I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: solo travel is amazing. But if it’s your first time, or even if you’re a seasoned solo traveller, it could be difficult to figure out where you should go.
That’s why I asked some of my fellow travel bloggers what the best solo travel destinations are, according to them.
This is what they came up with.
This is going to be a long post, so feel free to use the links above to skip to the sections you’re most interested in.
Let’s go!
Read more: The Best Solo Travel Destinations in Europe
By Bridget at The Flashpacker
Kraków ticks all the boxes as a perfect solo travel destination.
Thanks to its compact size Kraków is easy to explore. But if you need to reach places further afield, its efficient modern tram network allows you to navigate your way with ease. Aside from pickpocketing that blights most large cities, Kraków’s old city is safe.
Kraków is also relatively cheap, with its large student population keeping things real. Away from the more touristy bars and restaurants, you can dine like a king for peanuts. Don’t leave town without tucking into a steaming plate of pierogi.
The city’s range of accommodation options, from hostels to more upmarket establishments, will suit all budgets. I stayed in a centrally-located modern 4-star hotel for £60 per night.
To best explore Kraków’s well- preserved historic centre, a walking tour city operated by Free Walkative! should be central to your Kraków itinerary. As a solo traveller, one of these walking tours is also a fantastic way to meet people!
Day trips are another way to make friends on the road. If time permits, take an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or to the former concentration camp of Auschwitz. I guarantee that a visit to Auschwitz will linger long in your memory.
By Marta and Milosz at BackpackersWro
Nuremberg is the second-largest city of the German state of Bavaria and the unofficial capital of Franconia. You can get to Nuremberg by air – the airport is located 7 km from the city or by train, e.g., from Munich.
In our opinion, Nuremberg is a very safe city with many attractions. The accommodation offer is at a high level and affordable prices. In Nuremberg, you can relax in hotels, apartments or hostels.
Even for one day in Nuremberg, it is an ideal place for long walks, tasting local cuisine, and visiting museums.
If history peaks your interest – in particular, World War II – you like trains and historic architecture, you will love the local museums! Once there, don’t miss Imperial Castle, Tiergärtnertorplatz, Old Town and the Beautiful Fountain, and Nuremberg Transport Museum.
Most attractions in Nuremberg are located within the city center, which can be easily reached on foot.
If you like to try real Bavarian cuisine, “Drei im Weggla,” “Bretzel” and “Schaufele” are a must! If you are planning a visit to Nuremberg in winter, try to visit the Christmas Market. It is one of the best-known and most beautiful markets in the region.
By Stella Jane at Around The World in 24 Hours
There are many reasons why North Macedonia is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe. It’s full of stunning natural beauty, the capital city of Skopje makes a great homebase for short day trips around the country, and it’s off the beaten track, so you won’t be surrounded by other tourists.
But the best reason to visit North Macedonia is the people. Macedonians are so excited to see tourists visiting their tiny country that they will give you the warmest of welcomes.
Sometimes the life of a solo traveller can be lonely, but there’s no way anyone could feel lonely in North Macedonia.
Skopje has more than enough activities to entertain solo travellers. Everyone will want to see the famous giant white statue of a soldier on a horse in the center of town. (Because of a dispute with Greece, North Macedonia is not allowed to call the statue Alexander the Great.)
Macedonian food is not famous, but it is delicious. Don’t miss local cheeses, burek pies, and the famous pepper spread ajvar. Skopje has several craft breweries as well where you can go meet locals.
The most beautiful place for a solo traveller to visit in North Macedonia is Lake Ohrid. Whether you get out on the water or go shopping for the famous Lake Ohrid pearls, you’ll never forget your time in such a gorgeous place.
By Ann at The Road Is Life
Tallinn, Estonia isn’t Europe’s most well-known travel destination, but over the years its increasing popularity continues to draw many tourists and solo travellers alike.
The infrastructure, reasonable prices, friendly locals and all-around good vibes is what makes Tallinn the perfect town for any solo traveller. It’s still relatively undiscovered yet touristy enough that you’ll have no trouble meeting other travellers.
There are a few experiences you cannot miss out on when visiting Tallinn. Start off by exploring the charming streets of the UNESCO listed Old Town. Whether you take the free walking tour or navigate the cobblestone alleys on your own, you’re bound to fall in love with the beautifully preserved medieval architecture.
The Old Town is packed full of stunning historic buildings, impressive cathedrals, and is surrounded by 14th century city walls and towers.
Tallinn’s vibrant and quirky bar scene is the perfect way to meet other travellers. You might want to join one of the many fun pub crawls that operate regularly. Or, alternatively, you can venture out on your own, which is sure to be just as fun.
Tallinn is a safe, fascinating and diverse city to visit. It’s an excellent solo travel destination seeking old-town European vibes without the mass tourism attached.
Having visited some of the best places in the world affected by over-tourism such as Machu Picchu, I cannot emphasize how much over-tourism can affect your travel experience. Selfie sticks smacking you in the face, losing your friends in the stampedes of tourists, over-tourism is not fun for anybody.
