Solo travel is on the rise and almost 85 per cent of lone travellers are women, according to a recent study.
Supporting the report by ferry operator Condor Ferries, the main reasons women love to travel alone are freedom and flexibility, the opportunity to relax and enjoy “me time” and to challenge themselves, finds Statista. At the same time, they report worries about personal safety, higher costs, language barriers and getting lost.
The National rounds up seven of the best destinations for women travelling alone this year.
Iceland
The land of fire and ice has secured the top spot on the Global Peace Index for 17 consecutive years, as Iceland’s commitment to safety creates an environment where women can explore alone with confidence.
The country’s low crime rates foster a sense of security making ethereal landscapes such as geysers, waterfalls and volcanoes easy to explore. There are also plenty of chances to discover its fascinating culture and mingle with friendly locals.
Drive around the Golden Circle, which is easy to navigate, head into the depths of the wilderness in a camper van or simply relax in the hot springs around Reykjavik, where a combination of upmarket restaurants meet cool museums and artisanal boutiques.
Iceland also keenly focuses on gender equality and responsible tourism.
Galapagos Islands
This Ecuadorian archipelago offers an extraordinary experience for solo adventurers, with fascinating natural beauty protected by strict tourism regulations.
This year, it has been named one of the top destinations for solo travel by Flash Pack, a tour company that specialises in organising adventure trips for solo travellers in their thirties and forties.
The Galapagos are home to an extraordinary wealth of marine life and offer unique biodiversity on land and underwater.
Small group tours are also ideal for anyone looking to enjoy their independence while making friends along the way.
Japan
This is the year of Japan as, after almost 1,000 days of being closed to tourists during Covid, the world is returning.
While it’s popular with most traveller demographics, the country is also ninth on the Global Peace Index and topped Flash Pack’s list of top solo destinations this year.
Whether you’re heading for the bustle of Tokyo, the quirky corners of Osaka, the majestic Mount Fuji or to experience the natural beauty of Kyoto, the country seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from visiting ancient temples to gawping at futuristic skyscrapers.
Canada
Travel experiences to witness the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are in high demand this year, as visibility is projected to be better than it has been in more than a decade.
For solo female travellers, Canada is a great option, particularly the quaint town of Churchill, Manitoba, where Natural Habitat Adventures offers women-only excursions to see the lights in unique situations.
Churchill’s strategic location under the auroral oval enhances the chances of clear, prime viewing conditions. Meanwhile, the tour company provides a supportive atmosphere for women, fostering camaraderie among like-minded adventurers, and organises Arctic activities such as snowshoeing and dog sledding.
The UAE
The UAE’s cities have often been ranked among the safest, especially Abu Dhabi, which has held online cost-of-living database Numbeo’s title of world’s safest city since 2017. It offers a deep and culturally rich experience with attractions such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Dubai also stands as a beacon of security, offering travellers a taste of cosmopolitan luxury in some of the planet’s most famous landmarks.
For adventure seekers, there’s Ras Al Khaimah, which has plenty to offer outdoors, and Fujairah is great for keen divers.
This combination makes it one of the most popular destinations among solo female travellers.
Sri Lanka
Ranking fourth on Flash Pack’s list of top solo destinations this year is Sri Lanka, where ancient history meets natural beauty and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll come across.
The island nation, nestled in the Indian Ocean, has a rich blend of temples, tea plantations, hikes and coastal wellness retreats. There are seaside towns such as Galle, bohemian escapes in the mountains like Ella and a bustling city vibe in Kandy.
The country’s climactic warmth extends to its people and the welcoming atmosphere for tourists.
Antarctica
As one of the most isolated and pristine environments on Earth, Antarctica is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination. With strict tourism regulations, it’s a great option for women going it alone.
The continent’s growing popularity among tourists is a testament to its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife and unparalleled sense of remoteness.
Solo female travellers can join organised expeditions, navigate the icy waters and witness wildlife in their natural habitat, from penguins to seals and walruses.
Pick a reputable company and tread lightly since the continent is one of the last frontiers of tourism.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The five pillars of Islam
Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.
SQUADS
UAE
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice-captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
Nepal
Paras Khadka (captain), Gyanendra Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Pradeep Airee, Binod Bhandari, Avinash Bohara, Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Basant Regmi, Pawan Sarraf, Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh
Day 3 stumps
New Zealand 153 & 249
Pakistan 227 & 37-0 (target 176)
Pakistan require another 139 runs with 10 wickets remaining
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
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THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
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Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
Coming 2 America
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones
3/5 stars
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
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For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
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Ben Okri,
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
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Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
SPECS
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