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Solo holidays for independent travellers
Embarking on solo holidays? including spontaneous last minute holidays, can be incredibly liberating. Plan your entire trip just the way you like it, without the need to worry about anyone else's allergies or whether they snore. Plus, you might well make some new friends while you're there, adding an unexpected and delightful social dimension to your last minute holidays.
Solo travel broadens the mind, opens up all sorts of social situations, and just gives us some time to get away from the stresses of home. At lastminute.com, anyone who wants to travel the world alone can organise city breaks, nature adventures, or singles escapes in their favourite destinations. Here are just a few options for going it alone that are ready to be booked.
Top cheap solo holidays
Exotic and long haul singles holidays
Spain
A huge number of UK holidaymakers embark on holidays to Spain every year, a destination that truly caters to everyone. It's a popular choice for solo travellers, and you'll find arranging airport transfers from cities like holidays to Alicante, city breaks in Barcelona, and getaways to Madrid is straightforward and hassle-free. Destinations such as the Costa del Sol offer familiar comforts, including chip shops and British food in local supermarkets, perfect for those on solo holidays to Costa del Sol.
Spain is full of enticing destinations for solo travellers, from the cultural attractions of Barcelona, the sporting appeal of Real Madrid fixtures, and the elegant Moorish architecture of Seville or Granada. And if you want to relax by the beach, the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca offer plenty of beach resorts to discover.
Greece
There are ruins and historic monuments that you can explore throughout your holidays to Greece, and being able to visit and explore them at your own pace is always a pleasure. The flexibility of solo holidays gives you the opportunity to hop around the Ionian and Aegean islands. In mainland Greece, hiring a car for sightseeing is another alternative.
Strike up a conversation at a traditional Greek taverna. You'll typically get a warm and friendly welcome wherever you go, from Athens to Kalamaria and Patras. The views from these little restaurants are often spectacular, especially at night.
Island hopping in Greece is one of the best options for solo female travel, with cheap ferry transport, and excellent accommodation on islands like Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, or Zante. Always guaranteed scorching temperatures, Greek resorts are the perfect spot to find a secluded stretch of beach and soak up some rays.
Turkey
Standards of dress and conduct are a little different in Turkey. Solo travellers in particular are advised to take note of the country's customs and act accordingly. As long as you're respectful of Turkish culture, Turkey holidays for one are exciting and enjoyable.
There are international airports in Dalaman, Antalya, Istanbul and Bodrum.
When shopping in Turkey's bazaars and street markets, haggling is the done thing. Barter to your heart's content without anyone pushing you to go higher.
The Balearics
Off the coast of Spain, the Balearics are perfectly suited to singles holidays. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Majorca's a hotspot for summer holidays and winter sun. An attractive variety of hotels and apartments on the island makes it simpler to book a single room during your holiday in Majorca.
Thailand
Thailand holidays are a great option for solo travel and has always attracted backpackers on their gap year so wherever you go in the country, you're sure to meet other solo travellers. Lately, though, the country has become a destination for solo holidays where new skills can be learnt. Travelling solo in Thailand gives you the freedom to indulge and develop your passions whether they're for yoga and scuba-diving or Thai cookery and kite-boarding.
Solo holidays can be also enjoyed while you take in the waterfalls and rainforests of northern Thailand or by visiting the traditional hippy hubs of Pai. Other reasons for solo travel to Thailand include a wide choice of high-quality yet affordable accommodation and a street food culture that is truly tasty.
Switzerland
Cleanliness, safety, and efficient public transport make holidays to Switzerland perfect for taking a break as a solo traveller. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you can traverse the country by train, embarking on a journey that reveals a breathtaking new landscape around every bend. Your travels will guide you past towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and tranquil blue lakes, making holidays to Switzerland an unforgettable experience for any solo adventurer.
Take breaks from the train to dip into towns with medieval centres such as Zurich and Lucerne or indulge yourself with wine-tasting tours, themed chocolate walks or visits to chocolate factories. In contrast, adventure junkies should head to Interlaken for adrenaline-inducing activities such as paragliding, canyoning, rafting and heli-sightseeing.
Dubrovnik
If you're looking to combine beach attractions with captivating history, holidays to Dubrovnik are unparalleled. This beautifully preserved ancient fortress port is a treasure trove of tales, allowing solo visitors to spend days wandering its walls and exploring its streets. Just off the coast, islands like Lokrum and Lopud present idyllic bays and pristine nature.
Dubrovnik offers the perfect setting to unwind and immerse yourself in a rich historical tapestry, making holidays to Dubrovnik a remarkable escape where you can truly forget about everything else.
Costa Rica
With friendly backpacker hostels and small family-run hotels in places such as Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna, Costa Rica is perfect for solo travel especially if you're looking to enjoy the country's abundant coastline and diverse landscape. It's easy to get chatting to other solo adventurers and join up for a day's surfing or mountain hiking or you can simply enjoy the peace of sea kayaking or trekking well-marked forest trails on your own. Holidays to Costa Rica are a particularly good for eco-minded solo travellers.
If you want to experience a nature adventure, and also want to meet like-minded people, Costa Rica is hard to beat. This central American destination offers rainforest tours, tourist-friendly resorts like Puerto Viejo, and the chance to explore the caves of Barra Honda.
Mexico
Resort areas like Cancun, a gem in Mexico holidays, are perfectly tailored for singles seeking a blend of pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, exquisite cuisine, and unique historical attractions, with Mayan ruins just a few miles from the coast. Whether you're looking to unwind on spa breaks or enjoy a few rounds of golf, the Maya Coast, a highlight of Mexico holidays, offers an unparalleled experience. It's the ultimate destination for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a touch of ancient wonder all in one place.
