Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure after university studies, or a long-overdue escape from the office grind, check out our four best picks for going it alone. From meeting locals in cosy cafes in Copenhagen, to visiting treasured temples in Bangkok – it’s time to explore.
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The best places for solo travel
By British Airways
Title photography by Getty
Copenhagen
Says travel writer Ross Clarke
Why? Hygge, constant candlelight and an endless supply of hot chocolate… it’s easy to understand why the Danes are among the world’s happiest people. Copenhagen is packed with great architecture, design, food markets and historic monuments. You can head ‘Around the Sound’ too. Buy the two-day ticket from the Copenhagen Visitor Service. It allows you to travel into southern Sweden by train around the coast and back into Denmark via the ferry.
Where to eat: The new outpost of Hija de Sanchez – a fantastic Mexican restaurant set up by the ex-pastry chef of Noma in the trendy Meatpacking district. Don’t miss the delicious condensed milk-laced paletas.
Where to stay: Imperial Hotel – for its brilliant location close to Copenhagen’s central train station and nearby the charms of Tivoli Gardens. Do as the Danes do and hire a bike from the hotel, the best way to see the sights is on two wheels, to make the most of a city break here.
What to do: Head to Hillerod – which is around 40 minutes by train – to see the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle. A 16th Century palatial complex surrounded by water and perfectly manicured grounds – it's like something out of a fairytale.
Solo traveller tip: Sign up for ‘Meet the Danes’, a service that arranges home dinners with local hosts.
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Modern twist
Just 20 minutes from Melbourne’s Central Business District is the Heide Museum of Modern Art – a cultural hub showcasing sculpture, painting and history, set in a contemporary angular building amid a stunning landscape.
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Try it for yourself…
Copenhagen is a hub for tantalising foodie spots. Whether you want to explore a host of food markets, or cosy up in a restaurant with new friends (a super hygge thing to do) – the capital of Denmark makes for a great place to meet people and fellow travellers.
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The Millennium Hilton is ideally situated on the banks on the Chao Phraya River. Take a trip along Bangkok’s waterways and make a visit to the mesmerising floating markets.
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Melbourne
Says Tona Stell, Fashion Director at Suitcase Magazine
Why? You’d expect such a big metropolitan city to be overwhelming, but Australian people are so welcoming and approachable. I found myself talking to every shop assistant, bartender and waiter, and they all gave me recommendations for what to see and do during my trip.
Where to eat: I probably had my favourite meal at Tipo 00. It's a very intimate Italian restaurant. There’s a high table running along the front window so it's the perfect spot to eat solo, as you can watch the bustling Little Bourke Street outside. The food is incredibly fresh and the menu changes regularly, I’d recommend getting a few small dishes to try as much as possible.
Where to stay: The Langham Melbourne – for a location in the heart of the action. This retreat sits on the Southbank Promenade, a hub of bars, restaurants, theatres and galleries. The perfect place for the solo traveller to rest their head on a comfy bed.
What to do: You get a sense of Melbourne as a creative hub when you walk around the suburbs of Fitzroy and Carlton. Drop into a concept store like Somewhere Store – even if it's just to window shop. If you have time, take a trip out of the city to see the latest exhibitions at the Heide Museum of Modern Art. And I’d definitely recommend a visit to Phillip Island Nature Park to see the penguins.
Thailand
Says Ben Groundwater, travel columnist and expert backpacker
Why? Travelling solo teaches you that you're far more resourceful and resilient than you may have once thought. Situations that seem intimidating to begin with – say, haggling with a tuk-tuk driver in Bangkok, or finding a place to stay in Phuket – become easily negotiable after a few weeks of travelling on your own.
Being the quintessential backpacking destination, it’s completely normal – and often preferable – to be travelling solo in Thailand. There’s also a lot of options available to you – go trekking in the jungle, soak up the bustling city of Bangkok or simply lounge around on some of the world’s most glorious beaches in the south. The country is full of charming locals and other free-spirited solo travellers so you won’t ever get the chance to feel lonely here. It is also very affordable so you won’t feel the sting of not sharing a room cost with anyone.
What to eat: It would be criminal not to enjoy the renowned street food – order pad Thai from one of the carts dotted around every market and lane.
Where to stay: Millennium Hilton – for the sweeping views across the Chao Phraya River, glistening rooftop pool, award-winning rooftop bar (order a speciality cocktail at sunset) and city centre location, make this hotel a top-notch choice for the independent traveller.
What to do: Head up north to Chiang Mai and join a jungle trek – it’s a great way to see some of the local culture and you’ll get to meet some interesting people along the way.
Solo traveller tip: Take an overnight train if travelling long distances – e.g Bangkok to Koh Samui, they are cheap, come with a fully flat bed and will save you the cost of a hotel stay.
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Bridging the gap
The Oresund Bridge is the main road and rail link between Copenhagen (Denmark) and Malmo (Sweden). It’s made up of three parts: a bridge, an artificial island and a tunnel, and covers nearly eight miles.
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Shanghai
Says Doina Ciobanu, blogger at The Golden Diamonds
Why? In many parts of China you can feel very much like a foreigner. However, in Shanghai, the impact of the old colonial area – with its mix of well-travelled locals – makes the city feel much more accessible. When I was there, people were very warm and welcoming, and I made so many friends in just in a few days. The city is so huge and there’s so much to explore, you’ll never be bored.
Where to eat: Discover the local street food, especially in the Old City. If you’re looking for something fancier, try Mr & Mrs Bund. It has a ridiculously gorgeous view of the Bund.
What to do: This might be a bit bizarre, but make sure you use the underground! Like so many other Chinese cities, Shanghai’s train system is very efficient and worth seeing first-hand. It’s also a great way to see very different people and feel like you’re a part of that community.