Best Solo Travel Destinations To Visit In July

July is one of the busiest months for travel, with school out and warm weather across the Northern Hemisphere. For those looking to travel alone, there are plenty of destinations to choose from, whether you're seeking sun, nature, wildlife, culture, or adventure.

If you're looking for sun, consider the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores, which are a few degrees cooler than mainland Portugal, where temperatures average 24°C. Alternatively, head to the Caribbean and enjoy the glorious weather in the Seychelles, which usually averages around 25-26°C in July.

For a European city break, Tirana in Albania is a good option, with temperatures reaching 30-35°C. Or, if you're looking for somewhere a little less crowded, head to the Balkan country of Albania, which has beautiful beaches and hiking trails.

For a wilder adventure, head to the Serengeti in Tanzania, where you can spot wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, and elephants. Or, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, see the polar bears of Svalbard, Norway, in their natural habitat.

For a combination of nature and culture, the Azores in Portugal has it all. In July, you can enjoy the annual sand sculpture festival in Pêra on the mainland, as well as the Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar, where women parade through the town carrying bread on their heads.

If you're looking to stay closer to home, Anchorage in Alaska offers the chance to immerse yourself in nature and explore rugged wilderness. Or, for a unique US experience, head to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, a historic destination known for its Civil War-era buildings and beautiful rivers, forests, and mountains.

Tanzania and Kenya: See the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra

Tanzania and Kenya are home to the Great Migration, one of the world's most incredible wildlife events. Every year, around two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles migrate from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Maasai Mara in their search for fresh grass. The Serengeti is the mother of all safari parks, with its vast open plains serving as the stomping ground of the Great Migration and home to the largest concentration of predators in Africa.

The Great Migration is a year-long, cyclical event, with the herds constantly on the move in search of food and water. The best time to witness the dramatic river crossings is between July and October when the wildebeest migrate from the northern Serengeti into the Masai Mara through the crocodile-infested Mara River.

The wildebeest migration is an ever-moving, circular migration with various exciting events occurring throughout the year. While the popular river crossings usually take place during the high season from June to October, the migration is, in fact, an all-year-round event. The herds are constantly on the move, and the action-packed rutting (breeding) season occurs in June.

The Great Migration is a breathtaking, beautiful, brutal, and unforgettable event. Planning your trip in advance is essential to ensure you get to witness this incredible natural phenomenon.

Japan: Soak up the timeless allure of Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a captivating destination for solo travellers seeking a blend of rich cultural traditions and modern attractions. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your July trip to this timeless city:

Weather Conditions

July in Tokyo is typically characterised by warm temperatures, with an average of 28.7ºC (83.7°F). However, it is not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 30ºC (86°F). The rainy season usually extends until early July, so be prepared for humid and wet weather. Pack breathable and lightweight clothing to stay comfortable during your explorations.

Festivals and Events

Tokyo comes alive in July with a plethora of exciting festivals and events:

• Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival): This traditional Japanese holiday falls on July 7. People write wishes on strips of paper, tie them to bamboo, and pray to the stars. The reunion of Weaving Princess Orihime and Cowherd Hikoboshi is celebrated with decorations, events, and prayers at various locations across Tokyo, including Fussa Tanabata Matsuri, Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri, and Tanabata Kigansai at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.
• Sumida River Fireworks Festival: One of Japan's biggest fireworks events, attracting around 950,000 spectators. Approximately 20,000 fireworks illuminate the night sky above the Sumida River in Asakusa, making for a breathtaking spectacle.
• Adachi Fireworks Festival: Held on the banks of the Arakawa River, this festival has been a summer tradition for over a century. Adachi Fireworks Festival is renowned for its impressive display of around 13,000 fireworks set off within just one hour.
• Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park Fireworks: This fireworks display features colossal shakudama fireworks that explode into flowers of fire, reaching diameters of up to 400 meters. The event also showcases innovative and nationally acclaimed fireworks.
• Kingyo Matsuri (Goldfish Festival): Goldfish-scooping stalls are a common feature of Japanese summer festivals. Tokyo's Edogawa City celebrates its fame for goldfish with this annual festival, featuring goldfish displays, competitions, and sales. Visitors can also learn about the cultural significance of goldfish and view various species at the Sumida Aquarium.
• Japanese Lantern Plant Fair (Hozuki-Ichi): Held at Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, this fair takes place on July 9 and 10. Praying at the temple during this period is said to bring 46,000 days' worth of blessings. Hozuki plants, which are used to guide the spirits of ancestors during the summer Obon festival, are sold and displayed.
• Iriya Morning Glory Festival (Asagao Matsuri): This festival celebrates the horticultural achievements of Iriya's gardeners, who created around 1,000 varieties of morning glory plants through cross-pollination. The event features numerous stalls specialising in morning glory plants and other attractions.
• Kagurazaka Matsuri: One of Tokyo's most popular summer festivals, featuring a Japanese Lantern Plant Market and the Awa-odori Dance Festival. The festival includes food stalls, plant sales, and traditional dance performances on a hill road.

