Some of the best adventures happen when we’re pushed outside our comfort zones. Traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences. For those planning their first solo trip, start slow by getting used to doing things alone in your hometown or city. Book a weekend getaway and work up to a more extended trip. If you feel ready or are no stranger to solo travel, find time on the calendar this year to go abroad on an epic adventure. From the temples of Cambodia to the festivals of Quebec, these are just a handful of international destinations to experience alone.

Bangkok, Thailand

From famous street food to kind locals, Bangkok has much to offer. With an endless supply of historical and spiritual sites, it’s a welcoming city that is wonderful for solo travelers to explore. Home to the largest Chinatown in the world, Bangkok is known for its Grand Palace and many historic temples. Browse through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand’s most popular markets that happens to be on water. Surround yourself with ex-pats on Khao San Road, a street that serves as a hub for fellow travelers and locals and has almost anything you could possibly need. One thing about Bangkok is that it’s remarkably hot and humid. The best months to visit are November to February, when the temperatures are coolest. Keep in mind December and January see the highest number of tourists, something to avoid if crowds at their worst aren’t your ideal. A final tip for Thailand in general: haggling is a common practice, but don’t be intimidated. Have a little fun with it!

*Photo by* *Kate Kasiutich* on *Unsplash*

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is a country that should be on any solo travel bucket list for its history alone. Many different civilizations left a mark on Hungary, but you’ll see the most substantial influence from the Romans and the Turkish Empire. You can still experience thermal baths, which are just as popular with the locals as with tourists. The city is literally split into two parts - “Buda” and “Pest” - separated by the Dabune River and with very different personalities. “Buda” is home to more of the city's historical monuments and architectural icons. Find lots of old cobblestone roads, the Castle District, and quiet nights. Adversely, Pest is where to go for a fun nightlife scene. Pest is the home of the Jewish Quarter where there are an endless amount of unique cafes and Ruin Pubs to visit. Even though Buda is where most historic buildings are, you can still find things like the House of Terror and St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest. If you’re worried about traveling solo in Budapest, don’t. It’s very friendly towards solo travelers.

*Photo by* *Sebastian Zuchmański* on *Unsplash*

Hanoi, Vietnam

The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is a busy, bustling experience surrounded by beaches, mountains, ruins, and more. Hanoi has anything you could possibly desire in a trip. Stay in the Old Quarter, a great central area for travelers where many popular hotels and sites are located such as Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a hub for shopping, dining, and more, with ancient streets, cozy coffee shops, and delicious street food. Make sure to try authentic Vietnamese coffee and street food favorites like chè (a Vietnamese dessert), banh com (sticky rice cakes), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and more. Visit the Hanoi Night Market, one of many night markets in Hanoi filled with energy and vendors selling everything from souvenirs to street food and clothing to art.

Historical sites to consider visiting in Hanoi include Van Mieu, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and Thang Long Citadel. Van Mieu, the Temple of Literature, was Vietnam’s first university and one of the most beautiful sites. It honors Vietnam’s scholars and was named after the Chinese philosopher Confucius. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with archaeological sites, ancient remains, old French colonial buildings, and more. Thang Long Citadel is a sacred temple known as the “Protector of the West” and offers a peaceful escape away from the business of the urban city.

Mexico City, Mexico

While the beaches of Mexico are undoubtedly alluring, Mexico City should be on every bucket list. Practically bursting with things to explore, the Central American city is filled with Mexican history and culture, from the food to the art scene. This destination is ideal for the foodie, the history buff, the art lover, the frugal traveler, and most definitely...the solo traveler. The bustling city has the second-largest collection of museums, thousands of restaurants, and unlimited things to do.

