Here are 20 ideas for traveling alone

by Ida Bini (ANSA) - REYKJAVÍK, 08 JUL - If you still fear contact with others or simply want to escape on your own and are looking for a quiet and safe place, here are 20 perfect for your needs. The solo holiday is not only for those who are single but it is also a way to unplug and find yourself; what matters is to relax, rest easy and feel safe to start each new phase of life with more energy. The psychological benefits of traveling alone are many: it strengthens self-esteem, improves learning skills, opens the mind and makes it more flexible for news. Here are 20 destinations where you can always go in compliance with physical distancing and the now usual health measures.
    According to the Global Peace Index, the index of global peace that classifies countries based on factors that determine their state of peace, Iceland is in first place: it is a peaceful and safe place, where silence and nature reign of uncontaminated spaces. Followed by New Zealand, a remote but absolutely peaceful destination full of scenic beauty, and some closer destinations, including Portugal, Austria and Denmark, perfect destinations for safe and happy travel according to the Happy Planet Index, the index that measures personal well-being. Speaking of happiness, Finland, the land covered by forests and lakes, is the podium of the countries with the highest level of well-being. It has been named the happiest place in the world for the third consecutive year by the World Happiness Report 2020, which evaluated 156 countries based on an analysis of the well-being of the people who live there. The ranking on happiness sees other Scandinavian nations after Finland, including Norway and its beautiful and safe Lofoten islands, Holland and Sweden, followed by Switzerland and Canada.
    Italy, on the other hand, as in 2019, is positioned only in 36th place; among the places in our regions that deserve to be considered for solo holidays there are the paths, spiritual and naturalistic, which invite you to travel backpacker, on foot or by bike, in absolute tranquility. Among the paths the most popular is that of the Via Francigena, a historical and legendary route that goes from the Great Saint Bernard to Rome through many different regions and landscapes. Among the many paths that wind through our territory, the most evocative are the path dedicated to Saint Francis in Umbria, on the traces of the saint between works of art and breathtaking landscapes; the fascinating Alta via dei monti liguri, a 400 km long hiking route between the mountains and the Ligurian sea; and, from the Tonale Pass to the Marmolada in Trentino, the path of peace that traces the events of the First World War between nature and art.
    If you love the cold you can choose the distant but safe Greenland with Ittoqqortoormiit, its most isolated location, with only 460 inhabitants and few tourists attracted by an extreme nature. There is also the nearest Ireland which in addition to the great classic itineraries in Dublin - from the castle to the botanical gardens, from the Old Library to Trinity College - offers excursions to the quiet county of Clare Island, on the west coast, where for example you can choose to play golf - or take a lesson - in the beautiful Lahinch Golf Club, overlooking the sea. If, on the other hand, you prefer the sun and the sea, you can choose between nearby Malta with beaches of all kinds, sports activities and walks through history; or the equally close Spain to dive into the clear waters of Formentera or Minorca or get involved in the folklore, beauty and warmth of the Andalusian villages. Finally, if you love traditions, Japan is a peaceful destination: you can also travel on high-speed trains at night; just as you can safely choose to sleep in the Ryokan, the refined spa inns.
    However, a tip can be useful for all lone travelers: before leaving, it is good to download a geolocation app on your smartphone or, if you choose a distant destination, to get a satellite phone to be always reachable. (HANDLE).