One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to choose exactly where you want to go, what you want to do, and when you want to do it. These are some of the best activities for solo travellers.
Whether you’re looking for ways to meet new people, or spaces where you can truly have some alone time, take inspiration from the Citizen Femme team. Including spa days and shopping, art galleries and volunteering, these are some of the best things to do when you’re travelling solo.
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Sheena Bhattessa, Founder
One of the best ways to explore a new city is with a run. I put my running shoes on (with AirPods and a book in my bag), head out of the hotel, and see where it takes me. I’ll also always visit a museum, perhaps join a walking tour (ideally in English, alternatively in the destination’s language), catch a show (the last time I did this I found myself in a flamenco bar in Madrid), and find a local yoga class to pop into on my travels. I love to pick up the local language through small talk with the many people I come across. One of my other favourite things to do in a new city is coffee-shop hopping, with book in hand. It’s a fine way to watch people go about their daily lives and to catch up on some reading, with no interruptions.
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Katie Silcox, Managing Editor
Depending on how long you’re visiting for, volunteering can be a great way to meet people and to give back to the community you’ve temporarily become a part of. Earthwatch is a good place to start if you only have a couple of weeks, or if you have longer, People and Places work on projects centred on women’s empowerment, child development, animal and nature conservation, and educational support, among other things. Alternatively, think about your personal interests and passions and contact NGOs local to the area you’ll be staying in.
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Gemma Louise Deeks, Contributing Fashion Editor
There’s nothing I love more than solo shopping. I’m not one for dragging other people around whilst trying to find something special, so I love wondering into boutiques and taking my time to try on items, and having the time to think about purchases without imposing on someone else’s trip. Retail therapy followed by a long delicious lunch is an ideal day for me.
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Becki Murray, Beauty Editor
Your hobbies are your best friends when travelling solo, as they are the easiest way to find like-minded people without standing awkwardly in a bar. I always like to look up community running groups to get my kick of endorphins surrounded by those with similar interests, and tend to end up exploring further with those I meet on the run. If you are a foodie, local cooking courses can help you get your culture fix in an environment you feel at home in too, while attending an exhibition or sports event where you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by individuals with similar passions – whether you speak to them or not – can give you peace of mind that you’ll have a good time.
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Morag Turner, Citizen Enfants Editor
I love finding out as much as possible about the history and culture of anywhere I visit. A few years back I hired a private guide to take me on a walking tour of Rome and it was wonderful. She was an Italian historian, and took me to sites such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, explaining the history in great detail. The tour was packed with anecdotes and local knowledge, and I was able to ask lots of questions; I left feeling like I knew Rome so much better. I’ve done similar tours in other cities and can’t wait to go back to Florence in the autumn, where I’ve booked a guide for a tour of the Uffizi Gallery. This is such a great way to truly discover a place, its landmarks and its history.
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BIBIANA OBAHOR, HEAD OF GRAPHIC DESIGN
When travelling, there’s often a pressure to constantly be “doing” something, especially when with others, as you try to cram in activities to satisfy everyone. That’s why, on solo trips, I try to dedicate a day or two to doing absolutely nothing but relaxing. Spa days are my go-to for some much-needed me time, offering a perfect escape to recharge and indulge in self-care.
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GRACE ROBSON, PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
My favourite part of solo travelling is the people watching. There’s no better way to get a feel for a destination than by watching as people go about their daily lives. If you’re on a city break, find yourself a table outside a café with a coffee or glass of wine, and simply watch the world go by. Alternatively, if you’re on the beach, set yourself up on a sun lounger with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other. You can peek over the top of your book and watch the world go by whenever you fancy.
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ELLA MANSELL, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
If I am travelling solo to a city, my two favourite activities are a visit to the opera (if there is one) and to an art gallery. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the city’s contemporary art gallery is always a good place to start because you’re likely to find famous, crowd-pleasing paintings from artists crucial to the country’s 20th century art scene, as well as newer, local artists challenging creative boundaries in all kinds of ways you might not expect. It’s an inspirational and visual way to enjoy the culture and history of wherever you are. Most contemporary art galleries also host events, from tours of the gallery in the day to workshops, book launch events, and late-night openings where you’re set to bump into likeminded people. I’ve met some of my closest friends this way.
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Lead image: Palm. Noosa
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