15 breathtaking countries for your own “Eat, Pray, Love” solo trips

The bustling city life and strenuous work culture in Singapore may sometimes get the better of us, no matter how hard we try to cram some me-time into our packed schedule. However, it’s crucial for our mental and physical health to have a change of air. escape to somewhere new, and be more in tune with nature and our spiritual self. You may have been inspired by the Eat, Pray, Love story (either the book or movie), of the protagonist giving up everything to find herself in solo trip she took.

Indeed, sometimes getting a peace of mind, or at least getting a well-deserved rejuvenation, is only just a ticket away, so here is a short, comprehensive guide to 15 of the best countries to escape to for that Eat, Pray, Love experience.

1. Indonesia (Bali)

eat pray love bali
Source: Bali-Indonesa
  1. Bali is a renowned and popular tourist spot, and may be off-putting at first thought for those who are seeking quiet and tranquility. However, the key is finding the right beach and exploring the rest of the island.

When: February to April brings on daily showers, but it is the best time to visit the rice paddies as that is when the crops are harvested. October to November is the best time to get the clearest view of underwater activity

eat pray love bali
Source: Bali Hello Travel

Activities: Snorkelling is a favourite tourist-y attraction in Bali, with its clear waters and thriving marine life and is best done at Menjangan Island, with its sparkling waters and coral reefs of every colour in the rainbow. Hike down to Nyang Nyang beach for a quiet beach getaway to soak up some sun, as this remote shore is mostly secluded and crowd-free. However, for a richer experience, book a guided walk that will take you from rice paddies to the cooler highlands. The paddies are truly a sight to behold, as the pools of water form beautiful swirling patterns in the bright green grass. Fruit orchards and spice plantations are also other places to visit while filling your lungs with the fresh country air. Another experience is the Tirta Empul, a water temple where Hindu cleansing rituals are performed. You can partake in the bathing ritual too, but take note that everyone is required to wear a sarong, which is available at the entrance, and remember to always be respectful as this is a religious practice. You’ll then be instructed to bow or wash your face with the water coming out from the spouts mounted on the walls.

Food: Indonesian food is not only tasty but extremely satisfying. The combination of spices on their fish and meat will definitely make your mouth water. For as low as SGD5-7, you can get an entire meal at an affordable restaurant, and street food stands are even cheaper! Try the Balinese nasi ayam, chicken rice served with babi guling (suckling pig), vegetables and sambal chilli. Betutu is another popular Balinese dish consisting of roast chicken and rice with a special spice mix of peanuts, ginger, garlic, tumeric and chili peppers, guaranteed to cause an exciting explosion of flavours in your mouth! The es cincau (grass jelly in coconut milk, syrup and ice) makes for a refreshing drink as you stroll along the quiet shores of Nyang Nyang beach.

People: Bahasa Indonesia is the main language here, so if you already speak Malay, you’d get by just fine. English, however, is also commonly spoken and navigating around is easy with many helpful maps and signs along the ways.

2. Greece

eat pray love greece
Source: The Telegraph

Home of clear blue seas, glistening white buildings, and happy sunshine, Greece is a gem of the Mediterranean that you wouldn’t want to miss.

When: For the ultimate tan, April to September/October is the best time to sunbathe on the pristine beaches, where temperatures can go up to 30°C. If you’re looking for cooler weather, the temperature drops to about 13-20°C in winter months; perfect for feeling the sea breeze as you sip on a cocktail.

Activities: To sunbathe with your favourite book, Greece has many secluded beaches to offer. The Red Beach in Santorini requires a small hike to get to, but is completely worth it, especially during the winter when you have the beach nearly to yourself! St. Paul’s Bay in in Lindos is boasts two beaches, both offering water sports such as diving and snorkelling, and even has a cafe for that post-exploring ravenousness! After lunch, explore Lindos village, abound with restaurants and bars, and packed with whitewashed houses and small alleys. Rhodes is also a great place to learn more about Greek history, with beautiful architecture and stunning citadels. Check out the Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete, where the Minoan civilisation once thrived, and where famous Greek mythological characters come alive.

