Magical Places for the Solo Traveller – Part Two!

The woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has ever been before.

Albert Einstein

I am a seasoned solo traveller, and I am immensely proud of this fact! Perhaps now, it’s less uncommon as it was several years ago, and I simply LOVE seeing other women who embrace the experience of traveling alone. There is something liberating about exploring new places on your own schedule, trying new dishes and sipping a local beverage (Party of 1, don’t mind if I do!?) and the excitement of who you may meet along the way.

Many women I’ve spoken to worry that traveling alone can be boring, unsafe or they just don’t really know what to do with themselves. Well, I’m here to tell you that you have nothing to worry about, and that a solo adventure will teach you quite a bit about yourself. Continuing on last week’s post here’s four more fabulous destinations you can try on your own, based on my experience.

Cusco, Peru

So, everyone who visits Peru makes a bee line for Machu Picchu, I get it, I’ve been there and the sheer majesty of the place is breath taking however, Cusco is so much more than the Machu Picchu starting point. The culture, food and richness of the architectural ruins throughout the region, nestled among the soaring Andes Mountains, is something everyone should witness. Despite how bloody cold Cusco was when I was there in early October, the warmth I felt with the host family I stayed with still touches me today. I did a few day trips, including Rainbow Mountain, Maras, Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo. There are plenty of buses that go to each of these destinations, or you can opt for a private transfer, still cheap as chips, arranged through your accommodation. Treat yourself to a Pisco Sour after a day of hiking and exploring, plus some alpaca (to wear and eat!). It’s a lovely city filled with tons of other solo travellers, ones you’re sure to meet and befriend.

El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

I first went to the Philippines when a colleague and friend who was from there got married and I knew I had to come back to explore more of this incredible country and its thousands of islands. El Nido, Palawan, is paradise on earth, very cheap, and beaches will transform your last ounce of stress into pure relaxation, try a little light yoga on Papaya Beach, I promise, every time you do yoga at home afterwards, you’ll have the view out to sea firmly in your minds eye. I came alone, but almost immediately I met some uber cool new friends from of all places, Dublin! We did some island hopping and as the saying goes, when two or three Irish people gather together be prepared to céilí until dawn! Boring, absolutely NOT, explore nearby islands, snorkel, sunbathe, kayak, hike – you name it, Palawan has it all and more! Try some lechon (a giant Filipino pig, literally!) and pancit for some local flavours. A word of caution though the south part of the island has become quite dangerous for tourists, so I am recommending you stay in and close to El Nido. Also, flying directly into the tiny El Nido airport from Manila is much more fun than flying into Puerto Princesa and taking a 7-hour nauseating bus ride.

Cape Town, South Africa

I was pleasantly surprised with how incredible and affordable Cape Town was, despite all the warnings I had heard about the dangers in South Africa. Granted, I stayed in nice, safe suburbs and away from any crime zones, but I don’t think I looked over my shoulder in fear once. There’s a rich and complex recent history to South Africa that has shaped its diverse culture, but everyone I met was very friendly and helpful. The beaches in Camps Bay are as picturesque as they come, with the Twelve Apostles of Table Mountain looming in the background. Check out hikes to Table Mountain and Lions Head for rewarding views of the land and sea, check out Robben Island to relive Nelson Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence, lounge with penguins in Boulders Beach, sip the country’s best wines in Stellenbosch, take in the magnificent view on Chapman’s Peak, and, of course, hike the southwestern most tip of the African continent at the Cape of Good Hope. Oh, and if you’re feeling really brave, why not go cage diving with great white sharks?

Tel Aviv, Israel

Okay, first things first, forget about everything you’ve heard from the media about Israel. It is hands-down one of the safest places I’ve ever been to in my life. Next, the people are the most vivacious and assertive you’ll encounter – with a history based on seemingly never-ending conflicts that have formed the attitudes and ideals of the Jewish State. Politics aside, I have been to Israel five times, and each time I fell in love with Tel Aviv more and more. Try some yummy Shakshuka for breakfast, relax or play Matkot on the long stretch of Mediterranean coast with extremely clear water, or take a day trip to Jerusalem for some spiritual enrichment (or just to explore a new city, whatever floats your boat!). Let me tell you: solo female travellers won’t stay solo for long here. Between the hordes of extremely attractive men who will be vying for your attention and the super friendly groups who are always welcoming to strangers, especially if you are alone and haven’t been invited for Shabbat dinner, you will quickly feel a sense of family here. A remarkable place, where the nightlife rages seven days a week!

So, if you’re looking for inspiration, you won’t go far wrong with the last two weeks suggestions, I promise!

What’s on this week?