Looking for a place that matches your mood? These destinations cater to solos, duos and families alike.
There’s something satisfying about finding a destination that just gets you. Solo travellers often look for places that feel intuitive and easy to navigate, where you can follow your interests without much planning. Couples want scenery and space to reconnect, somewhere that feels like a break from the routine. And families? They need destinations packed with things to do, where everyone from toddlers to teens to adults can find their fun. We’ve handpicked two spots for each type of traveller that tick all the right boxes.
SOLO EXPLORERS
IRELAND
Solo travel is at its best when the place you’re in feels like a companion of its own, and Ireland, with its welcoming countryside and cities, does just that. Galway is a great first stop: compact, artsy and lively without being overwhelming. There’s traditional music pouring out of pubs, craft shops along the Latin Quarter and the famous Spanish Arch if you fancy a quiet sit with views of the River Corrib. If you’re a nature lover, take a bus or rent a car to Connemara National Park, where hiking trails, boglands and coastal views don’t require any mountaineering experience. Dublin, of course, is an essential stop, but not just for its nightlife. Discover the Chester Beatty Library, catch a play at the Abbey Theatre or roam through St Stephen’s Green. There’s enough to keep you entertained without feeling lonely or lost amongst the tourists.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia is a beautiful blend of cultures and is excellent to explore on your own. Start in George Town, Penang, a place where old meets new in the best way possible. Colonial buildings sit beside quirky cafés, Chinese temples and colourful street art. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that does not feel abandoned. You can spend a day just walking the streets, popping into little museums and trying out local dishes like Penang laksa or nasi kandar. Kuala Lumpur, on the other hand, is a bit more fast-paced. Head to the Petronas Towers, visit Thean Hou Temple or take a short trip to the Batu Caves, which are far from the centre. The city’s efficient public transport makes it easy to navigate and there are countless group tours and hidden speakeasies if you’re looking to meet fellow travellers. For a slower, more nature-focussed escape, head to Langkawi. Cable car rides, island-hopping and easy beach days give you the perfect downtime.
FOR THE PERFECT TWO
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is romantic without trying too hard. It’s scenic, soulful and varied enough to keep things interesting. Ella is magical. It has lush hills, misty mornings and that famous train ride from Kandy with views you’ll both remember long after. Spend your days hiking up to Little Adam’s Peak or taking in the panoramic views from Ella Rock and your evenings enjoying food and drinks in a mountain-view café. Further south, Galle has an old-world charm, perfect for slow-paced couple time. Wander the Dutch-era fort walls, stop for artisanal ice cream and pick up souvenirs in carefully curated boutique shops. If you want a proper beach break, Unawatuna and Tangalle have quiet stretches of coast where one can swim to their heart’s content. And try not to leave without getting an Ayurvedic massage, especially for two.
PHILIPPINES
If your idea of romance leans more towards adventure and seclusion, the Philippines delivers in abundance. Palawan is a dream, especially El Nido and Coron, where you can hire a boat and disappear for a few hours into hidden lagoons and snorkelling spots that aren’t overcrowded. You’ll find beaches with barely another soul on them and natural pools that seem designed for just two. But it’s not all about lying in the sun. Bohol is a mixed bag of activity and downtime, from seeing the Chocolate Hills and meeting tarsiers to river cruises and quiet beach resorts in Panglao. And then there’s Siargao, a surfer’s haven with a cool, laid-back energy. Even if you’re not into surfing, the island’s palm-lined roads, coastal cafés and secret rock pools make it an easy favourite. Rent a motorbike, stop when something catches your eye and let the day unfold without a plan.
FUN WITH THE FAM
ABU DHABI
Few places are as geared towards family fun as Abu Dhabi. Everything’s close by, organised and has something for every age group. Yas Island is a great base, there’s Ferrari World for thrill-seekers, Warner Bros. World for cartoon fans and Yas Waterworld when the heat calls for serious splashing. The fun doesn’t stop at theme parks, either. Take the kids kayaking through mangroves at sunset or visit Qasr Al Watan for a palace tour that’s surprisingly child-friendly, with grand halls, colourful domes and interactive exhibits. Heritage Village and the souks give you a taste of local culture without needing a guidebook, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s grandeur is sure to leave everyone in awe. For art and architecture lovers, visiting the Louvre is an absolute must.
LIECHTENSTEIN
This tiny country might not be the first name that comes to mind for family holidays, but it’s a hidden gem that promises an entirely different kind of fun. Think fresh air, open space and wholesome activities that don’t involve queues or entry wristbands. Vaduz, the capital, is small enough to explore on foot, but it has castles, art and museums with just enough interaction to keep the young ones curious. Malbun is where things really come to life, especially in the warmer months. The landscape is perfect for easy family hikes. It has gentle trails, alpine wildflowers and even a ‘discover trail’ with educational stops and play areas along the way. In winter, Malbun transforms into a relaxed ski resort ideal for beginners, with ski schools and gentle slopes made for first-timers. There’s the Galina Falconry Centre, where kids can see eagles and owls up close, and plenty of mountain restaurants serving hearty, family-friendly meals.