For that reason, I suggest visiting Romania. An affordable Eastern European country, Romania is a beautiful place filled with history and nature. For example, the colonial city of Sibiu is filled with medieval architecture and an existing outside wall that was used for defense. In fact, there is so much culture and history in that city it became the European cultural capital in 2017!
Related: Studying abroad in Salamanca, Spain (European Capital of Culture in 2002)
The most famous place in Romania must be Bran Castle, the alleged birthplace of the famous legend, Dracula. However, Bran Castle is a place that is quickly becoming the target of over-tourism. Many travellers are coming from all over the world to see the legend with their own eyes.
But luckily, Bran Castle isn’t the only castle in Romania, nor is it the best one. Visitors can go to Peles Castle or Corvin Castle, both of which are ridiculously beautiful and full of history.
By Kamila at Kami and The Rest of the World
Ukraine isn’t very often on the radar for tourists, but this country has so much to offer and is a great destination for solo travellers.
You can find everything here: beautiful cities with Central European heritage (like Lviv or Chernivtsi), mountains, Black Sea resorts (Odessa), impressive cities with the Soviet past and the picturesque golden domed churches – there are just so many places to visit in Ukraine!
Getting around is super easy when you use the trains. It gets a bit more challenging with local minibuses, but friendly locals will definitely look after you. Yes, even if you don’t know the local language.
Ukraine uses the Cyrillic alphabet and I would recommend learning at least the letters to be able to read the signs or names of the places. Even if the situation in the eastern part of the country is still unstable due to the conflict with Russia, the rest of Ukraine is safer than you might think, although petty crime still happens. Just don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home and you will be fine!
One more reason to visit Ukraine is the prices – the country is very affordable, one of the cheapest in Europe. You will get a really good standard and some great experiences that won’t drain your wallet!
By Delahaye of Hues of Delahaye
Porto is an excellent solo travel destination, and here’s why.
Even though Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, it has small-town charm and a laid-back atmosphere.
Hilly streets, picturesque viewpoints, undeniably stunning architecture, delicious fresh food, and welcoming locals are ever-present. You’ll never feel like you’re in a major city.
There is no language barrier as most people in Porto speak English. However, the basic olá (hello) and obrigada (thank you) in Portuguese is always great to know.
The city is compact and easy to navigate, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. This makes Porto a great city to explore by foot on your own.
According to World Peace Index (2018), Portugal is the 4th most peaceful country in the world and the 3rd safest country in Europe.
These are just a few things that make Porto a great city for solo travellers.
But that’s not all, there are so many things to do in Porto. From strolling around the charming Old Town and Ribeira district. Visit the São Bento railway station or go Port tasting. Cruise along the Douro River for spectacular views of Porto and the famous six bridges that cross over it.
You can even walk across the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge. A majestic Porto landmark that connects the Ribeira area to Vila Nova de Gaia. And don’t forget to look out for the mesmerising azulejos tiles seen throughout the city.
If you are looking for a vibrant and fun place to travel solo, visit Porto. It is one of the best destinations for solo travellers!
By Chrysoula at Travel Passionate
If you’re looking for somewhere both safe and fascinating for your next solo travel destination, look no further than the Scandinavian city of Helsinki. The Finnish capital has become a popular destination for all travellers thanks to its varied attractions, delicious dining options, and decent travel connections to the rest of Europe and beyond.
English is widely spoken throughout the whole of Finland, so you won’t have to look far to find someone who can speak your language and help you get around. Not that you will need much help, mind you, as the public transport systems are great and pretty self-explanatory!
Helsinki is a laid-back, welcoming city that has a whole host of attractions to keep even the most discerning traveller entertained. Whether you want to explore museums, art galleries, cathedrals or theme parks, Helsinki has you covered.
The Uspenski Cathedral, Temppeliaukio Church, Sibelius Monument, and Helsinki Senate Square are all must-sees, and when you’re not sight-seeing you can simply relax and enjoy the vibrant bar and café culture on offer throughout the city.
Helsinki has some wonderful hostels and guest houses that cater to solo travellers and there are some great tours you can join if you’d like to meet other people while learning about the city.
By Linn at Brainy Backpackers
With more than 7000 islands, super-friendly people and a lot of sun and outdoors activities, the Philippines makes an incredible destination for solo travellers.
Whether you want to experience the Philippines off the beaten track, go on an organized tour, climb active volcanoes, go scuba diving with Thresher sharks or chill with a book in a hammock, the Philippines has it all.
The country is not yet as exploited by tourism as Thailand, except from maybe Palawan and El Nido, but the locals are just as friendly. Go to the eastern Visayas and there are fewer tourists around.
You can experience some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in southern Leyte, incredible rock formations at Biri Island, caves and kayaking in Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park or chase waterfalls in Biliran.
