Exciting Solo Travel Calendar 2024 – Best Places to Visit Every Month of the Year

Travel Inspiration for the best places to visit every month of the Year

Planning your solo travel calendar for the year can be daunting. January is a great time to set your sights on your travel goals. Once the return to normalcy after the Christmas season I turn my thoughts to where I would like to travel to during the year. There are usually flight sales in January so you can grab some bargains! Here I will inspire you on some destinations you can travel to for every month where something exciting or breathtaking is happening. So get your holiday fund ready and lets go!

January – Tromsø, Norway or Maldives

For a celestial spectacle, journey to Tromsø, Norway, in January. This northern city offers one of the best chances to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Bundle up in warm layers and gaze at the dancing colors in the Arctic sky, creating a magical start to your solo adventure. Don’t worry if January has flown by this year the Auroras are predicted to be the most active in a while catch them in March or October as well.

If you want to escape to some winter sun then Maldives is a good bet for some sun, sea, sand and spa.

February – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil or Trinidad and Tobago

As the carnival season sweeps through Rio de Janeiro, Brazil becomes a playground for vibrant celebrations and sizzling nightlife. Join the festivities, dance to the rhythm of samba, and explore the breathtaking beaches. With a welcoming atmosphere and a rich cultural tapestry, Rio in February promises a solo adventure like no other. For 2024 Rio Carnival will be from 9th to 17th February.

If Rio sounds a little too much then with all the vibrancy to match head to Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean’s biggest street party. The Trinidad and Tobago carnival will be 5 days of revelry, colour, calypso, steelbands and fun! The dates do change, usually February or early March, so check out actual dates. Rio Carnival will be

March – Dédougou, Burkina Faso

Experience the unique FESTIMA (Festival International des Masques et des Arts) in Dédougou, Burkina Faso. Held every two years, usually in March, FESTIMA showcases traditional masks, dances, and performances from various West African cultures. It’s an immersive cultural experience that allows solo travelers to witness the vibrant traditions of the region.

April – Kyoto, Japan or Amsterdam, the Netherlands

April is a beautiful spring month to witness mother nature showing off her best colours.

Experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, Japan, as spring transforms the landscape into a pastel wonderland. Explore ancient temples, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and wander through enchanting gardens. April in Kyoto offers tranquility, cultural immersion and beauty of nature.

If Japan is too far flung then head to Amsterdam in late April for the famous tulip season. The exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions, but the peak of the tulip bloom in the Netherlands, including the renowned Keukenhof Gardens near Amsterdam, is usually in mid-April.

May – Bali, Indonesia or Madeira, Portugal

Discover the enchanting island of Bali in May. With its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene beaches, Bali is a perfect destination for solo travelers. Immerse yourself in spiritual retreats, explore ancient temples, and indulge in the island’s rich artistic scene.

Madeira, Portugal is also a great destination in May. The tourist season is just coming to an end this secret gem is lush and in forever spring. You can be as active or chill as you like with activities such as hiking in the mountains or going to the beach like Porto Santo. This is a very affordable destination too.

June – Lisbon, Portugal AND Barcelona, Spain

June you are spoilt for choice there is lots going on including the Glastonbury Music Festival in the UK. However the Festas de Lisboa (Lisbon Festivals) takes place in Lisbon, Portugal throughout June, particularly during the night of Saint Anthony (June 12-13). There are lively street parties, traditional music, and the festive atmosphere to totally immerse yourself in.

After Lisbon you can head to Barcelona, Spain as it would be a shame to miss the experience of the vibrant culture during the Feast of Saint Joan (June 23) when you are so close. This marks the summer solstice. Enjoy fireworks, bonfires on the beach, and traditional Catalan festivities.

July – Tanzania and Zanzibar

As the dry season ends July is a great time for seeing the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in Tanzania. This awesome spectacle of thousands of animals crossing the Mara River must be seen. You can even camp the night in the Serengeti, go on a night safari drive or see the savannah up high from a hot air balloon. You can also descend into the Ngorongoro mountain volcanic crater. July is peak time for safari tours so book early.

After the safari drive, Zanzibar in contrast offers a calm, pristine tropical beaches and turquoise waters in a tropical paradise. Explore Stone Town’s narrow streets, visit spice farms, and relax on the picture-perfect beaches.

