A 24-year-old female reader wants to take a trip by herself. She wants to go outside the United States, somewhere relatively safe and with enough to explore but with options for places to go and relax.

The world, or quite a bit of it, at least, is her oyster. Here are five places to consider. Each is considered in terms of safety, fun, sociability and excitement.

David G. Allen, The New York Times

Puerto Rico

With the night life in Old San Juan, hiking in the lush El Yunque rain forest and relaxing on nearby Vieques Island with its great variety of beaches, you'll be all set.

Ireland

Dublin, by day and by night, is one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe. And a trip to the beautiful western coast will feel adventurous. Wherever the road takes you, you'll find the Irish up for a bit of craic (fun).

Vancouver Island

Take a memorable ferry ride from the city of Vancouver to Vancouver Island, where you can choose between the cosmopolitan pleasures of Victoria and the outdoor delights of towns like Tofino, which has beaches, camping and whale watching.

Peru's Inca Trail

This is pure adventure. You can acclimate in the bustling mountain city of Cuzco and then spend the next four or five days hiking through the Andes with a small group of your new best friends, with all the alone time you want, until you reach the fabled Inca site of Machu Picchu.

Thailand

There is much to see culturally in Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai, and there are dozens of great beach areas in the south.

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