontario that make the destination such a mecca for solo travellers. Canada offers a vast menu of landscapes, from soaring mountains, remote beaches and wild tundra to lush rainforests. This is also a great place for adventurers – from kayaking or rafting the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories or navigating the swells and surf of Nova Scotia, you will never get bored.

In case you’re still feeling cautious, you can try travelling solo to a city within your own country first and then move on to travelling internationally. Your second-best option is virtual travel. Virtual tours are quite the rage these days and can take you around the world. Whether you’re already considering a particular location or want to keep your options open, guided virtual tours will help you make an informed decision before you embark on your journey.