Experience solitude with these solo travel holidays

Solo travel has a wealth of benefits; not only does it offer travellers the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, but it encourages them to escape their comfort zone.

For travellers wanting to experience moments of pure solitude in safe surroundings, below is a round-up of eight solo travel ideas that offer opportunities for travellers to boost their confidence and make long lasting connections.

Solo Travel in Japan

Solitude is a great way to soak up Japanese culture. Contemplate zen at one of Kyoto’s tranquil rock gardens, or hike in peace to the top of Mount Misen on Miyajima Island. Dining alone is common practice in Japan, and the country is one of the safest places to travel in the world. The ‘Japan Solo’ adventure with Inside Japan takes travellers by bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and Hiroshima, and includes a visit to the sacred island of Miyajuma and a stay in the buzzing city of Osaka. While journeys and stays are alone, this trip has a selection of group activities to foster friendships - from a cooking class in Tokyo to a samurai sword lesson in Kyoto, and a night time street food tour in Osaka. Inside Japan offers a ‘Japan Solo’ trip for 11 nights from £2,750 per person. For more information on travel to Japan, visit www.japan.travel/en/uk.

Travelling solo in The Islands of Tahiti

Pure and untouched Fakarava in The Islands of Tahiti is a well-kept secret, perfect for those travelling alone. Take it all in and enjoy the pristine paradise when visiting the UNESCO biosphere lagoon;waters in Fakarava boast vivid corals, myriads of fish and the famous Tumakohua pass known as the ‘wall of sharks’. There are plenty of other activities for solo travellers to experience. Whilst travelling alone, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of a Polynesian family by staying in a family-run Tahitian Guesthouse. Being hosted by a local is the perfect way to discover hidden gems unbeknown to the average traveller, whilst receiving valuable advice on what to see, understand, feel and experience around the islands. Tahitians love to welcome guests into their country and local communities to teach them about the heritage that has shaped island life that we see today. Audley Travel creates tailor made holidays to The Islands of Tahiti for those looking for a solo trip of a lifetime. www.tahititourisme.uk

Embark on a solo travel adventure to the Golden State

Despite its size, California is one of the best states for solo travellers. Its international entry cities, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, are brimming with affordable accommodation. It is a welcoming and friendly place where solo travellers will rarely be alone. Exploring Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs is for city lovers, where urban exploring, zingy food and a dash of surf culture are top of the agenda. Venice Beach is just one of many destinations where travellers can have some fun in the sun; stroll along the boardwalk and shop at the many boutique stores. The sheer number of amenities alone make Venice one of the best places to travel alone in California. BA Holidays offers seven days car hire and return flights to LA from £679 per person. www.visitcalifornia.com

Set sail alone

Travelling by sea opens up a world of endless opportunities for solo travellers. Travellers can island hop between idyllic gems and experience unspoiled white-sand beaches and colourful fishing villages with Click&Boat, the global leader in boat rental. From sampling rich cuisine and visiting historic sites in the Mediterranean, to sailing endless blue waters and relaxing on the shore, Click&Boat is the perfect solution for solo sailing holidays this summer. Click&Boat offers their clients the possibility to book a boat with or without a skipper and a crew when they want it, even if it is last minute. Travellers can rent a motorboat in the Mediterranean from £130 a day. www.clickandboat.com/uk

Explore friendly Colorado alone

With welcoming locals, peaceful open spaces and endless outdoor pursuits, Colorado naturally lends itself to a solo trip. Embark on a ten-day escorted tour throughout the state with American Sky. Experience natural wonders such as Mesa Verde National Park, hike in landscapes that vary from mountains to hot springs, and sample the sights and flavours of state capital Denver. American Sky offers a ‘Welcome to Colorado’ trip for nine nights from £2,889 per person. www.colorado.com

Walk your worries away in a solo holiday to Slovenia

For those looking to travel alone, Global Peace Report ranked Slovenia as the 5th safest country in the world in 2021. Discover some of the country's most renowned landscapes from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj on a moderate grade two walking holiday in the Julian Alps, which travels through Slovenia’s Gorenjska region. Magical backdrops are formed by the summits of the Julian Alps in Triglav, the country's highest mountain. Inntravel offers a ‘The Lakes & Julian Alps’ trip for seven nights from £795 per person. www.slovenia.info/en

Discover Seattle solo

Nicknamed the Emerald City because of the vast amount of greenery which surrounds it, Seattle has plenty for outdoor lovers to enjoy from cycling in North Cascade National Park and kayaking on Alki Beach. For those solo travellers wanting to immerse in culture, Seattle has a vast range of arts attractions from the Museum of Pop Culture to Chihuly Garden and Glass, both located in the Seattle Centre. British Airways offers a flights and hotel package for four nights at the Stay.pinapple at The Maxwell Hotel and flights from London Heathrow at £2,084 per person. visitseattle.org

Authentic travel experience in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has many authentic experiences which can only be found in the city! From the seven floor Andy Warhol Museum - the largest museum dedicated to one artist to Frank Llyod Wright’s Fallingwater, an architectural masterpiece. Named the city of bridges with 446 in total, travellers can opt to visit the Heinz History Center, have lunch at the famed Primanti Bros and Kayak under the three yellow bridges which connect one end of the city skyline to the next. Purely Travel offers tailor made expeditions for four days. Prices are provided on enquiry. visitpittsburgh.com