SOLITARY ADVENTURES
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Running away for solitude
Gloria Spittel presents five idyllic destinations for solo travelers
It’s only February... and it’s all too much too soon! Need to escape to get back on track or is the enforced atmosphere of romance stifling you? Whatever the reasons for seeking seclusion, don’t be stymied by cocked eyebrows at the mention of a plan.
Sometimes, the need to retreat into solitude gnaws at the core of our very being. Solitude is not simply the absence of people; it’s also silence or at the very least, quiet uninterrupted space punctuated by the absence of technological dings or earnest mutterings.
Usually, this type of traveller who wants to relax, learn or even work, seeks secluded spaces in either a busy metropolis or countries known for their natural landscapes and peaceful settings. Here are a few suggestions for solitude.
BHUTAN Nestled between India and China, Bhutan built its own measure of prosperity through its Gross National Happiness index. Getting there is hard and requires the coordinating skills of a tour guide. But once you arrive in this Himalayan dragon kingdom, there are plenty of wide-open spaces cloaked in what’s been described as ‘magic.’
GREENLAND About 85 percent of Greenland’s land area is ice. Yet, there’s a lot to do in the small area that’s not ice. Activities range from hiking to cross-country skiing and mountaineering. And the best part is that there’s very little chance of running into another person in this least densely populated territory in the world.
GEORGIA Mountain scenery, ancient churches, vineyards and claims of being the birthplace of wine, Georgia is fast becoming a tourist hotspot. But it still has something to offer the weary and overstimulated. Choose from diverse landscapes and immerse yourself in the country’s culture, history and environment in what could well be an enlightening stay.
LAOS From cave exploration, ziplining in a forest and rock climbing to exploring the city on bicycles, Laos is the country for adventure seekers who may also want to sample culture, history and acres of natural landscape to explore. Laos offers a countrywide experience that includes its many ethnic peoples and historical traditions interspersed by verdant green landscapes.
MADAGASCAR For stunning vistas and beaches, and astonishing fauna and flora that is indigenous to the island, head to Madagascar before deforestation takes over. With 80 percent of its wildlife considered endemic, the naturalist in you will be in for a wild ride – although ring-tailed lemurs singing “I like to move it, move it” is a slight stretch!