You can also see one of the smallest primates on earth, the Philippine Tarsier, in the Philippines. These animals are nocturnal and while you can see them in certain sanctuaries in Bohol, you should be skeptical about visiting them. The tiny primates commit suicide when kept in captivity and handled by humans. Therefore, you should never pay to see them in captivity or being held by staff and never take selfies with them or hold them.
By Shalini at Eager2Travel
Jaipur is one of the popular places to visit in Rajasthan. It is one of the best solo travel destinations in India due to its connectivity with the rest of the country. You can find a direct train and buses or just fly into Jaipur International Airport.
Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India, due to its beautiful palaces, colourful streets and warm people. The handloom and crafts market of Jaipur is world-famous. You can buy colourful Kurtis, Jutis and jewellery.
The traditional Rajasthani meal is a must-try. The sunrise at Nahargarh fort is definitely worth waking up for. You can also find many walking, cultural and wildlife tours on Airbnb.
If you have time you can visit the only Bramha Temple in the world in Pushkar, pay respects at Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and go for jungle safari in Ranthambore.
The people of Jaipur are very warm and welcoming. Ola and Uber work well so you should have no problem with finding cabs too. Overall the place is best suited for first-timers going for solo travel.
By Ming Lee at Flyerism
Southeast Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world. This is one of the reasons why it has always been a top choice for solo travellers. A few areas in South East Asia can get really touristy during high season, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam.
So, instead of the obvious choices, Laos should definitely be on your bucket list, especially if you travel alone. Here’s why:
#1. Laos is less touristy as compared to its neighbors. You won’t see loud and noisy tourists swarming to the heritages sites. That said, Laos is moderately popular among backpackers. It’s still easy to meet people, especially in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.
#2. Laos is inexpensive. A double room in a mid-range hotel is typically priced at USD 25-50 per night. A meal at a restaurant should cost you from USD 2 – 5. As Laos used to be a member of Indochina, you will come across surprisingly good French restaurants, coffee, and baguette at the fraction of what you would pay in first world countries.
#3. The major cities are well connected by charter van and tourist buses. As well, there are frequent (and cheap) flights connecting the cities (Luang Prabang and Vientiane) to other major cities in Cambodia, China, Korea, Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam and Singapore.
#4. Laos is very safe. Most of the locals are welcoming and accommodating.
#5. Laos has some of the best waterfalls in Southeast Asia, i.e. Kuang Si (Luang Prabang) and Khone Phapheng Falls near Four Thousand Islands.
By Max at Dame Cacao
Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world, yet it remains relatively untouched by its booming tourism sector. This is in part because the Korean tourism board has masterfully planned its fame around the things which its citizens are already interested in and doing.
Seoul is not only a point of sales for cosmetics and K-pop; Seoulites themselves actually shop in Hongdae and Gangnam, picnic on the Han River, and drink soju in barbecue spots across the city. Despite a steady increase in visitors from around the world, Seoul manages to retain its cultural grounding through its temples, night markets, and blended fashion.
Korean cuisine is also hotter than ever, with traditional Korean eateries seamlessly connected to western cafes & international restaurants in every neighborhood. Plus, deciding where to stay in Seoul as a solo traveller is never an issue, as there are hundreds of youth hostels, guest houses, and business hotels scattered across the city.
Visitors from all over will be thrilled with the well-connected metro & bus system, copious & affordable street food, and endless free sites to explore both inside and just outside of Seoul.
By Stephanie at The Africa Cookbook
A great, slightly off-beat, solo travel destination for you to consider in 2020 is the country of Tunisia.
Because the major cities are connected by a system of inexpensive and reliable louages, or minivans, most of the country is accessible to a solo traveller who’s not looking to spend a fortune on transportation but wants to cover a lot of ground.
Some of my favorite places in Tunisia include Tunis, Carthage, Sidi Bou Said, Bizerte, and Kairouan. In a week, you can easily see two to three cities, but if you have two weeks you can see most of the country’s important sites, including all eight of the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In Tunisia, you explore a balance of ancient Roman history, Carthaginian history, Ottoman and Islamic history, and Berber history. However, if you come during the warm months, you can also relax at one of the country’s fabulous Mediterranean beaches. While here, make sure to see some of the cities’s amazing medinas, or historic marketplaces. Several of these are designated UNESCO sites and Tentative UNESCO sites, and each has its own unique vibe.
The personal highlight, for me, though, was eating my way through Tunisia. Tunisian food is rich in flavor, with delightful tagines and couscous dishes.
By Coni at Experiencing the Globe
South America as a solo traveller, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, might sound intimidating – even more so if you’re a woman! But fear not, I have the answer. Go to Chile!
The news nowadays is focused on the riots and the protests going on in the country, but let me assure you (since I’m Chilean) that it is still the safest country in Latin America, and all the tourist sites are open, ready to welcome you.
Chile is a great solo travel destination because of its people. They will try to make you feel at home, helping you in whichever way they can. It has become more and more know over the years, so you will also get to meet other travellers (a lot of fellow solo adventurers, in my experience).
