At 13, Sophie Lee began solo international travel, aiming to be the youngest to visit every country. Now 21, with 185 countries visited, she's nearing her goal, revisiting places for evidence and embracing the challenges of difficult destinations like Mali, Chad, and Venezuela.
Solo travel is increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. Psychology and tourism research suggest solo travellers share traits like comfort with uncertainty, valuing autonomy, openness to experience, enjoying solitude, psychological flexibility, building confidence, seeking novelty, and being introspective.
A long-awaited cross-border solo travel scheme will allow yachts from Macau and Hong Kong to sail to about six designated ports in western waters off the Greater Bay Area, with the policy expected to be finalized as early as summer 2026. A Guangdong provincial government document outlines routes including Castle Peak Bay, Pearl River Delta, Fan Lau Kok, and waters around the Wanshan islands. Initial applicants will be limited to Hong Kong and Macau residents holding mainland travel permits, excluding foreigners with home-return permits.
