35 Solo Travel Destinations for Christmas and New Years

Antarctica

Antarctica is recommended by Karina. “I’ve done Antarctica for Xmas as a solo.”

Africa

Cape Town is recommended by Lize. “For the winelands, beaches, forest, mountains.”

Marrakech, Morocco is recommended by Riad. “You’ll get to enjoy the wonders of the city, the monuments, the souks, the food, a camel ride, ski in the Atlas Mountains, day trip to the surrounding villages… All in one city AND it’s sunny even in December.”

Asia

This bridge in the Monkey Forest near Ubud, Bali leads to the Holy Spring Bathing Temple.

Tokyo, Japan is recommended by T.C. “Decorations everywhere, but everything is much more low key and uniquely Japanese.”

Vietnam is recommended by Jennifer. “I’d go just about anywhere in Vietnam solo, but specifically Hoi An & Hue are lovely.”

The Americas

Galapagos, Ecuador is recommended by Jasmine. “I’m going to the Galapagos for New Year’s. Will be solo, but with like-minded adventurers on a boat. “ 

Guadalajara, Mexico is recommended by Jenny who “spent Christmas at a homestay where they celebrate their Christmas dinner and opening of gifts on 24/12. An experience to remember.”

Peru is recommended by Kay because “everyone goes to the beach for the holidays…” It’s also recommended by Jennifer: “Condor Travel in Peru is excellent at putting together custom tours.”

The Solo Traveler icon subtly tells other solo travelers that you’re one of them. Get it on your phone case, luggage tag, water bottle or simply a pin.

United States

Boston, Massachusetts is recommended by Mira. Book a hotel downtown, close to malls & restaurants and with a pool and hot tub – fabulous!

Disney World, Florida is recommended by Tania. “For a magical experience – hands down”

New York City, New York is recommended by Carol. “New York City has wonderful decorations and Christmas markets. You may want to sleep off Manhattan island to get a cheaper room and commute in using mass transit. There’s nowhere to park and it’s outrageously expensive”. NYC is also recommended by Kathleen – “I live near New York, and I would think that it or any diverse city would be fun–there are always a lot of people who either don’t celebrate or are completely over the Christmas thing, so you would be free to focus your attention on other things.” Read: Affordable New York City: 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips

Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona is recommended by Micheline. “I definitely recommend the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. The botanical garden and the zoo are decorated in festive lights. The winter sky is a beautiful color. The temperature is just right, usually 70s Fahrenheit. Many restaurants have outdoor patios and it’s so pretty to watch the sunset.”

Red Mountain Resort, Utah is recommended by Martha. “Have only been in the fall and it’s not for anyone looking to save money but it’s fabulous. They even have a communal dining table if you’ve a mind to socialize.”

Sedona, Arizona. Trina says “Christmas in Sedona. It’s a lovely time of year to visit, not too cold and still able to go hiking!”

Tucson, AZ Miraval Resort & Spa in the Santa Catalina Mountains in northern Tucson is recommended by René – “You can be as active or as chill as you want at this resort. The location is beautiful, and the food is fantastic!”

Washington, DC is recommended by Micheline. It’s “wonderful at the holidays. The city is beautifully decorated, and the White House is gorgeous during Christmas. It’s become a great restaurant town, too, and there are lots of holiday dishes on menus. Don’t worry about cold weather, it’s a temperate place.”

Read about the Christmas Carp in Prague here.

Europe

Budapest, Hungary is recommended by Sereina “for a winter Christmas. New Zealand for summer one … both are beautiful and have lots to offer at a good price.”

London, England is recommended by Bella. I spent Christmas in London last year and LOVED it! If you go, take a night tour of London and see it all lit up, especially the lovely tree at Buckingham Palace. Check out our posts on London: Affordable London! 32 free and low-cost tips and Marylebone, London & Christmas Magic on Oxford Street

Germany

Christmas Markets in Germany are recommended by Karla. “I go every year to the Christmas Markets . I absolutely love them! And I’m never lonely.”

