Revealed: The world's best destination for solo travellers has incredible historic landmarks and beautiful hiking trails
Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular with more and more travellers eager to explore the world alone.
A new study has now revealed the best country in the world for solo travel taking into account safety, affordability of eating out and the ease of getting a flight from the UK.
And top of the list is Italy which picks up a high score in each of the categories.
From Rome's incredible historic landmarks to Bologna's world-famous tagliatelle bolognaise or the Dolomites' hiking trails, solo travellers will be spoilt for choice in Italy.
Currently Rimini, an underrated seaside town, is the cheapest Italian destination to fly to in July. Both British Airways and easyJet recently launched direct flights to the beach hotspot.
Next on the list is Japan, renowned as one of the world's safest countries. Solo travellers can explore the bright lights of Tokyo or head to Okinawa for beaches.
Norway rounds off the top three. While its capital Oslo is one of the most expensive destinations for a city break, the country has some of Europe's most spectacular natural landscapes.
Home to Europe's longest coastline, Norway has breathtaking beaches and offers tourists the chance to see the Northern Lights.
From Rome's incredible historic landmarks to Bologna's world-famous tagliatelle bolognaise or the Dolomites' hiking trails, solo travellers will be spoilt for choice in Italy
Spain takes fourth place on the list. Although its Costa del Sol beaches are particularly popular with Brits, there are many lesser-known spots to discover.
Solo travellers could visit San Sebastian, known as Spain's gastronomic capital, or visit Granada's incredible Alhambra palace.
Albania is ranked as the fifth best destination for solo travellers. An up-and-coming European holiday hotspot, the country is one of the more affordable destinations on the list.
Sam Bruce, co-founder of Much Better Adventures, the company that commissioned the research, says: 'There are so many wild corners of the world still to explore, which is as exciting as it is overwhelming.
'That can make it tough to decide where to go next, especially if you're travelling solo. There's so much travel inspiration online, it can be hard to know what's right for you.
'Some of the most rewarding experiences come when you go beyond the beaches and the city breaks and into the wild places that most guides overlook. Getting away from the crowds doesn't just mean you have a more enjoyable experience, you're also helping to distribute the wealth of tourism to areas where it can have a positive impact and you'll learn a lot more about the places you see.'
Portugal just misses out on a spot in the top five. The country is often described as the most affordable destination in western Europe and offers beaches and world-class hiking.
Hikers might want to head to Nepal, which ranks sixth on the list. Home to Mount Everest, the country also has more accessible hiking suitable for walkers of all levels.
Sam adds: 'Italy, Norway and Albania are home to a great range of activities and culture-rich towns where you can get lost in experiencing new and wild things with welcoming locals.
'But don't let the distance of Japan or Nepal put you off experiencing these captivating countries solo. Both are unforgettable destinations.'
Montenegro, Jordan and Greece round off the top 10 list while Peru, Canada and Guatemala land just outside.
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