Solo travel: how to do ‘The Wonders’ on your own

If you have it in mind to visit Mexico’s famous Chichen Itza, your best bet is to combine it with a winter sun holiday. Go in January, and you’ll avoid any heavy showers, with weather that’s ideal for time spent lounging by the beach.  

A great spot for adventurous spirits, Yucatan – the region surrounding Chichen Itza – has much more to offer besides its Mayan ruins. Swim in hidden cenotes, go diving with turtles and whale sharks, or spend a day taking in the scenery across the sun-kissed coastline. 

And there’s no need for solo travellers to be nervous, as this part of Mexico is one of the safest - thanks to its popularity. But brushing up on your Spanish before you go might help you feel more confident.

Fancy seeing the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer? February is a brilliant time of year to pencil in a trip to Rio de Janeiro, with the main attraction being Carnaval. So, get ready for parties, parades, and music galore. 

If you don’t mind working up a sweat, a climb to the summit of Mount Corcovado to see Christ the Redeemer up close is a great way to kick off your Brazil holiday. Then, you can either head down to Prainha Beach to catch the surf or test your nerve and go zip-lining in the Tijcua Forest.   

When it comes to personal safety as a solo traveller, Rio de Janeiro as a whole is safe, but pickpocketing can be an issue – especially with Carnaval crowds. So, where possible, try to leave cash or valuables at your accommodation before going out exploring.

If you’re after avoiding monsoon rains and the sweltering summer heat, November to March is when you should see India’s Taj Mahal. During these months, there’ll also be fewer clouds in the sky, making for clearer views of this mighty Wonder. 

While you’ll want to dedicate a good amount of time to exploring the Taj Mahal and the surrounding city of Agra, plenty more fun awaits on a Northern India holiday. From tiger safaris through Ranthambore to motorbike tours through the mountains, there’s an abundance of things to do. 

Deciding to do your India holiday solo? As is the case for most places in the world, staying safe means blending in as best you can. So, be sure to check up on codes and customs before you go, especially when choosing what clothing to pack.

While it’s possible to plan a trip to The Great Wall of China during any season, it’s no secret that spring is one of the best times to go. The mild weather, during April especially, is great for hiking, and the mountain scenery will be a striking shade of emerald. 

And, whilst China’s cities usually get the spotlight, we’d recommend exploring more of the country’s great outdoors after you visit The Great Wall. Discover tea terraces, tumbling waterfalls, and steep-sided gorges. Or tackle the climb to Everest Base Camp, starting in picturesque Tibet. 

China is a relatively safe country for solo travellers, with the main thing to keep in mind being the language barrier. We’ve compiled our top apps for an easy holiday, but, in this case, downloading Google Translate before you go is a must.

When planning a Jordan holiday, you might not think about cold weather. But, in winter, temperatures can dip below freezing at night. So, if you want to avoid a cold snap – without the heat getting too intense - between March and May is when to go. 

Petra is undoubtedly Jordan’s top attraction; it’s the only Wonder of the World in the Middle East. But it’s by no means the country’s only offering. Get stuck into camel treks and stargazing in the desert or relax and unwind as you float atop the salty Dead Sea. 

As a solo traveller, you’ll have no problem navigating Jordan – the friendliest country in the Middle East. Simply check up on the dress codes before you go and, to be respectful, avoid eating outdoors during the daylight hours of Ramadan. 

Home to the age-old Colosseum, Rome is a year-round destination. And, with Italy being so close to the United Kingdom, you only need a weekend to see this Wonder of the World. But, if you ask us, a trip in either May or June is hard to top. 

Take your time admiring The Colosseum, diving deep into its fascinating history, before setting your sights on the rest of Italy and Europe. Whether you fancy island-hopping across the Greek isles or hiking in the Alps, a whirlwind Europe trip ticks all the boxes. 

With an endless number of well-connected cities and natural beauty spots, Italy – and Europe in general – is a fantastic place for solo travel. Universal tips on staying safe, such as not walking alone at night, still apply. But otherwise, you’re good to go.  

Always dreamt of seeing Peru’s Machu Picchu? You’ll probably want to do it during the country’s dry season, which falls between April and October. This is also when Machu Picchu’s at its most crowded, but avoiding downpours is most likely your top priority if you choose to make the trek. 

Your journey to Machu Picchu will be one epic adventure, with sights that will surely get your heart racing. But if you’re still searching for adrenaline, you won’t have trouble finding it in Peru. Take your pick from paragliding, surfing, sandboarding, and even white-water rafting. 

Hordes of solo travellers make their way to Peru every year. So, while you may be travelling alone, you needn’t be lonely! All that’s left to do is add Spanish to your Duolingo dashboard and schedule some restful days to adjust to Peru’s high altitude.