5 Extraordinary Places To Travel Alone

Are you looking for places to travel alone? I have had some of the best moments of my life while traveling solo. I meet more people, am freer to be spontaneous, and I like being able to follow my own schedule.

Of course, some places are safer than others to travel to alone. And some are just more fun. For instance, I loved going to Tahiti, but I seemed to be the only single person there. I prefer to travel to places where I’ll meet other single people.   I also liked to feel welcomed at restaurants and other places that I visit even though I’m alone. (Oh, the dreaded question at a restaurant, “Just one?”)  Taking all these things into account, here are:

5 Extraordinary Places To Travel Alone

1. Switzerland

Photo Credit: gato-gato-gato via Compfight cc

Switzerland holds a very special place in my heart. Not only was my great-grandmother from there, it was the first place I ever traveled alone. Switzerland is one of the safest countries in Europe and one of the most peaceful. No one invades Switzerland. They even made it a civic duty to help anyone who is in need. Using the train system is easy and efficient, and it makes traveling around the country uncomplicated and painless.

 2. Costa Rica

While a few people do get scammed in Costa Rica, it is still one of the safest countries to travel alone. They don’t even have a military. Pickpocketing and theft do happen, but there are very few places in the world where it doesn’t. Plus, there are many Costa Rica packages that make traveling there on your own even more affordable. It’s a great place to enjoy its solitude, take part in a yoga retreat, or meet up with some of the other solo travelers who visit Costa Rica.

 3. Portland, Oregon

Portland has its crime, just like any other city, but I lived there for five years, and never once felt unsafe walking alone at night. Of course, there are areas to avoid, but it’s a great place to travel alone in. Portland has a good public transportation system, and there’s just so much to do. From the vibrant live music scene, to its street cart food, to its established coffee culture, you will never be bored. There’s endless trails waiting to be hiked just outside the city, skiing, and the breathtaking coast which you shouldn’t miss. And everyone’s so friendly in Portland, that you will find yourself with lifelong friends in no time.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is one of the safest large cities in the world. There is no stigma at all attached to solo travelers there, and it was one of the places where I felt most comfortable dining alone.  I stayed at a bed and breakfast in Edinburgh that made me feel like I had an instant family. With all there is to see and do, and some of the friendliest people around, Edinburgh was one of my favorite places that I visited alone.

5. Bali

Bali is a peaceful destination, and the crime rates are much less than in other parts of the world. The bombing in 2005 was a tragedy that devastated the world, but this does not mean that Bali is not a safe place to travel to today. I have had some of my most peaceful reflections on life being in Bali, and I have met some amazing people. It’s one of those rare places where it’s very easy to connect with the locals even though they live a completely different style of life. You will find yourself invited to their family ceremonies, and you won’t feel like you are alone for long. It’s also easy to hire a local driver, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the local roads yourself. Bali is one of those sacred spots on earth that you really shouldn’t miss.

Featured Photo Credit: Nhoj Leunamme == Jhon Emmanuel via Compfight cc