Food: Meals are affordable in Greece, at about SGD13 at an average restaurant. You’d find that most of their dishes are baked  or stewed. Try their famous dish Moussaka, which is fried aubergine, minced meat and potatoes covered in bechamel sauce and baked to golden perfection. Pies are also a specialty, with fillings ranging from cheese, to meat, to spinach.

People:  Greek letters may be intimidating, and most streets do not have names or signs. However, navigating around is pretty easy with a map, and the Greeks are used to tourists and eager to help, especially if you try to speak a little Greek.

3. Thailand

The Land of Smiles may be a familiar holiday destination to most of us, but travelling solo may open up countless more opportunities for a whole new experience.

When: Very much like Singapore, Thailand is sunny almost all-year round. For cool and dry weather, November to February would be the best time to visit. However, this also when the crowds are at its peak, so for a trip with a more conducive environment, we recommend June to October, which brings the occasional rain.

Activities: Paragliding and water-skiing are available at Bang Tao Beach in Phuket if you’re looking for some thrill and fun. Scuba diving, available at around SGD30 is also a great way to experience the thriving underwater life. If you’re an animal lover, visit the Mahawangchang Elephant Camp, where, along with your guide, get to ride elephants and even cross rivers with them. It is a four-hour drive from Bangkok, but we promise the experience is so beautiful you wouldn’t mind the long trip there. Get the famed Thai massage available at every corner in the cities before bed, or even take an entire day off for an indulgent spa. It is extremely affordable and guaranteed to leave your entire body and mind refreshed and revitalised. Thailand is the perfect place to get in touch with Mother Nature, a luxury we don’t often get to experience in Singapore’s cityscape. Phang Nga Bay offers kayak boats to explore the various caves and serene lagoons.

Food: Thai food is often spicy and flavoured with fresh herbs such as lemongrass and basil. Rice is a staple so adjusting to the cuisine here would be easy-peasy for Singaporeans. The streets are flanked with food carts that serve anything from Thai fried noodles for SGD1, to mango and sticky rice, the warm, comforting dessert that combines both sweet and sour, hot and cold, into one amazing dish.

People: Not many people speak English, but they remain friendly, and ever-so willing to help, therefore buying simple items such as knick-knacks and food prove to be a relatively smooth process. Be cautious of gestures and mannerisms here, though. The head is considered a sacred part of the body that should never be hit, only touch food with your right hand, and expect to be met with many polite bows from the locals!

4. New Zealand

eat pray love new zealand
Source: Small Luxury Hotels

Scandinavian countries are not the only ones with jaw-dropping sights of fjords! Famous for being the iconic backdrop of Lord of the Rings, New Zealand has so much more to offer with their jaw-dropping mountainscapes and wildlife!

When: To ensure quality time for yourself, avoid the peak periods of November to March and consider either April or May/June to catch as many glimpses of the wildlife as you can!

Source: Go Rentals

Activities: Fjordland National Park is New Zealand’s biggest national park located on the South Island, with views of the titular fjords stretched out in front of you as you make your way to explore the Sutherland waterfall as well as various secluded lakes. Kahurangi National Park is another option to appreciate New Zealand’s wildlife. It’s panoramic landscape is abound with animals and birds such as the kingfishers and kiwis, some of which you might catch crossing your trail if you’re lucky! To see even more of New Zealand’s precious wildlife up close, head to Kaikoura to catch a glimpse of the many species of whales frolicking in the waters. If you’re looking for a relaxing day, take the ferry from South Island to North Island for about SGD65 to Rotorua and visit the thermal springs and volcanic activity that is amazing yet serene at the same time.

eat pray love new zealand
Source: NewZealand.com

Food: New Zealand has great lamb and seafood, and an average meal will cost anything between SGD15-40. Like Britain, New Zealanders enjoy their fish and chips, which often include scallops or calamari. For a cultural experience, try the Maori’s “Hāngī” food available in Rotorua. “Hāngī” is food wrapped in foil or leaves and cooked in oven pits underground. Almost everything from chicken and fish to potatoes and pumpkin are cooked in this way to release a mouth-watering, earthy, grilled aroma.

People: Almost all New Zealanders speak English, but should you want to visit any Maori heritage hotspots, learning a few simple phrases would help to enhance the experience.

