Singles Getaway: Best Destinations for Solo Travel

We see articles all the time that focus on romantic travel destinations, couples retreats and the ultimate honeymoon spots. This is NOT that list. As a solo traveler, I’m often asked about places that are safe for travel on your own. Safety is important, however, why aren’t you asking me about places that are fun to visit solo?! I’ve decided to compile a few recommendations for a singles getaway.

Best Places to Get Over a Heartbreak

Where to go to eat your break up away: Italy

I know that people have romantic connotations when thinking of an Italian holiday, but hear me out. You can eat your weight in pasta and no one will care. Get a little tipsy wine tasting in Tuscany, no one is watching. Fall in love all over again, but this time with the cuisine. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, visit Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

Where to find new romance: Paris, France

It may have Paris, arguably the most romantic place on earth, but the country has one of the lowest marital rates in the world. That means the city of love is full of single residents. There is so much more to this city than a fancy dinner with the Eiffel Tower in the background. One of my favorite things to do solo is visit a museum. Paris has so many fabulous ones to visit, I always go to the Rodin Museum or the Musee d’Orsay when I’m in town.

Where to find a new snuggle buddy: Greece

It’s the country that has some of the most sex over any other place. There’s a naughty saying, “the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else”. I’m not sure how accurate that is, but finding a new love interest on an island is one way to find out. Nothing is sexier than Greek Island hopping, with beautiful people on beautiful beaches. I much prefer to visit places like Santorini or Mykonos during the off season, but they are oh so inviting any time of the year.

 

Best Places to Meet Someone New

Where to find someone too good for you: Sweden

This would be the country where even people walking down the aisle on the train make it look like a catwalk during fashion week. I was told that people in Scandinavia are some of the most gorgeous, and Sweden is bringing the beauty. Even if you don’t find your next date, the people watching is just as entertaining. Stockholm is a fun city with diverse neighborhoods and plenty of places to meet new people.

Where to find other backpackers: Thailand

It’s a major player in the “Banana Pancake Trail”, a chance to run into some of the 48 million visitors each year. Things like the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, Khao San Road in Bangkok, or Bangla Road in Phuket are all there to take your mind off your relationship and into a bucket full of Thai Whisky. Some of my best solo travel stories and friendships came from my adventures in Thailand.

Where to find another partner: Portugal

If you ever wanted to go on a vacation and then never return, Portugal may be the place to do that. The country is one of the happiest places on the planet, they are friendly to expats, it’s easy to make new friends, and the price is right. With beaches, interesting cities, wineries and national parks, Portugal has an impressive variety for a country its size. Porto may be one of my favorite cities in the world and I guarantee you will make new friends on your Port wine tour.

 

Best Places to Forget Your Ex

Where to party thoughts of your Ex away: Berlin, Germany

I’m a big believer in going out and having some good old fashioned fun to forget your troubles. If those troubles involve temporarily forgetting about a previous relationship, Berlin is the place to do it. The city just oozes cool. The street art, the culinary scene and the wild nightlife, Berlin is a singles getaway waiting to happen.

Where to go for a distraction on every corner: New York City, New York USA

The city is just one big distraction, there’s something to do at every moment of the day. Any food you’re hungry for, any kind of show you’d like to see or art exhibit you’d like to view, it’s in New York. The big apple is a perfect place to forget about your ex, as you’ll be surrounded by strangers in the subway, or tourists in Times Square.

Where to go where cliches really do mean fun: Las Vegas, Nevada USA

With a phrase that’s “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” it is sure to be a destination where you can forget just about anything. And this little sin city in Nevada is right, sometimes you need just a weekend away to escape your thoughts and enjoy yourself. Shopping, eating, gambling, partying, you name it, Vegas has it here just for you.

Vegas Strip Tip: Get off of the “strip” and explore some sights outside of the boulevard. The Neon Museum pictured above is an interesting look at the history of the city, you get all the old gossip and you can see some of the unique vintage signage from the Vegas of yesteryear.

Best Places for a Group Trip with Your Pals

 

Where to go to throw back a few shots and take a few naps: Baja, Mexico

Rent a villa, chill out poolside or relax beachside with your besties. Mexico is a great warm weather escape for a short getaway. While you may have visions of spring breakers taking over Cancun or Cabo, I urge you to escape to the Loreto Bay in the Baja region. Delicious food, interesting wildlife and luxury properties make for a perfect weekend of pampering.

Where to warm your frozen hearts: Iceland

Grab your closest friends and book a stop over flight to the land of fire and ice. With so many natural wonders you won’t run out of corners on the island to explore. Everyone pitching in to rent a car and go on an epic road trip is just the remedy you need to cure a broken heart with a group trip.

Where to find a new first mate: Croatia

Yacht week is a fun-filled trip, a perfect place for a friends getaway in the summer. If touring around the country by boat doesn’t help you forget your solo status, you can always visit the Museum of Broken Relationships. Croatia is just a fun loving country. It would be an ideal trip either solo or with a group of your closest friends.

 

Best Places to Focus on You

Where to go for introspection: Bali, Indonesia

Meditation among the rice fields in the middle of the island is probably one of the best ways to examine your inner self. Bali Silent Retreat is a great place to focus on more important things besides being single. Indonesia is a country worth exploring outside of Bali, but this island can be a logical entry point to Southeast Asian travels.

Where you go to get in touch with nature: Austria

Nothing is better for your own well being than getting outside & taking in some fresh air. The Alps in Austria is a perfect destination for a singles getaway. The hiking in Austria is some of the best you’ll find in all of Europe. You can find both easier trails or tougher treks and anywhere you travel has views of the mountains as stunning as the photo below. If you’re looking for a small group setting, but still interested in having some time and space to yourself, Moaalm Retreat is the place to be.

Where you are too involved in adventure to care you are single: Costa Rica

Yoga and surf retreats are a plenty here in Central America. Yoga is a wonderful way to relax and much like surfing, you don’t need a partner to practice either. Costa Rica is a great introduction to this part of the world if you’ve yet to visit Latin America and are looking to dip your toes into a phenomenal part of the world. The people from Costa Rica are proud to share their country, so visitors are always welcome.