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Do you have itchy feet and are you ready for your next vacation? You don’t have to wait for someone to travel with you: just book a ticket and go alone!
Individual trips is now more popular than ever before.
Just over 1 in 2 solo travelers say this affordability is the most important factor in their choice of destination.
And 60% say weather is a key factor in their decision-making!
Hoping to meet other solo travelers on your adventure? Or just looking for some inspiration?
According to new research from Hostel World, These are the top 5 destinations travelers are currently going to:
Thailand
Thailand is currently officially the top destination for solo travelers. And it meets the needs of travelers looking for both affordability and good weather.
From a practical point of view, Thailand has an established tourism infrastructure that makes it easy for solo travelers to get around and attractive to even novice solo travelers.
This includes the affordable public transportation system, and the warm and hospitable people of the destination can also make individual travelers feel good safe.
If you’re looking to travel on a budget, you’ll find plenty of hostels here, and staying in a hostel is also a great way to meet new people.
So which sights should you not miss if you go to Thailand alone?
This diverse country has so much to offer, but for cultural enthusiasts, you must explore the Grand Palace in Bangkok. This enormous and ornate golden structure has to be seen to be believed. Entrance costs 500 baht ($11.43).
To relax and unwind, leave the city and head to the beach. Thailand is known for its epic beachesand especially the beach parties.
Phuket attracts travelers from all over the world for its beaches, but if you want something more relaxing, try the Krabi views.
Spain
I don’t have many options left to travel alone, but when I do, I inevitably choose Spain!
I love Spain for its rich history, beautiful landscapes and incredible food. And as a female traveler I am always feel safe when I am also in Spain.
Spain offers rich and historic city break opportunities, as well as incredible beach resorts. And thanks to the excellent and affordable rail network, you can explore both on the same trip.
My perfect solo Spanish itinerary? Fly to Barcelona so you can wander around the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia (with tickets priced at €26.00/$28.82 per person) and then sit in Pak Guell with an ice cream to watch the world go by.
From here you take the train to Tarragona, where there is a 2nd century Roman amphitheater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Other Roman sights in the city include a Roman circus and a Roman forum, and the walled, medieval Old Town is the perfect place to wander.
The train ride takes only an hour and 15 minutes costs only 8 euros ($9).
The cathedral in Tarragona is larger and more important than the one in Barcelona. And the beach here is the perfect place to relax away from the crowds, as it is generally overlooked in favor of nearby coastal towns.
Italy
Italy is a country that is proud of its own country hospitality.
So if you want to experience some of Europe’s most iconic architecture, see the works of some of the world’s most notable artists, and enjoy steaming bowls of pasta served by smiling Nonnas, this is the place to visit.
Like Spain, Italy offers a wide range of attractions, meaning there is a solo travel destination for everyone. From the chic fashion streets of Milan to the cuisine of Naples and everything in between.
One of my favorite places to visit in Italy in the fall is Venice. Temperatures in autumn are mild and visitor numbers are low. This means you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. The contrast between the red of the leaves on the trees and the blue of the lagoon is also a beautiful sight.
Australia
If your adventurous spirit means you want to visit the other side of the world, then the land below is the best place to go.
Australia is a backpacker’s paradise, and because everyone there speaks English, it’s a great place for first-time solo travelers to explore the country without the language barrier.
Its overwhelming size means it’s impossible to explore all of Australia in one trip: you’ll have to choose the areas that interest you most.
Friendly locals and breathtaking landscapes are the main attractions of a solo trip to Australia. The sun, the sea and the surf are what put the destination on my bucket list. That and the chance to get up close and personal with a koala bear!
Vietnam
If you love adventure and spending time in nature, Vietnam is the perfect solo travel destination. It is a breathtakingly beautiful country with epic beaches and dramatic landscapes.
From a practical perspective, Vietnam is accessible and affordable and has consistently been voted one of the safest countries in the world for travelers.
Visit Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO-protected archipelago that includes no fewer than 1,133 islands and islets. The landscapes here are iconic and this is a great place for water sports such as kayaking or paddle boarding.
If you’re more interested in city exploration, Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter is a great place to be.
Explore the food markets and visit the city’s famous tailors to have clothes made that fit like a second skin.
Vietnam is a little more difficult to explore as a solo traveler than Thailand, but if you’re an experienced traveler, it’s well worth the extra effort.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.