5. France

eat pray love france
Source: PlanetWare

The green French hillsides stretch for miles, dotted with wildflowers to paint a picturesque scene. Hiking the French Alps proves to be an arduous task, but is rewarded with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and romantic lakes.

When:
April to May would be the best time to hike the Poitou-Charentes, with the melting rivers and colourful wildflowers in full bloom. June to August would be a safer option for those intent on hiking near the Mont Blanc area.

eat pray love france
Source: Traveller

Activities: To challenge yourself, take a hike through the French countryside along the many routes available that best suit you. For beginners, the Poitou-Charentes or Loire Valley is a good introductory with a fair amount of hills. For the more experienced, a trip on the Pyrenean Haute route would be more attractive. There are many options such as trekking from hotel to hotel or staying in one place and taking multiple short routes a day and coming back to rest. While the comfort of home and civilisation may be far away, a solo experience (with or without a guide) in the French Alps will do the mind and soul much good. For a quiet afternoon, visit L’Abbey de Senanque in Provence where fields of lavender dance in the sunlight. Then head down to the nearby distilleries where you can purchase lavender products such as essential oils for your own personal aromatherapy!

Food:
We might already be familiar with escargot, profiteroles and baguettes, but the authentic variations really bring it up a notch. Start your day right by visiting a bakery or cafe and getting yourself fresh baguette with some soft and buttery brie, or perhaps a croque-monsieur, France’s take on grilled cheese. If you’re a seafood fanatic, bouillabaisse, a stew made from various fishes and shellfish would be perfect with a white wine from Provence. 

People: 
The French are proud of their language and may not wish to speak in a different language, so try learning a bit of French before travelling here! It would also make communication with the locals much easier, so you can enjoy a much smoother trip.

6. Italy

eat pray love
Source: Pinterest

Italy is not all about pizza and pasta. There’s so much more to this romantic city that is unexplored by many tourists. Breathing the Tuscan air is like gulping a jug of spring water on a sweltering day. It is fresh, clean and pollution-free.

When: The best time to enjoy all that Italy has to offer is between April to June and September to October, when the weather is comfortable and the crowds are better.

Activities: Start your day right with a cappucino, which costs about SGD2. Take this time to amp up your knowledge about Italian wines by visiting Chianti, one of Italy’s most popular wine-producing areas. Allow the romance of the Tuscan landscapes to enhance your trip even more by hiking along guided pathways, which will allow you to read up on Italy’s history as well. An effortless way to experience the countryside would be to rent bicycles and cycle along the many pathways tracing Tuscany’s landscape. Remember to breathe in the fresh country air and appreciate the lack of car horns and constant chattering of people! When your taste for a little civilisation returns, head to Siena, central Tuscany, to visit the Piazza Del Campo, one of Italy’s medieval squares.

eat pray love italy
Source: Food Network

Food: What better way to enjoy Italy than with delicious cheeses and wine? There is a wide range of different wines in Italy, so try a little bit of each if possible! Available at almost any cafe or restaurant, and enjoy it with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, better known as the Florentine Steak. An average meal at a restaurant costs about SGD22. After that, treat yourself to a few scoops of gelato. You deserve it!

People: English may be limited to some of the locals here, so start brushing up on simple Italian phrases and words such as “grazie” (thank you), “non parlo italiano” (I don’t speak Italian) and “mi puo aiutare” (can you help me?)

7. Denmark (Copenhagen)

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The great thing about Denmark is that almost every place is accessible, so you get to cover as much ground as possible. Voted one of the most peaceful countries on earth, the calm, easy-going environment here is sure to put you at ease immediately!

When: Denmark is a less intimidating take on Scandinavian countries, where the weather is less intense despite the occasional nipping wind. June to August is the best time to visit, where it is summer and there is much to see and do!

eat pray love denmark
Source: AFAR Media

Activities: A 2-day public transport card costs about SGD90, but Copenhagen is known to be extremely eco-friendly and bike-friendly, so rent your bicycle for SGD5 per hour (most of them have a built-in GPS) and start exploring the various parks sprinkled with colourful blooms. The city itself is bike-friendly too, so plan your route and take in the calm city sights and greenery. This exercise will be guaranteed to make you feel invigorated and ready to take on whatever life throws at you next. The Danes’ quiet but friendly and content culture is also a great takeaway for us who are sometimes so consumed by our schedules that we forget to take the time to appreciate the little things.