But the best part is the country’s diversity. Within its borders you can go from the desert to the glaciers, and from the sea to the mountains, having plenty to see in between: the famous Easter Island with its stone faces, the full of street art hills of Valparaíso, the beautiful wine country, the stunning Lake District, home of Chile’s capital of adventure: Pucón, where you can even climb an active volcano, and the unique architecture of Chiloé.
Need I say more?
By Daniel at Layer Culture
When doing solo travel and looking for the best places to visit, Medellin in Colombia is a superb option.
Located within a valley, Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city and has something for everybody. If you like the idea of connecting with local culture and engaging in local experiences when you travel solo, Medellin is a great place to be.
Many solo travellers to Colombia pass through the city at some point so you can meet likened travelers if you desire. A popular neighborhood for both locals and tourists is El Poblado which is located in the north of the city and where you can find cultural tours and even learn Spanish without breaking the bank.
The best time to visit Medellin is during the winter months and from October to March the climate is very pleasant. If you want to venture out of the hustle and bustle of the city, you can go to one of the many pueblos within the Antioquia region and learn about coffee or go for a hike.
Medellin and surrounding areas are relatively safe when you stick to the recommended towns, and the people are very welcoming when it comes to receiving new visitors. The local culture in the region is very unique to Colombia and many people find themselves not wanting to leave.
By Derek at Robe Trotting
A fantastic destination for solo travellers is the vibrant American city of Philadelphia. It’s full of American history, friendly locals, a fantastic food scene and world-class museums.
There are so many things to do in Philadelphia, but it’s frequently overlooked for more famous nearby American cities like New York City and Washington DC. It’s larger and more fun than Washington and easier to navigate than New York City without the high prices.
The fact that tourists often skip Philadelphia makes it a perfect destination to visit on a trip to America. With a decent public transportation network and cheap ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber, it’s easy to get around for anyone travelling alone. Philly is also safe and walkable because it’s mostly flat and it’s designed in a grid system of blocks. You can walk from one end to the other in about 40 minutes.
Solo travellers will love Philadelphia’s museums, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Franklin Institute of Science and The Mütter Museum of Medical Oddities.
Philadelphia was also the birthplace of The United States. Independence Hall, the building where America’s founders signed The Declaration of Independence is open daily for free tours. In that neighborhood, you can tour many other relics of American history.
There’s also a great food scene in Philadelphia. There are fine dining options, especially in The Rittenhouse neighborhood and along the 13th Street Corridor. Check out El Vez or Jamonera for a great meal. Solo travellers should also check out local favorites like a cheesesteak, soft pretzel, and Italian water ice.
Museums, food, history, and friendly locals make Philly a great stop for any travelers who want a more intimate, less-touristy American city break.
By Jordan at Georgia Girl Meets World
A surprising solo travel destination is Las Vegas. Although it’s known for gambling and groups visiting to party, Vegas has much more to offer. From concerts and shows to shopping to even hiking and outdoor activities close by, solo travellers won’t run out of things to do, even if gambling isn’t of interest.
A popular activity that is enjoyable for any type of traveller is to see a show. Whether interested in a Cirque du Soleil show, a concert, or a magic show, Vegas has it all.
Another non-gambling solo activity is to visit the Neon Museum. This outdoor museum offers day and night tours of historic signs from the Vegas strip. With knowledgeable guides to inform visitors of the intriguing history of Sin City and some pretty awesome photo opportunities, the Neon Museum is a can’t-miss while visiting Las Vegas.
With so many things to do, including many solo activities, Las Vegas is a great destination for those looking for a unique solo trip in 2020.
By Pari at Traveling Pari
Year after year, Toronto gets voted one of the best cities to live in. In fact, most Canadian cities make this list. However, what’s special about Toronto is that it’s also been voted the sixth safest city in the world by the Economist. This is great news for solo travellers who list safety as their number one concern.
In addition to being a safe place, Toronto is also a welcoming place for people from different parts of the world. One wouldn’t expect, but when you visit the city, you’ll see that it’s a melting pot of different cultures. This can be seen clearly in its diverse neighborhoods. Solo travellers, especially people who travel for long periods of time, sometimes, may feel lonely and homesick. In Toronto, since it has so many diverse neighborhoods, it’s easy for a solo traveller to find a place that feels familiar and a bit like home. If you need a guide on the best place to stay in Toronto, please see the linked article.
Of course, as a tourist destination, there’s also plenty to see. The famous Niagara Falls is just two hours away and if you are looking for a nature escape, you can visit the nearby Algonquin Provincial Park. All in all, Toronto is a perfect solo travel destination.
By Josh at The Lost Passport
Vanuatu is a quiet chain of 83 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Although it lies just over 2,000 kilometers north east of Australia, and accessible by direct flight, it is still largely untapped by tourism.
Vanuatu’s island of Ambrym is even more remote. Ambrym is packed with opportunities for the intrepid traveller, including the live volcanoes of Mount Benbow and Mount Marum, natural geothermal hot springs, intensive multiple day hiking trails, and untainted cultural villages.
