A solo getaway offers the ideal opportunity to truly immerse oneself in the authentic culture, history, and expression of a particular destination. Free from the compromises of group travel, the solo traveler is empowered to seek out meaningful, immersive experiences that are perfectly tailored to their own interests. It’s an opportunity to lean into personal space and contemplate at your own pace, to wander and get lost, or to seek out the connection and camaraderie of new friends and locals. With a bit of expert advice, a solo journey can be an exhilarating adventure, a serene escape, or a perfect combination of both, reaching new heights of self-discovery and cultural immersion.
Finding Your Inner Literary Critic in Dublin
For those who believe there is no better combination than a pint and a good book, there is no more fitting destination than Oscar Wilde’s birthplace, Dublin. This is a city that breathes literature, where every street corner and pub seems to hold a story. A solo journey here offers the chance to sit with a good read in a cozy pub and feel part of the city’s storied past. For a truly authentic experience, it’s recommended to find a pub with a “snug”—a private room or cozy alcove—where you can enjoy both solitude and the lively atmosphere around you. The Waterloo is a great example, with its natural light and prime people-watching opportunities on Baggot Street.
For literary-minded travelers, a stay at a hotel with historical significance, such as The Shelbourne, where Oscar Wilde himself once stayed, can set the perfect tone for the trip. A walk through the city’s streets reveals a wealth of literary history, and one can easily spend days collecting books from places like the budget-friendly Chapters Bookshop or discovering rare finds at Ulysses Rare Books. For an afternoon adventure, you can ride the local DART train along Dublin Bay for a short 20-minute journey to Dalkey to visit the tower that features prominently in James Joyce’s iconic novel Ulysses. This trip offers a sense of escape from the city while still being deeply connected to its literary heart.
The Hygge Hunting Ground of Copenhagen
If your idea of an enticing getaway is defined by “hygge”—the Danish concept of well-being, coziness, and contentment—Copenhagen ranks high. Denmark’s capital is a thoughtful, design-oriented city that is ideal for solo travelers. It’s a city where you can spend an afternoon coffeehouse-hopping with a stack of design magazines or wander along Jægersborggade, a small residential street that has evolved into a cultural hub with art galleries, wine bars, and a seasonal flea market.
According to Nikoline Dyrup Carlsen, a Copenhagen-based architect and founder partner of the design studio SPACON & X, some of the city’s best gems are found off the beaten path. Her personal favorite is Hart Bakery, a historic red-stained house by the water that offers a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. After exploring some of the city’s stunning design spaces, she recommends visiting the top-floor showroom of the HAY House flagship store on Østergade, where you can then step out onto the roof terrace for peaceful views of the city. To bring a bit of hygge home, she says she frequently visits the FRAMA Studio Store to discover the latest Danish design.
Beyond the Bourbon Street Beat in New Orleans
While Bourbon Street may not conjure up images of quiet respite, New Orleans offers plenty of hidden gems that pay tribute to its culturally rich cuisine and cocktail scene. A solo traveler here can find a more authentic and intimate experience by exploring the city’s quieter corners. For a taste of history and classic drinks, Cane and Table, located just a few blocks from bustling Jackson Square, offers a serene atmosphere to enjoy historically inspired rum-centric drinks like the Hurricane & Table or a spicy Bloody Mary.
For a refined dining setting that feels both cozy and authentic, Jewel of the South reimagines pub food with a seasonal menu that pays homage to the city’s historic taverns. The dim lighting and potent cocktails create the perfect atmosphere for people-watching, and a solo traveler could easily slink into a quiet corner for a moment of contemplation. For a serene night’s sleep away from the city’s noise, the Blackbird Hotel is an ideal choice. Located just steps from the Garden District’s charming Magazine Street, the hotel offers 13 uniquely designed rooms that provide a perfect haven for rest and relaxation.
Wild Nature and Māori Culture in New Zealand
For the solo adventurer, New Zealand’s South Island offers a perfect blend of thrilling landscapes and deep cultural connection. Executive producer and host of FLY BROTHER, Ernest White II, says his solo expedition to this country fortified his belief that “every single human being simply wants to be seen, empowered, and loved.” Traveling by rail offers an incredible way to explore the island, known to the Indigenous Māori as Aotearoa. The Coastal Pacific train takes passengers from the Marlborough wine region to Christchurch, while the Tranzalpine train bisects the island from Christchurch to Greymouth on the wild West Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
For those looking to connect with local cultures, there are plenty of opportunities with Māori family-owned businesses. Whale Watch Kaikoura offers a chance to see magnificent marine life, while a day with Te Rua & Sons Pounamu Tours allows you to explore the West Coast and perhaps find a pounamu keepsake, a jade-like stone indigenous to the region. In the West, White recommends the Te Waonui Forest Retreat near Franz Josef Glacier, which provides easy access to forest hikes or a thrilling helicopter ride to the glacier, making it a perfect base for exploring New Zealand’s rugged natural beauty.
A Journey of Self-Discovery: From Ancient Japan to Modern Mexico City
A solo journey can be an opportunity for both quiet contemplation and surprising new connections. In Japan, solo travelers can find a deeply meditative experience by embarking on a multi-day walking expedition along an ancient route. Companies like Walk Japan have seen a significant increase in solo travelers, offering self-guided tours that provide logistical support for five- to seven-day journeys. The Nakasendo Way, for instance, is an 11-day journey along an ancient trade route from Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo) that includes stopovers at traditional Japanese inns known as ryokans. These types of self-guided tours allow for a perfect mix of physical activity and personal space while still ensuring an authentic cultural immersion.
In a bustling city like Mexico City, solo traveler Jen Tenzer believes that balance is key. While it’s important to plan at least one key activity each day to avoid feeling lonely, she also discovered the power of being open to the unexpected. She found a new friend through an Airbnb Experience, where a local guide took her on a tour of his favorite taco spots. She says that because she was alone, she was more “open to the possibility of a surprising new experience.” For a stunning stay with views and easy access to the city’s historic center, she recommends Zócalo Central. By blending planned activities with a readiness to embrace the unexpected, a solo journey can be an adventure of a lifetime.
