Best Travel Destinations for Solo Travelers (Around the World)
(Please Read First)
I vividly recall sitting at a tiny cafe clutching my phone as if it were an essential prop in case anyone spotted me alone. No mind-blowing movie moment occurred. No profound experience that made me find my true self in that journey.
This is one thing you may never hear mentioned much. Solo trips are thrilling, but initially, they can be a bit embarrassing. They might even seem lonely or vulnerable.
But eventually, it begins to change. You find yourself using your phone less often. You become aware of your surroundings, such as observing people moving around, the city noises at night, and doing what you want without worrying.
And all of a sudden, being alone doesn’t appear to be lacking anymore. Being alone becomes its own sort of space. When considering traveling solo, picking the proper destination is crucial. Certain places will assist you in achieving this, while others will complicate it.
Below are destinations that don’t only look nice on Instagram, but are also ideal for solo travelers.
Simple Answer (Friendly & Straightforward)
A great solo travel destination has nothing to do with extravagance or being popular. It’s all about how you’re treated when you’re by yourself.
Can you sit somewhere without people staring at you?
Can you move around without worrying about everything?
Are you safe walking back after dark?
That’s pretty much it. These destinations are not only highly rated, but also places where being alone is perfectly fine.
1. Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka)
Where being alone is perfectly natural. It was Japan that taught me for the first time…that people don’t mind being alone. And this is the best way to be alone. You can go to a ramen restaurant, get yourself your own private booth, eat in peace, and go away. No socializing required.
At first, it might seem weird. But soon enough, you’ll feel liberated. There is also a certain comfort here, not only because it’s safe but because everything is predictable and reliable. Trains come on time, streets are neat, and everyone respects their space.
A real-life example: once, I spent nearly 40 minutes lost in a train station, but I wasn’t scared; rather, confused.
2. Portugal (Lisbon and Porto)
Where everything slows down and becomes better for it. Portugal is like your best friend who never ever hurries you along. You walk slower. You sit longer. You think more.
It’s not just the scenery; it’s the rhythm. Nobody is trying to force you to hurry up or work harder.
Real-life experience: I once spent nearly an hour at a little café in Lisbon doing absolutely nothing other than watching people walk past. Nobody hurried me; nobody interrupted me. And I found that rather luxurious.
3. Iceland (Reykjavík and beyond)
Where you learn to accept silence It’s quiet in Iceland. Not the silence that feels uncomfortable, but the real thing.
It’s when you hear the breeze blowing past more often than voices. If you haven’t experienced true silence before, it might seem unusual to you at first. But soon enough, it starts feeling… tranquil.
Experience: Being by yourself near a waterfall without anyone else nearby, listening to nothing but the sound of falling water and the breeze passing through the air.
4. Thailand (Chiang Mai & Bangkok)
Where you’re alone—but never truly lonely. Thailand is everything Iceland isn’t. There’s always action. Food on the street, noise, people, motion.
Somehow, it’s easier to be alone because you’re not alone at all.
Actual Experience: I found myself engaging with a stranger through street food. It wasn’t an “okay, let’s network” situation—it was just a brief, “is this good?” chat that turned into an hour-long talk.
5. Netherlands (Amsterdam)
Wandering that’s all one needs. Amsterdam does not ask for anything. No elaborate itinerary is necessary. You just walk.
Reality check: I spent an entire afternoon meandering through the canals without a goal in mind and without checking anything off the list. There was nothing to miss, only things to gain.
6. Singapore
A place where everything is effortless. Singapore is one of those rare destinations that doesn’t require much effort on your part. Getting around isn’t a problem. The streets are spotless. There’s always food around.
A great destination for those scared of travelling alone.
Life lesson: Feeling awkward about eating alone at a hawker centre may seem daunting – but when you settle down, you realize nobody cares.
7. Spain (Barcelona & Madrid)
A place where being alone is also sociable. There’s always something happening in Spain. You may be alone but you always feel connected to everyone.
Personal experience: I still vividly remember the time I was alone in a restaurant having dinner but surrounded by families, friends, and laughing… and never feeling isolated.
8. Vietnam (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City)
Where everything is intense—and for the better! Vietnam is an awakening place. From the streets to the food and everything in between—there’s a lot going on.
Once you get into the groove, you’ll find yourself having fun instead of being overwhelmed.
Personal real experience: It was really hard crossing the road. But when I was told, “just keep walking,” it helped somehow.
9. New Zealand
Where you can trust yourself more. In New Zealand, there is a feeling that you have to depend on yourself.nYou map out your journey. You drive. You make decisions.
A real experience: Driving by yourself on deserted roads surrounded by mountains makes you feel confident in your own abilities.
10. Canada (Vancouver & Toronto)
Where you feel at home immediately. There’s nothing intimidating about Canada. Everything just seems…easy.
True story: Sometimes it’s overlooked how great it is to feel safe and relaxed from the very beginning.
Real Talk: Face it, traveling alone carries risks no matter what. No place is completely safe. However, the locations listed here have: Proven safety records. Sufficient infrastructure. Solitary-travel friendly atmospheres.
The bottom line? It’s not about the destination but about how you navigate through it.
Little tips help: Trust your gut. Don’t give too much information to strangers. Have backups of any vital documents. Be aware of your surroundings
In most cases, everything works out just fine. However, being prepared means you can enjoy the ride!
That Part No One Utters Out Loud
Going solo will not suddenly solve all your problems. You will remain the same, just somewhere else.
But the difference is that you now understand: You can find your way through life on your own. It feels okay not to check with anybody when making decisions.
You don’t have to be around when everyone else is around to enjoy yourself.
Let’s Talk
If you’ve been contemplating the idea of traveling solo, ask yourself one thing:
What’s holding you back at the moment?
Is it security? Finances? Anxiety of being alone?
Or simply uncertainty of how to go about it?
You don’t have to come up with the ideal strategy. Not many solo travelers do. Just choose a destination that suits you and the courage to get going.
If you like, let me know your budget, origins and preferred type of trip. I’ll help you choose a destination that is actually suited for you.
