Enjoy solo travel: Six destinations for self-discovery

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Compiled Report
 
Pack your bags lightly and embark on an adventure to explore the world—and yourself. No need to compromise on differing interests with travel companions. Travel can become more meaningful, giving you more time to reflect and have meaningful conversations with yourself. Below are six safe and ideal countries for those seeking self-discovery.

1. South Korea
It’s totally fine if your English or Korean isn’t great when visiting South Korea. Especially in Seoul, many shops have staff from Taiwan or China, and some restaurant aunties can even speak Mandarin. Most restaurants in tourist areas offer Chinese menus, and subway and bus stations also have Chinese signage. In recent years, South Korea has seen a rise in solo hedonism—eating, drinking, and watching movies alone are very common. Even supermarkets offer single-serving packages, making it a very solo-traveler-friendly destination.

2. Singapore
Singapore, known for its safety, is a multicultural society where nearly everyone speaks English, and most ethnic Chinese Singaporeans can also communicate in Chinese. It’s less than a 5-hour flight from Taiwan and although small in size, it boasts numerous worthwhile attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay—one of the world’s top ten indoor gardens—the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and the Singapore River Wonders. It’s definitely an ideal choice for solo travel.

3. Thailand
Thailand has become one of the favorite travel destinations for Taiwanese travelers in recent years. In major tourist areas of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, there are plenty of Mandarin speakers, especially in Chiang Mai. Thai service staff are also increasingly proficient in English. The city’s public transportation is very user-friendly, making it extremely convenient for solo travelers.

4. Japan
Japan is one of the most beloved countries for Taiwanese travelers. Aside from its cuisine, natural scenery, temples, and shopping centers, Japan has seen a rise in the solo economy in recent years. There are now single-seater restaurants, opportunities for solo hot spring bathing and dining, and even Universal Studios Japan has introduced solo-friendly facilities. Japanese people are also very friendly, and many signs include Chinese, plus the extremely convenient subway system makes it easy for first-time solo travelers to get around.