Food: The country is dotted with Michelin-starred restaurants, but that may be out of many of our budgets if you indulge for every meal.  Instead, try their pastries and sandwiches that are topped with various jams, custard or fresh catch are indulgent by themselves, and best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

People: Denmark is voted the Happiest Country on earth, and the Danes are relatively friendly and welcoming. Many of them speak English so communication will not be a problem.

8. Norway

eat pray love norway
Source: Travel + Leisure

If you have seen the Disney film Frozen, you’d already have an idea of how Norway looks like in the winter. However, the sunshine also reveals how beautiful the Norwegian architecture and landscape is!

When:
Norway is fit for almost any traveller as every season is great to visit. The summer (June to August) consists of bright, long days, September brings in cooler weather and less crowds, and the winter time is a sight to behold with sparkling white snow. The Northern Lights can be witnessed any time between September to February.

eat pray love norway
Source: Students Nigeria

Activities: For just SGD42, get a train ticket to almost anywhere in Norway. Witness Norway’s incredible mountains, glaciers and tundras on ships, which have comfortable cabins and tours. If you’re travelling in summer, keep your eyes peeled for beluga whales! Fishing vessels are also available if you would like to get up close and personal with the other wildlife such as arctic foxes and seals. Like many other Scandinavian countries, Norway is bike-friendly, so visit Breheimen National Park and allow the view of scenic valleys and might fjords to dazzle you into an appreciative silence. Norway is also famous for their Northern Lights. Altaknown as the City of Northern Lights, is one of the best places for clear skies and minimal light pollution. Book a single room at the nearby Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel for about SGD500 per night for a truly unique wintry experience.

Food: Other than their famed (and rightfully so!) salmon and cod, Norway is the place to try different kinds of meat such as reindeer and elk.The processed food we’re so used to pale in comparison to their fresh-caught food and hearty meals. A three-course meal for one costs about SGD40.

People: Norwegians have a fairly standard command of English; some of them are even fluent! Simple conversations and questions should be no problem, though it would be nice to learn simple greetings and responses before heading there.

9. Sweden

eat pray love sweden
Source: Visit Sweden

The furniture shop IKEA is sure to immediately come to mind when one thinks of Sweden. However, a visit there would replace that with the country’s breathtaking scenery that looks straight out of a painting, so you’ll be coming back with a new mindset about this quaint Scandinavian country!

When: There is no ‘best time’ to visit this rustic country as each season brings on different sights and experiences! During the winter, the arctic foxes and aurora lights are the most active, and the summer months are the best to explore the beautiful lakes and islands.

eat pray love sweden
Source: Swedish Lapland

Activities: The best thing about Sweden is that they have a free-roaming policy, which is a law that allows everyone to roam free in nature, sleep on the hills or by the lakes, pluck flowers and berries, and virtually walk anywhere you like free of charge. The only condition is that you respect Mother Nature and her creatures. Sweden’s land is chock full of arctic wildlife and it’s skies filled with migratory birds, so keep a lookout for these wonderful creatures throughout your journey here!

The Wilderness Road is a 360km hike through the forest and lakes, from Stromsund to Vilhelmina. For a truly unique experience, travel down south to Småland, affectionally known as The Kingdom of Crystal, where famous glass pieces have been produced for centuries. You get to blow your own glass and also visit the glass museum. It’s accessible by air or rail from Stockholm and Gothenburg. There are about 20 hotels of varying prices and comfort that will suit any wallet. And finally, what trip to Sweden is complete without seeing the Northern Lights? The pristine lands of Sweden will allow these ribbons of aurora to shine their brightest. For about SGD100, The Abisko National Park has a chairlift up to the Aurora Sky Station, where you’ll have the best view of when the rainbow lights cut through the completely dark skies.

eat pray love sweden
Source: Passion for Baking

Food: The typical Swedish staple is seafood. Swedish sandwiches are mostly open-faced, but are heaped with various ingredients and toppings such as boiled egg, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber, with shrimp being their favourite. For lunch, expect pea soup and pancakes served with lingonberry jam (they serve this with almost everything), especially on Thursdays. The Swedes also love crayfish, so much so that crayfish parties, or kräftskivor, are hosted in many gardens and backyards in August. In terms of pastries and dessert, two of the most popular are the cinnamon bun, and the green Prinsesstårta, a yellow spongecake with a layer of jam and covered with a thin layer of green-coloured marizpan. A regular meal in an affordable Swedish restaurant costs about SGD15-20.

