Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by Darrif William
Solo travel can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Travelling alone has got a lot of benefits. You don’t have to wait for friends to venture out and explore the world but can do it alone. Meet lots of incredible new people and discover a sense of freedom that you never knew existed. More and more people are choosing to travel solo each year which allows them to explore the best of everything on their terms. Whether you want to spend your time on a desert island or explore a frenetic new city, here is our list of the best solo travel destinations you must visit!
1. Thailand
Thailand is a great place to start for young and inexperienced solo travellers. Affordable, easy to travel and a hub of backpackers, it is the perfect spot to test the waters. There are multiple daily flights from London to Bangkok, the country’s capital taking you on an epic journey. Start from Bangkok as you explore the best of this city or you may also begin from Chiang Mai in the north. There are so many things to do here, taking up culinary lessons, visiting temples or playing with elephants. Next, you can head south to explore the many gorgeous beaches and try scuba diving. Thailand has a way of making you feel adventurous especially if you’ve never been to Asia before. But at the same time, it’s an extremely popular tourist destination and hence, you don’t have to worry about travel logistics much. There are backpacker’s hotels and cosy hotels within every budget across the country.
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2. Malaysia
Malaysia is often overlooked as a tourist destination in favour of its neighbours which is quite baffling. It is one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia and a great solo travel destinations for any age. The country has got incredible rainforests and canopy walks, buzzing cities with lively nightlife and culinary scene. Since Malaysia is a multi-cultural country and most people speak perfect English, it is a lot easier to connect with the locals than many other countries. Malaysia is not a very touristy destination unlike Thailand so it’s a great choice in Asia for travellers who are looking to get to know about the culture and heritage. Start from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and easing yourself to the different environment before venturing out to more offbeat places in the region.
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3. Iceland
There are plenty of reasons why Iceland is one of the hottest solo travel destinations. It is also one of the safest places in the world where you can do so many things by yourself. Iceland is home to over 30 active volcanoes, hot springs and geysers to name a few natural attractions. From soaking in the Lue Lagoon to driving through the Golden Circle, you’ll not run out of things to do here. Iceland is also famous for sites like the largest glacier in Europe and ice caves that can only be explored in the winter and there are the world-famous Northern lights, of course. You’ll love everything about Iceland irrespective of what time of the year you choose to travel, winter or summer.
4. Oman
It is hard to imagine Oman as a tourist destination. Many people have no information about Oman but it is one of the best places to travel alone. You’ll find the locals friendly and can walk down the streets without being stared at. Roads are in great condition and renting a car is quite easy. From sparkling blue wadis and dunes to sea cliffs and the Grand Canyon of the Middle East, the nature and impressive scenery are the highlights of this country. You can also hire a local guide to show you around.
5. Australia
Australia is known for its laid-back culture and some of the world’s friendliest locals. There is no language barrier for you but you’ll just have to brush up on your Aussie slang knowledge. It is an incredible country to explore whether you’re looking for a city escape or some sunbathing by the beach. Trace over than 20,000 years old outlines of rock art in Kakadu National Park, float in the azure waters of Rottnest Island or perhaps admire the iconic sites of Sydney Harbour, there is so much to do and see on this indigenous island. Walk into a pub alone and you’ll end up sharing beer with the locals or walk by the beach and you’ll be invited over to join a summer barbeque. Australia recently went through a devastating bushfire season and if you want to help, a great way to do so by visiting the island.
6. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Solo hiking is an amazing way to escape into nature and enjoy the solitude that you find there. The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular solo travel destinations for solo hiking. Vast and inarguably beautiful, it is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark that everyone should see at least once in their life. It is a natural wonder that you’ll have to witness to believe. Stretching 277 miles, its rocky walls go downhill over more than a mile to the canyon’s floor, where the wild Colorado River flows across a swift course southwest. You get a stunning perspective travelling down into the canyon and match no other hiking experience. It is a popular trail and hence, you’re likely to meet plenty of other hikers if you want to chat and make friends. Last year in 2019, the Grand Canyon celebrated its 100th birthday as a national park.
7. South Island, New Zealand
South Island of New Zealand is a great solo travel destination you must visit. We understand it is on the edge of the world, which means a long flight, jet lag and an expensive ticket. But the joy it brings with road tripping around the beautiful South Island is immense. Find a place to watch the sunset and enjoy wine alone in the woods. It is an experience worth having and that’s what you want to achieve through a solo trip, anyway. You can surf on the East Coast, drive for one-half hour and be in the Southern Alps to go snowboarding or hiking. The fact that there are no snakes or notorious animals here will make the idea of hiking in the wilderness a pleasant one.