Attractions and Activities

Tokyo offers a wealth of attractions to explore:

• Senso-ji: This is Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temple, dedicated to the Bodhisattva Kannon, also known as Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy. Located in Asakusa, it is a revered site for the Japanese community and a popular tourist destination.
• Akihabara: Known as "Akiba," this town is renowned for its electronics shops and its role as a hub for Japan's otaku culture. You'll find a diverse range of shops catering to anime, manga, and gaming enthusiasts, as well as electronics enthusiasts.
• Nakamise: One of Japan's oldest shopping arcades, located just before Senso-ji. Nakamise offers a variety of traditional Japanese gifts, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Ueno Park: This expansive park is home to several notable museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Shitamachi Museum.
• Meiji Shrine: A Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. Visitors can follow traditional rituals, such as bowing at the Torii (altar entrance) and performing the customary hand-washing ritual at the Temizuya (water well).
• Tokyo Imperial Palace: Serving as the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, the palace is usually closed to the public except on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and December 23 (Emperor's Birthday). However, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to tourists year-round.
• Tsukiji Fish Market: The world's largest wholesale fish and seafood market, handling over 400 types of seafood, from sardines to caviar. The Tuna Auction is a highlight, allowing a limited number of visitors each day to witness the lively bidding and trading of tuna.
• Harajuku and Omotesando: Harajuku is known for its vibrant fashion scene, with boutiques and shops showcasing unique styles like Lolita fashion. Omotesando, a tree-lined avenue, offers high-end shopping, architecture, and a sophisticated bistro culture.

Transportation and Navigation

Tokyo boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city:

The subway system, including lines such as Yamanote, Sobu, Hibiya, Keihin-Tohoku, Chiyoda, and Hanzomon, provides a convenient way to get around.

Colombia: Enjoy the shoulder season with less rain on the Caribbean coast

Colombia is a diverse country with regional variations in weather. July is a great month to visit Colombia as it is the shoulder season, which means fewer crowds and lower prices. It is also one of the driest months in the country, with lower rainfall across all regions.

Weather in July

In July, the Andean region is in the dry season, with pleasant mild-to-warm temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking. The Caribbean Coast, which includes captivating Cartagena and Santa Marta, is warm to hot, with clear skies and plenty of sun, perfect for beach days and exploring the cultural treasures of the region.

The Pacific Coast, while still rainy and humid, experiences less rainfall in July compared to other months. This is also the start of the humpback whale-watching season along the Pacific Coast. The Amazon region remains hot and humid, but with lower rainfall compared to other months, making it a great time for jungle adventures and wildlife-watching.

Things to do in July

Colombia offers a range of experiences to enjoy in July. Here are some suggestions:

• Explore the historic city of Cartagena, with its cultural treasures and stunning Hispanic architecture.
• Visit Bogotá, the capital, which is one of the coolest destinations due to its altitude.
• Check out Medellín, the "City of Eternal Spring," with its warm temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
• Enjoy the beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Coast.
• Go whale-watching along the Pacific Coast, as humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to mate and give birth.
• Celebrate Colombia's Independence Day on July 20th, with parades, music, and cultural events.
• Hike in the Andes or explore the national parks, taking advantage of the dry season.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine, trying dishes such as arepas, a flatbread stuffed with scrambled eggs and butter.

Italy: Explore Milan, Bologna, Florence and Rome

Italy is a great place to visit in July, with its rich history, art, culture, and style. Here is an itinerary for travelling alone through Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Rome.

