Being single on Valentine’s Day is one of life’s cruelest jokes. Inundated with chocolate hearts, teddy bears, and tables for two, February 14th can be a struggle to get through when you are currently unattached. Luckily for the lonely hearts, Singles’ Awareness Day can provide some solace, on February 15th.

While a humorous holiday by definition, it can also be the ideal time to start plotting your solo travels. Even if you don’t have someone to go with, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. We have come up with some of the coolest solo trips you can take to put a stop to those romantic hotel packages and couple’s cruises.

For The Not Over It Single—Zagreb, Croatia

paul prescott / Shutterstock

paul prescott / Shutterstock

Perhaps you aren’t too happy that you are single on Valentine’s Day due to a recent breakup. Zagreb, Croatia is calling your name in the most cathartic of ways.  Located in the city’s Upper Town, you will find the Museum of Broken Relationships. What began as a traveling exhibition has now morphed into a full-blown museum detailing thousands of breakups.

The museum features items from failed relationships, and even the chance to donate your own broken relationship mementos! With the goal of recognizing the demise of the relationship, the museum provides the perfect venue to air your grievances against your ex.

For The Ready To Celebrate Being Single—New Orleans

Curioso / Shutterstock

Curioso / Shutterstock

Easily one of the most exciting cities in the United States, New Orleans offers singles a venue for celebrating and having fun. Solo travelers looking to meet people and partake in a wealth of activities will find plenty of both, on iconic Bourbon Street and throughout the French Quarter. The city also comes alive during its many festivals like Mardi Gras, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, ideal times to visit if you don’t want to feel alone.

In addition to the festivals, music, and bars in New Orleans, the city also lends plenty of tours to go on for organized sightseeing that never feels lonely. From ghost tours to food tours, New Orleans tends to take the cake with keeping itineraries busy. So if you find yourself wallowing in your single status after one too many hurricanes at Pat O’Brien’s, you can easily bury yourself in a plate of powdered sugared coated beignets at the city’s legendary, Café du Monde.

For The Adventurously Single—Queenstown, New Zealand

Naruedom Yaempongsa / Shutterstock

Naruedom Yaempongsa / Shutterstock

Boasting over a million visitors each year, Queenstown, New Zealand epitomizes the adventure in solo travel. Located on the country’s South Island, the adventure capital provides a great spot to truly let loose. Queenstown is often hailed as the birthplace of bungee jumping.

You can make the leap yourself at the Kawarau Bridge in town, hailed as the site of the first bungee jump. Measuring in at 43 meters high, the bridge proves ideal for solo travel, as no one will be there to talk you out of it. If you can’t stomach a jump, Queenstown lends other offerings including neighboring vineyards to tour, and a bevy of natural attractions to explore on hikes and walks.

For The Backpacking Single—Thailand

Lucy Liu / Shutterstock

Lucy Liu / Shutterstock

It’s hard to be terrified of traveling solo when you are in the Land of Smiles, as Thailand is often referred as. Filled with some of the warmest locals in the world, Thailand is a favorite choice for those making a solo trip. Beginning in Bangkok, solo travelers will find buzzing markets, chaos, neon signs, and plenty of backpackers to socialize.

The quintessential backpacker destination however doesn’t end with single friendly sights in Bangkok. Visitors can roam the impressive Thai temples of the country’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, or sink their toes into the soft sands of Thailand’s tropical beaches.

For The Ready to Mingle Single—Lisdoonvarna, Ireland

massimofusaro / Shutterstock

massimofusaro / Shutterstock

Ireland can be a great place to test the solo travel waters. With easygoing locals, plenty of pints to be had, and gorgeous scenery, the country provides all the company you could need on a solo travel stint. However, if you are truly ready to mingle, you can always schedule your visit to Ireland around the Matchmaking Festival in the west coast town of Lisdoonvarna. Held every September, the festival has been attracting those looking for love for over 160 years. With plenty of music and dancing for the event, the Matchmaking Festival even boasts its very own matchmaker, who is rumored to have set up over 3,000 marriages.

Being single on Valentine’s Day is no picnic. However, Singles’ Awareness Day reminds us all that being alone can actually be a good thing in the travel department. With no one to hold you back or complain that their feet hurt, consider taking these solo travel adventures before you find another ball and chain to tie you down.

Where is your favorite destination to travel solo? Share your pick with us below.

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About The Author

Suzy Guese is a travel writer from Denver, Colorado. She caught the travel bug after taking her very first flight at just three months old—she was headed for Disney World—and has been a total travel junkie ever since. From family car trips across North America to stints abroad in Europe, Suzy travels the globe with her redheaded temperament in search of sarcasm, stories, and travel tips to share with anyone willing to listen. She blogs about her travels at http://suzyguese.com.