As an occasional solo traveler, picking the right destination to explore is not quite as easy as one would imagine. Since our move to Spain, Alberto has settled into his new job so that leaves me and my backpack, out to see the world alone. As much as I enjoy the prospects of meeting more people and having the freedom to do whatever I want, solo travel can be a little daunting at times. Especially for a solo female traveler, it’s wise not to be wary of your surroundings. In this post, I share with you some of my suggestions for the best adventurous destinations for solo travelers.
1. Australia
For the ultimate adventurous holiday, Australia definitely wouldn’t disappoint. Few places in the world can beat Australia’s myriad of natural spots and adventurous activities – scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, then skydive in Sydney, and go bush-walking in the outback – Kakadu National Park. Besides world-class infrastructure and some of the friendliest people in the world, Austalia makes for a safe and easy destination for solo travelers.
2. Tanzania
Although African capitals can be slightly intimidating, venture out to the savannahs and wild lands and you’ll find the warmest people who are more curious about you than anything else. This East African nation is bursting with thrilling outdoors opportunities ideal for the solo traveler. Sign yourself up for an adventure tour – from the Kilimanjaro trek to a wildlife safari or scuba-diving trip on Zanzibar island – you’re sure to meet fellow travelers and have a wild time. Unlike the usual stereotype view, Tanzania is relatively safe to travel alone, just try to avoid dodgy areas in the capital city.
3. Malaysia
Being a Muslim country, Malaysia is often misunderstood by many as conservative and unwelcoming. But adventure travelers who have given it a shot all leave with a big smile – Malaysia is packed to the brim with raw, unexplored natural spots and bewitchingly beautiful terrain. Explore its acres of dense rainforest and mingle with orang utans or live with ancient tribes, then emerge out of the forest to find clear, turquoise waters, home to some of the world’s best dive sites. And its people – you can hardly find such genuine and hospitable people elsewhere.
Photo by whoa adventures
4. Ecuador
A small nation chocked full of rare and endemic wildlife and nature, Ecuador is a country only worthy of superlative descriptions. With natural wonders that hit the right sensory glands, you can feed your craving for all things natural here in one small country. Swim with sea lions, sharks and penguins on the Galapagos Islands, hike through the culturally-rich Amazon Rainforest or climb the Cotopaxi Mountain – you could easily do all that in one week. What’s more, Ecuador is one of the better-off countries in South America, equipped with better tourism infrastructure than its neighboring nations.
5. Jordan
Amongst the Arabic nations, Jordan is tops on my list – especially in terms of ease of travel, security and sights to see. Float in the Dead Sea in the north and then head down south to explore the archaeological sites of Petra and then hop on a camel safari through Wadi Rum desert. Unlike neighboring Egypt or Israel, the country is not overrun with tourism and dominated by foreigners. To see a real peek into the Middle Eastern world, Jordan would be a great start.
6. Macedonia
During my recent solo jaunt in the Balkans, Macedonia definitely left a deep impression on me: Not only were the locals helpful and forthcoming, the country is also shaped perfectly for intrepid adventure travelers looking to get off the beaten path. Composing of a multitude of mountains and emerald lakes, Macedonia is favored by outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking, climbing and boating. Be sure to check out Lake Ohrid and the Bitola Mountains.
*All the photos above are my own, they cannot be used without my permission.
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Excellent suggestions and glad you mentioned Tanzania on the list! I am hopefully heading back to East Africa for a couple months starting in November. Can't wait to spend some quality solo time on Zanzibar!!!
Ah November would be a nice time to visit Zanzibar, wouldn it? We were there during off-peak season, and the island was virtually empty, we had miles of pristine beaches all to ourselves, occasionally bumping into Captain Rastafi and go hang out at his shack. Good times, u have fun in Tanzania!
Stoked to see Macedonia again:)) Nell, you're our ambassador and should claim a check from our govn't
How could I not include Macedonia?! It's one of my favorite countries in the Balkans, and I definitely have to be back to explore it deeper, hopefully to the Bitola Mountains someday!
Nice list. Didn't expect to see Ecuador there but seeing what one can do, I can easily see it as an adventurous destination.
During my 6-month jaunt in South America, I can safely say Ecuador was my favorite. It’s got all that the continent has to offer packed in one small country, and it’s definitely safer to travel solo as compared to its neighbors.
The last picture looks so beautiful!
Thanks, snapped my shot myself, at a monastery atop Lake Ohrid. A gorgeous, gorgeous place undiscovered by tourists, highly recommend it!
I've traveled through China alone and I think that certain areas of that country are also a great place to travel solo, especially in the west (Sichuan and Yunnan). There are plenty of other travelers, many solo, to meet at hostels, so even if you were traveling alone, it would be easy to find some hiking partners.
A few places I was glad to have company: Brazil and Peru. I've never been to Ecuador, but I'm sure you're right when you say it's safer than its neighbors (especially Rio and Lima).
Finally, someone adds Ecuador to the list! Whoo Hoo.. If anyones coming this way give me a shout about how to see the real Ecuador and find people here who are travelling.. It´s pretty easy!
http://savvyroundtheworld.wordpress.com
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I traveled in Jordan last year as a solo female traveler and although I did end up with a lot of good memories and adventures, I did run into some harassment. I didn't feel I was in danger but it definitely put me on edge a few times to be leered at in such a obvious and crude way. I was also heavily warned about incidents of rape that occur while camping in the desert. It's nothing to be alarmed about, it's just wise to be a little cautious sometimes, especially for a solo female traveler.
Thanks for the advice Connie. It\’s always better to be safe than sorry; traveling alone as a female is not safe wherever you go, it\’s wise to avoid dark alleys and camping in the desert alone.
It is true that people always have the misconception that Malaysia is no fun because it is an Islamic country. but that is not the only thing which defines Malaysia. Like you said, there is lots of beautiful nature to see. And of course, great food and different cultures too =)
Great site Nellie, excellent article, congratulations!
But what about Brasil??? : (
We´d like to show you Brazil and Acre state.
A unique distant part of Brasil, a paradise for ecoturism!
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Thanks for sharing your love for Brazil! I still haven\’t been to your country, actually we\’d purposely left it out during our 6-month trip through South America so we could focus on it during our nex trip – I\’ll definitely be there sometime soon, so stay in touch!
hey
all
its really really fabalous yea
I live in Tanzania. I love it here. I don't travel far, cos it's difficult, but the area around me is beautiful. You and Alberto should come visit
Tanzania\’s definitely one of my favorite countries to date! Alberto and I volunteered there a few years ago, cant wait to return. Seriously, let\’s stay in touch and we could meet when we are there!
That's my annoying boyfriend fooling around – erhem, ok sorry I correct myself – it was Captain Kitete.