Milan

Milan is Italy's fashion and design capital, with a unique blend of modern dynamism and rich history. Known as the city of "Fashion, Business, and Design," Milan is a metropolitan beacon in the Lombardy region. It boasts cutting-edge fashion, historic architecture, and a dynamic cultural scene.

A must-visit in Milan is the awe-inspiring Duomo, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture with intricate marble facades and panoramic views from its rooftop. Another site is the Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper." Milan's fashion district, Quadrilatero della Moda, is a luxury hub attracting fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

Milanese cuisine is a highlight, with specialties like risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco. The city's culinary scene ranges from traditional trattorias to innovative dining experiences, making it a haven for foodies.

Bologna

Bologna is an ideal destination for young travellers, known for its vibrant university scene. It offers a slower pace than bustling cities like Rome or Florence, allowing you to explore world-class museums, stroll through the famous porticos, and immerse yourself in its rich history and gastronomy.

Some must-visit sites include the Museo Civico Arqueologico, with its vast collection of artifacts, and the Pinacoteca Nazionale, showcasing paintings by Raphael, Titian, and Guido Reni. The Asinelli Tower offers a panoramic view of the city, and the Quadrilatero is perfect for exploring Bologna's foods and flavours.

Florence

Florence is a must-visit city for art and history lovers, housing some of the world's greatest artistic treasures in its museums, palaces, and churches. It is also very safe, with a well-policed historic city centre and a low crime rate.

The city is incredibly walkable, with fantastic tourist infrastructure, and English is widely spoken. The Florentines are incredibly welcoming, making it ideal for first-time solo travellers.

Some highlights of Florence include the Florence Cathedral, the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Galleries, the Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens.

Rome

Rome, the Italian capital, is a great destination for solo travellers, offering world-renowned artwork, the Colosseum, and Vatican City. Italians tend to speak English and are generally warm and friendly, making it easy to socialise and navigate the city.

Rome is extremely walkable, and the bus system is convenient, especially with the Roma Pass, which includes free public transport and reduced entry to many attractions.

Some must-visit sites in Rome include the Colosseum, Vatican City, Piazza Maggiore, and the Spanish Steps.

So, there you have it! Italy is a great choice for solo travel in July, offering a mix of history, culture, cuisine, and incredible sights.

Croatia: Bask in the hottest month of the year

Croatia is a gorgeous country on the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, with stunning beaches, gothic cathedrals, and amazing food. July is the hottest month in Croatia, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C, so it's the perfect time to relax on the beach or explore the country's natural beauty. Here's everything you need to know about spending July in Croatia.

Weather in Croatia in July

July is the hottest month in Croatia, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C and an average low of 22°C. The Adriatic Sea is warm, too, with temperatures of around 25°C, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and other water sports. With up to 15 hours of daylight, you'll have plenty of time to explore.

Best places to visit in Croatia in July

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a popular destination, known for its medieval walls, ancient streets, beach resorts, and fortresses. It's also a cultural hotspot, with street shows, art stalls, and nightclubs.

Split

Split is another favourite among tourists. Here, you can explore Diocletian's Palace, a 4th-century ruin that's now home to restaurants and shops. Other attractions include Fortress Klis, Saint Domnius Cathedral, and People's Square.

Korcula

Korcula is known for its dense forest and rustic charm. Korcula Old Town has beautiful beaches, medieval squares, and ancient walls. It's the perfect place to experience Croatian culture and history.

Other places to visit

There are plenty of other places to visit in Croatia, including Pula, Hvar Island, Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac, and Zagreb.

Things to do in Croatia in July

Island hopping

Croatia has over 1,000 islands, so island hopping is a must. Popular islands include Hvar, Korcula, Vis, and Brac. Each island offers unique attractions, from pristine beaches to national parks.

Beach lounging

Croatia has plenty of beaches, including Zlatni Rat Beach on Brac Island, Murvica on Brac, Bacvice in Split, and Banje in Dubrovnik.

Sailing

With warm weather and calm seas, July is the perfect time for a sailing adventure. You can charter a yacht and explore the islands or simply enjoy the sun and sea.

Crowds and costs

July is a busy month in Croatia, with tourists flocking to the country. Prices may be slightly higher, but there's no better time to visit than when the sun is shining!

Events and festivals

Croatia has several events and festivals in July, including the International Folklore Festival in Zagreb and the Full Moon Festival in Zadar. These festivals celebrate Croatian culture and traditions.

Frequently asked questions