Date Yourself with these 9 Solo Travel-Friendly Activities

This love month, self-love is in the air, all day and everywhere! Think of it this way, you’re not flying solo — you’re taking yourself out on a date around the world! So why not try embarking on a thrilling solo travel journey? Whether you’re going for a calming walk in nature, seeking thrills at a theme park, or treating yourself to a spa day, make sure to live your trip to the fullest – you deserve it.

With that, we recommend heading out to Japan or South Korea as the best places to travel solo this year. These countries boast vibrant and bustling urban life, rich cultural heritage intertwined with modernity, and stunning natural landscapes. Whatever your self-love situation is, you’re sure to (re)discover yourself through these solo travel and self-care ideas!

First, buckle up and head to the Land of the Rising Sun (and yummy sushi) – Japan! There are so many things to do in Japan like picnicking at seasonal festivals, trying out snow sports, escaping into nature, or just eating your feelings away one regional dish at a time (we don’t judge). Take it from us, the best time to travel to Japan is in the spring so you can color your Insta feeds pink with beautiful cherry blossoms.

Take yourself on a date at the happiest place on Earth – or in this case, Japan – Tokyo Disney Resort, which spans two Disney theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea! Romanticize your life and live like the prince or princess you are at Disney Castle, or face your fears on the Tower of Terror. You’ll never feel alone here, especially once you’ve seen your most-beloved Disney characters. And the best thing about going to a Disney theme park by yourself? They’ve got queues for solo riders so you can get in faster. 

With its mix of interactive digital art and a nighttime garden setting, the teamLab Botanical Garden offers a fantastical escape from reality. This particular teamLab exhibit is extra special since it’s set inside a sprawling park transformed to look and feel like a futuristic yet magical land. There are giant alien-like eggs you can interact with and a mystical path lit up by floating lanterns. Self-love is an art, and with a few IG-worthy pics at teamLab in Osaka, we’re sure you’ll realize it too!

Need a cuddle buddy? Then get ready to fall in love with the cutest micropigs you’ll ever see when you head to the MiPig Cafe in Harajuku. Cuteness alert: these mini pigs love hugs and snuggles! This unique animal cafe experience is also an educational one, as the staff is keen to tell you more about how smart, cuddly, and sociable micropigs are. You’ll even get a donut designed to look like a mini pig that’s almost too cute to eat!

Give yourself a much-deserved break! Head to Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka, a massive onsen space with 9 different bath types plus a spa! Feel cute while feeling refreshed by picking out one of the many yukata patterns when you enter. You can even explore the zen garden on the roof deck before heading to the bathhouse. It’s literally a healing experience, as the mineral-rich waters can easily relieve your tense muscles, clear your skin, and put you in a relaxed state of mind. 

Nothing like finding yourself by getting lost in Nara and Kyoto. Not literally though, since this is a guided tour of Japan’s cultural capital after all. Needless to say, this experience is truly one for the books, as you escape from Japan’s urban landscape and explore the country’s cultural heritage through historic sites almost frozen in time. Experience a spiritual moment by forest bathing in Arashiyama. Discover Japan’s Shinto religion through the iconic and numerous torii gates at the Fushimi Inari shrine. Then take a break, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and experience a meet-cute like no other with the super-polite deer at Nara Park! 

Now, make your way to South Korea and live like you’re in your own K-drama. No leading co-star needed, we’re living for your main character energy all the way! Whether you're looking for an exciting adventure, breathtaking natural scenery, or good ol’ retail therapy, South Korea has something for all interests, from the vibrant cities of Seoul and Busan to the wondrous nature of Nami Island. 

Who says theme parks are just for kids? It’s time to let your inner child loose and enjoy the most magical day at South Korea’s iconic indoor and outdoor theme park, Lotte World! All the single ladies (and gents), put your hands up and face thrilling rides like the French Revolution or Gyro Swing. A little before sunset, line up for a ride on one of the hot air balloons so you can get a bird’s eye view of the nighttime parade! 

Take yourself on a date around some of the most popular and picturesque tourist attractions in South Korea. Kick it off by making (and feeding) new furry friends at Alpaca World. Next, take a half-day tour around Nami Island and let this half-moon-shaped island take your breath away! Famous for being a shooting location for the K-drama Winter Sonata, Nami Island turns positively pastel pink with cherry blossoms in the spring, and becomes a winter wonderland toward the end of the year to about January or February. Now, if it’s eye candy you want, you can’t miss a stroll through the Garden of Morning Calm. Pictures can’t do this place justice as every bit of flower and foliage bursts to life with color. 

Sometimes traveling solo and dating yourself in another country can feel daunting. But just because you’re traveling alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. If you ever find yourself in Seoul on a weekend, come paint the town red on a pub crawl through Hongdae, one of Seoul’s best party districts! The neighborhood’s name is short for Hongik Daehakgyo (Hongik University), which is one of the top fine arts schools in the country, so expect lots of fun, vibrant, and creative young people in the area. So get yourself out there, meet new friends, and have fun on a night around town. Who knows? You might even find a buddy to go Seoul-searching with you for the rest of your trip. 

Any K-beauty junkies out there in desperate need of a pamper day? We got you! Treat yo’self to a much-deserved spa day at the flagship store of Sulwhasoo, Korea’s iconic luxury beauty brand. Located in the upscale district of Gangnam, the entire experience from attentive and informative aestheticians to the soothing sound, smell, and design of the building is so luxurious! You even get a welcome cup of tea before your treatment and, when you’re done, a chance to sample some of Sulwhasoo’s best-sellers in your very own private powder room. And of course, who can’t say no to retail therapy at the boutique a few floors below the spa? 

If you don’t know yourself, how can you fully and truly love yourself? Traveling solo is one of the best self-care ideas out there. It’s a chance to really appreciate yourself and the world around you! Ready to explore new places and find yourself along the way? Or maybe you’re embarking on a revenge travel tour? Enjoy hassle-free travel bookings with Klook and don’t forget to stay updated on the latest travel news before your trip. Safe and steady travels! ✈️