August – Buñol, Spain

The chaotic and vibrant Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain is held on the last Wednesday of August. This unique event involves a massive tomato fight, turning the streets into a sea of red. It’s an exhilarating and messy experience that adds a splash of color to your solo adventure.

September – Santorini, Greece

For a slower more gentile pace in style then I would plum for Santorini, Greece. This picturesque island is without the summer crowds. You can relax and enjoy the charming villages, beautiful sunsets, and the unique architecture against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea. It’s great in September as families have left making in less crowded at this time of year. Still a very popular destination though so there will be lots of people to meet on your chill holiday.

October – Munich, Germany

Depending on your taste I have suggested two options here. If you like beer and boisterous fun then head to the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Enjoy traditional Bavarian music, food, and, of course, a wide variety of beers.

November – Niger or Chiang Mai, Thailand

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Wodaabe people during the Gerewol Festival in Niger. This annual event showcases traditional dances where the men adorn themselves and dance trans-like showing eyes and teeth to attract a mate. The chosen women can pick a lover from the line up. The colorful costumes, and unique rituals displays an unforgettable. This is a unique opportunity for solo travelers to witness and participate in such a spectacular cultural celebration.

Another great solo travel calendar trip is the the magical Chiang Mai Lantern Festival in Thailand, where thousands of lanterns light up the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle to witness, truly breathtaking. September in Chiang Mai is a time for celebration, reflection, and a solo adventure filled with cultural wonder. There are lots of friendly people in the walking the streets late into the night. Be sure to get your lantern and make a food offering by the river. By day visit the temples and the market to get some traditional clothing if you wish.

December – European Christmas Markets

December is spoilt for choice as its the lead up to Christmas and nowhere does christmas festivities better than European countries like Germany, Prague, Vienna and Nuremberg as they transform into a winter wonderland. Whether it’s the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, the Vienna Christmas Market at City Hall, or the Old Town Square in Prague, December in Europe filled with the warmth and charm of the holiday season.

For me Germany does it best. Christmas markets, known as “Weihnachtsmärkte,” are renowned for their festive ambiance, traditional crafts, delicious treats, and the overall magical atmosphere. This is such a good way to get in the festive spirit for your solo travel calendar you may even find a ‘German’ Christmas Market in your hometown if you don’t wish to travel so be on the look out.

BONUS: New Years Eve – Hong Kong or Dubai

I had to give a mention for New Years Eve which has some of the biggest parties of the year! I have been to a few around the world but my top picks are Hong Kong and Dubai.

Hong Kong

In Hong Kong the most popular spots to welcome the New Year is along the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. The skyline of Hong Kong Island, including landmarks like the International Commerce Centre (ICC) and the Symphony of Lights display, creates a dazzling setting. The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is just breathtaking. Taking a harbor cruise for a unique vantage point to enjoy the fireworks is a good option for front row seats. The Symphony of Lights, a nightly multimedia light and sound show, is often enhanced for the New Year’s Eve celebration. The synchronized display features lasers, LED lights, and music, creating a captivating experience.

Dubai, UAE

Escape the winter in Dubai with comfortable temperatures in December. The city is renowned for hosting an extravagant New Year’s Eve celebration, marked by stunning fireworks displays and grand festivities all over this Emirate. Iconic buildings like the Burj Khalifa and the Burj al Arab are centre stage for fantastic firework displays. There are lots of parties and fireworks at the Palm Jumeriah with the Atlantis as the backdrop. Downtown Dubai and the Marina hosts firework displays as well as lots of parties, events and light shows that wow thousands of visitors every year.

Conclusion

So there you have it. My take on a year long solo travel calendar where exciting and awesome events are happening. If I had the choice I would be travelling all year round! This should inspire you to make those travel plans. Now do note this list is not to overwhelm you. Pick one or two you will like to do that lines up with your holidays or PTO and take it from there!

Don’t forget where ever you go journal your adventures so you keep the sensations alive when you look back on this core memories. Happy travels for this year and beyond. If you need help with any of these destinations or general advice just message me using the contact form. I would also love to hear your stories on some of your plans or past adventures.

Images in this blog features Unsplash contributors. Bloglovin