Besides, constrained by the number of days off, many workers fancy quick solo getaways to neighbouring countries over the weekend. Free of any complexity of planning your itinerary, travelling alone means you can go where your heart desires, with an edge in finding seats and queuing up when visiting popular restaurants and theme parks, so you can truly enjoy a precious holiday. 

What places are best for solo trips?

Fantasising about taking your first step towards solo travel, but still nervous about your lack of experience? Why not start with picking some safer cities more equipped with tourism infrastructure, and accumulate experience step by step! Travel site Tripadvisor² has recommended several cities most apt for solo travel, based on criteria of safety, attractions and accommodations, some of which are not far from Hong Kong. You may take it as reference, and plan your 2024 solo travel:

1. Tokyo

Tokyo is not just a food paradise, it’s also the birthplace of capsule hotels, making it without doubt a top destination for solo trips. A comprehensive rail network can bring you easily to different suburbs, to visit the Gundam Factory in Yokohama, hot spring resorts in Hakone, the Great Buddha in Kamakura, or Mount Fuji in Yamanashi etc, making for an amazing solo travel experience.

2. London

London is a multicultural city with vibrant cultures and convenient public transport. Many attractions are suitable for solo travel, such as the British Museum, or the Tate Modern art gallery etc. The bar culture there also makes it easy for you to make new friends, adding surprises and fun to your trip.

3. Melbourne

Melbourne’s Smith Street was named ‘World’s Coolest Street’ by Time Out Magazine in 2021. With thematic bars and cafes everywhere, trendy boutiques, CD and antique stores, as well as quite a few live houses, you will definitely not get bored even travelling alone from dawn to dusk.

4. Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has it all from cultural markets, old towns, temples, picturesque cafes, to zoos, with prices as economical as Bangkok’s but without the hustle and bustle there, making it more ideal for solo exploration. Little wonder that it has become a favourite spot of the digital nomads. 

What should you pay attention to for your first solo trip?

Solo travel is actually not as difficult as you may have thought, just relax and make the below preparations and you are ready to go:

1. Make note of emergency information prior to the trip

Before departure, you should save some local emergency contacts on your phone, such as police and consulate helplines etc, so you can get help quickly in case of emergencies.

2. Travel light

If you want to thoroughly enjoy your solo trip, you should lighten your load to relieve the stress of taking care of your luggage, as well as reduce the risk of losing them or getting them stolen.

3. Buy travel insurance

Many people may think their trips only last a few days, or believe in their luck, therefore travel insurance is not necessary. However, accidents are beyond your expectations, a recent study³ in Britain has found the 5 most common travel insurance claims as listed below, proving accidents still catch people off guard during their trips:

Number 1: Medical expenses
Number 2: Flight cancellations
Number 3: Flight delays
Number 4: Loss of luggage
Number 5: Property loss

In fact, travel insurance not only puts your mind at ease during your trips, it also protects you in case of various accidents, turning misfortunes into the least worst. That’s why it is worth your consideration whether you are travelling solo or with family! 

If you have already purchased AXA’s ‘SmartTraveller’ prior to departure, you can lower any potential losses or impacts to the minimum. In situations like a flight delay of up to 6 hours or more, you can get compensated, with cover including transport expenses incurred as a result of the itinerary changes, extra overseas accommodation fees, non-refundable accommodation deposits or charges, as well as non-refundable deposits or charges for missing events. If unfortunately you have lost your luggage or personal properties, you can receive compensation of up to HK$20,000, giving you a peace of mind during your trips.