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The best places to travel solo

Solo traveller, Copyright: Apa Publications Ltd

 Are you considering travelling solo for the first time this year? Excited about the opportunity to have a free rein over your holiday, but nervous about where to start? We list the best places to embark on a first solo trip and offers 10 top tips for making the most of your time away as a solo traveler.

 Travelling alone to a country for the first time may seem a little daunting but solo travel can give you the freedom to have the holiday you desire. With endless possibilities to choose from, though, how do you determine which country is right for you? Not every country that is suited to solos may appeal and thinking about whether you prefer adventure, culture, cities or ancient ruins will help you narrow down your must-see destinations.

 

Great places to travel solo;

Australia

Australia is one of the easiest places to travel to alone and because of its ease, many younger travelers choose to visit here to experience life Down Under before entering the job market. Australians are incredibly friendly and you’ll never be short of company. With an outdoors culture and a more relaxed vibe, Australia will feel just like home only much further away. The east coast is popular for backpackers or visit Melbourne for chic boutiques and a maturer crowd.

Buy an Australia travel guide

New Zealand

An abundance of gorgeous scenery and easy-going folk create a winning destination and if it’s adventure and the great outdoors that you’re searching for, New Zealand could be for you. There is a large choice of hostels, campsites, hotels and wooden lodges and getting around the country couldn’t be simpler. Jump aboard an organised tour, hire a car or rent a motor home to travel around the two islands; perfect for those who prefer solitude. Visit the North Island for whale and dolphin watching or the South Island for glaciers, waterfalls and Queenstown – the adventure capital of New Zealand and a mecca for travelers.

Buy a New Zealand travel guide.

 

Thailand

Thailand’s hospitality is known as one of the friendliest in the world. If you choose to travel solo here you are guaranteed royal treatment and service fit for a king or queen. Well-preserved culture with tropical hideaways make this a destination to kick off your shoes, remove your watch and just let time slip by…plus it won’t break the bank. Completely geared up for the tourist industry, Thailand is incredibly easy to visit, with great transport links, stunning accommodation and the guarantee of meeting many other like-minded solos. Choose Northern Thailand for culture and hill tribes or visit Ko Samui or Ko Phangan if you prefer beaches and nightlife.

Buy a Thailand travel guide.

 

USA

If you’ve never traveled alone before, America is a great starting point. The United States may not be as exotic as Asia but what it lacks in ancient culture, it makes up for in world-renowned buildings and vibrant cities…and they love the British accent! For sunshine, visit Florida or California (Miami has a vibrant party scene and is a great place to meet others) or try New York for a wide range of hostels and guaranteed company.

Buy a USA travel guide.

 

Swaziland

Africa may not seem like a continent suitable for solos but there is one country which welcomes internationals with open arms. The Kingdom of Swaziland is untouched by mass tourism and with Swazis believing that greeting foreign guests is a way of gaining wisdom, you can be sure of an enlightening and cultural stay. Swaziland is mainly for game parks and culture and the best way to see the country is to join an organised tour.

Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most cultural countries in the world and entering the kingdom is only possible on a pre-booked tour. Not only are you escorted around, put up in four-star accommodation and treated to amazing cuisine, you have your very own personal guide to teach you about this country and its Buddhist roots. Although Bhutan is very peaceful, Thimpu is the best place to meet others and has surprisingly good nightlife.

 

 Top tips for travelling solo

Whichever country you choose to explore, here are some general tips for travelling the globe as a solo:

1. Research the countries before you travel to learn local customs and etiquette and for advice on any areas that you should avoid.

2. Ensure you are aware of the laws of the countries. Certain places have very strict policies and even standard medication can be illegal in some destinations.

3. Leave a copy of your itinerary and a list of contact numbers with friends or family before you travel.

4. If travelling with a tour company, check the demographics of the group beforehand to ensure they are not mainly couples or a younger crowd.

5. Pre-book your first night’s accommodation and airport transfer before you travel for ease.

6. Obtain a business card for your accommodation or ask them to write the name in the local language in case you stray off-course or need a taxi.

