Get ready to pack your bags because we’re going to cover the best places to travel solo around the globe in this article. There’s something here for first-timers, big-city fans, beach bums, nature enthusiasts, and those who are used to these types of getaways.
Even if a destination appeals to you, remember to factor in your budget, safety, comfort level, and the amount of social interaction you’re looking for. These are the types of things that can make or break your trip.
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Quick Answer: What Are the Best Places to Travel Solo?
The best solo travel destinations all have a few things in common. Good safety records, reliable transport connections, fun social scenes, beautiful natural scenery, delicious food, and the flexibility to move around easily are what you should look out for. The places that tick these boxes are Vietnam, Lisbon, Tokyo, Thailand, Bali, Iceland, and New Zealand. Head to any of them on your own, and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time.
How to Choose the Right Solo Travel Destination
Heading out into the big, bad world alone requires careful planning. There are different levels to it. Some will dive straight into the depths of India on their firsttrip and won’t bat an eyelid. Others may prefer to ease themselves into things, sticking to Europe. There’s no right or wrong way; you just need to ask yourself these questions to help narrow down your options:
● How confident am I?
● What is my daily budget?
● What are my interests?
● How high is my risk tolerance?
Once you’ve answered the questions, you’ll start to get a better idea of the best places to travel solo for you. Then, with your potential locations in mind, the next step is comparing what each one has to offer. Think about things like safety, accessibility, budget, climate, language, and how easy it is to meet other travelers.
Always check the official government advisories issued by your embassy for travel updates as well, but don’t let them scare you too much. This gives you a real sense of what’s happening on the ground, rather than basing your decisions on opinions and news headlines.
For First-Time Solo Travelers
If it’s your first time picking up a backpack and tackling a city on your own, stick to places that are easy to navigate. Think Lisbon (the first trip I ever took solo), London, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Tokyo. These make for some of the best solo trips for building confidence, since they’re well-connected and have highly efficient transport systems. Everything is well signposted, too, except in Tokyo, which is bound to confuse the life out of you, especially at Shinjuku Station. But that’s part of the fun.
For Experienced Solo Travelers
Alright, show-offs. I know there comes a point where you want something more challenging and exciting. That’s when you start tackling countries like Guatemala, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Slovenia’s mountain regions, or parts of the Balkans. These are no walk in the park, but they’re some of the best solo travel destinations for those after a more full-on experience.Brace yourself, though, as you’ll need to plan everything in more detail and pick up some of the language, especially if you’re going rural. All while getting used to different regional transport networks.
Best Cities to Travel Solo
Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital ticks all the boxes for a solo trip. No wonder it consistently ranks as one of the best solo travel destinations. People are
friendly, and districts like Alfama are wonderfully walkable. Plus, you won’t feel remotely awkward sipping a cappuccino alone in a cafe, since half the city seems to be full of remote workers doing exactly that. Lisbon’s trams will be your best friend while on the ground, and you can squeeze in a day trip to Sintra or Cascais if time allows. Just bring a comfy pair of shoes to tackle the hills, and keep an eye out for pickpockets around tourist areas like Bairro Alto and on Tram 28.
Tokyo, Japan
Go to Tokyo, and you’ll have one of the best solo trips of your life. That is the advice my friends are tired of hearing me give. It’s super safe, dining alone here isn’t just normalized, it’s practically encouraged, and you can get pretty much anywhere on the trains, buses, and bullet trains.
To make things easier, be sure to find accommodation near one of the major train lines, such as Shinjuku or Shibuya. Building an itinerary around each district rather than bouncing between loads of them in one day is also a smart call. Your legs will thank you.
Best Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking to have the best solo trip, Bali is a cracking spot for independent exploration. You get all the island vibes while still enjoying home comforts in trendy cafes and upmarket coworking spaces. Days are spent surfing alongside like-minded travelers and indulging in a bit of wellness therapy. Base yourself in Canggu for remote work, Ubud for nature and rice terraces, or Sanur if you’d rather be right by the beach. Most people move around by scooter, but always wear a helmet and check the rules before hiring one. Grab and Gojek are great for getting from A to B, so use them when you can.
Thailand
Every solo backpacking trip around Southeast Asia ends up in Thailand at some point. It’s quite literally one of the best solo travel destinations because it has everything. Party hostels in Bangkok, the beaches of Koh Lanta, Chiang Mai’s temples, and dreamy islands like Samui. All make great bases. Either pick one to suit your style, or fly north to Chiang Mai and slowly make your way south.
Best Nature and Adventure Solo Trips
Iceland
Iceland is another of the best solo travel destinations, especially for those who love nature. The whole island is packed with stunning hot springs and thundering waterfalls, best explored on a road trip. But be aware, Iceland isn’t cheap. It can be pretty pricey to travel around, and you’ll need a car, a driver, or a tour from Reykjavik to see the best bits, all of which can add up fast.
