5 CITIES THAT ARE MADE FOR AUSTRALIAN SOLO TRAVELLERS
Forget Tinder, it is time to swipe right for travelling solo! According to the recently released 2015 Visa Global Travel Intentions Study, nearly 25% of people travelled alone on their most recent international vacation. This is a significant increase from 15% in 2013. Solo travel is definitely “trending”.
While holidays with loved ones are undeniably fun, visiting a new country on your own offers a completely different experience, a trip of self-discovery and self-indulgence – you can do whatever you want!
And, as the number of people choosing to holiday alone is expected to climb in 2016, travel companies are starting to take notice. STA Travel offers a wide range of products and experiences tailored specifically to solo travellers, with a particular focus on the student and youth demographic.
“The two biggest concerns people have when vacationing alone are personal safety and a destination’s attractiveness and visit-ability – not to mention the potential for meeting new people! In this respect, group adventure tours are a fantastic option – but it’s ultimately important to pick a destination that is both welcoming and full of activities that are going to excite you”, says STA Travel’s Head of Marketing, Tara Sena-Becker.
Here are STA Travel’s top 5 cities that really cater for Australian solo travellers.
Auckland
Our closest neighbour, New Zealand is a great testing ground for first time Aussie solo travellers. Auckland has enough similarities with Australia to make you feel right at home, but with plenty of unique and interesting experiences on offer to remind you that you are indeed in another country. With two breathtaking harbours surrounded by picturesque hills and farmland, Auckland is geographically blessed. If you are feeling a little adventurous, take a scenic half-hour ferry ride to Waiheke Island and spoil yourself with a stroll along white-sand beaches followed by a cellar door tasting at one of the Island’s award-winning vineyards. Like Aussies, Kiwis are some of the friendliest people so you are guaranteed to have no trouble making new friends.
New York
The big apple is definitely the city to visit on your own. With a plethora of museums, galleries, restaurants and bars, flying solo is no problem, ‘cause New York is the most interesting character you’ll ever meet. Visit Manhattan for must-see attractions like the Met and some of the world’s best retail therapy, then head to The Bronx and discover the birthplace of hip-hop. Ready for more? Spend a day in Brooklyn or hop on the subway and taste food from around the globe in Queens. This vibrant and unpredictable city will entertain you every second of the way.
Tokyo
Let yourself get “Lost In Translation” in Tokyo, one of the World’s most intriguing and engaging cities. According to The Japan Times, nearly 40% of Japanese singles in their 20s and 30s are not interested in romance, making Tokyo an extremely single-friendly city where you can savour a delicious bowl of Ramen Noodles by yourself without so much as attracting a second glance. A captivating mixture of buzzing retail precincts interspersed with tranquil gardens and palaces, it is the perfect place to explore at your leisure.
Kuala Lumpur
A rich melting pot of flavours, Malaysian cuisine ranks amongst the most delicious and tastiest in Asia – and one of the best places to experience it all is the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. KL is a culinary heaven for any solo traveller. With a palate underpinned by a wide diversity of influences including Chinese, Indian and Portuguese, not to mention the many spices characteristic of South East Asian food, you will find yourself planning your itinerary around your next dish. In between your meals, there are plenty of colourful temples and shopping malls to keep you occupied.
London
With several millennia of history under its belt, London is like a friend with endlessly fascinating stories to share, making it the ideal destination for history buffs. Britain’s capital boasts four World Heritage Sites and an enviable number of world-class tourist attractions sure to cater to every taste. But perhaps the best thing about visiting London as a solo traveller is its incredible connectivity. With more than 50 countries within a three-hour flight time, it’s the perfect place to book end any solo trip.