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5 International Valentine's Day Getaways to Go Alone

Tokyo
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Valentine's Day travel isn't just for lovebirds seeking romantic locations for candle-lit dinners. February is a great time of year for single folks to escape to warm, sunny destinations. Not only is it technically off-season (it's after the holidays, but before co-eds flock to Mexico and Costa Rica for spring break), which makes it ultra-affordable, it's also the perfect way to break up winter monotony and fend off post-New Year's Eve blues.

Whether you seek out a quiet village or a vibrant nightlife, you can be sure that plenty of other unattached people will be doing the same in these smart, single destinations.

Tokyo, Japan

There's so much to see, eat, do, and experience in Tokyo, traveling alone is almost the only way to get it all done. Enjoy the freedom to wander the streets, take a bike tour or cooking class, or just eat your way up and down the street in this bustling, colorful city.

As a solo traveler, you'll also get to take advantage of Japan's storied capsule hotels. These tiny lodgings are purely functional (seriously, they're very small), but they also offer spa-like bathing facilities and other features. Plus, the money you save on your stay will add up to lots more to spend on food and entertainment. Before you book, make sure you choose one that's right for you — these hotels are often separated by gender. The Centurion caters to women, while many others are just for men. For this reason, it might be a good idea to get travel insurance if you're planning on a stay in Japan, just in case the language barrier makes booking lodging difficult.

The rooms aren't all that's small in Tokyo; "micro-bars" are having a real moment right now, so prepare to be elbow-to-elbow with some strangers in one of these tiny, closet-sized cocktail lounges.

Close quarters are standard in this city, because Tokyo is extremely dense — it's the most populous metropolitan area on the planet, and technically made up of 23 wards, which are independently-governed smaller cities. Which means you can find a bar, restaurant, or source of entertainment without straying far from your lodging. That makes it easy to explore it by yourself, on foot. If you're not comfortable wandering without a plan, ask the concierge at your hotel, or consult a guide book for the best bars in your ward. Or, you can head toward some of Tokyo's most famed nightlife options, like artsy Bar Kodoji, the "photographer's bar," or Toro no Iru Cafe, which is like a cat cafe, except with owls and other birds!

Don't worry if your Japanese is sub-par; because Tokyo is such an international city, the language barrier doesn't present quite as much of a challenge as smaller, more remote areas.

Dublin, Ireland

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A great perk of traveling alone is the ability to linger over museums and other informational locations, and Dublin has no shortage of fascinating history to take in. Be sure to make time to visit the Dublin Writer's Museum, the Irish Whiskey Museum and the Little Museum of Dublin, as well as the numerous art museums and galleries. If you'd rather spend some quiet time in contemplation, visit the lovely Chester Beatty Library or take a stroll around the city's beautiful botanical gardens.

And of course, there's plenty to eat and drink while staying in this cheerful Irish city; Fade St. Social and L. Mulligan Grocer are both good places to start.

Or, you could just walk up and down Fleet Street to see what you see; there, you'll find pubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes, bustling with Dubliners and tourists alike.

Quito, Ecuador

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Perched high in the Andean foothills, Ecuador's capital is a beautiful city surrounded by lush rainforests, which makes it a great destination for people who are looking to commune with nature while traveling. While you're there, be sure to hike any number of paths and trails or visit the Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge. The city itself is also a real treat; the older part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's rich in history.

Another option is vacationing for a cause. If you're looking to travel alone but not necessarily remain alone for the duration of your trip, consider a volunteer trip with Eco Volunteer UP, which will ensure that you not only see the sights, but also give back to the community you're visiting.

When you're ready to head out at night, visit the neighborhood surrounding Reina Victoria, which boasts everything from visitor-friendly bars full of fellow travelers to local favorites full of friendly Ecuadorians. Just be sure you know the rules; some bars in Ecuador charge visitors a cover charge as they leave the bar, rather than enter, while others use a token or drink ticket system.

Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne truly has something for everyone. Between the arts and culture, the architecture, the outdoor activities, the sports and the gorgeous scenery, you could spend years exploring this exciting city. But even if you only have a few days, it's worth the trip.

Spend yours days outdoors, cycling, kayaking, or taking a hot air balloon ride (they're big into hot air balloons in Melbourne). Or, take it inside and wander the Block Arcade, visit the National Sports Museum or take the short trip to Williamstown, an adorable beach town just south of the city's center. Melbourne also has no shortage of elegant boutique hotels. Splurge on the iconic Como or the trendy Blackman, which is part of the hip Art Series Hotel Group.

At night, head to any number of clubs to see beautiful Australians partying the night away. But if you're in need of some laughter (it's the best medicine, after all), visit one of Melbourne's many comedy clubs. Host to an annual month-long comedy festival in March and April, Melbourne is very serious about not being serious. You'll just miss the festival, but you can still catch a show at the Comic's Lounge or any of the bars which host open-mic comedy nights.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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Amsterdam is a bucket-list kind of city — one that everyone should see in their lifetime. Though it's the country's most populous city, it's also pretty dense and it's designed with non-car transportation in mind, which means you can get around on foot or a rented bicycle very easily — the perfect way to see this storied, architecturally-gorgeous city.

The Museum District alone is worth the visit; check out the Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, also known as the museum of the Netherlands, or the Van Gogh Museum. There are also exceptional parks in Amsterdam, including the Blijburg, an unexpected sandy beach, or the quiet, serene Vondelpark, right downtown.

For lodging, try getting the authentic Amsterdam experience by trying on of the many, many Airbnb rentals available. Stay in the Noord, one of the city's hippest neighborhoods, and walk to get a strong coffee first thing in the morning. Or, you can stay in Haarlemmerbuurt, a busy commercial district featuring retail stores, delis, cafes, and bars.

Be sure to sample some of Amsterdam's renowned culinary choices, as well; raw herring is a staple and can be found from street vendors, though the pungent odor can be a little off-putting for some. Poffertjes (a fluffy, powdered sugar-covered dessert) and stroopwafels (chewy waffles) are two especially Dutch treats.

At night, you could head to the famous Red Light District, or you could get a late-night history lesson at one of the city's long-standing bars, like Brasserie De Druif, which opened in 1603!

Don't let contented couples have all the fun this Valentine's Day. Treat yourself to a vacation with the best date there is — you!

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Dec 08, 2016