For some of us who long to travel, it can be difficult to find someone to journey with. Friends and family members are tied down in jobs, struggling to save money, and don’t always want to go to the same places. The solution, of course, is to go it alone.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a hot-spot travel destination, which has beautiful beaches as well as busy and lively city life. Australia as a whole is considered a safe destination for international travel, and because of that, many solo (单独) travelers go there. Melbourne is incredibly easy to get around because you can walk or bike practically anywhere!

Thailand

Thailand is great for solo travelers-perhaps because it is one of the Buddhist mentality, which promotes equality among the sexes. Thailand is known for its friendly hospitality, and as a travel hot-spot, there are plenty of chances to meet other like-minded travelers. Overall known for being very cheap, especially in the north, it’s a good choice if you want to get away on a budget.

Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the most cultural countries in the world. It is also home to the world’s highest unclimbed peak, Gangkhar Puensum. The mountain is sacred (神圣的) and entry is only possible on a pre-booked tour, where you are accompanied around by your own personal guide. Plastic bags are not permitted in Bhutan. In 2004, it became the first country in the world to outlaw tobacco.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a great place if you’re looking for adventure, with surfing, volcanoes and other recreational activities. You’ll never get a chance to feel lonely because there’s an abundance of exciting adventures to experience! Costa Rica has never seen political unrest, class struggles or revolutions commonly associated with other Latin American Countries. What’s more, it doesn’t have or need an army because it’s such a peaceful country.

Most athletes who earn a chance to compete at the Olympics do not go home with medals. Here, some of them share how they get through their disappointments.

Moritz Muller

Sport: Ice hockey

Country: Germany

“I have learned through the years that setbacks (挫折) are a part of life and that everyone has them and that the most successful people are the ones who have had the biggest setbacks,” Muller says. “My biggest trick is not to take myself too seriously.”

Lewis Gibson

Sport: Ice dancing

Country: The United Kingdom

Gibson says that positive attitude has been the key to help him through disappointments. “I have learned the importance of replacing any doubts I might be feeling with belief in myself,” he says. “You fill your head with thoughts and it’s very powerful. You’re your own biggest influence.”

Adrian Diaz

Sport: Ice dancing

Country: Spain

After failing to make to the Olympics four years ago, Adrian Diaz worked on communicating more positively with his dancing partner so there wouldn’t be any tension on the ice. “Whether it’s a teammate, friend or family member, improving communication takes time and patience. But breakthroughs do come,” he says. “It took five years for us to fully understand what we had to do. Not just for skating and training but for life.”

Karen Chen

Sport: Figure skating

Country: The United States

“Athletes aren’t always open about all of the challenges they overcome to compete in front of the world at the Olympics,” says Chen. “I didn’t ever talk about them. Before the team event, I actually fell down stairs and hurt my legs. But I fought through with all the strength I had and went through this challenge.”