Traveling solo? Here's where you should go

22 hrs.

Nicole Campoy-Leffler , The Daily Meal

Let?s first tackle?the concerns and hesitations about traveling solo. Safety issues, handling?language barriers?and having to dine out alone are all things that could keep?us all from hitting the road alone. But the benefits ? being on your own?schedule, eating what you want where you want?and?feeling totally independent ? can outweigh any negative connotations. Plus, the?solo traveler gets to temporarily escape from the hustle of the everyday and go?exactly and only where they want.

Click?here to see 8 prime destinations for the solo traveler

Of course, traveling on one?s own isn?t for everyone. The?trick is to plan ahead ? make sure you choose a safe place, plan great?activities to keep you busy, do some research on all the great things to taste,?think of somewhere with friendly locals and a communal vibe and suck up any?insecurities about talking to strangers because they?re the ones with the best?tips; the hotel concierge, friendly bartender and locals standing in line for?something that looks and smells delicious are all the best impromptu tour?guides.

Click?here to see the 101 best hotel restaurants around the world

Certain destinations?are better for solo travelers than others, depending on language barriers,?easy-to-understand currency, built-in activities or food so good you?ll forget?you?re sitting there on your own. Ideal solo destinations don?t need to be too?far flung, either ? Austin and Portland are both dynamic, charming places to?spend a few days alone. But international destinations from Belize to Dublin?make for safe, mouthwatering, friendly and relaxing getaways for anyone?looking to get out on their own. If retelling the glory of your own travel?successes and laughing at your own trip-ups sounds like the right kind of holiday for you, read on for the eight prime solo?destinations.

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Venice, Italy
Getting lost along Venice's?canals is one of life's great pleasures, and?while it might sound like a romantic interlude, it can be equally (if not more)?indulgent if you take that stroll on your own. Stop into family-owned?boutiques, lounge over espressos on canal-side terraces and sink into dimly-lit trattorias for long, perfectly prepared dinners. Spend at least one day?exploring Murano and Burano, the two islands sitting just out of view of Piazza?San Marco where lace and hand-blown glass have been made for generations.

Norway
Scandinavians love?showing newcomers around to help them fall ever more in love with their?fantastic food scene, fascinating culture and stunning landscape. And that Norway?is ranked ninth on the Global Peace?Index quells safety concerns. The country boasts 21 national parks, legendary?fjords and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, as well as a?cuisine that has been on culinary trends lists for the last two years, for good?reason.

Portland, Ore.
Portland is on everyone's minds now, with its?laid-back cool vibe, lush greenery and ample opportunities to spend all day?outdoors. Its food cart scene rivals that of cities twice its size and the?caf?s, boutiques and galleries lining Mississippi Avenue are not the usual?brand names you'll find from SoHo to Melrose. Solo travelers are easily?entertained in this relaxing mecca of hip design and mouthwatering food.

Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is definitely having its moment in?the spotlight ? the food, music and art scenes are at full tilt. Solo?travelers would be right at home during a long weekend spent in Austin, where?sampling the iconic barbecue at the Salt Lick, grabbing a coffee from Jo's?coffee shop at the Hotel San Jose or stopping in for a drink at La Condesa mean built-in conversation with locals sitting nearby.

Fiji
It?s easy to assume?that an island of spectacular beauty like Fiji would be expensive or lonely for?solo travelers, or both. Not so. Fiji has fantastic lodgings that don't break?the bank, the locals are warm and welcoming, and there is ample mouthwatering?tropical food to sample. Close your eyes and imagine this: island-hopping to?try spicy island-style Indian food, fresh grilled seafood and Fiji-style?barbecue with funds to spare.

Click?here to see more prime destinations for the solo traveler

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Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/itineraries/prime-destinations-solo-traveler-6175427

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