Solo travel, travel for singles; there’s nothing in the rule book that says singles can’t travel alone. In fact, solo travel is the vacation of choice, even for many married couples I know!
Singles vacations have become one of the biggest trends in travel, and whether you’re single, divorced, widowed, or none of your friends are fun to travel with (it happens!), plenty of people these days travel alone.
Making up around 18% of global bookings, solo travel has increased by 7% in the last year alone. It’s an unstoppable trend, with Google searches for ‘solo travel’ having seen a massive 131% growth!
One in six people now are believed to have travelled alone, and 25% of millennials in the US plan to take a solo trip in the next 12 months (#solotravel is always trending, with more than 5.2 million Instagram posts!)
So, if you’re trying to find singles holidays, the following are a couple of destinations you should know.
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When it comes to food destinations around the world, Portugal is right up there with the best of them; a country where the food scene is just as much part of the cultural experience as it’s history and nature.
While you’ll find most traditional Portuguese dishes served widely across the country, each region has their own specialties, and if we had to choose a favorite, we’d award the title of best foodie experience to Porto.
Porto’s cuisine is defined by its terrain and landscapes; a coastal city in northwest Portugal flanked by mountains, the food scene here is defined by delicious Atlantic seafood, and a hybrid of meats, cheeses and vegetables.
Everything here bursts with character and aroma, and you’ll find hearty meals all over the city. But, if you’re looking to avoid the tourist traps and ensure what you’re eating is truly Portuguese, and authentic to the region, it’s a great idea to take a food tour.
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Most visitors to Tasmania are searching for an escape from the congestion and stress of large cities. They come in search of wild landscapes, ancient rain-forests, and Australia’s cleanest, freshest air.
For those who fly into Hobart, they find a hub of history, arts, festivals, food, and modern culture. But for those seeking nature; truly untouched, untamed, and unexplored style nature; Tasmania’s west is one of Australia’s last true wilderness frontiers.
Secretly tucked away along the southern fringes of the Tarkine Wilderness Area, the Corinna Wilderness Experience is a wilderness retreat which offers an escape from places that are increasingly falling victim to overtourism.
Corinna is one of the most beautiful remote parts of the world yet surprisingly still easily accessible. While set within Australia’s largest area of Gondwanan cool-temperate rainforest, Corinna was once a historic gold mining town.
Positioned just steps from the pristine rainforest and beautiful silent Pieman River, there are a number of adventurous activities available to those modern day explorers looking for an epic holiday.
This article will dive into how you can escape to Corinna, and spend time exploring the pristine wilds of Western Tasmania yourself.
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A travel destination that can change your life in an instant, Las Vegas is a place where you can get married on a whim by day, and become an on the spot millionaire by night.
Vegas is home to many of the world’s top casinos, offering an endless array of slot machines, craps, baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and poker, so whether you’re a high roller or a virgin (to gambling!) you can be sure Vegas has a game for you.
Vegas may be known as Sin City, but the real sin would be to never experience this crazy yet beautiful city. While there are over a hundred casinos scattered throughout the Las Vegas area, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.
Not surprisingly, most of the top casinos and resorts in Vegas are situated on the roughly 4-mile long Vegas Strip, and it’s worth using a casino games guide to visit the perfect locations for your taste.
Visiting Vegas and wondering where to start, or which casinos not to miss? We’ve got you covered!
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When it comes to natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is right up there. World famous for its unstoppable flow of water and ‘great plumes of icy mist’, witnessing the falls is a hypnotic experience.
But, before you even get there, you’ll have to tackle the logistics.
Whether you’re planning on visiting Niagara for a day, overnight night, or a long weekend, the following information will help you with your planning.
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With stunning natural landscapes, quaint fishing villages and historic monuments, Spain is brimming with amazing sights just waiting to be discovered.
Yes, Barcelona is overcrowded (to the point where they’re considering a limit of tourism), and every corner of Madrid has been uncovered, but there is much more to the country.
