Spring, a season of renewal and new beginnings, is finally upon us. The vitality recovered can be a strong catalyst for going solo between March and May. It’s a great chance to discover new places and feel active again.
Five Spring Destinations for Solo Travelers – Photo Courtesy: Patrik Göthe @ Unsplash
From Australia, where the climate is milder and events multiply, to Europe, that reblooms and becomes even more beautiful after the rigors of winter, our spring shortlist for solo travelers provides a few ideas for safe, pleasant trips at a reasonable cost. Here’s yet another Top 5 from the Alternative Travel Index.
#1 Spain
3 places to travel alone: Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, that boasts a truly spectacular flora; Catalonia, a showcase of European landscapes on a small scale; Albarracín and its mountain range, in the remote, rural province of Teruel.
2 things to do in Spain: mingle with locals at one of the many Spanish spring fiestas, from Valencia’s Fallas in mid-March to Madrid’s San Isidro in mid-May; visit some of the finest examples of Romanesque art in the north of Palencia.
Backpacker cost per day: 53 USD = 51 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Spain Travel Guide.
#2 Australia
3 places to travel alone: the Northern Territory, with its ancient cultures and pristine sandy beaches; Sydney, the largest, oldest, and most cosmopolitan city in Australia; Tasmania, a mountainous island rich in unspoiled natural heritage.
2 things to do in Australia: get involved in nature conservation and help protect Australia’s diversity; take a relaxing railway journey to criss-cross the country.
Backpacker cost per day: 67 USD = 64 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Australia Travel Guide.
#3 France
3 places to travel alone: Nantes, “French Greenest City” due to 3,366 hectares of green spaces and several Natura 2000 zones; La Camargue, Western Europe’s largest river delta; the Luberon National Park, just in the heart of Provence.
2 things to do in France: explore the Cévennes by hiking the Stevenson Trail; walk or cycle along the Canal du Midi, a 241 km waterway in Southern France.
Backpacker cost per day: 74 USD = 71 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our France Travel Guide.
#4 Germany
3 places to travel alone: Berlin, considered by many the “post-tourist” capital of Europe; the Baltic Sea Coast, famous for its different types of coastline and the diverse nature; Harz National Park, a nature reserve with camping facilities.
2 things to do in Germany: take a train trip through Germany with Deutsche Bahn; hike the Goldsteig Trail, 660 km of great sceneries and cultural sites.
Backpacker cost per day: 67 USD = 64 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Germany Travel Guide.
#5 Bulgaria
3 places to travel alone: Sofia, a capital that features hundreds of cultural centres and historic landmarks; Pirin National Park, a large wilderness area in Southern Bulgaria; the Srebarna Nature Reserve, located on a key bird migration route.
2 things to do in Bulgaria: enjoy the great outdoors and the blooming flowers in the parks near Kazanlak (Rose Valley); volunteer at a bear sanctuary in Belitsa.
Backpacker cost per day: 34 USD = 33 EUR
For more inspiration, check out our Bulgaria Travel Guide.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March, 2017, and has been updated to revise the list of countries, include additional items, and keep it fresh and accurate.