A long period during which we were unable to travel made us all realise that there’s no time to wait to make those big trips we all dream about when none of our family or friends are available to travel with us - that we have to seize the day. Solo travel is a marvellous thing, perhaps taking us out of our comfort zones and also giving us the chance to meet new people and live experiences we wouldn’t if we had to take a travelling companion into account. We’ve shared some of our favourite destinations for solo travellers.
Repeatedly named the safest country by the Global Peace Index, this Nordic name is one of our favourites for in-your-face nature. Blessed with dramatic landscapes of glaciers, hot springs, geysers, volcanoes and lava fields, it begs to be explored under your own steam or the many excursions we can arrange from the capital - tailor-made to you but including the Golden Circle of the country’s most popular natural attractions: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and Thingvellir National Park. Geothermal-run Reykjavik itself is fantastic for a city break, with sights including the National and Saga museums with their Viking history displays.
With huge numbers of solo travellers exploring its cities, beaches, rainforest and other attractions, the Pacific coast of Australia is a brilliant place to go it alone, with plenty of scope to socialise with others when the mood strikes. It’s hard to narrow down our top spots, but Sydney is a must-see, as is the Cairns and Port Douglas area - gateway to the Great Barrier Reef for out-of-the-world snorkelling and swimming, and to the world’s oldest rainforest, Daintree, where you can live authentic aboriginal experiences and see cassowaries and crocodiles.
Who needs travelling companions when you’re surrounded by nature like this? This volcanic archipelago is one of the world’s best destinations for wildlife-viewing, but it’s hugely protected for good reason. We’ll book you onto an intimate boat cruise with an eco-friendly operator whose expert crew will help you make the most of your observation of the plant and animal species that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution– many found nowhere else on Earth, including marine iguana and fur seals.
Forbes named Portugal the friendliest country in the world, and its capital Lisbon is one of our top city-break recommendations in all Europe. Both timeless and modern, laidback and exciting, and sun-drenched to boot, it offers up simple pleasures – sampling Pastéis de Belém’s famed custard tarts, feasting on grilled sardines in the Alfama district, and riding the tram or funicular to discover charming neighbourhoods. You’re also a short hop from Atlantic surfing beaches and beauty spots such as Azenhas do Mar ('Watermills of the Sea').
Within easy reach of the UK and with locals who all speak great English, the Netherlands’ capital is one of our favourite city-break destinations, tailor-made for canal-boat rides and exploring by bike. Art-lovers are in heaven here, too, with world-class works on display at many venues including the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk and the Van Gogh Museum. There’s wonderful architecture to discover as well, including canalside buildings with iconic gabled facades.
A wonderful South-east Asian destination that we always recommend to our customers looking for something further-flung, Vietnam has well-trodden routes for touring – and we are able to offer an array of tailor-made options taking into account your interests. These might be foodie-focused, history-based, remote sorties in search of hill tribes from whom you might learn about traditional ways of life, or even beach breaks - or a combination of some or all of these.
To book your solo holiday with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today
As we look ahead to 2026, the travel possibilities are endless. From off-the-beaten-track gems to long-standing favourites, the world is yours to explore. If you need a little inspiration or simply want help narrowing down your choices, we’ve listed our top six destinations to visit next year, whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches, or energetic cities.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Lisbon is a city bursting with charm, history, and creativity, making it an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable city break. From cobbled streets and panoramic views to sunny parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s lively capital. And when it comes to picking the perfect base for your family adventure, ME Lisbon is a luxury lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated comfort with family-friendly facilities. A stay at ME Lisbon ensures that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoys a warm and welcoming stay.
