Solo travel, Travel diary

5 of my most memorable solo travel trips

RiA
21 May, 2020
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Despite not being able to go away on my solo travels right now, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I’ve been taking a look at some of the places I’ve visited. It was hard to narrow it down, but I want to share 5 of my most memorable solo travel trips with you.

In no particular order…

1. Florence, Italy

Drawn to the architecture in this beautiful Tuscan city, I’ve visited Florence three times in the last few years. I just find it amazing and love wandering around taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the city.

Santa Maria Novelle - Florence: RiA Vistas solo traveller

One of the main reasons I ventured back more than once was because the first time there I never made it inside the famous Duomo, Santa’s Maria Novelle. The first time I saw it I stopped and couldn’t help but stare. You can see its dome and bell tower peaking above the rooftops from almost anywhere you are in the city.

Each time I’ve stayed in Florence, I pick Plus Florence Hostel and Rooms. It’s a great place to stay and is located a walk away from many of the city’s attractions.

I adore Florence and would go back again in future. Plan your future trip there and check out these 8 things to do while in the city.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of my most recent travel memories, 2019 was the year I made it to Croatia. A trio that included Dubrovnik, Hvar and Split. I really enjoyed myself and balanced relaxing with exploring. Dubrovnik is gorgeous and if you’re able to get high up the view is outstanding!

During my trip I found a piece of paradise at BOWA Restaurant. It was there that I really stepped out of my comfort zone by trying octopus for the first time! What an unexpected but fantastic taste experience — one I’ll not forget!

If you’re planning on visiting Croatia in the future, if you have time try to combine Dubrovnik with Hvar and Split like I did. Here’s 15 things to do in and around Dubrovnik.

In the meantime, here’s 15 things to do in and around Dubrovnik.

3. Stockholm, Sweden

Designs on the underground! A wintery vibe, photography, Fika and cool artwork on Stockholm’s metro network.

My first trip of one year was to Stockholm. The plan was to check out the city’s ice rinks, frozen lakes and attempt to ski for the first time ever! Aside from being out in the snow I also found myself in Fotografiska — a place for contemporary photography.

And on another day, I was surrounded by wonderful sculptures, pictures, mosaics and other quirky designs in the worlds longest art exhibition on the Sweden’s metro network.

You need to make sure you stop for Fika and of course, how can you visit Sweden and not grab some meatballs.

4. Lisbon, Portugal

My last trip just before the Coronavirus pandemic — Lisbon. It was my second trip to the Portuguese capital and I was looking to explore a little more of the city. My first trip combined Estoril and Porto so this trip was intended to be all about Lisbon.

Sipping cocktails, eating custard tarts, gazing over the city from one of the miradouros and taking in the history, shopping and tasting some of the popular dishes like Pastéis de Bacalhau com arroz de tomate was just some of the things I got up to. That and taking a tour of the city on tram 28.

5. Santorini, Greece

You just knew somewhere in Greece would feature on my list. Santorini — my first ever solo travel trip and pretty much how my journey began – including this blog.

Santorini is just pure bliss. Every part of my trip was just absolutely amazing and I did so many activities like visiting three different types of beaches to a full day boat tour. It was only four days in when I fell in love with Greece. It was then, while relaxing on the black sand beach in Perissa, that I fell in love with the country. I decided there and then that I’d have to come back to Santorini. I did just that and have since seen other islands and cities in the country!

Oia - Santorini, Greece: RiA Vistas - solo travel blogger

Read about how I decided on Santorini for my first solo trip.

There you have it — my 5 most memorable trips so far. Just because I can’t travel right now, doesn’t mean I can think of travel past or even start to plan where next.