Solo
travel is trending, with a growing number of Kiwis packing
their bags and setting off on adventures alone – and South
Australia is taking notice. With its blend of world class
wine regions and vibrant cultural experiences, the state is
fast becoming a top destination for independent travellers.
From December 2022 to December 2024 there was nearly a
quarter more (24%*) visits from New Zealanders travelling
alone.

Katina Vangopoulos, owner of Adelaide based
Flamboyance Tours, saw a sharp increase of solo traveller
bookings in the 2024-25 year. Her walking tours cover
history and culture, food and street art and provide an
immersive experience led by locals.

“Solo travel has
definitely increased for us. Our Paint and Palate Street Art
Tour is the most popular choice among solo travellers,
attracting a diverse range of age and gender. We’re seeing
more solo female travellers than ever before and walking
tours like ours are a safe, social and fun way to connect
with other travellers.”

Jay Patel of Another Kind
Group, owns three restaurants in Adelaide. “Over the past
year, we’ve noticed a significant increase in solo diners
across all of our restaurants – Press* Food and Wine, Peel
St, and Leigh Street Wine Room. Whether they’re visiting
from overseas or interstate, these guests are embracing the
solo dining experience with confidence. Many are eager to
immerse themselves in South Australian hospitality, often
opting for bar seating where they can interact with staff.
They appreciate the opportunity to receive personalised food
and wine recommendations and are generally open-minded when
it comes to their dining choices. In fact, most tend to
favour set menus, allowing them to sample a wider variety of
dishes. This growing trend is pushing the hospitality
industry to tailor its offerings to cater to solo travellers
and diners.”

What’s on offer
if you are travelling solo

In South Australia, solo
doesn’t mean alone. From the moment you arrive, you’re
welcomed like a local. Market stallholders at the Adelaide
Central Market offer samples and greet you with familiarity,
while bartenders pour local wines and share stories from
behind the bar. It’s easy to feel part of the place, even
if you are travelling on your own.

South Australia is
also LGBTQIA+ inclusive, with an increasing number of tour
operators officially accredited with the Welcome With Pride
Program. Accessibility is also a priority, with
inclusive tourism experiences that offer comfort and peace
of mind throughout your stay.

To help you get started
the South Australian Tourism Commission have curated solo
travel guides, designed like a local’s handwritten
map, full of personal recommendations and hidden gems. The
thoughtful resources help you find not just the right places
to eat, drink, and explore, but the kind of experiences that
fill your cup and linger long after you return
home.

Travel tips for solo travellers

For
Kiwis keen to experience South Australia on their own terms,
it’s now easier than ever to make the journey. Flying into
Adelaide is relaxed and straightforward, from there, it’s
just 15mins into the CBD, giving you the freedom to explore
at your own pace.

Air New Zealand
offers daily direct flights from Auckland to Adelaide, with
a new Christchurch–Adelaide service
launching 27 October. Qantas will also
begin non-stop flights from Auckland to Adelaide four times
a week from 31 October. There’s also a handy guide
to solo travel on the South Australia Tourism
website.

* Tourism Research Australia, International
Visitor Survey December
2024.

© Scoop Media

While Paris has a (deservedly) superb reputation as a summer travel destination, it would be remiss to forgo the rest of France. There’s so much more to this country than the capital city, including, of course, the South of France. Here, travelers will find laid-back beach towns, fields of lavender, glasses of rosé, and tranquil blue Mediterranean views.

There are plenty of ritzy hotels in the South of France, but if you want a more authentic coastal experience (or are feeling spontaneous), we suggest checking out the impressive line-up of Airbnbs in the region. You can find incredible rentals in some of France’s most charming cities, like Cannes and Nice, as well as spots in delightful small towns across the region, like Menton, Grasse, and Cassis. Whether you’re looking for easy beach access or your own French farmhouse, you’re sure to find an Airbnb in this list to suit your style.

Before you begin your search, there are a few things you may want to consider when staying in the area. Some of the places we’ve included below are in remote towns, so it’s recommended to do your due diligence when booking according to your personal needs—some older homes have staircases that are not ADA accessible, you will likely need a rental car to reach spots without reliable public transportation, and if you’re working remotely, know that fast Wi-Fi isn’t always a guarantee. However, many vacation rentals in this region more than make up for it with swimming pools, furnished balconies, and breathtaking views of the sea, mountains, or medieval villages. Read on to find the perfect Airbnb for your vacation along France’s southern coast.

Our top picks:

We’ve selected these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, decor, editor stays, and previous guest reviews. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey.

Save on your rental with Vrbo coupon codes.

As a millennial, the words “low-rise jeans” can be deeply triggering, but this pair from New York City–based brand Still Here has convinced me to make an exception to my high-waist only rule. They sit low on your hips, yes, but in a way that feels surprisingly natural. Maybe because there’s no waistband, which is what officially takes this pure cotton denim from purely cool to genuinely comfortable. I’ve always been an advocate of looking put together no matter how long the flight (no Uggs and sweats here), but it’s only because I’ve found pieces that deceive how easy they are to sleep in. These wide-leg jeans are the epitome of that—plus, they’ve got a photogenic silhouette that makes me turn them throughout the rest of my trip. —M.S.