With a demanding job, I usually don’t have the time or inclination to tear myself away from work. I don’t take sick days unless I absolutely have to, and I’m always back at 100% when I do. However, recently, HR called and told me I must follow company policy and take some of my accrued leaves mandatorily. Like I said, I don’t like tearing myself away from work. I live alone in New Jersey and my family is back in Ohio. So you can tell I usually have nothing to do if I do take leave from work. However, I recently caught a travel documentary on my Frontier cable TV and it really hit home. I think I was well and truly bitten by the travel bug. That very second I knew what I wanted to do with my mandatory leaves: travel and explore alone. If you too are thinking of discovering the world on your own, here are 5 of the best places in the world to travel alone:
1. New Zealand
Does anyone remember the breathtaking setting for The Lord of the Rings trilogy? Travel to Middle Earth, or New Zealand as it is known to unimaginative people. New Zealand is one of the most travel-friendly countries in the world. It is also one of the happiest, with helpful and generous locals. There are a lot of diverse activities a solo traveler can partake in. With pristine glaciers, lush rain forests and gorgeous mountain scenery there are so many options for the adventurous traveler. You can also do the more popular tourist stuff like jet skiing and bungee jumping. There’s also the famous Milford Track, a well-known hiking trail amid mountains and forests. New Zealand should be a top destination for all solo travelers. Especially those who want to squeeze in many diverse settings in a short span of time.
2. Switzerland
No travel list is complete without the gorgeous mountain scenery and rustic settings of Switzerland. Land of exquisite watches, delectable chocolates, and banks who mind their own business. Switzerland is a must go for solo travelers and adventurers. All you need is a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a Swiss Rail Pass. A Swiss Rail Pass is valid for all public transport like railcars, streamers, and trams. Visit the venerable city of Zurich, friendly for pedestrians and motorists alike. Many people have termed Switzerland as a piece of heaven on earth, and it is not hard to see why. Lake Geneva is a beautiful mountain setting with vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and museums. A ski trip to the Alps is unlike any other winter experience in Europe.
3. Norway
Norway is ranked one of the safest and happiest countries in the world. Norway has a rich geographical beauty that includes imposing mountains, deep fjords, and dazzling glaciers. Visit the capital city of Oslo, a city full of green spaces in the middle of winter-land. Oslo offers a rich cultural glimpse into the Nordmen of old, or the Vikings as they are commonly known. A harsh, brave race of people who built boats capable of crossing the seas and attacking Britannia and France. Some of these well-preserved boats are on display in the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. You can hop aboard a cruise ship that starts at Bergen, a postcard-perfect city with colorful, wooden houses. The cruise calls at many ports and offers the best views of fjords, coastline, and mountains to solo travelers. One of the reasons Norway is so good for solo travel is the warm and friendly vibes you get from locals. And it helps that the crime rate is almost nonexistent.
4. Canada
If a safe and friendly environment is what you want, no list can be complete without Canada. Canada is the world’s second largest country, filled with some of the nicest and friendliest locals in the world. Check out the coastal city of Vancouver, a unique setting of mountain scenery and water. Vancouver is known for its diverse cuisines from all over the world, especially traditional Asian food. In fact, Asian food here is the best anywhere outside Asia itself. Visit Stanley Park, a refreshingly sublime green space that brings you the peace and tranquility of Canada. Visit Montreal for French vibes and vibrant nightlife. It has a teeming bar scene and the cafés are known for outstanding food and service.
5. Finland
While it is freezing in winter, the summer months of Finland offer a wonderful adventure setting for solo travelers. The capital Helsinki is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Finland has one of the best education systems and literacy ratio in Europe. This can be seen quite easily in the nice, easygoing locals who go out of their way to be friendly. Helsinki is very pedestrian friendly and is a treasure of stores, cafes, and museums. Saunas are a unique social setting for interactions where you can meet friendly people to help show you around.
Whichever country you visit alone, you’re bound to experience a lot in a short time. This is what helps you grow and broaden your horizons. Traveling as a couple or group is fun, but it’s easy to lose focus on the travel experience. Traveling alone, I don’t even miss my Frontier online deals that much. After all, part of the travel experience is to temporarily sever all ties with daily life and immerse yourself. Happy traveling!
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