Sometimes people are forced to travel by themselves due to unfortunate circumstances, but oftentimes, solo travelers are taking their trips alone because they enjoy it – and why wouldn’t they? There are destinations all over the world that are perfect for a solo traveler, here are five of our favorites.
Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
This glacier-fed lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in a hamlet in Banff National Park. It’s a destination that is ideal for someone who appreciates the great outdoors. Relatively isolated but replete with the amenities you desire when you’re traveling. A stately chateau overlooks this stunning lake on which you’ll canoe from the canoe dock in the summer and skate on the lake’s frozen skating rink in the winter.
Our pick for accommodations is the upscale Post Hotel & Spa – voted in 2016 as one of CNN’s World’s Most Beautiful Ski Lodges. With a full spa, restaurants, gorgeous rooms, and close proximity to the lake as well as the ski runs, it’s the perfect place in which to be pampered that will allow you to fully enjoy Lake Louise.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Not particularly far from Lake Louise is arguably one of the America’s if not the world’s last best places, Glacier National Park. Considered the crown of the continent, Glacier National Park, as the National Park Service notes, “is the headwaters for streams that flow to the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and to Hudson’s Bay. What happens here affects waters in a huge section of North America.” From Grinnell Glacier Basin to the Going-to-the-Sun Road and from Lake McDonald (pictured) to winter on the Flathead River, the park will stun and amaze you with its natural beauty.
There are a wide array of lodging options from camping to the newly renovated Snyder Hall at our favorite, Lake McDonald Lodge which features not only the lodge but also cabins and suites. They note that “Built in 1913, this historic lodge has a picturesque location on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald with 82 guest rooms split between the three-story main lodge, a row of cabins, Snyder Hall and the exquisite Cobb House.” What better way to visit a National Park than to stay inside the park?
Seville, Spain
With as much charm as Barcelona and Madrid, Seville is an excellent option for the solo traveler due, in part, to the fact that it is much less crowded and has an artistic style all its own. Spain is always a great destination for traveling alone because it is such a social country it’s not uncommon to get to know the locals. The best part of Seville is that it’s a destination that requires little planning and even with no plans, you’ll find yourself entertained and thoroughly enjoying everything the city has to offer.
Our hotel pick is the Meliá Lebreros that describes itself as a hotel with the “modernity and warmth” that “makes any stay in Seville a wonderful experience.” The hotel is located in the city center “near major tourist attractions, such as Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar and Parque María Luisa, shopping centres (El Corte Inglés and Nervión Plaza) and the city’s leisure facilities and lively nightlife”.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The capital city of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is charming, vibrant, and easy to explore. Tour the city through its system of canals and navigate your way on land on a bicycle – there is much to explore. This is another city where everyone interfaces and it’s easy to connect with both locals as well as other travelers.
There are many options for lodging from houseboat rentals to vacation rentals and a myriad of hotels in every style imaginable, but our favorite is the Hotel Casa Amsterdam which overlooks a canal. This hip hotel is in a great location where you’ll be poised to explore the city. You’ll be a short walk to the Amstelstation as well as being nearby to both the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.
Situated only a stone throw away from the Amsterdam Amstel Station and Amsterdam’s ring road A10, you’ll have the whole city at your feet. Get your shoes on and wander through Amsterdam’s up and coming East area, nestled amongst bars, restaurants, the well-known Amstel River and lots of green.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Considered to be one of the safest destinations for travelers, solo or not, Reykjavik, Iceland may be one of the chillier places on our list, but it is stunning nonetheless. From the beautiful scenery of and surrounding the city to its simply charming architecture and its kind, welcoming, and friendly people, Reykjavik is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on you.
Our pick for your stay while in Reykjavik may surprise you: Eric the Red Guesthouse. The main reason we love the guesthouse is that it’s located in a residential neighborhood and will allow you to feel like a local – just be sure to book a room with its own private bath!
We are a home away from home with focus on personal atmosphere and service as well as reasonable pricing. We have a delicious breakfast buffet, free Internet Access and Wi-Fi, and we also offer tours with the hosts.
When it comes to planning your next solo vacation, do our destinations appeal to you? Another good reason to travel is to experience art first hand, including Six Public Art Installations Worth Traveling to See.
