WHY leave the Valentine’s Day fun to couples?
Without a significant other, you can splash your hard-earned cash on yourself – and what better way to spend it than a blow-out trip?
Singles don’t have to miss out this Valentine’s Day – treat yourself to a blow-out solo getaway instead of leaving the fun to couplesCredit: Getty
Sophie Swietochowski shares the best long and short-haul destinations for singletons, plus tips for from destination experts at .
NEW YORK
Be sure to walk New York’s Brooklyn Bridge for freeCredit: Getty
EVEN when solo, it’s impossible to get bored in . It was British Airways’ most searched-for route last week and has long been a hit among independent travellers.
Some of the typical tourist attractions are worth it, while others can probably be skipped if you’re strapped for time and cash.
The must-dos, according to BA’s Destination Manager Nicole Lawson, are The Metropolitan Museum of Art and a .
Last-minute tickets can be picked up for a fraction of the usual cost from todaytix.com, and those who are part of the BA loyalty scheme can collect Avios on tickets. too.
Free activities bring just as much joy, though, Nicole explains, with a wander through the vast Central Park and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge both top of her must-do list.
Solo dining is rarely an issue in the city, thanks to bar-style seating at many . Take advantage of happy hours, where you can get discounted drinks or oysters for $1 at certain hours of the day.
GO: Flights from Heathrow from £437 return.
AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam hits top marks for solo travellers thanks to its walkable streets, vibrant café culture, and must-see museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van GoghCredit: Getty
ITS walkability, café culture and proximity to the UK makes this city a great spot for travellers going on solo adventures.
According to Katie Williams, Destination Executive at British Airways , singletons should make a beeline for Museumplein – a square in the city centre renowned for its museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums.
Then, take a stroll around the neighbourhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp, to soak up , galleries and boutique cafes.
Instead of heading to a restaurant, Katie recommends the Foodhallen – an indoor market in Oud West with stalls serving everything from sushi and burgers to local delicacy, bitterballen.
GO: Flights from Heathrow start from £71 each way.
BARCELONA
Barcelona is booming for solo travellers, with its sandy city-centre beach, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, and hidden gems in the Gothic Quarter perfect for exploring at your own paceCredit: Getty
SOLO demand for this Spanish city has rocketed, with British Airways reporting a 93 per cent increase in searches compared to last month.
Home to a sandy beach just a short stroll from the city centre with world-class restaurants and cracking shopping, it’s a great spot for anyone who’s not coupled up.
Sara Di Lenardo, BA’s Destination Manager, recommends grabbing a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket on day one to help familiarise yourself with the area.
Then tick off ’s famous church, the Sagrada Familia, which is finally due to be completed this year after more than 140 years under construction.
Solo travellers may also find the Gothic Quarter’s narrow streets, crammed with wonky boutiques and diddy tapas bars, less overwhelming than the main touristy strips like Las Ramblas.
GO: Flights from Heathrow are from £48 each way.
GENEVA
Swiss serenity awaits solo travellers, with easy trams, lakeside strolls, and chocolate and wine tasting perfect for a sweet Valentine’s escapeCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
BACHELORS and bachelorettes seeking escapism will appreciate the tranquility of .
For those not used to travelling solo, the city is simple to navigate on foot and has an easy-to-use tram system, with day trips to the Alps more than doable.
A lakeside stroll should definitely be on the bucket list, says BA Destination Manager Nina McMaster, with the water reflecting a picture of the nearby looming mountains.
You’ll be able to treat yourself to much better sweet Valentine’s treats than you’d get back home, too, with skilled chocolate makers found throughout the city.
Nina suggests buying a Choco Pass (around £38), which gets you a tasting plate from five different chocolatiers — you can pick which ones you want to visit.
tasting is big here, too. And if you’ve got a bit of spare cash, there are some top notch wine tours on offer with viator.com. A three-hour tuk-tuk tasting tour costs from £176.
GO: Flights from Heathrow start from £60 each way.
LOS ANGELES
LA is perfect for solo wellness trips, with sunny beaches, scenic hikes, celebrity spotting, and spasCredit: Getty
FOR those seeking some self-care, few places in the world do wellness better than – home to glorious hiking trails, sun-drenched beaches, epic spas and workout classes that keep the A-listers shipshape.
The temperature is in the mid-20s right now, so it’s no surprise this was British Airways’ tenth most searched-for route last week.
What should you get stuck into first? BA’s Destination Manager Robyn Harvey-Jones suggests a cycle from Santa Monica to Venice Beach –– it’s a very easy route, passing trendy shops and quirky restaurants on the way.
Even if you don’t have a full wallet, walking along Rodeo Drive and the tree-lined streets of Beverly Hills should be on your list, just for the people-watching.
And for the best views of the world-famous sign, hike up Runyon Canyon. It takes around two hours and is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
GO: Flights from Heathrow are from £424 return.
- All flight prices include overhead cabin bags. See britishairways.com .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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