Maybe you’re in the midst of a devastating breakup or you’re grappling with a major life decision. Perhaps you’re an introvert in desperate need of some blissful alone time. Or, it could be you’re just craving an escape from the overwhelming, fast-paced world we live in.
Whatever your reasoning, sometimes seeking solitude is the best way to reflect, recharge, and hit the reset button. While you don’t necessarily need to fly to the furthest-flung corners of the planet (though we did include a few of those here), some destinations are better suited to solitude and help make isolation a transformative experience.
From tropical islands to vast swathes of wilderness and alluring coastlines, here are seven places to go for solitude.
- The Scottish Highlands
- The Yukon, Canada
- The Camino de Santiago, Spain
- Finnish Lapland
- Koh Kood, Thailand
- The Oregon Coast, USA
- Mongolia
1. The Scottish Highlands
Characterised by magnificent, stop-dead-in-your-tracks scenery, the Scottish Highlands are one of the last remaining pockets of Europe where solitude-seekers can enjoy invigorating isolation. It’s easy to immerse yourself in the natural world here, but you can also lose yourself in a land of legend, folklore, and tales as tall as the region’s mountains.
If you head to the far reaches of Scotland’s Highlands, it may seem as though you’re venturing to the end of the world. And, more often than not, you’ll find yourself feeling well and truly alone (in the best possible way).
2. The Yukon, Canada
Swap the 9-to-5 grind for serene solitude in Canada’s Yukon Territory, where animals outnumber people and the pristine natural beauty is in a league of its own. During the summer, you’ll find hiking trails and immense expanses of wilderness to explore, while winter brings a snowy playground and mesmerising views of the northern lights.
The population density of this rugged region is 0.1 people per square kilometre, so you’re virtually guaranteed peaceful moments of silence and plenty of time to yourself.
3. Camino de Santiago, Spain
Some people find solitude at secluded beaches, spiritual retreats, or quaint, mountainside cabins. For others, it’s a physical challenge — completing a strenuous hike or conquering a mountain peak — that offers the most respite from the chaos of modern life.
If you’re the type of person who finds solace walking in nature — or if you’re seeking solitude in hopes of gleaning a renewed sense of purpose or direction in life — following in the footsteps of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago could be just what you need.
Regardless of which route you choose and how long you spend on the trail, life on the Camino is refreshingly simple: wake, walk, eat, sleep. This uncomplicated, unhurried routine makes it easy to find ample time for stillness and introspection while being fully present in every moment.
4. Finnish Lapland
For genuine solitude, what better destination to choose than Finland — a nation with introverted tendencies ingrained into its culture.
In a time where being “too busy” has become a status symbol, Finland is one of the few places where silence is celebrated and considered to be a healthy time for thoughtfulness and reflection. In other words, if you’re an introvert, you’ll feel right at home in this country.
The entirety of Finland is a great choice for a rejuvenating getaway, but when it comes to remoteness and wilderness, one destination stands above the rest: Lapland. In Finland’s northernmost region, you can experience 24-hour daylight during summer or marvel at views of the spectacular aurora borealis in winter.
5. Koh Kood, Thailand
If a dreamy tropical paradise appeals to you but the idea of having to deal with crowds of people doesn’t, head to Koh Kood, an idyllic island located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand close to the Cambodian border.
Koh Kood’s beaches are outstandingly beautiful, and although this island isn’t entirely off the beaten path, it isn’t overrun with tourists either (which is a rarity when it comes to Thailand’s islands).
Accommodations here range from ramshackle bungalows to luxurious resorts, so you can get back to basics with a rustic-chic beach shack or bliss out in an ultra-luxe hotel.
6. The Oregon Coast, USA
Home to pristine state parks and towering sand dunes, the Oregon Coast is full of naturally beautiful places to get your fill of quietude. Your worries will melt away as soon as you arrive at its wind-swept shorelines, where deserted beaches and endless ocean beckon.
Whether you head outdoors to explore and connect with nature or cosy up with a book inside a homey beachfront lodge, there are so many different ways to relax and revel in contended solitude here.
7. Mongolia
If remoteness is what you’re after, Mongolia certainly won’t disappoint. Sparsely-populated and largely off-the-grid, this uniquely wild country makes it easy to decompress and truly get away from it all.
Since you’ll likely spend your days here embarking on epic adventures like horse trekking and learning about nomadic culture in faraway locales, Mongolia is also the perfect destination for a digital detox. You won’t even be tempted to check your phone here — the astonishing scenery will make you forget all about your social media accounts and anxiety-inducing email inbox.
Where do you go to find solitude? What’s your favourite place to get away from it all?