People: While Swedish may sound intimidating and confusing, most of the locals speak English too.

10. Austria (Vienna)

eat-pray-love-vienna
Source: YouTube

Vienna is one of the most  romantic cities in the world, its streets decorated with old museums, opera houses, and classical music wafting from cafes whichever corner your turn.

When: 
To avoid crowds, visit Vienna in the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) seasons, when the weather is cooler.

eat pray love
Source: CBS News 

Activities: Vienna is definitely a place to go to get in touch with your artistic soul. Head over to the Schonbrunner Gardens, which should be in full splendour in the spring. It isn’t terribly exciting, but provides a perfect opportunity to take a long, quiet walk by yourself and stop and smell the flowers (literally). For just SGD23, take yourself back in time by visiting the Hofburg Imperial Palace, which displays all the opulence the Austrian royalty enjoyed through hundreds of glittering artefacts. The Imperial Palace is essentially three museums in one, so spend one or two days to make sure you’ve seen as much as you can! If you don’t find anything of interest at the Imperial Palace, don’t hesitate to explore the countless other museums and historical sites that dot this whimsical city! Dedicate a night for the State Opera House for a Mozart concert. Whether or not you’re into classical music, it’s quite an enchanting experience. Lastly, for a real treat, watch the dancing Lipizzaner horses toss their glossy manes in synchronised perfection at the Spanish Riding School. Theatres and performances in Vienna cost about SGD80-90 on average.

eat pray love vienna
Source: Sacher

Food: Vienna is simply abound with cafes and eateries, so pick any and enjoy delicious strudels and pastries for breakfast or tea. Have a warm bowl of goulash, which is beef stew enhanced with spices, or wiener würstel, tasty Viennese sausage commonly sold as street food. A typical lunch in an affordable restaurant in Vienna would set you off about SGD20. For dessert, try Austria’s apfelstrudel (apple strudel), commonly served with vanilla ice cream. Pop by Cafe Sacher for their famed, decadent chocolate cake with apricot jam, and enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee. To keep your wallet intact, have breakfast at your hotel, and splurge your money on museums and concerts instead!

People: Austrians speak German, but many have a good command of English as well, especially in hotels and restaurants. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be learning some phrases in German!

11. India

eat pray love india
Source: Huffington Post

India is not only a bubbling hub of food, culture and people, but is also the birthplace of yoga. What makes Indian yoga different from European yoga is that ‘seva‘ is preached. ‘Seva‘ means that by transforming your body, heart and soul with yoga, you are able to give back to the community and to humanity.

When: According to tradition, monsoon season (July to September) is the best time to do yoga and treatments as that’s when the pores on your body open and better absorb the moisturising and therapeutic oils.

Activities: Visit retreats such as Shreyas Retreat. Nestled in the heart of Bangalore, this small haven caters to all your inner yogi needs, complete with vegetarian food and many treatments at their spa. Open-air classrooms are available for those who opt for their yoga retreats. Another option nearer to the Himalayas is Ananda Spa, an award-winning spa destination in India with the Himalayan hills as backdrop. Traditional Ayurveda and yoga help to not only put your body in a complete state of relaxation, but could also potentially change your lifestyle for the better. At SGD400 a night, you are guaranteed to have a five-star experience that can only bring about positive changes in your life. Feel free to explore the many other yoga packages and tours available in this beautiful country!

eat pray love india
Source: The Dollar Business

Food: Depending on your package and retreat, diets may be tailored to enhance your retreat experience. Expect a lot of fresh greens, fruit and herbs that will surely flush out the negative toxins in your body (and life).

People: With around 21 official languages of India, Hindi is the most often spoken, so try a couple of phrases such as “Aap keise/kaisee hain?” (How are you?) andDhanyavaad” (Thank you).