8. Cinque Terre, Italy
This beautiful cluster of Italian villages, a romantic getaway for couples, is a destination added to many travellers’ bucket list and this is the right time to go. You will find affordable accommodation, such as an apartment or homestay quite easily. Spend over a week and take time to explore the place on your solo trip. Cinque Terre comprises five villages connected by footpaths and trains and is easy to navigate. And if you get lost here, there are English speaking tourism ambassadors at each station to help you. The towns are small and it’s easy to plan the trip. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong ordering pizza or pasta at restaurants. Summer is the busiest season and the best time to go alone when you won’t stand out in the crowd. Take as many pictures as you can.
9. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is a great city to see as a solo traveller, especially if you’re a female traveller. Dublin has a captivating history with a cosmopolitan character. Stay at the city centre from where you’ll be able to walk to everything with ease. If you don’t love walking, go for Dublin’s public transport including buses, trams and trains which are in great condition. The city is quite safe for women. Historic attractions such as Dublin Castle or The Book of Kells offer a glimpse into Dublin’s ancient roots. The Temple District is vibrant and a reminder of great Dublin beer. There are great pubs that offer traditional Irish food. Visit to meet new people and make friends as the Irish are some of the warmest and friendliest people on the earth.
10. Kenya
If you’ve always wanted to go for African jungle safari, Kenya is the perfect place for you. With its diverse ecosystem and population of the “Big Five” (elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), you’re likely to witness a myriad of animals in the wilderness. Join a big group or arrange for a guide to explore the jungle. The country has a decent infrastructure and it’s quite easy to get around. Remember to take great care of your belongings, especially in Nairobi. It doesn’t mean that you’ll have to hide away in your hotel after dark. Go out and discover the city’s flourishing nightlife scene. Avoid public transport at night and hire taxis between venues.
11. Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan is a wonderful one of the solo travel destinations in India travellers. It is packed with forts and palaces and is quite easy to travel between the major tourist sites of Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. You’ll feel like a princess or a Maharaja when you visit these ancient cities and its palaces. Embark on a camel safari in Pushkar, enjoy the view of the blue houses in Jodhpur or take a boat ride on the massive Lake Pichola. You’ll be spoilt for choices for things to do in Rajasthan. Don’t miss the camel fair in Pushkar if you visit in November.
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is an historical walled city located in the deep blue waters of the Adriatic and has plenty to offer to the solo travellers. Whether you’re visiting this incredible city first time or hundredth time, the sense of awe that you feel on seeing the old town is inexpressible. Try to avoid high summer months when cruise ships dock and you just see a sea of passengers spilling out into the narrow streets. The ideal times to visit are April and September when the weather is warm and pleasant. When here, walk through the city walls, visit the islands by ferry and go kayaking around the striking bay.
13. Hokkaidō, Japan
Japan is an extremely friendly country and a great place for those who are travelling alone. Hokkaidō is located in the northern part and is the least developed of the country’s four main islands. Although the capital city of Hokkaido hosted the 1972 Winter Olympic Games and most famous for Sapporo beers, the place is best known for the great outdoors. Hiking, skiing and birdwatching are top activities here if you want to make the most of this remote and unspoiled landscape.
14. Cuba
When one thinks of Cuba, the images of crumbling colonial architecture, vintage cars, salsa and cigars come to mind. However, with the shift in the political scene inside Cuba, private enterprise is being encouraged with small businesses expanding across the country. If you’ve always wanted to visit Cuba, this is a great time to do that. Visit the tiny back street restaurants for authentic food and explore the artisan shops to take back home tiny souvenirs. Homestays have always been a speciality of Cuba travel. The country also has low crime rates which means, travelling alone is safe and rewarding.
15. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is truly one of the safest places to travel alone where you’ll find some of the friendliest locals in the world. It is home to gorgeous tulip fields, winding canals and legalised marijuana, of course. A favourite amongst travellers, The Netherlands will forever be one of the classic solo travel destinations in Europe that one can visit any time of the year. With a laidback atmosphere, you’ll find yourself blissful in simple things like cycling around Amsterdam or just admiring the rather unusual architecture of Rotterdam. It is the best places to travel alone, meet new people and open up to new experiences.