Travel blogger Ha La La suggests ideal destinations for solo trips.

Ha La La is an architect and travel blogger currently living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2017, she took her first solo trip abroad to South Korea. For this female travel blogger, the solo trip brought many benefits but also presented numerous challenges.

“I think that first and foremost, solo travel will help me learn better management and organization skills. For example, financial management, time management… I also learned planning skills, scheduling for a trip, independence, and problem-solving skills. All these skills are not only useful for traveling but are also essential for work and life. I made many new friends, and I can arrange and change all my travel plans according to my own wishes without depending on the choices of travel companions,” said Ha La La.

Before each trip, travel bloggers always prepare thoroughly when choosing a destination for solo travel. From Ha La La's perspective, there are quite a few different criteria to consider when deciding whether or not to travel alone to a particular place. She suggests some criteria to consider when choosing a destination for solo travel, including finances, transportation, safety, and health…

According to Ha La La, in countries with well-developed public transportation, traveling alone is very convenient. Tourists can use public services. However, if traveling to areas with difficult road conditions, renting a pickup truck or other large vehicles and traveling with a group will save costs.

"For example, there are some places where traveling alone as a woman can be quite challenging, unless you have strong problem-solving skills, have thoroughly researched the local culture and history, and possess a certain level of courage. However, for the vast majority of solo travelers, if it's their first trip, they shouldn't go to overly difficult areas," the female travel blogger confided.

Ha La La shared that any location can be suitable for solo travel, as long as you understand your personality and preferences so you can choose a suitable destination.

Befriend the ocean

For sea enthusiasts and scuba diving lovers, travel blogger Ha La La suggests the ideal destinations are the archipelagos of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia… The rich and diverse marine ecosystems provide opportunities for visitors to experience scuba diving. You certainly can't resist the beauty of the vibrant coral reefs, in a multitude of colors, beneath the ocean's surface.

With just a scuba tank and basic diving equipment, visitors can freely explore and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. As you dive into the vast ocean, you'll have the opportunity to admire the stunning natural beauty beneath the surface, have fun, and frolic freely in the clear, captivating waters. With the allure of this exciting diving experience and exploration of the boundless ocean, a solo trip to the islands promises to create many unforgettable memories.

Adventures in the high mountains

“Those who love traveling in high-altitude areas can choose places like Ladakh, Zanskar, or trekking routes in Nepal… People often think it’s impossible to travel alone to these places. However, I think that if you have travel experience, know how to handle situations, and research the trip thoroughly, you can still travel solo to those destinations normally,” said Ha La La.

All the mountain peaks soar high above the clouds, offering breathtaking views and a unique climbing experience. The captivating scenery and the feeling of standing atop the mountain range satisfy the excitement and thrill of adventurous solo travelers.

A trip for the "first time".

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan… are safe countries that are also relatively close to Vietnamese people, as suggested by travel blogger Ha La La for first-time solo travelers.

Due to cultural similarities with Vietnam, these Asian countries are not too difficult to travel to solo. The destinations boast stunning natural landscapes, captivating beaches, diverse cuisine, and more. Furthermore, because they are close to Vietnam, the cost of solo travel is quite reasonable for many people.

In particular, during solo trips, travel blogger Ha La La always uses apps to assist with booking flights, reserving hotels, getting directions, and communicating… “Using apps makes planning ahead and experiencing travel journeys more convenient and easier. It’s like an essential part of solo travel or independent travel,” Ha La La shared.

Additional information:

From December 8th to 24th, 2023, Agoda – a digital travel booking platform – in collaboration with Travellive Media Group and Travel Content Creator Vinh Gấu, organized the "Solo Travel Dream Deals Contest: Design Your Itinerary – Win Amazing Prizes" for solo travel enthusiasts. The prize for the winner is up to VND 60,000,000, allowing them to experience booking services, including round-trip flights, up to 10 nights of accommodation, and sightseeing tickets through the Agoda app.

You can participate in the contest by following the instructions here.linkFor a chance to win this amazing prize! Let Agoda help you design your itinerary and fulfill your passion for travel!

View program details and register.here.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai