orget the dreary weather, the UK capital has pubs (and many a friendly patron), clubs and enough museums to get lost in for days.

One of the safest cities on the list, New Zealand’s most populated city offers great food, vineyards and a harbour bustling with activity.

Yes, it’s overpopulated by Aussies, but if you avoid Kuta it’s hard to beat Ubud for yoga and rice paddies; Seminyak for luxury hotels, fine dining and shopping; and Uluwatu for jaw-dropping views.

Rome may have the high-octane energy, but the small-town aura of beautiful Florence is a solo traveller’s delight. Plus, we hear they have really great art here…

Don’t have time to jump on an international flight? Head to Queensland’s most stunning island and revel in the blinding white sand and aqua blue water. Just add cocktails.

With beaches, bespoke tailors and artisans in abundance, this quaint little Vietnamese town is a haven when you need a break from the traffic and noise of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Boasting colonial architecture and banh mi on every street corner – you could get happily lost in the cobbled streets of the old town for days.

A tantalising blend of east and west influences, this former British colonial city is teeming with incredible food and nightlife. As a centre for the Asian financial market, it has a vibrant expat scene, making it easy for Western travellers to navigate.

Ah, the city of cafes, lovers and breathtaking architecture. Little wonder you could shop, eat and explore this city 24/7 – in between repeat visits to the French capital’s incredible museums.

While Thailand in general is hard to beat for a short getaway, the country’s second largest island is luxury island holidaying personified.

What to say about the Big Apple that’s not been said before? Nothing, except it’s a surprisingly easy city to explore new boroughs and traipse the modern art galleries alone. After all, how could you be bored in the city that has no ‘off’ switch?

Cleaner than your average Asian city, this mecca is a mix of designer shopping, world-class dining experiences and polite locals –who needs travel companions in a city like this?

Yes, the US West Coast may also offer the bright lights of LA, but Northern California’s Golden Gate city is a (foggy) revelation. Picturesque bay views aside, the charm of cable cars, Victorian houses and a centre bolstered by the ingenuity of tech millionaires makes this exxy, but welcoming city a must for intrepid explorers.

With a rapidly rising profile, South Korea’s epicentre for K-Pop and beauty innovation is occasionally confounding, but mostly intriguing. Try the Korean BBQ – even if you don’t understand what’s ordered, you won’t be disappointed.

While most of Scandinavia is a safe haven for travellers with a bit of coin (the European region is notoriously expensive), the Scandi-cool style of the Swedes is a pleasure to behold on your own.

Still the premier destination in Asia, it’s hard to knock off this cool-kid from the top spot. Food, fascinating culture and a rampant knack for innovation make Japan’s capital an easy choice for anyone flying solo.