5 MUST SEE SOLO TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2025
Welcome back, travel lovers! I hope you are all having an incredible start to 2025 and that you get to go on lots of new travel adventures this year. As I grow ThatGirlAdventures, I always want to be able to write better, create better articles, and give you something that’s truly helpful.
So, as I sit here in my cabin onboard a cruise ship, I tap away at my double life, ThatGirlAdventures. And as much as I have been privileged enough to see many incredible destinations as part of working on cruise ships, I wanted to share with you my favourite destinations as a solo traveller. Four out of five of them I visited in 2024 with the fifth being late 2023, so I like to think my reasoning and knowledge for each destination is pretty reliable.
So, without further ado, let’s get into my favourite solo destinations for you to explore in 2025.
Crete, Greece – For the luxury escapists
After my first contract as a senior crew member onboard a new company, I needed a luxury escape. I booked three nights away in a resort with a private pool and views of the Ionian coastline. In my eyes it was the perfect escape. But in reality, it became a lot more than that.
I’d recommend if you’re newer to solo travel to book your stay nearer the airport, as the transport I had was quite an adventure and I had to change vehicles halfway through. I flew into Heraklion airport, which is also an experience, but there is also an airport at Chania, which is the opposite end. Crete itself is beautiful, I’d either recommend Chania or Agios Nikolaos, the latter being where I stayed but it takes longer from the airport. Chania is very much like a Mamma Mia coastal set, whereas Agios Nikalaos is slightly quieter.
I’m going to do a blog specifically about booking a luxury solo escape, but the one thing I wasn’t prepared for? You will be confronted with the fears you’ve been burying, as you have nothing but yourself, a view and a quiet sleepy greek town to wander into every now and then. If you’re looking to press pause and come back home to yourself, these quieter Greek spots are made for you.
Europe
North America
Oceania
South America
Asia
Africa
Hong Kong, Hong Kong – For the headstrong who want something new
Next up we have Hong Kong. I visited this city on an overnight stop on a cruise ship, but this time as a solo guest. I find cruises are a great way to see multiple destinations, have a safe space to come back to each day, and a place to meet so many interesting people. Having an overnight is an even better way to make the most out of the destination you visit, and I would have definitely done the daytrip to Macau if I wasn’t flying home the next day to train for my current role.
Hong Kong surprised me with its vibrancy, hospitality and sheer amount of things to do. I was out all day, back on ship for dinner and back out for the evening! From the Peak to the lights display, hidden city centre temples, parks and probably the world’s highest Madame Tussauds, you’re never at a lost for what to get up to. It’s a must for anyone who adores bright colours, city life, something a little different.
Salzburg, Austria – For the new-to-travel intellectuals
After some wise words from a well travelled friend, I started my Interrailing journey in Salzburg, Austria.
This city meant so much to me. It taught me I could solo travel out of my comfort zone with merely a backpack and a rough plan. It taught me how to hold myself with confidence out for dinner solo, how to be at peace with not having everything figured out, that I could live out my dream adventures without the need to have someone for the sake of having someone.
Salzburg is a city filled with romance, culture, history and while it is on the more expensive side of this list, if you’re going through a breakup or you’re just in need of some self love, pack yourself a bag and get yourself to Salzburg. Trust me on this one.
Edinburgh, Scotland – For the booklovers and artists
Okay, as a brit I know Edinburgh may not be the hugely exotic destination you were looking for, but hear me out. I had to join a ship in Rosyth, so I chose to make a staycation out of it and stay in Edinburgh and few days beforehand. Firstly, I’m a drama graduate, and Edinburgh was gearing up for Fringe, which is just a different experience in itself. Secondly, I’m a booktok girlie. Give me a windowseat in a coffee/bookshop looking out onto the Scottish scenery, chai latte steaming next to me while I thumb my way through another enemies to lovers novel. Bliss, it truly hits different in Edinburgh, and the rain just makes it atmospheric, which London can’t get away with as easily. From walks to Arthur’s seat to open mic nights, Edinburgh is a place held dearly in my heart and somewhere which looks pretty in any season.
At the very least, the Scottish lilt might leave you wanting to finally part ways with your fictional boyfriend and try your luck in the present. Just kidding, who actually wants that.
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Budapest, Hungary – For the social, happy go luckies
By the end of my Interrailing I had transitioned from cultural, demure, mindful solo girlie. To social, made a host of new pals, through caution to the wind, menace.
It wasn’t planned, but often with Interrailing people will do the same routes, so make sure you pick more lively cities to end your interrailing on. It can be tempting to want to hit the big cities first, but going small to big not only settles nerves but allows you to slowly socialise and not burn out quickly, which happens to me as I need regular charging of my social batteries.
Budapest was fun and social, filled with tipsy bingo and river boat parties at night, followed by 11am wake ups and slightly sleepy sightseeing in the day. Naturally, as always with solo travelling, keep your wits intact, cover your drink and have a plan to get home, even if that’s taking a credit card for emergencies or turning on Find Your Friends.
Overall I liked Budapest, you can do it as a quiet trip but Budapest for me was best enjoyed with people. I stayed in a hostel but there are so many events you can go along to on airbnb and booking.com, as well as FB groups for solo travellers.
Hopefully you have found something in here that has inspired a trip for 2025. I have been incredibly privileged to travel around the globe as much as I have, which is why I try to share as much of it with you all as I can. Make sure you sign up to the weekly postcards, an email series that drops inspiration and travel lessons I’ve learnt into your inbox every Monday, and I’ll see you for the next one!