Don’t expect to find too many pre-organised tours out here though, this is about getting on the ground and figuring some things out for yourself. A good starting point for these activities is chatting with Sam at Sam’s Bungalows at Craig’s Cove.
Getting to Ambrym is quite easy, with multiple flights per week from Port Villa and the surrounding islands like Santo and Malekula. The truly intrepid might even consider reaching this remote island by a small cargo boat, though I warn, they are highly unreliable.
If you are planning to travel Vanuatu, then Ambrym must be on your list!
Are there any great solo travel destinations I missed? Let me know in a comment!
Last summer, my mom and me spent just over two days in Lyon. And, since we both enjoy taking pictures and sharing them with anyone who cares, we wanted to show the city’s best side to our followers.
Let me tell you: while you could easily spend weeks, months or even years in this city and still not see it all, you’ll need no more than a weekend break in Lyon to get to all these Instagram spots.
This is the definitive guide to an Instagrammer’s Lyon weekend break.
Let’s start off with some good news: most Lyon Instagram spots are free to visit.
Yay!
During your 48 hours in Lyon, you’ll probably pass this bridge a few times. So why not take advantage of this and take some gorgeous scenery pictures for the gram?
The beating heart of the Presqu’île region of Lyon is called Place Bellecour. Although it might not seem very Insta-worthy at first, you’ll quickly find out that many events that might give you some new photo ideas are hosted on this square.
This is probably the first entry in this list that could be classified as ‘off-the-beaten-track’, for the simple fact that most travellers don’t go here. All the more reason to check it out, if you ask me.
Europe’s largest mural is located in Lyon, and it’s a great spot for your next Instagram post.
One of the most Instagrammable places in Lyon is Place des Jacobins, and you’ll soon find out why that is.
Besides being a popular theatre and concert hall, Lyon’s National Opera is a beautiful building in the city centre. Bonus: it’s right across City Hall (Hôtel du Ville).
At first glance, this might not seem like a very picture-worthy location. However, should you make it here during the weekend, you’ll find a very quaint book market that will look great on your Instagram story.
Admittedly, Vieux Lyon is one of Lyon’s main tourist areas, but there’s a good reason for that. The whole area is so picturesque and authentic that you might forget you’re in the twenty-first century and not in the middle ages.
This cathedral is one of Lyon’s main religious buildings and also one of the most popular Lyon Instagram spots. And, although the inside is nothing special – aside from its astronomical clock – the building itself and the square at its foot are worth a visit.
Other names: Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Primatiale Saint-Jean de Lyon
Granted, this tower might not look like a very Insta-worthy building at first glance. But wait until you see the view from up above.
Place des Célestins, which is home to Théâtre des Célestins, hasn’t changed its appearance since the eighteenth century. In case that’s not enough to convince you to stroll through, this square is also home to an outdoor food market every morning.
This square is home to one of Lyon’s most famous fountains: Fontaine Bartholdi. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to enter Place des Terreaux because scaffolding was set up all around.
That’s completely fine.
Not everyone travels for the Instagram stories. Some people would rather take in their destination instead of hopping from one picture spot to the next.
Don’t get me wrong: I don’t think one style of travelling is better or worse than the others. Imagine how boring life would be if we all lived and travelled the same way.
If you’re one of the people who would rather soak it all in, check out this article: How to be a traveller, not a tourist.
I recently came home from one of the best trips of my life. There. I said it. And all you’ll need to follow along is this 3-week Rajasthan itinerary.
I went on a group tour to India with Joker, a Belgian travel agency (website only available in Dutch and French).
Related: 10 tips for your first group tour
The tour comprised just over three weeks travelling around India’s most popular region among travellers: Rajasthan.
And now, I’m here to share the joy and give you the information you need for a kick-ass road trip through this region. Ladies, gentlemen and non-binary folk: this is the perfect 3-week Rajasthan itinerary.
Note: I won’t tell you exactly when to go where on your Rajasthan road trip. It’s very difficult – if not impossible – to completely plan a trip to India beforehand.
What I will do in this post, however, is this:
Skip ahead if you want to:
Before we get started, take a look at this video I made to get a feel of what India is actually like.
There are many reasons why you should consider a trip to India’s crown jewel region. Here are just a few of them.
Thanks to Rajasthan’s fascinating history of wealthy royals and architectural legacy, impressive palaces, forts and temples are spread throughout the region, each one more breathtaking than the last.
Among the Indian population, Rajasthan is known as one of the most traditional and religious areas of the country. That explains the many energetic festivals that occur throughout the year. Diwali, Holi, Teej … The list goes on and on.
And while Rajasthan is frequented by travellers for its history and culture, an afternoon strolling through the big city bazaars can’t be missing from your Rajasthan itinerary. Pottery, clothing, souvenirs, jewellery or spices: whatever it is you’re looking for, you can find it in the bazaars.
Last, but definitely not least: the state of Rajasthan is often remembered for its exciting wildlife encounters. National parks, which were originally used as hunting grounds for the state’s rulers, are sprinkled through Rajasthan and now serve and wildlife sanctuaries.