Whether you’re staying in a hotel or a luxury Spanish villa such as these from Oliver’s Travels, go beyond the popular resorts, towns and villages to see what hidden gems you can find.
Here are some of the fantastic places you can discover.
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There are over 1,100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the globe, though Italy ranks number one when it comes to countries with the most (technically, it shares this top spot with China, but does hold the record when it comes to cultural sites [50]).
Whether you plan on visiting the historic center of Naples, Florence, Rome, or Siena (all of which are UNESCO sites themselves), there are an impressive 55 Italian UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With 55 sites, there’s definitely a lot to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of the best; our top 10 favorites you should start with. So let’s get started!
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One of the southern-most points in Australia, Bruny Island lies off the south coast of Tasmania. Though despite being just a short drive and ferry ride from Hobart, less than 10% of travelers to Tasmania visit, choosing instead to head to more famous parts of the State like Cradle Mountain and Freycinet National Park.
Their loss!
While Bruny Island may only be 50 kilometres across, the unassuming island is one of Tasmania’s best kept secrets, and while small in size, it certainly packs a heavy punch; think stunning natural beaches, elusive quolls and white wallabies, and sustainable luxury at its finest.
You’ll need at least 3 days to really do the island justice, and when it comes to accommodation, we can highly recommend Free Spirit Pods; gorgeous, fully self contained eco-pods set on the waterfront, backed by 8 acres of bushland on North Bruny Island.
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One of the oldest routes in America, and immortalised by Nat King Cole, Route 66 is undoubtedly an iconic road trip adventure.
But of course, with a distance of almost 4000 KM, spanning from Chicago to LA, it’s best to know what you’re letting yourself in for.
And that’s exactly what this guide is for!
Read on to find out more about how to get your kicks on Route 66!
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Also known as the Big Apple and the City that Never Sleeps, New York has an incredibly powerful draw; like moths to a flame, millions of travelers visit this iconic city every year, attracted by museums, Broadway, Fifth Avenue shopping, and so much more.
The world’s most famous city has a tourist to-do list longer than the east coast, so instead of listing things to do (which you can find in this post), we’ve decided to try and pin down why the city is so magical.
Sure, it’s easy to say that there’s nowhere else in the world quite like New York, but why? What makes travelers so enamored and fall in love so quickly with this buzzing cultural capital?
Each person’s love of New York will be entirely personal, but we’ve managed to pin down the reasons people commonly visit New York.
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Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney, Hobart is one of Australia’s most fascinating and history-rich destinations. It offers a unique culture that is much different than you’ll find on mainland Australia, and was one of the first regions of Australia to be explored; Sullivans Cove was the initial landing site for early British settlers in Hobart and Risdon Cove would become the first European settlement in Tasmania.
Hobart continues to showcase its long history to this day, having preserved much of its early landmarks and original buildings. And for those looking to be in the heart of it all, there’s no better place to drop anchor than Battery Point, one of the city’s most prestigious (and historic) suburbs.
Battery Point is the entertainment and cultural hub of Hobart, and it’s where most of the city’s major events take place, from the famed Salamanca Markets to Australia’s biggest and longest running food and wine festival, the Taste.
As far as accommodation goes, Battery Point’s Salamanca Wharf Hotel is where we choose to stay; a contemporary self-contained boutique apartment hotel, perfectly situated for easily exploring, just steps from Salamanca Place.
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Whether you’re studying in Europe, or taking a short semester abroad, there are plenty of destinations across the continent that are perfect for short weekend breaks, or student holidays.
With plenty of budget accommodation, cheap travel, and a thriving young backpacker scene, Europe is the perfect place to explore as a student – even if you’re quite broke and have limited money!
You’re quite blessed as a student in Europe, because you’ll never be short of cities to visit, and exciting travel opportunities. And, a lot of the time, your trips can actually tie into your studies (Europe is a hub of everything from history to architecture, to world politics!).
