Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Whether that means leaving work or the kids at home, many of us daydream about unplugging and venturing off on a riveting solo trip to a new, far-off place. If you’re looking for thrilling new life experiences or simply want to relax in a quiet locale alone, these destinations are filled with adventures and views worthy of any wanderlust Pinterest board.
Listed by MasterCard’s Global Destinations Cities Index as having the most international visitors in 2019, Bangkok, Thailand, is no stranger to travelers. Start by reserving a private room at the Yard Hostel Bangkok, where you’ll be treated to your own personal garden and small patio. After that, hop into a swan boat in Lupini Park and ride around its artificial lake at your lonely leisure.
Become one with yourself at the Wat Suan Mokkh retreat, which teaches you how to meditate in a calm, pacifying environment, or get a pressure point massage at the Rest and Relax Massage parlor. You’ll be hungry at some point, so indulge yourself in authentic pad thai, deep-fried barbecue insects and several other unique culinary options at Khao San Road. You’ll be smiling plenty at the land of smiles.
Few places are as isolated as Reykjavik, Iceland. Rent a camper van on Ring Road and sleep alone under the stars alongside Reykjavik’s tranquil countryside. The morning after, drive to the Blue Lagoon and swim in its steamy hot springs. When you’re done, head inside the retreat and experience a rejuvenating spa that revitalizes your skin using silica, algae and minerals.
The best Icelandic lambs, fish and hot dogs Reykjavik has to offer can also be sampled on its tasty food tours. Adventure seekers can explore one of many expansive ice caves, snorkel in the Silfra fissure or watch for colossal whales and adorable puffins. You might even witness the Northern Lights from Thingvellir National Park late at night if you’re lucky.
New Zealand’s Queenstown also provides plenty of outdoor adventures. For starters, there’s an abundance of black sand beaches and fjord-filled national parks, so there’s no shame in just wandering alone for a day and seeing where the island takes you.
There are activities perfectly suited for solo excursions with the AJ Hackett Bungee company, such as bungee jumping off of the cliffs or riding the Nevis Swing, the world’s largest at 300 meters. You can hike Coronet Peak and ski or snowboard on its slippery slopes, or dive downhill 800 meters in the exhilarating Skyline Luge. When you’re done, hop into the Skyline Gondola by yourself and go back up to the top of Bob’s Peak and experience the fun all over again.
Glacier National Park, Montana
If you want to escape into the outdoors, look no further than Glacier National Park in Montana. This sprawling million-acre national park is teeming with 175 mountains and over 745 miles of hiking trails, with even more wildlife to populate it. Start by renting out a single cabin or lodge for a comfortable stay, or pitch your own tent at one of its 13 solitudinous camping grounds.
When you’re ready to hit the park, you can traverse through the illustrious 6,646-foot Logan Pass, stroll through the 3,200 colorful flower species in the garden wall, or hop on a bike and speed past Sun Road. When you’re done with all of the excitement, it’s easy to relax alone with a book in your cabin or campsite. Or you could stoke a campfire — after all, those s'mores aren’t going to make themselves.