The perfect Rajasthan road trip starts in Jaipur, the state’s mighty capital city.
Also known as the Pink City for the many shades of pink, red and amber that are present in the fortified city centre, Jaipur was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
What to do in Jaipur:
How long to stay in Jaipur: Four days in the capital of Rajasthan is an absolute minimum to see everything the city has to offer.
How to get from Jaipur to Jaisalmer: Take the night train from Jaipur Railway Station to Jaisalmer Railway Station. Book tickets on the Indian Railway’s official website.
After catching the sleeper train from Jaipur, you’ll arrive at Rajasthan’s Golden City, Jaisalmer.
This city is located at the heart of the Thar Desert and is known for the yellow sandstone that is used in many of its buildings, including the impressive Jaisalmer Fort.
What to do in Jaisalmer:
How long to stay in Jaisalmer: Three days and three nights, including one night in the desert, is plenty to discover Jaisalmer in all of its glory.
How to get from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur: Take a regular, direct train from Jaisalmer Railway Station to Jodhpur Junction. Book tickets on the Indian Railway’s official website.
After your adventurous desert safari in Jaisalmer, it’s time to head back to big city life.
Jodhpur is Rajasthan’s second biggest city. It’s known among travellers as the Blue City and among Indian residents as the Sun City. Must be worth a visit, right?
What to do in Jodhpur:
How long to stay in Jodhpur: Anywhere between two and four days should suffice, counting on a full day to explore the Fort and everything around it.
How to get from Jodhpur to Udaipur: Take an early bus to Udaipur, preferably one that leaves Jodhpur before 6 am. The journey to Udaipur should take 4 to 5 hours.
With nicknames such as ‘the City of Lakes’ and ‘the Venice of the East’, it’s no wonder that British explorer James Tod called Udaipur ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India‘.
You’ll soon find out for yourself why Udaipur has such a strong reputation among travellers.
What to do in Udaipur:
How long to stay in Udaipur: Including the night at Krishna Ranch, you should stay in Udaipur anywhere from three to five days.
How to get from Udaipur to Agra: Take the sleeper train from Udaipur City to Agra Cannt. Book tickets on the Indian Railway’s official website.
I know, I know. Agra is not located in Rajasthan. So, technically, I lied by calling this a Rajasthan itinerary.
You’ll forgive me once you feast your eyes on the Taj Mahal. Trust me.
What to do in Agra:
How long to stay in Agra: No longer than two days. Preferably, you’ll visit Agra Fort and the Baby Taj in the afternoon, then spend the night in Agra and visit the Taj early the following morning.
How to get from Agra to Delhi: Take a regular train from Agra Cantt to one of the many train stations in Delhi. This is a short trip that should only take about two hours. Book tickets on the Indian Railway’s official website.
I’m not going to lie to you: you’re only spending one night here to avoid having to take the dreadful journey from Agra to Rishikesh.
But don’t worry: you’ll come back to Delhi in a few days and your Rajasthan road trip will end there.
So find a nice place to stay the night and wake up refreshed for an early train to Haridwar. (Ask your hostel to arrange a taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh, because most trains don’t stop at Rishikesh)
Again: Rishikesh is not located in Rajasthan, but since you’ve already gone to Agra, you might as well pass by Rishikesh.
Don’t worry, it’ll be our little secret.
Yoga Capital of the World, Gateway to the Himalayas, …
Cool nicknames, so it’s got to be worth exploring. You get it.
What to do in Rishikesh:
How long to stay in Rishikesh: Assuming you want to unwind and relax after two weeks of non-stop exploring, three to four days in Rishikesh is ideal to do everything listed above at a calm pace.
How to get from Rishikesh to Delhi: Take a regular train from Haridwar Junction to one of Delhi’s train stations. Book tickets on the Indian Railway’s official website.
Since it’s quite likely that your flight will depart from Indira Gandhi International Airport, it makes sense for the last stop on your Rajasthan road trip to be Delhi. (Although, again, Delhi is technically not a part of Rajasthan)
What to do in Delhi:
How long to stay in Delhi: In a city that over 15 million people call home, you could spend a lifetime and still not see it all. However, for the purposes of this road trip, two to three days should suffice.
Now that you have the perfect Rajasthan itinerary at your feet, there’s nothing stopping you from the trip of a lifetime.
Plan your Rajasthan road trip:
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Travelling solo is an experience that every person should have at least once in their life. There. I said it. However, I do realise that it might seem like a daunting prospect to many people. For those people, I wrote this solo travel manifesto.
We can all agree that travelling is amazing. You get to meet people from all over the world, you experience different cultures and you can try authentic street food from foreign cuisines. But there’s just something about solo travel that can’t be explained rationally. You have to actually do it to know what I’m talking about.
When I tell people I love travelling solo, the most common question I get is “But why?”. What could possibly be so amazing about solo travel that people write books about it? That people dedicate their lives to travelling all by themselves?
