Independent travel can be extremely empowering, emancipating and cathartic, but most importantly, it’s that much overdue spring cleaning of the self that we all need. The time alone lets you to not only focus on yourself but also opens the doors for you to clear our the clutter in your life and re-priorities the aspects that are most important.
Reykjavik, Iceland
According to the Global Peace Index 2016, Iceland is the safest country in the world. Having been awarded this title for the sixth time in a row, it’s pretty fair to assume that the island nation is a safe destination to explore.
But, make no mistake about it, it’s ‘safety ranking’ isn’t the only reason to visit. Iceland is an epicenter of adventure and culture that welcomes five times the size of its native population in tourists each year.
✈ Flights from London to Keflavik, 10 – 17 May, starting at £60
✈ Flights from Manchester to Keflavik, 17 – 24 May, starting at £77
With over 30-odd active volcanoes that shape it’s mountainous terrain, Iceland is a supercharged splendour of nature’s dramatic spectacles and offers a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Choose from: diving at Lake Þingvallavtn and swim between two tectonic plates, bathing in bubbling hot springs besides gushing geysers, taking a dip under famed rainbow-arched waterfalls such as the Golden Waterfall ‘Gullfoss’, whale-watching off the Snaefellness peninsula, hiking snowcapped peaks under the Midnight Sun or hunting for the spectacular Northern Lights as they swirl and snake across the night sky lighting up the rugged fjords and lush valleys that lace the countryside.
Hostel suggestion:
Reykjavik Downtown Hostel, 10 – 17 May, starting at £42
If that’s not enough, we’ve all seen the wander-envy inducing images of our favourite Insta models taking a dip in the smokey waters of the Blue Lagoon, so why not join the crowds and get pampered in the mineral-rich geothermal spa?
The bustling capital Reykjavik draws so many solo travellers that it won’t be hard to make new friends with whom you can either split the cost of car hire with for a day trip to see the Golden Circle or the Ring Road, or head out for a cheeky pint or two or three at one of Reykjavik’s many live music venues or nightclubs. More than just The Land of Fire and Ice, there’s plenty to keep intrepid solo travellers occupied here.
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Travelling solo in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Scandinavian countries regularly rank highly on the UN’s World Happiness Index with Denmark being crowned the Happiest Country in the World.
✈ Flights from London – Copenhagen, 7 – 10 May, starting at £25
✈ Flights from Edinburgh to Copenhagen, 26 – 30 April, starting at £44
Boasting low crime rates and the Danish way of life known as ‘Hygge’, which roughly translates as cosiness, Denmark’s hospitable capital will have you feeling at home in no time at all.
Hostel suggestion:
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, 7 – 10 May, starting at £28
Catering well for parties of one, Copenhagen’s bicycle-friendly streets that snake throughout the city makes it easily navigable. Cycle across the iconic Nyhavn canal to take in the views of the postcard-perfect multicoloured houses that line the bustling harbour and make your way to Papirøen to try some of Copenhagen’s famous street food.
Another must-do experience is to visit the goddess Gefjun fountain at night, which illuminates against a backdrop of sound where stories from Norse mythology tell of how Denmark was created. Beckoning female travellers with its nightlife, culture, shopping and beautiful architecture, Denmark makes for a fantastic first-time getaway to pop your solo travel cherry.
If you want to find the perfect hotel for you in the right part of the city, try KAYAK Heat Maps. Simply click on ‘Show map view’ in the the top right-hand corner of the results page where it says ‘Go to map view’. From here you can filter by what’s most important to you: Shopping? Food? Nightlife? Stay in the ‘hood that’s best for you.
Solo travel in style: Stockholm, Sweden
Not one to be outdone by its Scandinavian neighbor, Sweden ranks among the Top 10 of the Happiest Countries in the World (lead by Denmark, see above) and packs a punch that challenges Denmark in the rest of its tourism offering too..
✈ Flights from London to Stockholm,21 – 24 Apri starting at £34
✈ Flights from Birmingham to Stockholm, 30 April – 5 May starting at £50
As one of the safest destinations in the world, you’re more likely to do damage to your wallet in Stockholm than to yourself. Home to fashion brands such as the luxurious Acne Studios to coveted high-street brands like H&M, shopping sprees must be had on a trip to the Swedish capital.
Accommodation suggestion:
Motel L from 21 – 24 April, starting at £82
The perfectly preserved cobblestones streets of the Old Town district, known as Gamlastan, is any budding photographer’s paradise. Packed with candy-colored baroque buildings, hidden tea houses and the Royal Palace, it’s a hive of activity for solo travelers to investigate and snap for their visual travel diaries.
Best bet for solo travellers in Norway: Bergen
Safety runs in the family of the Nordic nations, and Norway is by no means any less exceptional, both in terms of its safety for travellers and for what it offers solo travellers.
✈ Flights from London to Bergen, 21 – 24 April, starting at £69.
✈ Flights from Manchester to Bergen,24 – 27 March, starting at £108
While in the capital Oslo, you’ll find plenty of green spaces, art exhibits and museums to explore, such as the celebrated Viking Ship Museum that houses an astounding pack of preserved 9th-century Viking ships, or the famed Vigeland Sculpture Park, Norway’s second largest city of Bergen, is favourite among urban explorers.
Accommodation suggestions:
Marken Gjestehus, 21 – 24 April, starting at £20
Set amid a picturesque coastal landscape that Scandinavia has become synonymous with, Bergen is celebrated the world over as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Something that cannot be missed is a quick trip to the waterfront district of the old wharf: Bryggen. The colourful UNESCO World Heritage remains an important remainder of the country’s former legacy as a trading hub.
Iconic to its cityscape are its picturesque wooden houses that line the quayside, housing the artisanal works of local potters, jewellers textile and leather craftspeople, for which the city is famous for. It’s here where you want to look for your souvenirs to take back home!
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