Looking for inspiration on cities you should visit during a semester break or school holiday? You can’t go wrong with the following.
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There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. But, when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, Thailand has become an incredibly popular nation.
A true expat hub, Thailand boasts a low cost of living at a very high standard, a high quality of healthcare, a huge range of opportunities for travel, and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere – after-all, it’s called the land of smiles for a reason!
Having moved to Koh Samui, where I am just one of the 500,000 expatriates who have made the move, the following are five reasons you should consider living and working in Thailand too!
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If you’re seeking adventure, sunshine, and great food, you really need to journey to the Caribbean!
Bursting with exotic wildlife, warm waters, tropical spices, and friendly locals, these 7,000 odd islands are absolutely packed with activity that will entertain and enamor you.
Witnessing the magic of the Caribbean is an experience that will stay with you forever. With colorful festivals, stunning marine life, and colonial history to explore, the natural beauty of the Caribbean islands is something that you have to see with your own eyes.
Far from being a singular destination, the Caribbean is a collective region with the choice of 28 different nations, though from Cuba to Jamaica, and Curaçao to the Cayman Islands, the following are some of our personal highlights of the region.
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When the British first arrived in India in the 1850s, at the start of the British rule of the country, they had no idea what to expect. For them, this was uncharted territory.
What they found in some of the northeasternmost reaches of India was like stepping into a dream. There, they ascended into a world of hilly landscapes, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush, green valleys.
The people called this state Meghalaya, which translates to “abode of the clouds.” But to the British, it reminded them of another place, thousands of miles away, so they nicknamed it “Scotland of the East.”
India is like a microcosm of the world, and it is the unique topography that provides some of the best things to do in Meghalaya, which feels like a world within a world.
From the gorgeous natural beauty to the ingenious man-made marvels to the divine street food, I was in heaven from the moment I arrived to the day I left.
As of August of 2019, I’ve visited India three times, but even I was blown away by my experiences in northeast India. Thinking of visiting? These are the top 5 things to do in Meghalaya!
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There’s no doubt that the UAE is one of the most fascinating and interesting places in the world, but with a huge range of outrageous adventure activities, it is also one of the world’s most exciting.
The United Arab Emirates is a country that prides itself on being the best; they have the tallest skyscrapers, the biggest shopping malls, the most luxurious hotels (even creating an extra 2 stars for the iconic Burj Al Arab – the world’s only 7 star hotel).
Anything you can do elsewhere in the world, you can bet that the UAE can do it better! And when it comes to adrenaline pursuits, the rush is even more exhilarating, and even more intense!
Not to be outdone by any other destination, the following are outrageous things you can only do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – each one is sure to get your blood pumping!
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Lying at the foot of the Alps, with a cultural feel that is somewhere inbetween Swiss and Italian, Italy’s second-largest city is a thriving metropolis that combines ancient architecture with modern artistic designs.
While most commonly known as a centre for fashion, finance and art, Milan is an exciting city with plenty of highlights, including great museums, churches, restaurants, and bars; notable attractions include the Duomo di Milano, an impressive Opera House, and a striking castle.
Milan has many identities; this is a city where skyscrapers sit next to historic palaces, and business deals go down by canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It is a mecca for designer shopping, a foodie paradise, and an open air museum of Italian design throughout the ages.
Milan is a diverse and varied city, but regardless of your reason for visiting, there are several tips you need to know before you arrive.
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Once known as Bombay, Mumbai is India’s second largest city with roughly 20 million people. The city is cosmopolitan and fast-paced, yet there are areas where you can easily escape the city to breathe in a bit of nature.
Mumbai was ruled by both the Portuguese and the British, both of whom left lasting impressions. And while there is much history to explore, the city also offers India’s Bollywood film industry, iconic landmarks, fascinating islands, and one of the most visited national parks in the world.
Mumbai is a fascinating city I encourage you to visit. To entice you further, I have chosen some of my favourite landmarks and attractions you should definitely squeeze into your next Mumbai itinerary.
