Top Solo Travel Destinations You Shouldn’t Miss

The idea of traveling alone can be daunting if you’ve never taken a solo trip before. Checking in for your outbound flight is straightforward; however, it’s only when you arrive alone in an unfamiliar destination that it all becomes real. Nevertheless, any initial doubts are fleeting. By the time you’ve checked into your hotel and hit the streets looking for your first meal, nerves will quickly give way to the thrill of being somewhere new.

A major factor in mastering the art of solo travel is selecting the right destination. Whether you’re embarking on an epic multi-country trip or taking a spontaneous city break, some places are more suitable for solo travel than others. There are destinations that are naturally suited to solitude and others where travelers easily come together, making it simple to meet new people.

Best of all, there are solo travel destinations in every corner of the globe, allowing you to take a solo trip in the depths of winter just as easily as in the height of summer. Here are 10 assured destinations for lone travelers, organized by interest. Whether you’re into raves, relaxation, hiking, or sightseeing, these spots are certain to kickstart your solo travel adventure.

South America: Best for Solo Adventures

With mountains to climb, rivers to raft, ancient ruins to uncover, and jungles to explore, South America is the ultimate adventure destination. Additionally, the northern hemisphere’s winter is South America’s summer, making it prime time to visit Patagonia and the Andes. From well-trodden paths in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil to untouched jungle trails in Ecuador and Colombia, the continent offers something for every adventure seeker. You’ll never struggle for company on the trek to Machu Picchu!

Don’t let the continent’s size intimidate you. With easy border crossings and well-established traveler hubs, South America is ideal for solo overlanding. The well-worn Gringo Trail, which encompasses the continent’s most popular destinations, ensures recurring encounters with fellow adventurers and ample opportunities to partner up with travelers heading in the same direction. This, combined with the warmth of local people and the region’s excellent hostel network, makes solo travel straightforward.

Epic solo travel experience: Mountain biking down Bolivia’s notorious Death Road (the name is exaggerated, in case you were worried) and sharing stories with fellow riders over a few beers afterward.

Ubud, Indonesia: Best for Self-Reflection

Whether you loved or disliked Elizabeth Gilbert’s renowned solo travel memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Bali undeniably possesses a special magic. The island’s artistic and spiritual center, Ubud, is where the author found love (and presumably ate and prayed) and remains a wonderfully laid-back place for solo travelers to relax, reflect, and recharge. Moreover, Bali is a year-round destination; summer is peak season, but the island has a quieter charm in winter.

Surrounded by emerald rice fields nestled among mist-wrapped mountains, Ubud attracts throngs of solo travelers, making it natural to join a morning yoga class or request a table for one in one of the town’s inviting vegetarian cafes. To harness the healing power of Ubud for complete solitude, consider checking into one of the many health retreats dotting the verdant hills around town.

Epic solo travel experience: Rising early to join a holistic class, where you can learn everything from yoga and meditation, followed by a rejuvenating massage at a reputable spa like Taksu Spa.

Berlin, Germany: Best for Nightlife

Some claim you are more likely to gain entry into Berghain, the most famous nightclub in Berlin, if you arrive alone. Whether or not that’s accurate, the rumor demonstrates the German capital’s natural affinity for solo travelers. Legions of solo city-breakers are drawn to Berlin’s well-deserved reputation as one of the friendliest, most inclusive cities in Europe, paired with its renowned nightlife.

Berlin is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy parties, presenting colossal clubs and graffiti-covered beer gardens. However, nightlife is just one of the many attractions in Berlin. Thought-provoking history surrounds you from the moment you arrive, spanning the Brandenburg Gate to the Holocaust Memorial. Meanwhile, quirky cafes, cool boutiques, weekend flea markets, and a growing food truck scene provide leisurely delights for all types of travelers. Berlin is easy to explore solo or join guided walking tours for company.

Epic solo travel experience: Venturing out to a bar or nightclub and seeing where the night leads you. For a more structured journey, join a beer tour with Brewer’s Berlin Tours or Berlin Craft Beer Experience.

East Africa: Best for a Group Tour

Have you always dreamed of viewing gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda, meeting a Maasai chief in Kenya, or spotting the “Big Five” in Tanzania, but felt daunted by the logistics of navigating East Africa independently? A group tour can simplify the intricate process of visiting this stunning region and provide a buffer for the sometimes challenging experiences that await first-time travelers.

East Africa’s tourism infrastructure is well developed and traveling solo in most countries here is achievable (particularly in Kenya and Tanzania). Nevertheless, joining a group tour allows you to bundle together a series of big game-viewing safaris across multiple countries, avoiding additional lone traveler charges and the daunting prospect of arranging several tours and transport options.

Perhaps best of all, tours in these bucket-list destinations attract diverse groups of travelers. Thus, you’re much less likely to feel like the only solo traveler squeezed between couples or those on a coach filled with empty-nesters.

Epic solo travel experience: Witnessing the great migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya – an almost Lion King-esque procession of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and predators.