The Algarve
With very hot weather from spring through to mid-autumn, the Algarve sets the scene for the ultimate beach escape, making it a top pick. This region is recognised as possibly Europe's premier beach destination. Solo visitors can find tranquil hotels perfect for those travelling alone, and an array of beaches offering a serene retreat. Add the excellent surf in Lagos and the charming towns like Carvoeiro, and it's clear why holidays to Algarve are an exceptional choice for a solo travel adventure.
Portugal
Hitting the waves with a surfboard is always a good way to break the ice and meet like-minded travellers, one reason why Portugal holidays have become so popular as a sporting destination for solos. Hang out on the beaches of Nazare or Sagres to practise your surfing skills and enjoy the thrills of annual competitions.
Solo holidays can also take in the beautiful scenery of Beiras or the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês while guided tours of the Douro region's vineyards are another great way of seeing Portugal as a solo traveller.
Canada
Canada holidays present a friendly, cosmopolitan experience with excellent transport links, making it an increasingly popular destination for solo travellers. Embark on Canada holidays to not only immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of cities like Toronto or Vancouver but also to explore a vast, unspoiled landscape. This diverse country offers everything from awe-inspiring mountains and secluded beaches to tundra-style countryside and lush rainforests, ensuring that Canada holidays cater to every inclination, whether urban exploration or nature escapades.
Contrast an exploration of Vancouver's history and nightlife by heading north to Dawson in the Yukon Territory for a taste of smalltown culture and winter sports. Solo travellers can also enjoy a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer Train or a visit to the Aboriginal villages of Haida Gwaii.
Denmark
Start your Denmark holidays as a solo traveller with a few days in Copenhagen. Enjoy walking alongside canals dotted with colourful townhouses before visiting the wooden ships so iconic of the city at Nyhavn. Spend a few hours taking in the flowers, fountains and fish in the Tivoli Gardens before heading to Kronborg Castle, Shakespeare's inspiration for Hamlet's castle of Elsinore.
Get a different perspective on Denmark's capital by hopping on a boat at Gammel Strand and meandering along city canals taking in sights such as the Little Mermaid Statue, the Opera House and the Christianborg Palace.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out other popular holidays
Top experiences to enjoy on a solo trip
Embarking on a solo holiday opens up a world of unique opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, travelling solo allows you to tailor your journey exactly to your preferences. From exploring hidden gems to meeting fellow adventurers, these experiences will make your solo trip truly memorable.
- Sports - When you travel alone, why not pick destinations which offer sporting activities for singles? Join groups for kayaking tours of the Croatian coast, or tennis schools in Marbella. Enjoy golf in Portugal, or surfing classes in California.
- Nature tours - Many destinations offer nature experiences that are made for solo travel. For instance, visitors to Costa Rica can travel deep into the cloud forests, while visitors to Tenerife can make friends while climbing Mount Teide.
- Spas and relaxation - If you're looking for unforgettable solo female travel, be sure to pick hotels and destinations that pamper everyone who visits. Hotels from Greece to Thailand offer professional massage, aromatherapy, jacuzzis and saunas that will leave you feeling totally refreshed.
Best time of the year for singles holidays
Choosing the right time for your singles holiday can make all the difference. Here's a guide to the best times of the year for solo travel, each offering unique experiences:
Spring (March - May): Perfect for exploring cities and countryside destinations with mild weather and blooming flowers. Ideal for cultural trips to Europe, including cities like Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam.
Summer (June - August): Great for beach holidays and outdoor adventures. Enjoy the sunny coasts of Spain, Greece, and Italy, or go hiking in the Swiss Alps.
Autumn (September - November): A wonderful time for wine tours and scenic drives. Visit regions like Tuscany, Provence, or the Douro Valley in Portugal for beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.
Winter (December - February): Perfect for winter sports and festive markets. Head to the Alps for skiing or snowboarding, or enjoy the holiday spirit in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Copenhagen.
Plan your perfect singles holiday and experience the best each season has to offer!
How to get to destinations for solo travellers
When you travel alone, look for flight bargains to destinations that cater for singles. Low cost airlines offer plenty of services to places like Greece, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and even Costa Rica.
To some people, travelling alone is known for its hedonism and social opportunities. And there are definitely many destinations that cater for people who want to chill out during the day, and party all night. But for others, solo travel means enriching experiences, historical attractions, and getting to know the world from a new perspective. No matter what reason you have to get away, travel is sure to offer a chance to recharge your batteries, and leave any worries far behind.
Top solo holiday destinations for over 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s
Over 30s
For those in their 30s, vibrant cities like Berlin and Barcelona offer a mix of culture, nightlife, and adventure. Explore historic sites by day and enjoy trendy bars and restaurants by night.
Over 40s
If you're in your 40s, consider destinations like Tuscany or Provence. These regions are perfect for leisurely wine tours, scenic countryside views, and culinary delights.
Over 50s
In your 50s, the serene beauty of the Canary Islands or the Amalfi Coast in Italy can provide a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and tranquil beaches.
Over 60s
For those in their 60s, destinations like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Benidorm, in Spain, or something closer like Scotland or Wales, offer a peaceful retreat with charming villages, beautiful gardens, and relaxing seaside views.
Book your ideal solo holiday with lastminute.com and enjoy an unforgettable experience tailored to your interests and age group!
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