The best bargain destinations that are perfect for solo travellers

As fun as a family or group holiday can be, sometimes venturing out into the world by yourself is the best way to explore.

Whether you’re eyeing up a three-day weekend or an extreme day trip, the fact the UK is so well-connected makes them both possible and, occasionally, very affordable. We’ve put together a list of destinations that are perfect for a short solo holiday that won’t cost the world.

For each we’ve included some tips from locals on things to do and places to eat, transport suggestions and the environmental impact of travelling there. This is given per passenger in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which is a unit of measurement used to compare the climate impact of greenhouse gases. According to Curb6, every person has to limit themselves to about 1.5tonnes of CO2e a year, if the Paris Agreement’s objective of maintaining global temperature warming “well below” 2°C is to be met.

Munich, Germany

Munich is a highly cosmopolitan city which is crammed full of beautiful history and architecture. For those who like beer, the city is home to some of the biggest breweries in Germany. Munich has many events throughout the year and is very solo-traveller friendly, with a great hostel culture and many cheap places to stay across the city. You’re bound to find someone friendly to chat in English with.

Don’t miss: The hill in Olympiapark which is made of rubble from WWII. Visitors can climb Olympiaberg and once at the top enjoy 360-degree views. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Alps.

Eat: Trattoria Da Fausto. Rated number one on Tripadvisor in the city, it has lots of options for all dietary requirements.

Flight: 6.15am – 9.05am & 9.20pm – 10.25pm return, easyJet flight from London Gatwick for £60.95 on February 19.

Climate impact of flights: 404kg of CO2e

Climate friendly alternative: A nine hour train from London for from £91.

Lille, France

Capital of the Hauts-de-France region, Lille is a charming French city with a multicultural past which has left its mark through the architecture and culture of the place. The Old Town features cobblestone streets, colourful Flemish-style buildings and bustling squares, with packed restaurants and bars that deliver a real buzz. Grab a 24, 48 or 72 hour City Pass to get unlimited access to 28 attractions across Lille as well as public transport. Don’t miss: The Palais des Beaux-Arts is one of the country’s most well-known and celebrated art museums, housing an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures and antiquities.

Eat: Enjoy classic mussels from Northern France at Chez Raoul Estaminet

Train: 7.04am – 9.26am & 9.35pm – 9.57pm Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille Europe return for £78 on February 26

Environmental impact: 1.4kg CO2e

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Formerly the party capital of Europe, Amsterdam has transformed itself into a well-rounded destination with a bit of something for everyone. With more provisions in place to limit the consumption of alchohol and drugs on the streets, the Dutch capital mixes drinking culture with museums and history. It is the ideal walking city, or cycling about as most of the locals. It is home to many quaint canals and streets, all brimming with independent businesses to explore.

Don’t miss: The Anne Frank House, which creates a moving visit to the hiding place of Anne Frank during WWII.

Eat: Create your own fries at Fabel Friet, where you can add different toppings. A must-try is their frikandel, which is a deep-fried sausage made from minced meat, spices, and seasonings

Train: Four hour Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam, from £39 each way

Environmental impact of flights: 2kg CO2e

Vilnius, Lithuania

Hear ‘Vilnius’ and what do you think? If the answer is not much, spend a day in Lithuania’s capital and you will return with a mind full of cold pink soup (it has its own festival in May), cheese ice cream from Džiugas House and a TV tower that lets you walk out onto the ledge, saved from the 250m plunge by only a rope. If you do live to tell the tale, treat yourself to an adrenaline-sweetened dessert with a view in the same building. Tour guide Giedrius recommends: “Just 40 minutes outside the town is our historic capital Trakai, with a lake, castle and traditional food of the town. Also we have a tradition in winter or cold days to take a swim – yes a swim in icy water.”

Don’t miss: Visiting Užupis, a km/sq republic in Vilnius which began as an April Fool’s joke.

Eat: Giedrius suggests forgiving the basic interior and tucking into some traditional meat and potatoes at Šnekutis. A litre of beer costs £6.

Flight: 8am-12.25pm Wizz Air from Luton to Vilnius, 7.15pm – 8.15pm Ryanair return on January 23. £43.

Environmental impact of flights: 700kg CO2e

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