Something else to remember is to plan around daylight hours. Winter brings only a few hours of light a day, while summer days can sometimes be bright almost around the clock. The last thing you want is to have planned a trip to Fjaðrárgljúfur and it being pitch dark.
New Zealand
New Zealand serves up some of the best solo trips for anyone who loves long trails, dramatic peaks, and has a strong sense of adventure. Between bungee jumps on the South Island and the North Island’s rumbling volcanoes and geysers, each island has a totally different vibe.The hostel scene in Queenstown is a whole lot of fun, with plenty of party nights happening throughout the week. The next morning, shake off the cobwebs with a jetboat ride around Lake Wakatipu alongside your new travel buddies.
Best Budget-Friendly Places to Travel Solo
Vietnam
Unbelievably gorgeous Vietnam attracts many for its beauty, culture, and charm, making it one of the best solo travel destinations out there. A great train and bus network running north to south ensures all the main hotspots are easy to reach. It’s best to start your trip in Hanoi, then make your way out to Ha Long Bay, back to Hanoi for a flight down to Da Nang.
After that, continue on to Hoi An, before finishing up in Ho Chi Minh City. Two weeks well spent. Expect your trip to consist of €2 steamy bowls of pho and exciting motorbike trips up north on the Ha Giang Loop.
Budapest, Hungary
As far as Europe goes, Budapest ranks among the best solo trips on the continent for a budget-friendly break. Once you check into your hostel, you’ll be heading out with other backpackers to party in thermal baths and sip cheap pálinka in ruin bars.
In my experience, District V is by far the most convenient place to stay, due to how central it is, so try to base there if possible. Budapest is very safe overall, but always keep an eye on your drinks when out and about solo, just in case you end up a victim of drink spiking.
Best Solo Destinations for Meeting People
Barcelona, Spain
Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you Barcelona is the best solo travel destination for making friends. The Catalan capital is super social and well set up for people traveling alone. There are endless food tours, architecture walks, andday trips to spots like Montserrat where you can join others and meet lots of interesting people.
Sadly, Barcelona is notorious for pickpockets, but these are easily avoided by staying in safer, central areas like Eixample and the historic center.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai, my former home base, has a cult following, and for good reason. Magnificent temples, cozy cafés, fun cooking classes where you can learn to make khao soi, and plenty of spots to mingle with digital nomads make it what it is. And the nature, oh boy, just hike up to Doi Suthep and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
The only downside to Chiang Mai is the air quality during dry season (November to April). Anyone who’s sensitive may need to cover their face for
protection, but it doesn’t take away from Chiang Mai being the best solo travel destination in Thailand.
Solo Travel Safety Tips Before You Book
Check Safety, Entry Rules, and Local Conditions
Before you visit any of the best solo travel destinations on this list, it’s a good idea to get a sense of what’s actually going on there. I like to do this by checking official government travel advisories and tourism board pages, as these tend to be reliable. One thing I will say about safety. An entire country is rarely dangerous as a whole; it’s usually certain regions and districts that have a bad reputation for crime. If I were you, I’d type each place on your list into Google alongside the word ‘safety’ to get a better sense of how things are.
Choose Accommodation That Makes Solo Travel Easier
I’ve learned the hard way, on some of my best solo trips, that location is everything when choosing accommodation. It saves you time and a lot of money and makes the whole trip run more smoothly, rather than spending half of it working out how to catch buses.I always pick accommodation that’s central and has real reviews from other solo travelers.
A quick search for the word ‘solo’ in the reviews section will usually share any dodgy experiences. A 24/7 reception can be reassuring, especially in sketchier countries; at least you know someone’s on guard at all times. A locker should also be non-negotiable for protecting your belongings in hostels.
Plan Your First Day Carefully
The first day of a trip to any of the best places to travel solo will always set the tone for the rest of your time there. Set yourself up for success, and success tends to follow. Arriving during daylight is a smart move, since it lowers your risk of being mugged. Make sure you’ve also got an offline map downloaded in case your data starts playing up. eSIMs can be a game-changer here.
Don’t just arrive and assume there are lots of transport options from the airport. Nothing is guaranteed. Look into the best ways to travel into the city, so you’re prepared from the get-go and don’t have to fork out for an overpriced taxi. And most importantly, keep things chill on the first night. Give yourself a chance to rest and get your bearings, and the fun will follow.
Ready to Plan Your Solo Adventure?
Booking a trip alone can be daunting, but once you gather the confidence to do it, you’ll be glad you did. This style of travel is trending. With more people choosing to travel solo, Kiwi is making it easier than ever to reach some of the most exciting destinations out there.
We have plenty of great ways to help you plan the best solo trip. How about flying halfway across the world for a few hundred euros on an itinerary that mixes airlines and includes an overnight layover somewhere unique? Or saving money by flying into a nearby airport instead of the main one in the city you’re visiting? We let you compare routes and design a solo getaway on your own terms, with your budget and schedule in mind.
