One of the best things about travelling by yourself is that you can tailor your itinerary specifically to your goals and preferences. Forget splitting the bill, being dragged to the next museum, or bickering about where to go next. When you go solo, the choice is yours entirely.

Planning your first trip means you’ll need to think about the type of holiday you’d prefer. Before you pack your bags and book your flights, it’s worth making sure that you can align your holiday goals with your own style too.

Here’s a cultivated list of personalities and their perfectly matched holiday plans.

Adventure enthusiasts

For those who love to chase thrills and might be partial to some adrenaline-boosting activities, active holidays make the best choice. From rock climbing to high-elevation expeditions and water sports, there’s a plethora of intense and highly specialised activities to try out across the globe.

If you’re looking for an all-out adventure with opportunities for extreme activities, you should head to the mountains. From the Swiss Apps and Italian Dolomites to the immense Himalayan region spanning across five countries, the possibilities are endless. And there are still several peaks above 3,000 in New Zealand, including Aoraki and Mount Tasman.

Culture and history lovers

If you’d like to learn more about the cultures and world histories that inspire you, travel is one of the best ways to go about it. From Europe to Asia, there are so many stories, and sentimental anecdotes to discover when you explore a new destination. 

Many first-time solo travellers opt for Thailand, a Southeast Asian country known for its abundance of ornate royal palaces, ancient ruins, and magnificent temples, along with pristine tropical beaches. The delicious, aromatic Thai cuisine proves popular across the world.

Egypt is perhaps an obvious choice for fans of ancient civilisation. Trekking to the pyramids on camelback might be on the bucket list for many tourists, so if you’d like to keep off the beaten path, booking an Egypt river cruise may reveal a more exclusive side to Egypt’s secrets.

Relaxation seekers

It’s understandable if what you seek most from your solo adventure is the opportunity to just relax and unwind. Tranquil getaways and wellness retreats are more accessible than ever before, with picture-perfect island hideouts just a few clicks away.

Locations like Bali, the Maldives, and glamorous stretches of Mediterranean coastline – like Tuscany, or the glamorous Cote d’Azur – prove popular with laid-back tourists. You can rejuvenate, indulge in some world-class beauty treatments, and enjoy undisturbed landscapes.

If you’re nervous about going on your first solo trip, starting small is recommended. You can let go of your obligations and indulge only in the present moment. 

Wildlife lovers

For animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, one of the main attractions to international travel is the possibility of seeing different species. One survey found that over three quarters think that nature holidays are an eco-friendly approach to tourism.

Booking a safari guarantees an experience like no other, especially if you’re travelling from a home environment that’s largely urban by nature. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is a brilliant starting point for those looking for a guided tour, led by local experts and with the assured comfort of an off-road vehicle. 

For the more adventurous, going on an expedition in the Amazon Rainforest could deliver even closer wildlife encounters. These protected areas offer wonderful opportunities to travellers interested in conservation, too. It’s possible to find tours in partnership with charities, scientific research centres, and wildlife protection agencies.

Overview

Not everyone loves to lounge on the beach all day – and you might prefer to avoid the crowds altogether. Just remember that if you’re going solo, you should prioritise your safety. Booking a tour might be the best way to have fun and keep yourself safe too.

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Mia's passion for travel extends beyond the pages of their writing. They are also an advocate for responsible and sustainable travel, believing that exploring the world should leave a positive impact on both the environment and the communities visited.