Last Updated on October 4, 2017
A recent survey revealed the five most popular holiday destinations for solo travelers in their 30s and 40s. These are not your typical vacation destinations, but off-the-beaten places that aren’t on everybody’s travel wish list. These countries were also included in Traveller’s Top Ten Best Destinations of the Decade, which is saying something (and gives you even more travel inspiration, in case the five countries I’m introducing you to aren’t enough!)
Are you curious to see in which countries you may meet like-minded, adventurous single travelers your age? Without further ado – the top five destinations for solo travelers:
1 Vietnam and Cambodia (60% female)
Vietnam and Cambodia are on top of the list for solo female travelers – and it’s easy to see why. Both countries are known for their stunning scenery, jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, mouthwatering food and intriguing history and culture. If you only have time to explore one of those two countries, I’d recommend Vietnam – not just because the food is unbelievably tasty – because of how diverse the country is. You can hike in the bamboo forests in Sapa, take a street food tour in Hanoi, kayak through the limestone caves in Halong Bay, take a Vietnamese cooking class and spend the night on board a traditional junk boat before winding down your vacation on the beaches down south. There are many ways to have incredible Vietnam holidays – decide depending on how much time you have if you want to tour the entire country from north to south or if you want to focus on the northern or the southern part. Beach lovers will prefer the south, whereas cultural travelers and hikers will enjoy the north more.
2 Sri Lanka (80% female)
I found it quite interesting that 80% of solo travelers in Sri Lanka are female, but looking back on my own Sri Lanka adventure, which I absolutely loved, I do remember quite a few adventurous solo female travelers throughout the country – and it’s easy to see why: Sri Lanka is small and compact, it’s easy to get around, and it is one of the most affordable countries I’ve ever been to. Add to that pretty boutique hotels, eight UNESCO World Heritage, the wildlife in Yala National Park, and of course women are intrigued to travel here!
3 Peru (50% male / 50% female)
It seems that Peru is equally as popular with male travelers as it is with female travelers – and that’s probably thanks to its biggest tourist attraction: Machu Picchu! Hiking the Inca Trail is something almost everyone I know has on their bucket list, no matter what gender or sexual orientation, no matter their origin or their age. But let’s not forget that Peru is so much more than Machu Picchu – the Sacred Valley alone has enough other historic Inca sites to keep you busy for weeks, and climbing the 5000m high Rainbow Mountain has become an unmissable experience for most travelers. Other highlights include exploring the capital city of Lima, boarding a traditional Amazonian boat into the jungle, explore the charming city of Cuzco, and enjoy delicious Peruvian cuisine washed down with delicious Pisco Sours.
4 Myanmar (40% male)
Myanmar has seen a big boost in tourism over the past few years, especially since the political situation has improved and the country has begun to take a step forward in regards to technological advances and further development of its hospitality sector with the opening of new hotels, including luxury resorts to attract high-end travelers. The experiences you can have in Myanmar, like watching the sunrise over the temples of Bagan, or gliding down Inle Lake in a traditional wooden boat, marveling Shwegadon Pagoda or trekking across Green Hill Valley are some of the most memorable ones you’ll ever have, and you will cherish these memories for the rest of your life.
5 Colombia (50% male/50% female)
When I traveled Colombia last year, I was surprised to see how many solo female travelers were brave enough to visit a country which is still often connected to its tumultuous past, which included drug cartels and kidnappings. However, these days, you’ll find luxury boutique hotels in the Spanish-colonial gem that is Cartagena, you can relax on the beaches along the Caribbean, or if you want to be really adventurous, trek five days through the Colombian Jungle to the ruins of the Lost City. It’s a country that is still off the main tourist trail, but offers such a wide range of things to do and places to see – I shared my 13 favorite travel moments in Colombia here.
Tell me: Which of these five destinations is on your travel wish list?
