Discovering Yourself and the World: Top Solo Travel Destinations with Avios

Above all, solo travel is the world’s best confidence booster. You learn to problem-solve on the go, get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and discover your own strengths. With every kilometre travelled, you’ll find yourself growing, not just in passport stamps, but in spirit. 

If you’re thinking of going on a solo adventure, read on for our top tips and the best routes according to our Reward Flight Finder (RFF). 

Tips for Solo Travel

Think it Through

Take a moment and ask yourself, "What flavour of adventure am I craving?" Are you looking to dive deep into a completely new culture that feels like you've been transported to another planet? Or are you yearning for some peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Your solo journey should be as unique as you are. Remember, there's no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to travel.

Pinpoint the experience you're after and let it guide your destination choice for trips focused on a soul-stirring spiritual quest in the heartlands of India, a relaxing beach escape in the Caribbean, or both.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Your travel adventure should be thrilling, not stressful. And the key to keeping those butterflies in your stomach purely from excitement is planning. Get to know your chosen destination, and find the best places to eat, sleep, and explore. Look up local customs so you can blend in like a pro. Keep an eye out and book flights with Avios to keep your travel budget happy. Plan your spending money. Basically, have your plans A to Z all set and dusted. And then, watch as your journey unfolds naturally.

Work on Your Social Skills

Travelling solo doesn't mean you're alone, not unless you want to be. The world is full of fascinating people, just waiting to share their stories. And you’re about to step into a never-ending pool of interesting conversations. Try practising a few ice-breaker questions, like asking a fellow traveller about the best thing they've done so far or a local for their favourite hole-in-the-wall eatery. You never know, the people you meet might just become chapters in the book of your solo travel story.

Be Patient and Flexible

Sometimes, the road less travelled might have a few bumps. And that's perfectly okay. Remember to be patient with yourself and the situations you encounter. Take time to acclimatise and settle in. Allow yourself a day or two just to wander, relax, and soak up the new environment. Always leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous plans. If a fellow traveller suggests somewhere off the tourist trail, don't be afraid to go off-script and check it out. Your solo adventure is all about discovering the unexpected and embracing the journey as it unfolds.

Favourite Solo Destinations

China

China is a fascinating blend where time-honoured traditions meet modernity. Immerse yourself in Beijing's rich past at the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, or in Shanghai, get lost in the futuristic skyline dotted with architectural wonders. In Hong Kong, discover a foodie's paradise where East meets West in culinary harmony. 

Accommodation options range from swanky high-rise hotels to traditional guest houses, catering to all kinds of budgets. The extensive and efficient public transport system will make navigating through these sprawling cities a breeze.

If you book flights with Avios, your gateway to China has never been easier. London to Beijing will set you back a mere 47,500 Avios and £165 for an off-peak Premium Economy reward seat each way, while an off-peak Business Class seat costs 90,000 Avios and an additional £225. If you prefer the gleaming skylines of Hong Kong or Shanghai, off-peak Premium Economy reward seats cost 50,000 Avios and £190 each way. The plush off-peak Business Class option for these routes will require 100,000 Avios and a supplement of £275.

Timing is everything when it comes to snagging those coveted reward seats. For Shanghai and Beijing, you’ll see good availability in Premium Economy and Business Class from November 2023. Hong Kong’s best availability is forecasted for May 2024, giving you plenty of time to pack your suitcase and prepare for an exciting adventure.

Greece

Greece is full of breathtaking landscapes, profound history, and vibrant culture. Visit Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, wander the charming streets of Santorini or indulge in the crystal-clear waters of Crete. Greek hospitality is legendary, making it an ideal place for solo travellers. Accommodations vary from plush resorts to cosy B&Bs, and getting around is simple with efficient ferry services and local transport.

Say 'Yassas' to Greece, with abundant Avios reward seat routes available. Be it Athens, Chania, Heraklion, Kalamata, Kefalonia, Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Preveza, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos, Thessaloniki or Zakynthos, you can land at any of these destinations for as little as 13,750 Avios and 50p in the off-peak economy. Should you wish to fly Business Class, a mere 24,250 Avios and 50p each way will have you reclining in style. Starting from November 2023, there's excellent availability for reward seats in both cabin classes, making your solo trip to Greece easy to plan.

Japan

Japan is a land of endless discovery. Explore Tokyo's bustling districts, marvel at Kyoto's timeless temples, or relax in an Onsen (hot spring) in Hakone. Whether it's staying in a Ryokan (traditional inn) or a capsule hotel, accommodation experiences are diverse and unique. Navigating Japan is a dream, with its punctual and widespread train network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). Staying connected on the move is much easier with a Japan eSIM, especially when navigating stations, translation apps, and travel bookings across the country.

Stepping into the land of the rising sun is easier with Avios. London to Tokyo flights in Premium Economy can be as affordable as 50,000 Avios and £190 each way. If you prefer to travel in style, Business Class seats go for 100,000 Avios and an additional £275 each way, off-peak. Now, here's a hot tip: Tokyo is one of our most popular reward seat searches, it’s always in demand with Avios collectors. Premium Economy seats for the early months of 2024 are up for grabs now if you hurry. However, the best selection of seats springs up from May 2024. And for those who fancy the luxurious space of Business Class, be sure to set an Alert with our Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to nab the best deals.

India

India is a sensory overload of cultures, landscapes, and history. Stroll through the busy streets of Old Delhi, marvel at the architectural wonder of the Taj Mahal in Agra, or unwind on Goa's golden beaches. Stay options are abundant, from royal palaces turned hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Public transport is available, although hiring a driver can be an inexpensive and comfortable way to travel long distances.

You can easily journey into the colourful chaos of India with Avios. Reward seats to major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai can be as economical as 47,500 Avios and £165 each way in off-peak Premium Economy and 90,000 Avios and £225 each way in off-peak Business Class.

For Bangalore or Chennai, you'll find an ample supply of seats in both cabin classes from September 2023. Eyeing Delhi? You're in luck as Premium Economy seats are plentiful from September onward, but for those yearning for the plush comfort of Business Class, you might want to mark your calendars for January 2024. Now, if Hyderabad or Mumbai are more your style, both Premium Economy and Business Class seats show good availability from as early as August 2023. Keep in mind, the early bird gets the worm, so don’t forget to set up an alert with RFF.

Italy

Italy is a living museum where art, history, and culture come alive. Wander the ancient ruins of Rome, lose yourself in the Renaissance beauty of Florence, or glide in a gondola through Venice's canals. From luxury hotels to charming family-run B&Bs, Italy offers diverse accommodation options. And when it comes to getting around, Italy's extensive rail network makes travelling a piece of 'tiramisu.’

According to our Reward Flight Finder (RFF), your Italian escape is covered with reward seats on flights between London and a plethora of stunning Italian cities like Bari, Bologna, Brindisi, Cagliari, Catania, Florence, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Perugia, Pisa, Rome, Torino, Venice, and Verona. For those budget-conscious solo travellers, off-peak Economy reward seats to Italy are a sweet deal, costing a mere 11,750 Avios and 50p each way. However, if you're craving a little extra luxury and comfort, you might fancy the Business Class experience. With a ticket price of 20,000 Avios and 50p cash each way during off-peak times, it's an irresistible treat for the discerning traveller.