Feb 15, 2023
By: Srishti Magan
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Travel search engine Kayak released its list of “most popular solo traveller destinations in 2023”, on the basis of flight searches made on its own site and associated sites between July 2022 and January 2023, for travel dates between January 2023 and December 2023.
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According to Kayak, the results indicate an interest in quick domestic getaways that solidify self-love. Solo traveller-friendly destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, and Maldives also offer “eclectic cuisines, cutting-edge entertainment, or just a relaxing break”, shared Kayak. Here are the top 10 destinations:
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Kerala’s port city Kochi is the new beach destination cropping up on people’s radar — though it’s long been a favoured tourist spot. From beautiful heritage accommodations to its rich trading history, this seaside cosmopolitan city is perfect for unwinding without disconnecting from the world.
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Delhi is more than just road rage — it’s also heritage walks along Chawri Bazaar, Instagrammable cafes where the food is as good as the aesthetics, and an old-world charm captured in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. There’s a reason it’s called ‘dilwalon ki dilli’ (the Delhi of hearts).
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Its popularity may fluctuate at times, but Goa will always be a favourite. Where else will you find beachside shacks serving both beers and surfing lessons; cafes holding yoga classes and jamming sessions (that even singer Lucky Ali attends), and beaches tailor-made to relax?
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From the rides at Universal Studios to the dishes from hawker centres like Newton Food Centre, Singapore is the perfect picture of fast-paced living. And even if you can’t travel like a ‘Crazy Rich Asian’, you can check all the places that appeared in the movie — from Merlion Park to the Marina Bay Islands.
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Apart from gorging on quintessential street food–vada pavs (well worth the hype, indeed)--, Mumbai is best enjoyed with a stroll across Marine Drive, an excursion to Elephanta Caves, and clicking a hazy photo of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link for Instagram!
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Bangkok has long held a spot among favourite international destinations for Indians. From cultural landmarks like Buddhist temples Wat Arun and Wat Pho to the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong, Bangkok is a city of contrasting interests.
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Sip on the traditional Balinese coffee after a trek up Mount Batur, or visit the sacred monkey forest for a memorable encounter — Bali has it all. Not just places of worship, Bali temples like Uluwatu Temple and Pura Tanah Lot are also a visual delight. Islands with crystal-clear water are also perfect for snorkelling.
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Leh has always attracted tourists from across the world — not just India. While the famous Pangong Lake is a natural wonder indeed, the serenity of Shanti Stupa is also hard to put into words. No visit is complete without experiencing the famous Khardung La Pass, a magnetic hill that defies gravity.
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The capital city of Maldives, Malé is the perfect starting point for day trips offering activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, dolphin sunset cruise, etc. It’s also an ideal way to get a taste of the local culture and cuisine.
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Museums, forts, palaces, and peaceful gardens — India’s ‘tech city’ has all this and more to offer. Some notable tourist attractions include Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, the National Gallery Of Modern Art, Nandi Hills, etc.
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Kayak also released its list of most searched destinations for couples — Goa, Bali and Dubai topped the list. As per Kayak, couples are either looking for the perfect mix of romance, seclusion and adventure at beach destinations like Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Kochi or locations where they can admire picturesque backdrops but also shop — like London, Bali, Dubai, Bangkok and the Maldives.
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“This year, we’re seeing people excited not only to travel with their partners but also with their friend groups and even by themselves…Evidently, above all else, people are choosing to embrace their love for travel in 2023!” said Tarun Tahiliani, India country manager, Kayak.
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