Travel With Ibii

Happy New Year, everyone! Is it too late to say that? I mean, we still have until the end of January, right? Anyway, I hope your year is off to a great start! If you’ve never taken a solo trip, or if you’re gearing up for your first adventure, or just planning to travel more this year, you’re in the right spot! This year is all about trips: birthday adventures, baecations, solo getaways, group trips, and all the trips your heart can dream of!

I’m gonna break it down into two categories: solo trips and group trips, and share my top 5 spots for each!

Top 5 destinations for Solo Travel

Of course, we are kicking off with solo trips; I have visited 36 countries, and on 25 of those trips, I traveled solo, so I am an expert at solo traveling, and it’s something I will always advocate for.

1. Singapore: It’s super safe for solo travelers, especially for black women. Seriously, it’s gorgeous and there’s something for everyone! If you’re in the mood to explore, there’s a ton to do in Singapore; from the stunning Gardens by the Bay and the thrills at Universal Studios to the beautiful beaches of Sentosa Island. Honestly, you’ll be spoiled for choice! If you are a foodie, Singapore is totally a food paradise, with everything from Michelin-star street food to the tasty eats at Maxwell Center and Chinatown. And if you’re into fine dining, they’ve got that too! There’s just so much to love about this place. I put together an all-in-one Singapore guide that covers hotels, budgeting tips, awesome activities, and the perfect itinerary; check it out here. You can visit all year round, but I recommend March to April.
2. Qatar: Doha is totally perfect for solo travel! It’s small and lively, so you’ve got everything right at your fingertips. The hotels have stunning views (definitely stay on the corniche for those views!) Whether you’re up for exploring or just want to relax in your hotel, Doha has got you covered. The sweet spot to visit is from October to April, since summer can be super hot and humid!
3. London: yes, London, I am a London girl; if you know me, you would know this. London in summer is my favorite city in the world. It’s the perfect location for a solo trip because it has everything, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be discovered. There are tons of activities, diverse food places to try, and beautiful streets to explore. You have everything in one place, so it’s easy for you to navigate; if you get lost at the train or bus station, just ask anyone around, and they’ll be more than happy to help. The best time to travel is, of course, during summer.
4. Luxembourg: This is one seriously underrated European city that you’ve got to check out in 2026, especially if you’re traveling solo. It’s beautiful, super charming, and nice and compact, you can explore the whole place in just 3 days, which is perfect if you don’t wanna feel overwhelmed. And the best part? Public transportation is totally free! So, you can just jump on a bus and hop off whenever you want, no stress about paying for fares. Best time to visit is during summer.
5. Barcelona: This city is definitely one of my fave spots for solo travel! It’s super walkable and a tourist hub buzzing with activities, restaurants and lively nightlife. You’ll never feel lonely here; there are people everywhere! I took a 5-day solo trip in 2023 and had an absolute blast. There’s so much to do, stunning architecture to check out, and the perfect mix of land and sea. You can spend your days wandering around Catalunya or just chilling on the beach. Best time to visit is during summer.

Top 5 destinations for Group Trips

1. Cape Town: It’s truly the ultimate spot for a girls’ trip, boys’ trip, or just a fun group getaway filled with adventures. There’s tons of stuff to do, from exploring local markets to wine tours. The nightlife is one for the books too, with bars and clubs to suit every vibe, and bar hopping is a must for group bonding and making unforgettable memories! Plus, it’s definitely safer to travel with friends rather than going solo, so you can look out for each other. Cape Town’s got stunning, picture-perfect beaches that you just can’t miss. And if you haven’t experienced the party scene in December, add it to your bucket list with your crew! Best time to travel is Dec to Mar.
2. Thailand: This is one Southeast Asian country that’s way better for group trips than going solo. This is because you can’t just visit one city; you have to visit at least three: Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. There are bound to be experiences and stories to tell, and what’s better than doing it all with your best buddies? Plus, the food scene is insane! You’ve got amazing markets and street food vendors that even snag Michelin stars, and it’s super affordable too. Definitely a must-add to your list! It rains quite a bit in Thailand especially from May to October so best time to visit is the dry season: November to February.
3. Jordan: Seriously, if Jordan isn’t on your travel wishlist, you’ve to add it! It’s home to one of the seven wonders of the world: Petra. I went there with a group of 7 girls, and honestly, it’s way better as a group trip than going solo. For one, it’s not the easiest place to figure out on your own. You’ll be driving a lot, and trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in a car or bus for 4 hours all alone. The laughter, games, and overall good vibes with friends make it all the more amazing. When you do travel to Jordan, make sure to check out the capital, Amman, wander through Petra, go glamping in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea. All these spots need some serious road tripping, and costs can rack up quickly, so splitting with friends is definitely the way to go! Its in the Middle East so similar weather with Dubai, Doha, best time to visit is from November to March.
4. Kenya: Nairobi is such an underrated gem in Africa! It’s got this amazing vibe rich in culture with loads of cool stuff to do. You and your crew can chill in Nairobi, exploring the safari and food spots, or take a road trip to nearby towns like Masai Mara and Naivasha. Trust me, sleeping in the woods in Naivasha is an experience you don’t want to miss, check out the Ark Hotel while you’re at it! And make sure to take a quick one-hour flight to Lamu; it’s a must-see! You can travel all year round but avoid April/May, that’s when it rains. If you traveling during summer, remember to pack a jacket, it gets quite cold.
5. Seychelles: Yes Seychelles. I’ve been there once, and I went with a squad of 6 girls. Honestly, there’s no better way to experience Seychelles. Sorry, not even a romantic getaway can top it! So, Seychelles has multiple islands with activities on each of them so while you are probably staying in one island, you have other activities on other islands so its not necessarily a relaxation vibe that you normally want on baecation and that’s why I totally recommend it for a group trip! And let me tell you, the nightlife is lit for some epic partying or club hopping with your friends! Anytime between April to November is a sweet spot to travel.

I’ve been to all these spots, and some of them more than once, so if you’ve got any questions, drop them below!

Till your next read, Ibi.