Nuremberg, Germany is recommended by Shannon. “The traditional Christmas market is an amazing experience.”

Paris, France is recommended by Micheline. Paris is festive at Christmas. Try to arrive a day or two ahead, so you can get your bearings and figure out your plan for the holiday. Before Christmas, you can see the fascinating Buche de Noel displays in bakery windows. While many restaurants close for Christmas itself, hotel restaurants serve and Paris has some wonderful ones. Be sure to take a stroll or a cab ride to see the lights.

Prague, Czech Republic is recommended by Shweta who says “Prague..possibly the BEST city to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s! Tracey also wrote about her time there in this post, Christmas Carp: Sold in Prague.

Spain

Seville is recommended by Sarah. “I went last year and loved it. So tapas Christmas for us!”

Barcelona is recommended by Amanda. Barcelona was brilliant at Christmas. They don’t make a big fuss and the local shops and the eateries remain open. I stayed in a lovely little B&B whose breakfast was enough to keep me going all day. The weather was mild and the sights not too crowded. Best solo Christmas ever

Vienna, Austria is recommended by Grace. “I would definitely recommend Vienna as a Christmas destination. Aside from being solo friendly with a phenomenally efficient and navigable transport system, the whole city has a wonderful traditional Christmas feel to it, especially after dark when the light displays come into their own! Throw in the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, and you’ve got yourself a magical Christmas experience.”

Paris and London are recommended by Suzanne. “I’ve spent Thanksgiving in Paris and London over the years – it’s a great time to see the holiday decorations as well as the Christmas markets which are open yet it’s not too cold. My dream New Year’s Eve is Sydney someday soon.”

Emily went to Iceland solo at Christmas. You can read about her trip here.

Middle East

Jordan is recommended by Catherine. “It’s my favourite country and I had a fantastic tour there over Christmas a couple of years ago. So much to see and do, amazing food, such friendly people and Petra is absolutely fantastic. Sadly, due to the situation in the Middle East tourist numbers have dropped drastically but I understand it’s still perfectly safe. You may even get Petra almost to yourself.”

AustraliaOceana

Alice Springs to Darwin by train is recommended by Joanne. “I did the Ghan train trip on Christmas from Alice Springs to Darwin…but it does go from Adelaide then to Alice Springs and up to Darwin!”

Bondi Beach is recommended by Roxana.

Sydney is recommended by Les for Christmas/New Year. The weather is a little different there that time of year than it is in the Upper Midwest.

New Zealand is recommended by the bloggers at Indie Travel Podcast. “I’d have to recommend New Zealand for Christmas, it’s summer and lovely! If you’re travelling solo, you could hop on the Stray Backpacker bus for an instant group of friends but with the flexibility to hop on and hop off when you like.”

Taking a river cruise I met Amber, another solo traveler. If I want company I can usually find it traveling solo.

Will You Feel Lonely Being Alone for the Holidays?

And then the question arose…

Magdalene. “I hope it’s not a silly question… but do you feel lonely travelling alone on festive season such as Christmas?”

And the answers came

Emily. “Christmas two years ago… I was pretty terrified about it and really not looking forward to spending Christmas alone but it was awesome! Those Nordic countries really know how to keep Christmas festive!”

Panache. “Once you realise how peaceful and interesting it is to spend time with yourself, you are ready to go, no matter what the season. Festive or not. I feel totally blessed.”

Catherine. “I never feel lonely travelling over Christmas but then I started doing it to escape my family! Maybe you’d feel less that way by doing a group tour? I’ve met some amazing people who have become firm friends doing that.”

Sherryl. “As a single childless adult with family in far flung places in the world, it became quite normal to go off by myself on a diving vacation almost every year. I quite enjoy it and often pick out something spectacular to do on the 25th.”

Jill. “Yes. Traveling means being alone and not being judged and compared by others.”