Keep reading to find out why I – and so many others – have fallen in love with solo travel.
The short answer is yes.
The long answer: yes, because as a solo traveller, you’re much more likely to pay more attention to what’s going on around you.
With fewer distractions in the form of people talking to you about the last episode of Game of Thrones or asking you what you think about their new sneakers, you can fully take in the scenery and enjoy the view.
Besides that, you will also meet far more people when you’re on a solo trip.
Making friends as a solo traveller is much easier because you’re more approachable than a group of backpacking friends in a party hostel. People will talk to you, even if they’re just doing it out of pity.
Last, but definitely not least: you’re independent.
You have nobody to answer for your decisions and nobody to keep in mind when making plans for the next day. You can literally do whatever your heart desires.
Do you want to have a few drinks at the hostel bar? Tick off all the tourist hotspots? Walk to your next attraction because you’re too cheap to take the bus?
Go for it. Nobody’s going to stop you.
If you’re not quite comfortable with the idea of solo travel yet, check these posts out:
Travelling solo changes you. When travelling alone, things will inevitably go wrong.
The only person you can blame is yourself, and the only person who can solve the problems you run into is you.
That might seem like a bad thing, but don’t be fooled – when you can’t fall back on anyone else to get you out of a tough situation, that’s when you learn.
You get out of your comfort zone.
You become a more independent and solution-driven person.
The more you travel by yourself, the more you realise that the world is an amazing place and there are so many things left to explore that your life probably won’t be long enough to see them all.
If you’ve made the decision to travel solo, there are a few steps you have to take to plan your first solo trip. Here are the most important ones.
First: set a budget.
You can spend as much or as little money on solo travel as you want to, but it’s important to have some indication as to how much you’ll be spending before you step foot on the plane.
Secondly: choose your destination and date.
Read more: The best solo travel destinations in Europe
Your budget will be impacted by when and where you’re travelling. If you’re looking to travel on a shoestring budget, be sure to choose a destination that can accommodate that.
Pro tip: travel in the shoulder season for the best prices while still getting great weather conditions.
Thirdly: book your transport and accommodation (at least for the first two nights).
I usually start my flight search on Cheapflights or Google Flights before taking a look at other flight websites like Expedia, Skyscanner and Momondo.
For solo travellers, hostels are a great alternative to hotels, because they allow you to meet like-minded people and they won’t take a huge bite out of your budget.
My favourite website to use when booking hostels is Hostelworld.
Now that you’ve got most of the logistics out of the way, you still might need to prepare for this trip mentally.
Getting over your fear of being alone can be hard, but it’s important to keep in mind that being alone does not mean you’re lonely.
Don’t be afraid to eat by yourself. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartender, or take a seat at a communal table and strike up a conversation with fellow travellers.
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to talk to people when you’re travelling alone.
Remember to pack light – carry-on only, if possible. Since you’re travelling solo, you’ll have to carry all your baggage by yourself.
So, as you can see, travelling by yourself is similar to travelling with other people. But at the same time, the differences are huge.
Solo travel is a wonderful paradox that you have to experience before you can start to understand it.
Isn’t that the beauty of it all?
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Hostels are no longer just a dirty, frugal alternative for fancy hotel rooms. Today, hostels are often the best choice of budget accommodation for solo travellers and shoestring travellers alike. Here are my top 15 tips on finding cheap hostel rooms online.
I have been travelling solo for about three years and I have checked in to my fair share of budget hostels. I would always recommend a hostel over a hotel for anyone travelling on a budget, especially if you can find a cheap hostel room somewhere.
However, many people are still in the dark about how to actually find advantageous prices for staying in a hostel. Low cost accommodation is one of the main pillars of budget travel, though. And that’s exactly why I’ve compiled this list of tips to help you find cheap hostels online. Here we go!
Nowadays, comparing online accommodation and booking tools to each other always pays off. There is no single platform that always has the best prices, so you need to compare a few.
There are dedicated hostel websites, like Hostelworld and HostelBookers.
These two used to be competitors, until HostelBookers became a part of the Hostelworld group. They’re now essentially the same platform in another digital jacket and they have basically the same hostels on offer. That’s why you really only need to check one of both.
Other than that, the king of travel booking also has a great selection of hostels. Booking.com allows you to filter on type of accommodation, so it’s easy to find budget hotels and hostels through this platform as well. Another advantage of Booking is that they also show other types of cheap accommodation.
Tools like Hostelworld and Booking allow you to sort the results by price, which can be very useful to find the cheapest options.
Let’s say you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Dublin, Ireland for a couple of days in September.
If you click on ‘Filter’ and then adjust the price slider, you’ll only get results between your two sliders. For example, if you set the slider to the right to 25, the only results you’ll get will be hostels where you can get a bed for under €25 per night.
Similarly, you can also use other filters. Let’s take the same example of a few days in Dublin.
After selecting ‘Hostels’ under ‘Property type’, you’ll find that there are filters for budget, distance from the city centre, payment methods, facilities and review scores, among others.
