Traveling Solo: 7 Recommended Destinations | Criteria and Things to Consider When Choosing a Solo Travel Spot

In recent years, more and more Hong Kong people have been yearning for solo travel, enjoying the freedom and independence that come with it. This time, Kwiksure recommends seven solo destinations for novice solo travelers, and shares some tips and considerations for choosing a destination, so you can put aside your concerns and embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Traveling Alone | Location Selection Guidelines for Solo Travel Beginners

Public Security

When traveling alone, safety is absolutely the first priority. When deciding your destination, you can check the survey report on the safest and most dangerous tourist destinations, and avoid choosing countries with travel warnings currently in effect to feel safer when traveling alone.

transportation

If you're a first-time solo traveler, it's best to choose a city with convenient transportation, English or Chinese interfaces, clear and easy-to-understand directions, and frequent train services. This will make navigation easy, even for those with a limited sense of direction. If you're traveling to a less developed or less well-developed area with less frequent transportation, you'll need to be more prepared before your trip.

language

If you're traveling solo for the first time, knowing the local language can make your trip more relaxing and reassuring. When choosing a destination, consider the primary language spoken there and the popularity of Chinese and English. Being able to understand or communicate with the locals will make your trip smoother.

Traveling Alone | Recommended Countries and Cities for Solo Travel

Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka)

Japan has always been a popular tourist destination for Hong Kong residents. Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka offer convenient transportation, not only with direct flights. While Japanese is the primary language of communication, the language incorporates kanji, and with Chinese and English-speaking staff in major cities, communication is relatively easy. Japan boasts a wealth of tourist attractions, numerous shopping malls, and renowned cuisine, allowing travelers to explore at their own pace.

Singapore

Singapore is the only Asian country to make it into the top ten of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Singapore is a bustling city with convenient transportation and close proximity to attractions. With Chinese and English being the primary languages, communication is seamless, making it a great choice for city safari travelers. The city's strict legal system provides a relatively safe environment, even for solo travelers. However, due to these strict laws, it's important to review local travel regulations before departure to avoid potential legal violations.

Taiwan

Taiwan, close to Hong Kong, is a popular tourist destination for Hong Kong residents and a top choice for many travelers seeking solo travel. The Taiwanese language and written language are both Mandarin, making communication with locals easy and reassuring even in emergencies. Furthermore, convenient transportation within the region's counties and cities makes island-wide travel a breeze. Each county and city offers its own distinct charm, and prices are slightly lower than in Hong Kong, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers seeking sightseeing, entertainment, relaxation, and fine dining.

Vietnam (Da Nang)

Vietnam has low prices and a strong multicultural atmosphere. Da Nang, which has direct flights, is very popular among Hong Kong people. It is also particularly suitable for solo travelers who like to explore history and culture and enjoy a leisurely time. Da Nang is a famous historical city, located between the three world cultural heritage sites of Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary. It also has world-famous beautiful beaches. Solo travelers can slow down their pace and enjoy some alone time. Vietnam’s Safety Index ranked 38th among 163 countries in the world. The overall public security is good, but you need to be careful of pickpockets and scams on crowded streets, and avoid going to remote places and alleys. You can also download a ride-hailing app in advance to see the actual price and reduce the chance of being cheated.

Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai)

For those on a budget, solo travel in Thailand is a great option. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai offer direct flights from budget airlines, and local prices are relatively low. Bangkok boasts numerous large shopping malls and night markets, and most staff in tourist areas speak Chinese or English, making it a great choice for travelers seeking convenient transportation, a bustling city, and a vibrant nightlife. Chiang Mai, the cultural capital, while less accessible, is rich in historical and cultural sites, and boasts a diverse array of unique cafes and local markets. It's a great choice for those who prefer a slower pace, exploring history and culture, and enjoying natural scenery and quiet time.

Australia (Melbourne, Sydney)

If you want to go beyond Asia, you can consider Melbourne and Sydney in Australia. As an English-speaking country, communication and exchange are relatively easy. Melbourne has a popular coffee culture, a strong artistic atmosphere, and a collection of diverse cultures. The city center has convenient transportation and is well-equipped with free trams. Visitors can fully explore the city and its sights. Sydney is home to many of Australia's most iconic landmarks, and its transportation system is well-developed, allowing most attractions to be reached by public transportation. For even more sightseeing, you can join a local guided tour and meet other travelers from around the world.

Iceland

Ranked first in the world safety index, Iceland is a great place for solo road trippers looking to explore Europe. English is widely spoken, so even those who don't speak Icelandic needn't worry. Due to its relatively remote locations, Iceland's attractions are more suitable for self-driving tours. For solo travelers, consider exploring the various local guided tours and booking them in advance. For accommodation, choose a hotel in the city, close to the tour meeting point. However, due to Iceland's unpredictable weather, it's important to carefully check local weather conditions when planning your trip.

Traveling Alone | Solo Travel Tips

1. Purchase travel insurance

Whether you are traveling alone or not, you should purchase travel insurance for comprehensive protection. Travelers can choose the coverage they need based on their planned itinerary, such as high-risk activities coverage and travel car rental coverage. When traveling alone, you may also consider adding coverage for theft of property and your mobile phone.

2. Don’t overbook your trip

It's best to maintain flexibility when traveling solo. Plan one or two main activities each day. This helps maintain your energy, allows you to better control your own pace, and allows you to enjoy your time alone. This also gives you plenty of time to deal with unexpected situations like getting lost or missing your train.

3. Only bring a reasonable amount of cash

Solo travelers can carry a security bag to prevent the loss of valuables and keep cash separate to minimize the risk of theft. It's also best to avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash. When making payments, use a credit card and set up notifications to prevent fraudulent use. Alternatively, you can enable overseas withdrawals on your bank card to withdraw foreign currency only when needed.

4. Stay in touch with family and friends

Although there are no relatives or friends traveling with you, it is recommended that solo travelers explain the itinerary and accommodation options to their relatives and friends before departure. Upon arrival at the travel destination, you should also report safety regularly so that your relatives and friends can provide immediate assistance in the event of an emergency.

5. Pack lightly

When traveling alone, there's no one to help look after your luggage, making it easier for thieves to take advantage. Therefore, packing lightly is crucial for ease of movement and reduces the risk of losing belongings. Travelers can also pack their essentials in separate bags to reduce weight and free up more space.

6. Memorize local emergency numbers and keep your phone fully charged

When traveling without a friend to look after you, it is even more important to record the location of the local embassy and emergency contact information, and keep your phone battery and mobile data sufficient so that you can stay in touch with the outside world and deal with emergencies. According to airline regulations, bring a mobile power bank with sufficient power to charge your phone at any time.

7. Choose highly rated and safe accommodation

To reduce the risk, you may want to spend more time checking the accommodation reviews and location to avoid choosing remote and unsafe hotels. You can also use online maps to check the shops and environment near your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dangerous to travel alone?

The danger of traveling alone lies in the traveler's choice of itinerary and advance preparation, such as purchasing travel Insurance for adequate protection. When traveling without family or friends, it's best to choose a safe and accessible location to minimize potential risks. While traveling, you should also regularly report your safety and location to family and friends, and keep your phone fully charged in case of emergencies requiring emergency contact.

What are some good places to travel alone?

Iceland and Singapore are two of the safest countries in the world, offering solo travelers greater freedom of adventure. Taiwan, Japan, and Australia are popular destinations for Hong Kong tourists, offering convenient transportation, comprehensive tourist resources, and relatively easy communication. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam offer low prices and a rich cultural atmosphere, making them suitable for budget-conscious solo travelers.