8 Incredible Solo Travel Ideas for Adventurers
Quick answer: The best solo travel ideas for adventurers include exploring Vienna, trekking in Nepal, seeking out New Zealand’s wilderness, touring peaceful Scandinavia, sailing the Canary Islands, walking the Great Wall of China, cycling in Morocco and joining a yoga retreat in Spain. Each offers a different kind of thrill, from gentle city discovery to demanding multi-day adventures.
Eager to take on your next solo trip into the unknown, or simply to escape the ever-present noise of urban life? Add some of these solo travel ideas to your checklist and brace yourself for some thrilling memory-making.
Solo Travel Ideas at a Glance
| Destination | Adventure | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna, Austria | Museums, palaces and nature excursions | First-time solo travellers |
| Nepal | Trekking | Experienced travellers |
| New Zealand | Canyoning, whitewater rafting, hiking | Outdoor adrenaline seekers |
| Scandinavia | Cities, fjords and hygge | Safety-conscious travellers |
| Canary Islands | A week of sailing | Lovers of the open sea |
| China | Walking the Great Wall | Bucket-list hunters |
| Morocco | Cycling the Anti Atlas Mountains | Fit, challenge-hungry riders |
| Spain | Yoga retreat in Las Alpujarras | Anyone needing to recharge |
#1 Vienna’s Timeless Charm
One of the safest and easiest cities to navigate, Vienna is a true European gem. With many world-renowned museums, concert halls and historically important sites, exploring its streets feels as if time has stopped.
- Visit the Belvedere complex.
- See Schönbrunn Palace, along with the adjacent zoo.
- Take a quick excursion into the surrounding countryside, whose natural beauty is equally mesmerising.
#2 Trekking Through Nepal
If you’re an experienced traveller, this one will be right up your alley. Nepal’s magnificent scenery and rich culture are perfect for an adventurous trek, so choose a route based on your experience and endurance levels.
From the famous Everest Base Camp Trek to the Manaslu Circuit trek, there’s something for every taste and ability. Along the way you’ll see some wonderful cultural heritage sites, pass through villages where locals live and come across stunning Buddhist monasteries.
#3 New Zealand’s Enchanting Wilderness
The Lord of the Rings filming locations draw visitors all year round, but the friendly locals, close-knit communities and breathtaking nature are the country’s real allure. Although remote, New Zealand is popular with travel groups and lone wolves alike, so you’ll likely meet plenty of other travellers.
Head there for incredible canyoning, whitewater rafting and hikes beyond your wildest imagination.
#4 Peaceful Scandinavia
Often labelled one of the safest regions for solo travellers, the far north offers a wide variety of options:
- Head straight to Stockholm in Sweden.
- Explore the fjords of Norway.
- Travel to Denmark to find out what hygge is all about.
Bring waterproof footwear and don’t forget to wear layers. The culture might be warm, but the weather can be pretty chilly!
#5 Sailing the Canary Islands
For those with nerves of steel and a love of the open sea, why not treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime: a week of land-less life sailing around the Canary Islands?
First-timers can take two-day teaching courses to prepare. You might also want to bring your trusty Go Travel Acustrap to reduce motion sickness once you’re out on the waves.
#6 Walk the Great Wall of China
The world’s largest fortification, the Great Wall of China is as popular as ever, even with people travelling alone. Whenever you go, there will be crowds walking the wall and dozens of people taking selfies.
Don’t be afraid to stay close to others or join one of the many tour groups you’ll come across. A local guide can also show you less crowded sections. This is surely on your bucket list, so don’t hesitate to make the journey on your own.
#7 Cycle in Morocco
With its warm climate, mountains, stunning beaches and ancient culture, Morocco needs no special introduction. Instead of a typical beach holiday on its golden shoreline, try a cycling adventure through the Anti Atlas Mountains.
Expect a week of rugged terrain and sizzling sun, rewarded with unparalleled views and stays in some of the country’s best accommodation.
#8 A Serenity Retreat in Spain
Yogis and potential yogis love this hidden nook in the Las Alpujarras region of Spain. Yoga lovers from all over the world gather here to enjoy the spectacular scenery and delicious local food, and to cleanse their souls of city stress.
The region is also wonderful for horseback riding and nature walks, so you’ll have plenty of ways to enrich your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these destinations are best for a first solo trip?
Vienna and Scandinavia are both regarded as among the safest and easiest places for solo travellers, making them good starting points.
Is trekking in Nepal suitable for beginners?
Nepal suits experienced travellers best, but routes range from the Everest Base Camp Trek to the Manaslu Circuit, so pick one that matches your experience and endurance.
Do I need sailing experience to sail the Canary Islands?
No. Two-day teaching courses are available for first-timers, and a motion-sickness aid is worth packing.
Can I visit the Great Wall of China alone?
Yes. It is always busy, you can join tour groups on site, and a local guide can show you quieter sections.
Conclusion
Whether you want culture in Vienna, mountains in Nepal or Morocco, wilderness in New Zealand, the sea around the Canary Islands or calm in Spain, these solo travel ideas prove that adventure doesn’t need company. Pick the one that excites you most and start planning.
Author’s Bio
Olivia is a psychologist and entrepreneur from Brisbane. She is a mother of two beautiful children and the proud owner of two silly boxer dogs. She is a passionate writer, a traveller and a conscious consumer, seeking healthy and sustainable products to incorporate into her family’s life. Her motto is “Be the change you want to see in the world”.
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