One of the top reasons people don’t travel as often as they’d like, aside from financial and time constraints, is the lack of a travel partner. For many, doing simple activities like eating out alone or seeing a movie solo can cause a wave of nervousness and anxiety, so the mere thought of solo travel is out of the question.
A fear of solo travel is common, but it can hold you back if you’re constantly waiting for someone else to travel. Traveling alone can be fulfilling and life-changing, and if the opportunity presents itself, it is an experience not to be missed. If you want to travel more in the new year and don’t want to wait for your friends to get the ball rolling, these are the places you’ll want to visit as a solo traveler.
RELATED: Why Traveling Solo Is Different From Traveling Alone
Hamburg, Germany
Skip Berlin and spend time browsing the architecture and art scene in Hamburg instead.
Seville, Spain
Seville has just as much history and culture as Barcelona and Madrid, but the city has its own unique style and is traditionally not as crowded as the more famous Spanish cities.
Toronto, Canada
If you want to explore a North American city that feels absolutely nothing like the U.S., Toronto is the place to go.
Bordeaux, France
Bordeaux has a lot of the culture and romantic vibes you’ll find in Paris, minus the excessive tourists traps. Also, the port city is a wine lover’s dream.
Cape Town, South Africa
You can’t go wrong in an affordable, cosmopolitan city known for its beautiful coastline, nature, art scene and world-class wine region.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei has some of the best, affordable hostels in the world, and it’s the perfect city to wander in search of street food.
Tofo, Mozambique
The beach town of Tofo, Mozambique is cheap, beautiful, filled with friendly locals and not overrun with tourists. Also, the seafood-focused cuisine is fantastic.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Yes, it will likely be cold when you visit Reykjavik, Iceland, but the charming architecture, beautiful scenery and status as the safest destination for solo travel make it a must-visit.
Valparaiso, Chile
The colorful, artsy community is still under-the-radar and is sure to be a hot-spot with creative expats and travelers over the next few years.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is a social city by design, so no matter where you go, you’ll make friends with locals and fellow travelers along the way.