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Vietnam is home to hundreds of markets, and bartering is common practice when shopping almost anywhere in the country.
At first, this can seem daunting for travellers who aren’t used to negotiating for every purchase they make. But bartering and visiting markets in Vietnam is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
It’s also a fantastic way to score a few bargains – and one of the best ways to avoid getting ripped off! Follow these tips and you’ll be a pro at bartering before even setting foot in Vietnam!
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Gambling is one of the oldest leisure activities in human history; dating back to the Paleolithic period, before written history.
It was first invented in Mesopotamia, a historical region of Western Asia, where the Chinese invented a game of chance using tiles. This was back in 3,000 BC, though some 5,000 years later, Asia’s gambling game has stayed strong.
Whether it’s the thrill of the tumbling dice, the suspense of the spinning wheel, or the charm of how the cards might turn, gambling has become one of the most popular pastimes in Asia for both locals and tourists alike.
There’s no better place to experience the thrill of the casino than in the region that gambling was first invented, and for travelers interested in rolling the dice, you’ll be pleased to learn that the three biggest casinos in Asia are all in Macau. They don’t call it the ‘Las Vegas of Asia’ for nothing!
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Whilst UK Autumn may not officially start until the 23 rd September, Summer is most certainly drawing to a close, with nights drawing in and the air growing crisper by the day.
Certain destinations are almost definitely at their best throughout the summer months, though other places bask in the warm-hued glow of Autumn, and the Lake District is most definitely one of them.
From spectacular scenery to cosy weather, and a range of seasonal events, here are 5 reasons why the Lake District is THE place to be this Autumn!
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You’ll have heard the stories by now, the stories of colorful India, and how incredible a country it is to visit. Arguably, no place in the world has more delicious street food, more well preserved history, and more spirituality and culture.
But, in order to get there and experience it all, there are a couple of logistics to sort out in advance; your flights, your accommodation, your itinerary, yes. But you’ll also need to organize your tourist visa.
Applying for a tourist visa to India has never been easier. Unlike in past years, an Indian e-Visa for tourists can now be applied in the comfort of your home. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how to obtain an Indian tourist Visa online.
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Despite a recently tumultuous history, Vietnam today is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful countries, and unforgettable experiences run up and down the length of this incredible nation.
A resilient country who bounced back from a war torn 20th century, today Vietnam is known for a patchwork of emerald rice paddies, white sand beaches, full tilt cities, venerable pagodas, vast caves, craggy mountains, smiling villages, and vertical limestone islands rising dramatically out of the sea.
From the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), to the trekking opportunities and outdoor adventure, and relaxed flow of the Mekong Delta, there is no shortage of reasons Vietnam should be at the top of the list for your next vacation.
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With landmarks that are centuries old, if not millennia, you can’t visit Athens without going on a historic site-crawl from monument to monument.
With a rich 3,000 year old history, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, and there are plenty of thousand-year-old Byzantine churches, ottoman architecture, and ruins that pre date Christianity to explore. The following are the best monuments you should visit!
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We often joke that I married my husband for the credit card rewards. He’s American, I’m Australian, and a definite perk of our marriage was that it came with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card! Don’t get me wrong, we have credit card rewards programs in Australia, but when compared to the rest of the world, the free travel offered by American credit cards is on steroids.
American credit cards offer an insane amount of rewards points which can be redeemed for free travel, and not only do these points accrue as you go about your normal spending, most cards offer particularly ridiculous sign up bonuses. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, for instance, gives you a sign up bonus of 60,000 rewards points which equates to $1,000 of free travel just for signing up. Our Marriott card gives us free hotel stays just for being a member.
Travel hacking through credit card rewards is a real thing, and you can literally travel for nothing. But the trick is knowing which cards to get.
And for that? We use Travel Freely; a free app that lets you organize your credit cards, track rewards points, and makes personalized recommendations, telling you exactly which credit cards are the best for free travel! It’s seriously amazing.
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