7. Leave your expensive jewellery and valuables at home and dress modestly in the main areas.

8. Attend free walking tours once you arrive in a city to get your bearings and meet others.

9. Be aware of appearing like a tourist and when walking alone, act confident even if you don’t feel it.

10. Take each day as it comes and make the most of every minute.

And finally, just because you may start your trip as a solo traveller doesn’t mean you will always be alone. In fact, travelling by yourself enables you to meet more people than you would in a group or as a couple so whether you’re looking for company or prefer your own, you simply cannot beat solo travel.

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All Skyplane Worldchoice Blogs Dubai

Planning a lavish holiday in Dubai..

When luxury is the goal, there are few more enjoyable destinations on the planet than Dubai. This amazing city-state in the United Arab Emirates is not a holiday spot for those on a budget, and everyone from heads of state to world-famous celebrities have enjoyed a week or two in this hot, scenic and magnificent destination. From luxury hotels to futuristic shopping malls bigger than any you’ve ever seen, Dubai has it all. Take our top tips for the city and use them to plan your own unforgettable trip in the UAE.

The Best Places to Stay in Dubai

The first thing to do when planning your trip to Dubai is to pin down your accommodation. In terms of lavish hotels and resorts, this city is definitely not in short supply. In fact, there are more upscale hotels than budget offerings, which is a sign of things to come for travellers in this amazing destination. If money is no object, you will definitely want to stay in the Burj al-Arab. This hotel is particularly impressive due to the shape of the structure, which is architecturally designed to look like a ship’s sail. Plus, Burj al-Arab claims to be the world’s first and only seven-star hotel. While this specific title might be up for debate, there is no question that the decor, spaciousness of the rooms, staff and location make it one of the best urban hotels on the planet. Business travelers who are in Dubai for work tend to be drawn to the Grand Hyatt Dubai, which definitely caters to those doing business in the city. Shopping enthusiasts will love the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, which is attached to an entire shopping mall, as well as the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, which is just next door to lavish boutiques in Jumeirah.

We can organize any of these hotels for you and of course, advise you which ones will suit your needs.

Traveling Around the City

The metro system in Dubai is adequate, and is one of the biggest systems in the Middle East, but it is far more convenient to travel by car. Taxis are affordable and readily available, but there are some concerns about drivers negotiating prices or refusing to drive women traveling on their own. For absolute safety and comfort, speak to the concierge at your hotel and book a private car with a driver for the duration of your stay in Dubai.

Shopping: The Jewel of Dubai

One of the things that Dubai is best known for is shopping. For those on a bigger budget, the city is a playground full of designer boutiques, tailors and gold souks. If you can imagine an item, then it is for sale somewhere in Dubai. Stores tend to open early in the morning and stay open until as late at midnight, encouraging people to shop at all hours. If you only go shopping in one place, make it the Dubai Mall, it is located in the world-famous Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest structure. Other amazing malls include the Mall of the Emirates, Burjuman Centre, Wafi Mall and Festival City. Be sure to visit the gold souk, where bars of gold are still sold out in the open by weight.

Major Attractions No Visitor Should Miss

Although Dubai is known for fine dining, shopping and modern architecture, there are some more historic attractions you shouldn’t miss. The Global Village, Bastakiya District and Jumeriah Mosque are all important heritage sites in the city. Contemporary attractions to see include the stunning Dubai Fountain, the Palm Islands and the Wild Wadi water park near Jumeriah Beach.

Magnificent Dining in Dubai

As you might expect from a world-class luxury destination, Dubai boasts a slew of impressive restaurants staffing some of the planet’s top chefs. Most of these are located in the larger luxury hotels. Options is run by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and offers Indian fare, Cafe Chic serves French fare and has earned several Michelin stars and Al Mahara is an amazing seafood restaurant with some of the best views in the entire city.

Dubai is one of the best destinations for a truly luxurious getaway. If you are ready to indulge, you won’t be disappointed by this location’s shopping, dining and accommodation options