Traveling solo is a great way to get to know yourself and see the world in one go. You would have full control of your schedule and chosen destination, which can be both liberating and intimidating.
Going to unfamiliar places all on your own means having to take care of all the practical aspects of travel—from booking your tickets to getting yourself out of sticky situations—by yourself. If you’re not used to doing this, then it’s a great time to start learning. However, you might also want to pick a destination that is safe and friendly to travelers so you can explore without putting yourself in danger.
At the same time, you’ll want to bring a few important things with you. In addition to your luggage and essential items, you’ll likely want to keep on building habits that will keep you grounded while you’re exploring far-off lands.
Make a list of local restaurants that accommodate your dietary restrictions. Pack your workout clothes along and check if your hotel has a gym you can use. If you practice Islam, you can use the Muslim Pro app to calculate the prayer times in your current location and check out the Muslim Pro LinkedIn page for more tips on how to maximize the use of the app on your journey. Once you got your tangible and intangible essentials packed, you can start exploring these solo traveler-friendly cities:
The Dutch capital is one of the most popular tourist spots in the world—and for good reason. The city offers visitors its rich culture and history, as evidenced by its striking architecture, postcard-perfect views, and vibrant nightlife.
Known as the “Venice of the North” due to its abundance of canals, Amsterdam hosts more than 5.34 million international visitors annually. As such, it has plenty of facilities such as hostels that cater to solo travelers, which are a great option for those who are traveling on their own for the first time.
The good news is that the whole country itself isn't too big, making Amsterdam a good starting point if you want to get on a road trip through the Netherlands.
Vienna, Austria
The national capital and largest city of Austria has inspired many forms of art. Many notable composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Mahler once worked in the city.
If you’re a fan of fine arts, theatre, and opera, then a few days’ stay in Vienna should provide you with unlimited opportunities to indulge in your favorite art forms. After attending balls, operas, and sporting events, you can also drop by the city’s numerous parks for a bit of quiet time and people watching.
Prague, Czech Republic
The picturesque city of Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and serves as the cultural, economic, and political hub of Central Europe.
Here, one can easily see examples of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture. In fact, the city center itself has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992.
Getting around the city is a breeze, thanks to its extensive transportation system. Among the spots you should visit are the numerous world-class museums within the city. Prague also hosts a number of art festivals throughout the year and if you time your visit right, you might just have the opportunity to watch excellent theatre and musical productions.
If you're into exploring local dishes, there are so many things you can try around the city. From sipping the authentic Czech beers, and enjoying the traditional Czech food to exploring vegan restaurants in Prague, you'll never run out of ideas what to try next!
Source: Burst.
Roseau, Dominica
The island country of Dominica in the Caribbean may seem like an odd destination for a first-time solo traveler, but it’s a real treat for people who want to spend a good deal of time basking in natural views.
The country is nicknamed the Nature Island of the Caribbean, and its capital city, Roseau, places one near various natural attractions. The city is in proximity to Boiling Lake, the second-largest hot spring in the world, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, and a variety of land and water bodies with pleasing views.
On top of this, the island’s inhabitants receive tourists with a warm welcome, so you can easily find help in case you get lost.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The second-largest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai attracts millions of domestic and international tourists every year. Unsurprisingly, the city has plenty of features that cater to all sorts of travelers, even first-time solo tourists.
If you feel like meeting people, you can stay in hostels or join fitness and yoga classes and interact with tourists from all over the world during your stay. On your own, there are still plenty of activities that you can do.
Shop for artworks made by local artists, get a massage, or visit the budding agritourism spots in the area and see the role that these facilities can play in a more sustainable future.
The cities included in this list are pretty safe, but just like anywhere else, you need to keep your wits about you as you indulge in different sights, sounds, and scents.
Safety should be a top priority, and your first venture as a solo traveler will help you develop a better sense of awareness of your surroundings and how to read a room full of people who may share a different set of cultures and values than you. These skills will help you become a better traveler in the future, whether you choose to fly solo or with a company.