12. Mexico

eat pray love mexico
Source: Lonely Planet

Many of us associate Mexico with tacos, chorizo and tequila, but unbeknownst to many is that Mexico has a rich ancient history laying in their temples, ruins and museums just waiting to be explored.

When: The best time to visit Mexico would be in from February to April where the weather is sunny with little rainfall. However, if you stay in tourist-y areas such as Cancun, you’d have problems with the large crowd, so try a hotel somewhere more secluded; or book your room in Cancun and take a bike or hike elsewhere! Cancun is near most of the Mayan sites and cities.

eat pray love mexico
Source: Select Travel Holidays

Activities: The Mayan Trail is a great way to keep fit and also explore Mexico’s history. Over 11 days, you get to visit different Mayan sites such as Chichén Itzá and The Palenque. The Palenque was a Mayan city consisting of temples and palaces in South Mexico that has been taken over by foliage after centuries of abandonment. The jungle surrounding the area is full of exotic wildlife and there is even a nearby waterfall to take a dip in! Entry fee to Chichén Itzá is about SGD8 and the Mayan Trail would cost about SGD1,500 for one.

There are still Mayans and other indigenous groups living in Mexico, and over 60 different languages spoken over there! Also, visit Mexico’s dozens of national parks to be surrounded by lush greenery and the peaceful calling of colourful birds and animals. Whale watching is another popular activity in the Baja California Peninsula, especially in February where even dolphins and whale calves come out to play!

Food: Many of us have probably already tried Mexican food here in Singapore, but nothing beats the original cuisine in its home country! In fact, Mexican food is so unique in its own that UNESCO has awarded it World Heritage Status. Just for the food itself. But Mexican food is not only tacos and tortillas; try their street food such as tamales – meat and veggies filled dough steamed inside corn husks or banana leaves, alambres – marinated beef or pork cooked with onions, peppers and cheese, and can come skewered or on a plate with a tortilla, and mole (“mo-lay”), the national dish. The name “mole” is actually the sauce, which is chili peppers, black pepper, spices and sometimes a dash of chocolate! A meal in Mexico costs about SGD5.

People: While mostly friendly, most Mexicans don’t speak English, especially in more rural areas. Therefore learning phrases such as “Perdón, pero no hablo español” (Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish), “Donde está/están” (Where is/are?) and “Puede ayudarme” (Can you help me?) will be important. 

13. Iceland

Despite what its name might tell us, Iceland is littered with boiling hot geysers, black lava beaches and sleeping volcanoes in stark contrast to its sparkling white landscape.

When:
February to March and September to October is generally the best time to see the Northern Lights. February to March is also the time when the orcas are the most active along the coastline. The summer months of June and July have literally 24 hours of daylight, so it’s the best time to go hiking or trekking through the volcanic landscape.

Activities: For the ultimate detoxifying and refreshing experience, take a dip in Iceland’s geothermal springs. The Blue Lagoon in Reykjanes consists of brilliant blue pools set against black volcanic rocks. The fine white sand found here is said to be a cure for almost every skin condition. The entrance fee is steep at SGD55, so make sure not to be in a rush to get out, and spend half of the day here soaking and relaxing. For a change of scenery, try the Landmannalaugar hot pools, where the steaming water gives you a view of the peaks and dips of the surrounding rocky hills.

Being in the world’s most geologically active countries, you wouldn’t want to miss the geysers blasting hot water up to 70m into the air. For about SGD600, The Golden Circle is Iceland’s most popular day trip, which covers the huge Geysir geyser, Gullfoss waterfall (which you get so close to you can feel the warm spray of water on your face) and the Þingvellir National Park. Some tours also include riding snowmobiles across the icy tundras! If you’re not a huge fan of the outdoors, Borgarfjordur has a Norse museum that history buffs would enjoy, and Skogar has a folk museum as well.

Food:
Try the delicious humar, Icelandic lobster, cooked in butter, herbs, garlic, and served with salad. The pyslur, lamb hotdogs, are dressed with everything from ketchup, to mustard, to fried onions, and is perfect for a chilly day. Skyr is a fat-free yogurt-type dairy product that, according to Erin Zimmer from Serious Eats, tastes somewhere between Greek yogurt and soft serve ice cream.

