Thinking of flying in solo in 2019? If you’ve never travelled alone before then the idea might seem daunting, but get over the initial apprehension and you’ll find there’s plenty to love about going it alone.
Not only does it give you free rein to plan your own itinerary and go at a pace that suits you, but it will also prove to be an enriching and character-building experience. Once you’ve travelled the globe alone, you’ll feel ready to conquer any challenge life throws at you – and you’ll want to repeat the experience again and again.
Solo travel doesn’t have to be about shared dormitories in hostels, so don’t be put off by the traveller stories you’ve likely heard on the grapevine. With a generous budget, you can travel in style all the way – from flying first-class to your destination, to treating yourself to a lavish hotel once there.
There’s certainly no need to set that luxury lifestyle aside for the sake of a little cultural enrichment, and this is especially true if you’re travelling in Europe. Home to some of the very finest hotels and restaurants in the world, it’s a place where opulence knows no bounds.
Unsure where to start your high-end solo adventure? These five destinations all make great places to start. You’ll feel safe, make friends, and see some incredible sights along the way – the only tough decision left to make is which one to head to first.
Emilia Romagna, Italy
Sweeping north from the Apennines to the verdant Po Valley, Emilia Romagna is one of Italy’s best kept secrets, and has plenty to offer the solo traveller, and the friendly and hospitable locals will make you instantly feel right at home.
Known for its medieval cities, mouthwatering gastronomy and pretty seaside resorts, Emilia Romagna’s most famous tourist haunt is its capital, Bologna – but compared to some of Italy’s other key cities, such as Florence or Rome, the pace is a little slower. In this vibrant city, arched porticos line the streets. Ravenna, near the Adriatic coast, is famed for its brightly coloured Byzantine mosaics.
Cantabria, Spain
With its stunning coastline, plunging valleys and majestic mountains, Cantabria is relatively underdeveloped by Spanish standards – but that’s all part of its charm. If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway, then you’ll find it here – but with its mouth-watering fresh cuisine and tremendous historical riches, there is plenty else to explore besides the sprawling countryside alone.
Its capital, Santander, makes for a livelier destination and is packed with bustling bars, elegant plazas and sandy beaches. Intriguing history and edgy urban cool make it an attractive destination for any solo traveler – and whether you’re looking to meet new people, or immerse yourself in a time gone by, a travel companion is something you’re unlikely to miss.
Friesland, The Netherlands
In Friesland, the locals have slow living down to a fine art. Here, it’s all about the laid-back lifestyle – the perfect place in which to escape the stresses and strains of modern life. Frisians are friendly and accommodating, so you’re bound to meet some interesting new people during your time here. And with its azure skies, beautiful landscapes and the faint melody of bird song that signals each new morning, there’s a lot to love about this little-known place.
Visit the towering Harlingen Lighthouse, where you can learn more about the way of life here. An adventure to the Kazematten museum will get you acquainted with the rich history of the nation, while a visit to the mud-flats which lace into the Wassen sea is another trip you shouldn’t miss when exploring Friesland without a travel partner.
Kosovo
Kosovo might be the last place you’d think of when planning your luxurious solo getaway, and is perhaps best know for the conflicts that rocked it in the 90s – but in recent years, this intriguing destination has risen from the ashes to become a hidden gem in the Balkan Peninsula.
Now widely viewed as a safe destination for solo travelers, the lively and cool capital of Pristina is more than worthy of your time. Its café culture and wealth of attractions including museums and art galleries mean you’ll never be short of something to do.
The pretty ski resorts of the Sar mountains and the Prizren Bistrica River, curving between the red-roofed houses in the Prizren town, are both worth including in your itinerary. And you won’t want to miss the Pec Patriarchate Monastery in the Rugova Canyon, which received a UNESCO listing thanks to its impressive architecture.
Having gained its independence just 11 years ago, back in 2008, Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country – so it’s a great chance to get in early and see it now, before the masses descend.
Provence, France
If you’re yet to visit the Cote d’Azur, then you’re in for a real treat. Here, you’ll find picturesque countryside, beautiful beaches and winding streets – all combining to create perhaps one of the most charming travel destinations in the world.
From the pine forest road Lorgue to the rockier ravines in Hant Var, there’s plenty to see in Provence. The sprawling lavender fields in the area make for a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Even better, the train network in this part of France makes it quick and convenient to reach nearby destinations such as Nice, Canne and of course, Monaco. These iconic places offer the height of luxury, and with their picturesque harbours and lines of expensive super-yachts, they’re a sight to behold and a bucket-list must.
Laid-back, friendly and culturally cool, these five intriguing destinations strike the perfect balance for solo traveler – and with luxurious accommodation and high-end eateries yours for the taking, there’s nowhere better to start your trip.