Mexico City is surrounded by some of the more notable Mayan, Aztec, and Mesoamerican ruins. For art lovers, on top of the many art museums and ancient sculptures littered throughout the city, you’ll also find many dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. There’s a museum solely dedicated to Kahlo in her old family home and to both Kahlo and Rivera in their old studio. While Asian countries are said to have the best street food in the world (see Bangkok and Hanoi), natives of Mexico City might disagree. From tacos to tamales, the capital city has a lively food scene that rivals Thailand and Vietnam. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a gourmet meal, though! Oh no, Mexico City has many restaurants that provide unique, high-end dining experiences, including tasting menus. The difference between Mexico City and, say...Chicago? It’ll cost you a lot less.

*Photo by* *Rich Martello* on *Unsplash*

Quebec, Canada

Quebec is the closest US natives can get to Europe without flying across the Atlantic. Similar to France, Quebec has a strong, proud culture and history. There’s a great episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain in the first season that dives into the region's culture. Just remember to refresh that high school French so you can read signs throughout the city and have basic conversations with locals. The Quebec province has two main cities: Quebec City and Montreal - both are worth adding to your itinerary.

Montreal is more cosmopolitan, whereas Quebec City is much more historical. This is not to say that Montreal doesn’t have its fair share of history and Old World feel. Quebec City simply has more doors to the past. For example, Quebec City is home to Old Quebec, where you can find the original walled fortifications of the city, which are now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quebec City is also where you’ll find the Citadelle of Quebec, Canada’s oldest military building, and the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica, which dates back to the 17th century. While Quebec City might have a more Old World feel, Montreal has embraced the 21st century while still remembering where it came from. Indulge in a vibrant food scene with classic patisseries, English pubs, food markets, delis, and more. It’s a city that loves festivals, with more than 90 in a calendar year especially their famous Jazz Festival. The art scene is strong and always growing. Regardless of which city you choose, there are plenty of things to occupy your time, more than enough restaurants to keep your belly full, and enough culture to make you feel enriched and ready to return at a moment’s notice.

*Photo by* *Michael Amadeus* on *Unsplash*

Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places for solo travel, especially for those just starting out. Kiwis are incredibly friendly. New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world. And there’s a range of adventures from city exploration to remote hiking trails. One day, you can explore a Hobbit Town from Lord of the Rings and the next, you can go on a vineyard tour to sip Sauvignon Blanc. Stare up at a crystal clear sky in the mountains, or take in the cities' energy. The versatility of the country is unique. Queenstown, in particular, is more of an adventurous region in New Zealand. Home to many nature activities, from hiking to skiing, there is plenty of land to explore and things to do. A visit to Queenstown is great for the scenery alone. The landscape and backdrops that surround you all over are breathtaking.

Santiago, Chile

One of the safest cities in South America, Santiago has become a popular Latin American travel destination, and rightfully so. Santiago has everything from a rich urban culture to gorgeous mountains, vibrant vineyards, and wineries. The best travel times for Santiago are from March to May and August to November. Those interested in a vineyard and winery experience should prioritize harvest season from March to May. Wineries in Chile celebrate with festivals, and it’s an excellent time to enjoy the world-class wine from the region. The weather is also mild, making it a comfortable time to travel without the crowds that summer brings. Santiago is a relatively affordable city, and those traveling on a budget will find plenty of things to see and do for free. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in classic sopaipillas, explore Peruvian cuisine, and enjoy fresh fish caught that morning.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Known as the home of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a city full of welcoming locals with a rich history and culture, making it an excellent destination for traveling alone. Depending on where you’re coming from, Siem Reap might not be the most affordable to get to but it’s relatively inexpensive to visit. Walk ancient ruins in Angkor Wat (translated to “City of Temples”), the largest religious monument in the world. This is a high-traffic area for tourists, so if you avoid crowds, research which temples are not as popular or head over early. Because Siem Reap is a smaller town, there isn’t much nightlife, but if you’d like to grab an evening cocktail, Pub Street is the place to be! Cambodia has a cuisine and lifestyle rooted in strong wellness practices. From yoga retreats to spa days, there is no shortage of opportunities to rejuvenate before the long flight home.

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