People:
The locals are used to tourists and while Icelandic is mostly spoken, they have a good grasp of English.

14. Australia

eat pray love australia
Source: The Telegraph

A common misconception about Australia that it is one quarter civilisation and three quarters empty, blistering dessert. Unbeknownst to many, this large uninhabited land is actually national parks, rich in aboriginal history, and abound with flora and fauna.

When: September to November and March to May has the most comfortable weather, and May is when the whales are visible. 

eat pray love australia
Source: Science Mag

Activities: Kangaroo Island is a great way to learn about Australia’s unique little critters, such as fur seals, bandicoots, koalas, rare sealions and of course, the mighty kangaroo. Get up close and personal with dozens of rare species of birds and the black swans. There are multiple ways to get there, including by ferry and shuttle, for SGD130 and SGD75 respectively. Gorgeous seaside accommodations are available there as well. The island is also home to the Ligurian honey-bees, and their honey is up for sampling!

Dive down to the Great Barrier Reef to behold an amazing eyeful of bold colours and crystal clear waters. If you’re not keen on getting wet, hop onto one of the glass-bottomed boats to watch sea turtles and manta rays drift lazily by. For a spoonful of history, hire an Aboriginal guide to take you through the majestic Outback with a walkabout tour. which begins at Faulconbridge train station. Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which houses wonderful Aboriginal art, or the Spirit Gallery in Sydney for something to take home.

eat-pray-love-australia
Source: Tourism Australia

Food: For SGD5-6, you can get your hands on some meat pies, which are widely eaten. They have many variations, but upmarket or affordable, the flaky pastry is guaranteed to melt on your tongue. Try aboriginal restaurants such as Charcoal Lane in Victoria, or Ochre Restaurant, which serves native game, seafood and ingredients in a contemporary dining environment. If you’re feeling brave, try the Witchetty grubs, which are, essentially, white moth larvae. They reportedly have a nutty taste and are enjoyed by Aboriginals. Pavlova is a commonly enjoyed dessert here as well. You get mouthfuls of sweetness from the cream and tartness from the berries, and is an explosion of texture.

People: The Aboriginals do speak English, but not all the time and not as their first language, so be mindful of that.

15. Japan

eat pray love japan
Source: Japan National Tourism Organisation

If you’re in need of a spa escape, Japan’s onsen baths and healthy, refreshing food and drinks will surely give you the body and mind ‘reset’ you need.

When: While every season is appropriate to visit Japan, April is the cherry blossom viewing season and May is the summer festival season, so crowds will be at its peak. If you want to avoid the crowd, try going during the autumn when colours are more muted, calming and suitable for your relaxing Japan trip!

eat pray love japan
Source: Selected Onsen Ryokan

Activities: Like Iceland, Japan also has hot springs to take a nice long soak in. Called onsen baths, the water is hotter than most baths we’re used to, and an important thing to note is that nudity is involved. However, onsen baths can be rejuvenating and its waters have healing qualities.Stay at small inns called onsen ryokan, many of which are old and traditional. There are even hot spring towns such as Kinosaki and Shibu in Yamanouchi, which contain public baths and allow guests to walk around in traditional Japanese wooden clogs.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Japanese culture by participating in the sacred tea ceremony. Kyoto information center Kyoto-kan in Tokyo hosts these ceremonies for about SGD5, but for a more private experience, gardens such as the Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens conduct tea ceremonies as well. Nadeshiko has a kimono-tea ceremony package for about SGD60 as well. A bonus is that matcha tea is packed with anti-oxidants and calms the mind and body!

Food: 
Ryokan usually serve staples such as rice, miso soup and pickled vegetables for breakfast. A steaming hot bowl of ramen can be immensely soothing and satisfying in the evenings where the weather is cooling and you’ve just finished dipping in the hot springs. After all that detox you’d want something filling to keep you going. Soba noodles made from buckwheat flour is healthy and a good source of nutrients like protein and fiber.

People: 
Japanese is the main language spoken here, of course, but with the changing times and influx of tourists, many signs are now written in English as well, so navigating as a solo tourist will be virtually easy.