Solo travel has become more accessible and exciting for all kinds of travelers today. Whether you choose to travel to a new city in your home country for a weekend or choose to set out on a longer journey, there are so many places to do so.
Here are the 21 best solo travel destinations.
Before you set out on a journey to one of our best solo travel destinations, there are a few things to consider.
Length of Time
First, think about the amount of time you wish to spend on your vacation! This can impact the distance you’re willing to travel, and the kind of travel you will partake in.
What To Do
What are you hoping to do on your trip? Are you looking to lounge on the beach all day or hike all the mountains? Do you want to go shopping or go off the grid? Whatever you decide, will also impact the destination you choose! The best solo travel destinations (heck, the best destinations in general) will probably offer you a little bit of everything.
Budget
As a solo traveler, you will need to adjust how you think about your budget. In some ways, it will help with a budget to only have to feed and entertain yourself, but in other ways, i.e. accommodation, you are not splitting the cost with a partner or friend. So consider your budget as you look for the perfect destination for you.
Public Transportation
Research the transportation options in the destinations you’re considering. This might sway you towards some over others. In the choices below, most of them have affordable, accessible options for public transport – helping you get easily from city to city or city to countryside.
Knowledge on Solo Travel
In addition to length of time, what to do, and your budget – think about how comfortable you are traveling solo. Are you comfortable leaving your home country or more comfortable traveling within it?
Solo Travel Groups
If solo travel is new to you, or you are not confident in traveling by yourself, consider looking into solo travel groups. It’s a great way to feel the flexibility of solo travel, just within a group. Read about 10 different solo travel groups we’ve found.
Don’t forget to check out our favorite solo travel quotes.
Now, let’s get into the best solo travel destinations.
🇵🇹 Portugal
We think you’ll agree with this one! One of the best solo travel destinations is Portugal. People from all walks of life are moving to the country and working remotely – so not only is it perfect for remote workers but solo travelers too! Food is cheap and getting around is easy. And did we mention there are beautiful sites to see like the National Palace of Pena and beautiful beaches like the one in Albufeira?
🇮🇪 Ireland
Ireland gets a spot on our list of the best solo travel destinations for several reasons. The country is easy to navigate with buses, trains, and trams. You can travel most of it in just a few hours. The people are friendly and willing to help you! There are tons of pubs and coffee shops to work remotely or just enjoy “you time”. Here’s a guide for first timers.
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland snags a spot on our list because not only can you hike and adventure across the beautiful country and explore caves and caverns, but you can relax and enjoy geothermal spas to soak in. Iceland is fairly easy to get around, making it a great spot for solo travelers.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
One of the best solo travel destinations is Vietnam. Vietnam is #5 on our list of the 10 Best Countries To Visit in the World because it has exciting city life as well as jungles, forests, and temples. Depending on where you are, you can get around on foot, and maybe with motor bikes or motorcycle taxis.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
When you travel to New Zealand, grab your camera for the lush rolling hills, glaciers, and white-sand beaches. The beauty and diversity of the land is perfect for solo travelers who want a little bit of everything. This location is easy to get around and has tons to do!
🇯🇵 Japan
One of the best solo travel destinations is Japan. As a solo traveler in Japan, you will never run out of things to do – go for a hike, visit a temple, chow down on ramen, and so much more. Japan is easy to get around with trains, buses, subways, and even a bullet train! Did someone say bucket list?!
🇺🇸 Arizona, U.S.A.
The best solo travel destinations can include beaches, glaciers, caves, thermal baths, and even gorgeous canyons. That’s why you should check out Arizona. In Arizona, you can visit red rock country, see the Grand Canyon, stop by Route 66, and enjoy endless tacos and margaritas. Here are 26 of the best things to do in Phoenix.
🇩🇪 Germany
Germany makes a great solo travel destination because of its several major cities and how easy it is to get from one to the next – via trains or buses. In most major cities, you can get around on foot or subway. You can always find a free walking tour in a major city and cheap street food.
🏴 Scotland
Scotland is a great solo destination because it’s a safe and cozy destination — perfect for any age, but great for senior travelers. Go looking for the Loch Ness monster! Hike! Visit castles!
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a great spot for solo travelers because you can stay active or relax on the beach and the country is fairly easy to get around with a reliable bus system. In addition, food and accommodation can be cheap or affordable depending on what you choose.
🇨🇦 Canada
One of the best solo travel destinations that we simply cannot forget to mention – Canada. Canada has several options for public transportation, several cities to see, and tons of sights! Visit the cultural hub of Montreal, ski the slopes in Banff, or learn French in Quebec City.
🇫🇷 France
In France, the major cities have an affordable, accessible public transportation system. There is so much to see and do in Paris – you’ll forget you’re traveling alone! Plus, all the cute cafes and coffee shops make it easy to sit down, enjoy a book, and people watch. Table for one, please!
🇹🇭 Thailand
Another vibrant spot on our list of the best solo travel destinations: Thailand. Thailand is home to fun coffee shops (perfect for solo travelers), ornate temples, and bustling cities. Accommodation, transportation, and food can all be affordable – depending on how luxurious you go.
More great destinations for solo travel:
🇺🇸 San Diego, California – USA
🇮🇹 Rome, Italy
🇺🇸 Santa Fe, New Mexico – USA
🇺🇸 New York, New York – USA
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇦🇺 Sydney, Australia
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇮🇩 Ubud, Indonesia
Save these 52 solo travel quotes for your next adventure!
Now that you’ve seen our list, what did you think? Did we miss anything? Leave us a comment below!