5 Solo Travel Island Destinations | Solo Trekker 4 U
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5 Solo Travel Island Destinations: *See our new island #6 below for an updated option for solo travel island adventures!
Island vacations always evoke images of honeymooners or romantic getaways for couples. On my second trip to Bermuda, predictably the first couple I met was there renewing their wedding vows for the second or third time. Somehow it did not seem like the perfect choice for a solo traveler. The key is to find an island that offers active sports, cultural or historical sites not just miles of beaches and constant sunshine.
Here are our 5 solo travel island destinations we recommend plus a special update for 2021-2022:
The dual island nation of Trinidad and Tobago has been described as the “United States of the Caribbean” because of its diverse cultures. Both Hindu temples and mosques dot the countryside along with Catholic and Anglican churches. English-speaking but close enough to have a view of Venezuela across the Boca de Dragon, Trinidad takes credit for developing the steel drum while its Carnival rivals that of neighboring Brazil. Tobago with its famous Buccoo Reef is good balance for Trinidad’s more hectic pace. This small island received considerable publicity when the Beatles filmed Help! There decades ago.
If you are set on finding a solo travel vacation package in the islands, see our 5 Top Caribbean Destinations.
If the Tropics hold no appeal, try the far north. Iceland year round, provides ecotours and treks across volcanic moonscapes. However, be sure to check how much daylight is likely if you are traveling during the winter months. Spending a cold afternoon outdoors in the hot springs makes for a real photo opp. You can capture enthusiasts clad in wet bathing suits dashing for the dressing room amid piles of snowdrifts. If you are seeking more adventure, helicopter skiing provides experts with the opportunity to say they “Skied the Arctic Circle”.
If you are keen on an ecotour but really interested in seeing exotic wildlife, the Galapagos archipelago is a better option. Almost 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian mainland, the Galapagos have some of the rarest animals in the world as well as species reportedly introduced to the islands by pirates. Although you can’t go for a ride on them, you can follow the path of a Galapagos giant tortoise through the islands. Penguins stroll by and the only “honeymooners” are the Blue-Footed Boobies who use this cerulean hue to entice future mates.
Another kind of Greek Island vacation! No tilting at windmills as you could in Mykonos. Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands, provides a treasure trove for archeology buffs. It is most famous for its Minoan, Mycenaean and Roman history. If you look hard enough, you may even see King Minos, Theseus, and the Minotaur pass by or at least in your imagination. For another top solo travel package for Crete, click here. Better yet prices tend to be very cheap all year long.
For a top singles vacation, not only for Saint Patrick’s Day festivities, try Ireland all year round.
If ancient cultures are too remote for your personal taste, consider Ireland’s later history of the Celts, the Vikings, the Normans and the British. You can kiss the Blarney Stone and drive the Ring of Kerry all in one day. For the ultimate green trip through Ireland, grab a bike and make your way through the countryside. Dublin blends a historic past with the modern day while the seaside County Cork still has roads occasionally blocked by herds of cows leisurely crossing to the other side. See also this Ireland Budget Package.
* No. 6: Special: New Island Addition to Consider in 2021-2022:
Bonaire:
Take advantage of the current “We Miss You” promotion. Multiple vendors and service providers are offering great discounts. Check it out.
Bonaire is one of five Netherland Antilles islands. It is less well known than popular Aruba and Curacao although it is still ideal for diving, eco tours and endless beaches. Being off the beaten path can mean some good prices and smaller crowds.
Bonaire’s colonial history dates back to 1499 when it was claimed by the Spanish crown. At that time, it was “discovered” by Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda. In 1636, Bonaire became a Dutch possession. However, competing European powers dominated the island until 1816. From that time forward, it has been an overseas part of the Netherlands.
During the period of 1799 – 1816, sometimes referred to as the “time of confusion” the Island was occupied off and on by various countries and individuals. This was due to changing European politics, which in turn affected the Caribbean Islands. In 1816, Bonaire returned back to the Dutch.
For places to stay: See Treasure by The Sea, a two bedroom house starting at only $127 in Dec.
5 Solo Travel Island Destinations: If you are booking for next year in any case, consider going off-season for even better discounts.
Learn More:
Island Vacations Not Just for Honeymooners
Part 2 Island Vacations Not Just for Honeymooners
Secret Greek Islands for Singles Vacations