Alicia ChongFun fact: Single’s Day was first started by universities in China, as a day to – you guessed it – celebrate singlehood and to allow singles to mingle. Falling on November 11 annually, it’s now also become a huge commercial draw for companies. In fact, it has now become the largest shopping day in the world!
However, if you prefer to splurge your money on travel, you would be glad to know that there are 11 prime destinations you can head to without a significant other – and still have all the fun. Take your pick below!
1. Japan
One of the safest places in Asia, you will have a peace of mind as you navigate through the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto or the busy Shibuya crosswalk in Tokyo. With beautiful mountains like Mount Fuji, seaside towns like Kamakura, you will definitely be able to find things that you like to do and do alone. Ramen restaurants even have single-person booths for you to avoid talking to others. Travelling alone and being single has never been easier.
Image credit: @bonnie.huang
2. Bangkok, Thailand
It’s not called the ‘land of smiles’ for nothing – Bangkok (and Thailand, in general), has a welcoming culture that any traveller would be drawn to. The city has multiple night markets and bustling nightlife scenes at places like Khao San Road, which single travellers can take advantage of. As it is a popular spot for backpackers too, you might just meet someone when travelling alone.
Image credit: Mike
3. Seoul, South Korea
With decent public transportation and a fascinating mix of both the modern and traditional, Seoul is unsurprisingly a favourite haunt among solo travellers. You can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in the morning and head to Dongdaemun shopping district in the evening. You get free entry to the palaces if you rent a hanbok!
Image credit: Alicia Chong
If you are interested in getting a glimpse of elusive North Korea, you can head to the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on a group tour. This tour is becoming increasingly popular
Image credit: DMZ from North Korea side
And if you’re a solo female traveller, fret not; Seoul is widely regarded as one of the safest cities for women. So go ahead, stay out late and drink that soju!
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
Be sure to try their signature egg coffee and spend a day shopping steals at Hang Dao Street. For cheap beer, walk over to Beer Street. Once colonized by the French, you’ll find hints of its colonial history in Hanoi’s architecture. Case in point: The Opera House.
Image credit: Prashant Ram
More adventurous souls could take a day trip out to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. Kayak through limestone formations and caves. They’re also a popular choice for solo travellers and backpackers, so you’ll be guaranteed to make some new friends while on the road!
Image credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer and Speaker
Also read: 10 Things to Do in Ninh Binh on Your First Visit
5. Bali, Indonesia
While Bali may be known as a paradise for couples, you should most definitely take the opportunity to go at it alone. Surfing, yoga, and hiking are activities that you certainly can do alone. Take some time out to get pampered with a massage and find peace. Fans of Eat, Pray, Love will attest that it is the perfect place for a single’s getaway.
Image credit: Birgitta Seegers
6. Iceland
Fun fact: Iceland has a strong internet connection in most places so you don’t have to worry ever about getting lost. In the rare event that your GPS is not working, you could always approach the friendly locals who speak English. It is remote enough for a single traveller to attain the much-needed peace he/she wants, while still offering many opportunities for you to mingle at its various tourist spots. Don’t miss out on their famous Blue Lagoon, waterfalls, and black sand beaches!
Image credit: @icelandair
7. Germany
Affordable and well-known for being fairly backpacker-friendly, you can travel around Germany alone easily. For singles who are dreaming of their fairytale ending, you can visit Neuschwanstein Castle. On the other hand, you could also drink your fantasies away at the annual Oktoberfest, in Munich.
8. New York
One of the most iconic cities in the world, single travellers will be able to blend in with the crowds (both local and foreign) easily. Watch musicals at Broadway, admire the streets of Times Square and hike along the Highline. As many New Yorkers do things on their own, you will not feel left out as a single.
Image credit: Céline Harrand
9. New Zealand
Single and looking for adventure? No place can beat New Zealand with its incredible nature views and adrenaline-filled activities. You’ll be so busy scratching things off your bucket list from sky-diving to seeing the film locations of The Lord of the Rings, that you will be thankful you are single and travelling alone.
Image credit: Prince Roy
10. Montreal, Canada
Montreal is a predominantly French-speaking city, but don’t let the language put you off! Being single, you can take the opportunity to eat all the glorious carbs as you please, such as the locally-loved poutine, bagels and smoked meat. Feeling lost? Just ask the locals who are known for being ‘nice’.
Image credit: Guilhem Vellut
11. Museum of Broken Relationships
There are two Museum of Broken Relationships in the world. One is in Zagreb, Croatia and the other in Los Angeles. The museums host a collection of items people share when in relationships and discard when they break up. A lady donated an axe which she apparently used to chop up her ex-lovers furniture. Too extreme? We’ll leave that up to you to decide.
Image credit: Kristina
If all plans fail, you could also visit your local amusement/theme parks and make use of the ‘single’ rider lanes to enjoy your day!
So, which destination will you be whisking yourself to this Single’s Day?
Also read: 11 Awesome Things ONLY Singles Can Do While Travelling
