OT - Solo holiday suggestion
Jan 4, 2012, 12:10 am
#31
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Cheap flight to Okinawa, at 10,000 yen each way, on OW Yokoso fare, and excellent MFU availability for Tokyo from London.
Still, I am not sure if I would recommend Japan to a solo traveller unless they want to shop (but only if they are small if after clothes) and do lots of sight-seeing. There are many better beach locations than Japan.
Jan 4, 2012, 12:12 am
#32
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Well, here it comes from the 'expert'. I have traveled the globe and most of it solo. My criterion for a destination to be 'solo friendly' is that you can keep to yourself if you want without feeling isolated and that you can easily make acquaintances if you want to.
My top destinations for that are:
Places I would not recommend:
My top destinations for that are:
- Thailand (whomever said that it wasn't solo traveler friendly probably has never been there). I hate Phuket but there are better locations like Koh Lanta.
- Costa Rica. Especially easy if you surf but even if you don't it attracts a friendly kind of people. Playa Samara would be my choice. No nightlife to speak of but you easily meet people to have drinks with.
- Bali. Yes, loads of couples but also lots of expats. Make sure you're in Seminyak and hang out at KuDeTa and surroundings. Loads of clubs, bars and great restaurants. Lots of single women of all ages too.
- Miami. Need I explain? Hard to really get to know the right people though. It helps if you're stinking rich.
- Cambodia/Laos/Vietnam - for the more adventurous. Not sure that is what you are looking for.
Places I would not recommend:
- Japan - you'll be lonely as hell. Hard to socialize with the 'natives' and I did not encounter many 'kindred travelers'.
- California if you don't know people there. I am lucky enough to know a lot of people there but if you don't you'll be very isolated. I spent some time in places where I knew nobody and it wasn't much fun. If you enjoy being by yourself it is the best place on earth though.
Jan 4, 2012, 1:09 am
#34
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thanks for all the advice.
I've been to Japan a few times but better places for a beach holiday I think.
Vietnam could be a possibility - seem to be some nice beaches and a few sights to see. Not entirely sure how to get there!
I've been to Japan a few times but better places for a beach holiday I think.
Vietnam could be a possibility - seem to be some nice beaches and a few sights to see. Not entirely sure how to get there!
Last edited by irmster; Jan 4, 2012 at 1:28 am
Jan 4, 2012, 1:11 am
#35
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Jan 4, 2012, 7:03 am
#37
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And the rest of us aren't?
Jan 4, 2012, 7:18 am
#38
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You guys all have significant others and families. Some even move to different continents for them...
I am in Thailand now and I still fail to see how it is not suitable for the over 30's solo traveler. What I like about it is that you can immerse yourself in luxury if you want or go for a more 'relaxed' environment all in the same 10 square miles. The disadvantage is that you may be mistaken for a dirty old man. Every old, fat white guy I see here walking around by himself I immediately consider to be a sex tourist...
I am in Thailand now and I still fail to see how it is not suitable for the over 30's solo traveler. What I like about it is that you can immerse yourself in luxury if you want or go for a more 'relaxed' environment all in the same 10 square miles. The disadvantage is that you may be mistaken for a dirty old man. Every old, fat white guy I see here walking around by himself I immediately consider to be a sex tourist...
Jan 4, 2012, 7:31 am
#39
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I really enjoyed travelling on my own but hated stopping in one place for more than a couple of days....much preferred being on the move.
As for beaches.....I hate them unless they are deserted.
Jan 4, 2012, 7:33 am
#40
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For culture, food and lovely people though, it's hard to beat.
BAH
Jan 4, 2012, 7:37 am
#42
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Jan 4, 2012, 7:42 am
#43
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There are some great hotels like The Chedi, which aren't cheap, but the IC in Muscat is perfect and on the beach:
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/interco...cations/muscat
Just 30k Priority Club points per night, too!
Jan 4, 2012, 8:00 am
#44
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I also like the Grand Hyatt in Muscat, though the Intercon has a good views of the sea from its mini cliff. The Grand Hyatt has several internal restaurants, and one or two other places in walking distance, but you best factor in a few taxi fares to other places in Muscat. Funny green parakeets come swooping around at breakfast time. The beach facilities are better at the Intercon, but not all rooms have good views. The Grand Hyatt rooms are much better and are big. You've got to be a bit careful where you point your camera at that hotel, the neighbours are indeed embassies and they get twitchy about that!
However in terms of sociability you may want to go to one of the traditional medium or smaller resorts of the Leeward Isalnds, in places like Nevis. Eg. Nisbet Plantation. People tend to do their own thing during the day, but there's a formalish dinner included in the rate and people mix together for that.
I don't dismiss Americans, I find them naturally sociable, even in California, but I see the point that is being made. Costa Rica is lovely!
However in terms of sociability you may want to go to one of the traditional medium or smaller resorts of the Leeward Isalnds, in places like Nevis. Eg. Nisbet Plantation. People tend to do their own thing during the day, but there's a formalish dinner included in the rate and people mix together for that.
I don't dismiss Americans, I find them naturally sociable, even in California, but I see the point that is being made. Costa Rica is lovely!
Jan 4, 2012, 8:15 am
#45
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Really? As a solo traveller who's been to Japan several times I'd say it's a fantastic place to visit. I guess it depends what you're looking for - I like to explore, and coupled with a JR Pass (as mentioned a few posts back) it's possible to cover a lot of quite varied ground in one trip. Possibly not what the OP is after, though!