Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 12:35 pm
If you’re new to travelling solo, you might be worried about feeling lonely, bored, or uncomfortable on your trip. You might be afraid to do things by yourself, or you might feel like you have to do something every second of the day to stay busy. But we’re here to tell you that solo travel is so much fun, plus you’ve got the freedom to spend your trip exactly how you want! So whether you love to eat out, relax at the beach, go museum-hopping or bike-riding – or whether you want to try something totally new – here are 12 of the best things to do when travelling solo.
1. Go sightseeing
If you’re travelling solo but you’re not sure where to start… Why not go sightseeing! You can start by making a list of all the things you want to see in the town or city and tick them off one by one. Or you can simply wander around a neighbourhood, browse through markets, relax in the parks, take in the sights and sounds… And just go with the flow. The best part about travelling solo is that you’re free to wander wherever you like at your own pace, try listening to some music on your headphones while you stroll. Take advantage and go exploring!
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2. Visit a museum
If you like solo sightseeing, you probably enjoy going to museums and galleries alone too. When you’re travelling with friends or family, you often don’t have time and space to wander and linger at different exhibits. But when you’re travelling solo, you can take all the time you want to admire your favourite works, skip the things that don’t interest you, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
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3. Take a class
One of our top solo travel tips is to take a class. From cooking classes where you can sample the local cuisine, to language lessons, dance classes, or traditional arts and crafts workshops, you’re sure to find a fascinating subject to dive into on your trip. After all, travel is all about learning new things – and you might even pick up a new skill to take home!
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4. Join a tour
If you’re travelling solo, you don’t have to do it all on your own. One of the best things to do is join an organised tour for a day or a few days – and let someone else take care of the planning. It can be a great way to explore a new destination with local guides and do things you just can’t do on your own. Plus you’ll meet other travellers to share your experiences and have a blast!
If you’re new to a destination and want to get your bearings, you might like to spend part of your trip travelling solo and part travelling with an organised tour. So, if you’re exploring India, you could join Trafalgar’s 4-day Nepal Adventure to Kathmandu, or if you’re in Africa, join our 4-day Zimbabwe tour to see the Victoria Falls. Get a taste of New Zealand’s North Island with our 3-day Jewels of the Bay tour or see Hong Kong with our 4-day Hong Kong and Macau Experience. If you want to get to know the big cities, why not join our 5-day New York Explorer, 6-day Amsterdam Explorer, or our popular London and Paris Explorers.
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5. Go to a show
One of our favourite things about travelling is getting immersed in the culture, art and music of your destination. And if you’re travelling solo, one of the best ways to do that is by going to a show. Whether you go to a concert, a play, a ballet, an opera, or a small gig at a bar, you’re sure to be entertained. Plus, since you’ll be enjoying the show the whole time, you’re less likely to feel awkward by yourself.
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6. Relax by the water
Whether it’s a pool or a beach – who doesn’t love spending some soothing time by the water. You can soak up the sun, go for a dip, do some people watching, try a new water sport like paddle boarding… Or simply kick back and enjoy the weather.
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7. Try something new
Looking for solo travel ideas? Why not get out of your comfort zone and try something adventurous. While you could get some thrills with sports like skydiving or bungee jumping, it doesn’t have to be that extreme. Maybe you’d like to take on a scenic hike, or try surfing or kayaking. You could even try out a new cuisine or sign up for some karaoke. Test your limits and make the most of your solo journey.
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8. Have a spa day
While it’s great to push yourself and try new things, it’s also important to take care of yourself. And what better way to pamper yourself than with a spa day. You could get a massage, relax in a sauna, get your nails done… It’s up to you! It’s all about enjoying some quality “me” time and the best part is that it’s something you’d probably prefer to do solo anyway.
9. Do something you love
A solo adventure is a perfect time to indulge in your unique interests. When you’re travelling with friends or family, you often have to compromise on activities because you don’t have time or no one else is interested. When you’re travelling solo, it’s all about what you want to do. Maybe you love visiting ancient Greek ruins or admiring Gothic architecture. Maybe you want to find the best croissant in Paris or wander around obscure galleries. No one’s there to tell you they don’t want to visit another museum or garden or bakery – so go for it and do your thing!
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10. Read a book
If you need a break from activities but don’t want to spend your day at the hotel, why not enjoy some reading. You can find a cosy cafe or a leafy park and finally dig into that book you’ve been meaning to read. After all – it’s your holiday.
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11. Go bike riding
If you want to get a new perspective, it’s time to get on two wheels. Hiring a bike and cycling around is a great way to see a new city… Plus you’ll cover more ground and get some exercise! You’ll find plenty of cycling haven cities in places like the Netherlands, Scandinavia, France, Canada, Australia and the USA. Just remember to wear a helmet, stay in the bike lanes, and brush up the local cycling rules.
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12. Take yourself out for dinner
Just because you’re travelling solo, doesn’t mean you can’t go out on fancy dates. Eating is one of the greatest joys of travelling, and you shouldn’t miss out just because you’re on a solo journey. While going to a restaurant alone might feel uncomfortable at first, you can ease into it. Try taking your phone or a book if it makes you more comfortable. Then simply enjoy the food!
Inspired to find out more about solo travel? Get in touch with our Travel Advisors to request a quote
Do you have any solo travel tips or ideas? Let us know in the comments below!