Solo Travellers Can't Get Enough of This Country
Mexico is proving increasingly popular with solo travellers, according to a new survey from Airbnb. Both Cancún and Playa Del Carmen saw ‘growth in single-person home bookings over 2016’ – 170% and 141% respectively. Take a look at the full list of trending solo destinations below, as we pick out some of the best experiences on offer.
Cancún, Mexico
With 240 days of sunshine a year, you’ll want to head to one of Cancún’s six public beaches with blue flag certification. Dive or snorkel around Cancún Underwater Museum and enjoy some of the water sports on offer at Playa Caracol.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
It’s impossible to spend time in this foodie paradise without wanting to learn how to cook some delicious street food for yourself. Take a private cooking class, which also includes a trip to the local market to pick up ingredients.
Cologne, Germany
This city is perfect for culture vultures, packed with museums and galleries in which to while away the hours. Take a trip to Cologne Dome, one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture, and Museum Ludwig – home to works by artists Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
A little further South from Cancún you’ll find Playa Del Carmen, a playground for adrenaline junkies. Explore its crystal clear cenotes, swim with sea turtles in Akumal, or dip your toes in soft sand at Tulum. Take a trip to Xcaret, a natural theme park with underwater caves and zip lining.
Johannesburg, South Africa
To really enjoy this urban metropolis, you need to go up. Visit the Carlton Centre, Africa’s tallest building, for stunning views, have a drink at one of Johannesburg’s many rooftop bars and bungee from the Orlando Towers – icons of the Soweto skyline.
São Paulo, Brazil
While the Paulistos (São Paulo natives) work hard, they play even harder. Explore the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), enjoy an ice-cold beer in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Vila Madalena and make new friends in the bars and clubs of Baixo Augusta.
Auckland, New Zealand
This city on New Zealand’s Northern Peninsula is perfect for the adventurous at heart. Bungee jump off Sky Tower, hike up Mount Eden and learn the Haka – New Zealand’s maori war dance. Take a short trip to Waiheke Island and Whakanewha Regional Park.
Mexico City, Mexico
Visit the Cineteca Nacional (an homage to Mexican cinema), the Basílica de Guadalupe and Palacio de Bellas Artes for big and bold architecture, and check out Monumento a la Revolución, Kiosco Morisco and the colourful trajineras (canal boats) for examples of local design.
Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
This South Eastern city is a must-visit for sports fans. Take a tour of the NASCAR Hall of Fame or check out a game at one of Charlotte’s stadiums, including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and the Charlotte Independence playing in the United Soccer League.
Busan, South Korea
This coastal city is home to one of South Korea’s most stunning temples. It’s best to visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple at sunrise or sunset for the best views, before heading into the city to explore the food markets, tent bars and more.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.