In other words: nothing is stopping you from finding cheap hostel rooms or even discounted hotel rooms on Booking and Hostelworld.
I recommend looking at hostels with 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. But that’s just me.
One of the biggest advantages of hostels over hotels is that you can save money by staying in a dorm room with strangers.
The general rule of thumb is as follows: the bigger the dorm, the cheaper the bed. So, if you’re looking for a cheap hostel room and you don’t have a problem sharing a room with 20 people you’ve never met before, go for it.
If you tend to keep to yourself and want a bit more privacy, most hostels also have 4-bed or 6-bed dorm rooms. This will cost a bit more, but it’ll still be cheaper than a hotel room or a private room in the hostel.
Yes, there are different kinds of hostels. Shocker.
Some types of hostels that are often used:
The category of hostel you pick will have an influence on the price you pay. For example, backpacker hostels tend to be cheaper than boutique hostels.
I personally like staying in boutique hostels if I have some money left over to splurge. If not, I’ll opt for a backpacker hostel.
Read more about the different types of hostels in this post.
Usually, when you book your hostel room online, there will be two options for payment: refundable and non-refundable.
You should read the terms carefully to find out what happens when you cancel your booking. Will you get a full refund? A 50% refund? Or no refund at all?
Make your final decision with this knowledge in the back of your mind.
One of the best ways to find budget accommodation is signing up to email newsletters.
After all, an email is much harder to ignore than a simple post on social media.
Here are a few accommodation newsletters you might want to consider subscribing to:
Similarly as with any type of accommodation or flights, you can save quite some money if you go for last-minute deals.
One way to find last-minute hostel deals is to sign up to email newsletters, as mentioned above.
Another way is to regularly check websites that often feature last-minute deals of any kind and filtering through the results.
Some websites that often have interesting last-minute deals on cheap hostel rooms:
Also consider checking individual hostel chain websites and check their prices. Even though they might not be advertised as ‘last-minute’, hostels tend to reduce prices if their rooms aren’t filled. Compare these prices with the hostel prices on dates that are a few months away. If it’s cheaper now, you’ve got a good deal on your hands.
Some individual hostels or hostel chains have an app – who doesn’t nowadays? – and offer nifty promotions and discounts in the app.
If the hostel you’re staying at isn’t part of a hostel chain, check to see if they have an app anyway. You might be surprised.
Many hostels nowadays will allow you to stay in a room for free in exchange for a few hours of work a day. This will allow you to travel longer and cheaper, while also getting to know many people from all over the world. It’s a win-win!
If you’ve already booked your hostel room, ask the clerk at reception if you can work in exchange for free accommodation. If you haven’t booked yet, send the hostel an email to ask if that might be an option.
In most cases, the work will be simple: administration, reception or helping out in the kitchen.
Much like finding cheap flights, one of the best ways to get budget accommodation is to book in advance.
If you’re not going on a last-minute trip, you should book your hostel as soon as you’ve booked your flights. This is one of the best and easiest ways to find cheap hostel rooms.
Besides: if you book in advance, you’ll still have more options to choose from.
This tip only applies if you’re going on a trip to two or more places outside of the high season.
Once you’ve got a hostel room booked for your first destination, ask the clerk at reception if they can recommend or book a hostel room in your next destination.
Many hostels are part of an international hostel network and can offer small discounts (usually 5-10%) if you book through them. And if not, you might get a free drink out of it.
It’s worth a try, right?
If you use online tools like Hostelworld, it might seem tempting to just book the cheapest hostel room available.
However, you could end up regretting that decision.
Much like budget airlines (like Ryanair and Vueling) make most of their money out of paid extras, budget hostels make money by letting their visitors pay for all kinds of additional services.
Linen, sheets, towels, lockers, Wi-Fi, … Anything that is more than just ‘allowing you to sleep there’ could have extra fees.
The key takeaway: read the fine print before booking a hostel room to avoid surprises upon arrival. Additionally, be sure to check out the general consensus in the hostel reviews.
I know this is an article about finding cheap hostel rooms, but hostels aren’t always the best option. You can find cheap rooms elsewhere, if you know where to look.
Some of my favourite options for cheap accommodation:
Read more: Cheap accommodation for solo travel
Once you’ve found a cheap hostel room, you don’t want to ruin that by being forced to pay extra for early check-in or late check-out.
Again, the best way to avoid this is to know beforehand when you can check in and when you have to leave the hostel. Respect those rules and you should be fine.
In most hostels, you can use the lockers to store your bags and hang out in the common room until your bus, train or whatever arrives. Although you might have to pay a few dollars to use the storage, it’s probably still less than the late check-out fee.
There. Now you know how to find cheap hostel rooms and you’ll never overpay for accommodation again. You’ve just made the first step to becoming a budget traveller. Congratulations!
Want to know more about cheap solo travel? Read these posts:
Do you have any tips to find cheap hostel rooms? Let me know in a comment.
Thanks for reading!
-S
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Design by NXNW.