Singapore: Best for a Solo Stopover

With numerous cultural attractions to explore, a growing selection of hostels and guesthouses, and an abundance of free activities, Singapore boasts one of the world’s best public transport systems (including excellent airport links). Thus, it offers one of the most stress-free solo travel experiences imaginable upon landing at Singapore’s award-winning Changi airport on a tropical afternoon.

Whether you choose to explore the Chinatown Heritage Centre with an audio guide, marvel at the otherworldly Gardens by the Bay, enjoy a luxurious rooftop pool, or dive into local delicacies at Singapore’s hawker food courts, the city is perfectly tailored for solo exploration. An added perk is its cosmopolitan attitude – locals hardly blink at the daily influx of international arrivals, minimizing any potential hassles and scams.

Epic solo travel experience: Checking out the cozy cafes and quirky boutiques in the unique 1930s housing estate of Tiong Bahru.

Rome, Italy: Best for Culture

From ancient icons such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the towering masterpiece of Renaissance architecture that is St Peter’s Basilica, Rome’s cityscape is a vibrant canvas of artistic flair, architectural wonderment, and historical marvels. Whether you’re visiting for two days or two months, there’s so much to see that boredom is hardly a concern.

Although English is not as commonly spoken as in other European nations, it’s hard to feel lonely among the 14 million tourists who visit this cultural hub each year. Solo dining allows you to indulge without worrying about keeping anyone else’s palate happy in Rome’s fabulous restaurants. However, don’t overload your itinerary, as Rome rewards relaxation; mingling with strangers over a glass of wine at sunset is an essential pastime in The Eternal City.

Epic solo travel experience: Visiting St Peter’s Basilica and strolling through the 7km (4.3 miles) of artwork-filled halls that constitute the Vatican Museums.

Portland, Oregon: Best City Break

One of the USA’s trendiest hubs, Portland offers all the cultural advantages of a major metropolis and the intimate charm of a small town. This affable attitude is mirrored in the town’s urban wineries, microbreweries, and coffee shops, where conversation flows faster than the drinks can be poured. In its patchwork of friendly neighborhoods, it’s easy to discover this laid-back city one district at a time.

There’s more to this counterculture haven than its love of a good conversation, with eclectic attractions underscoring its quirky nature, ranging from a museum dedicated to vacuum cleaners to an urban herd of goats. Additionally, navigating the city is easy, thanks to good public transport and a popular bike-share scheme. While Portland is known for its artisan restaurants, a more sociable and undeniably enjoyable way to dine is at the city’s approximately 500 street food carts.

Epic solo travel experience: Exploring the Alberta Arts District; for the company of fellow art enthusiasts, time your visit to coincide with the Last Thursday art walk.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Best for Food

It’s a close contest, but for solo foodie travel, one destination rises above the rest for travelers who view the world through the lens of a knife and fork. The capital of northern Thailand—and once the center of an independent kingdom—Chiang Mai offers the entire Thai package in one compact location: stellar food, rich culture, ancient ruins, responsible elephant encounters, vibrant nightlife, and an easy-going traveler scene that’s simple to merge into.

In Chiang Mai, every moment of the day is an opportunity to snack. From the city’s impressive northern Thai restaurants to thrilling night markets and hole-in-the-wall eateries serving the city’s famous kow soi soup, dining is abundant. What particularly makes Chiang Mai favorable for solo travelers is its variety of cooking schools, providing ideal venues to meet other travelers while learning to create your perfect curry.

Epic solo travel experience: Enrolling in a cooking class, where most courses begin with a trip to a local market to identify and gather ingredients before you start crafting your own curry paste (recommendation: Small House Chiang Mai).

Caye Caulker, Belize: Best for an Island Escape

Enchanting atolls aren’t reserved for honeymooners. Pastel-hued, car-free Caye Caulker has always been a wonderful haven for solo travelers due to its compact size and easy-going, backpacker-friendly atmosphere, drawing a relaxed international crowd seeking a less commercial slice of paradise.

It’s easy to spend days lounging at The Split, the island’s top beach, yet numerous other activities abound, ranging from snorkeling and diving over vibrant reefs to kayaking to off-the-beaten-path corners while keeping an eye out for crocodiles.

Join other travelers at local reggae bars during afternoon happy hour before savoring Creole-style street food as the sun sets. What’s arguably the greatest blessing of solo travel? You don’t have to share your shrimp and swordfish dinner!

Epic solo travel experience: Snorkeling or diving in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, known for its numerous turtles and small sharks.

East Coast Australia: Best for Road-Tripping

It would be challenging to explore the East Coast of Australia alone. A multitude of travelers flock along the winding highway from Sydney to Cairns, making solitude often more elusive than companionship. For those in search of natural wonders, reliable infrastructure, plethora of tours, and vibrant nightlife, few places compare.

However, it’s not just the lively atmosphere that renders this stretch of coastline spectacular. The classic road trip route is dotted with bucket-list attractions, including lounging on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, wandering through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, or diving into the Great Barrier Reef. Renting a vehicle may be ideal for exploration, as the most memorable moments often arise from interactions with locals in coastal surf towns and country villages nestled an hour or two inland from the coast.

Epic solo travel experience: Joining a tour with the East Coast’s Indigenous people. Tours led by guides from Aboriginal communities reveal a rarely seen side of this well-explored land.