The first time I packed my bag and boarded a plane alone, I wasn’t chasing relaxation—I was chasing something deeper: clarity, confidence and connection. I landed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and over two weeks of early-morning hikes, conversations with strangers, and long silences over street food, something shifted inside me.
Since then, solo travel has become more than a preference—it’s a priority. I’ve crossed continents with just a backpack and a plan, and along the way, I’ve learned exactly which places welcome solo adventurers with open arms, and which ones don’t.
We’ve curated a comprehensive guide on the best places for solo travellers across the world. These destinations are safe, social, vibrant, and rich in transformative moments—exactly what every solo adventurer craves. Whether you’re planning your first solo escape or your fifth, these solo travel tips and destination insights will help you make the most of your journey.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is unmatched for solo travellers looking to stretch their budget while enriching their soul. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer everything from chaotic city life to peaceful retreats.
Thailand – Especially Chiang Mai and Pai. Affordable hostels, friendly locals, and a thriving backpacker community. Don’t miss the Elephant Nature Park (a rescue sanctuary).
Vietnam – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via train is a powerful solo trip. Use local apps like Grab for easy transport.
Indonesia – Ubud in Bali offers solo yoga retreats, vegan cafés, and spiritual wellness.
Solo Travel Tips for Navigating Europe Safely
Europe is ideal for solo travellers thanks to its excellent infrastructure, hostels, and train connectivity. But costs can rise fast, so travel smart.
Portugal – Lisbon and Porto are budget-friendly, with vibrant nightlife and scenic coastlines. English is widely spoken.
Spain – Barcelona is alive with culture, but pickpocketing is a concern—carry a cross-body bag and stay alert.
Slovenia – A hidden gem. Ljubljana is safe, walkable, and full of green spaces perfect for solo picnics.
Scotland – Edinburgh and the Highlands offer breathtaking views and quiet reflection. Opt for a campervan road trip for total freedom.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in South America
South America offers intense natural beauty, from deserts to glaciers. Spanish helps, but solo travellers thrive here with the right research.
Colombia – Medellín has shed its dark past and is now a digital nomad haven. Stay in El Poblado or Laureles for the safest experience.
Peru – Trekking Machu Picchu alone is both daunting and empowering. Book your Inca Trail pass in advance.
Chile – Santiago to Patagonia is an ambitious solo route with scenery that makes solitude feel like a gift.
Solo Travel Tips for Budget Management
Track every expense with apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend.
Use local ATMs and avoid currency exchange counters at airports.
Buy a local SIM card to access affordable data and stay connected.
Choose overnight transport to save on accommodation.
Stay in hostels with communal kitchens and cook a few meals yourself. It helps meet fellow travellers too.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in Africa
Africa is often overlooked for solo travel, but it holds powerful potential for reflection and challenge.
Morocco – Marrakech’s souks may seem overwhelming, but solo travel here teaches assertiveness and confidence.
South Africa – Cape Town’s solo-friendly hostels and guided hikes make it a top destination. Stick to Uber and avoid walking alone at night.
Tanzania – For an awe-inspiring solo journey, nothing beats a safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Solo Travel Tips to Stay Safe Anywhere
- Register your travel with your embassy.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, or Grab instead of unlicensed taxis.
- Send a daily update to a trusted contact.
Carry a portable door lock and use it in hotels or hostels for extra peace of mind. Always scan your important documents and store digital copies in cloud storage.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in the Middle East
The Middle East offers profound culture and hospitality. Respect for local customs goes a long way.
Jordan – Petra and Wadi Rum are solo-friendly. Guided tours offer structure without the isolation.
Oman – Safe, scenic, and serene. Rent a car and navigate the coast solo.
United Arab Emirates – Dubai has luxury hostels, excellent metro systems, and ease for first-time solo travellers.
Dress modestly, avoid public affection, and learn a few greetings in Arabic—it makes a noticeable difference.
Solo Travel Tips for Making Connections Abroad
Use social platforms like Couchsurfing Hangouts, Tinder (for friends), or Meetup to find people with shared interests.
Join a walking tour on your first day—it gives quick orientation and helps meet others.
Pick accommodation with common areas like lounges or rooftop bars.
If you’re an introvert, consider group classes—cooking, surfing, or language workshops—to break the ice naturally.
Best Places for Solo Travellers Who Love Nature
New Zealand – A campervan in the South Island gives freedom and beauty without crowds.
Canada – Banff and Jasper are solo-hiker friendly, with well-marked trails and bear safety systems.
Iceland – Reykjavik is the safest city I’ve ever visited. Rent a car and drive the Golden Circle solo.
Pack quality gear, tell someone your itinerary, and always check the weather forecast. Nature doesn’t forgive recklessness.
Essential Solo Travel Tips to End Loneliness
Even the most seasoned solo travellers feel lonely sometimes. To combat it:
- Keep a journal and reflect each evening.
- Make a playlist of music that motivates you.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language—it opens doors.
Choose destinations where people are naturally sociable. Latin America and Southeast Asia shine in this regard.
The first time I packed my bag and boarded a plane alone, I wasn’t chasing relaxation—I was chasing something deeper: clarity, confidence and connection. I landed in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and over two weeks of early-morning hikes, conversations with strangers, and long silences over street food, something shifted inside me.
Since then, solo travel has become more than a preference—it’s a priority. I’ve crossed continents with just a backpack and a plan, and along the way, I’ve learned exactly which places welcome solo adventurers with open arms, and which ones don’t.
We’ve curated a comprehensive guide on the best places for solo travellers across the world. These destinations are safe, social, vibrant, and rich in transformative moments—exactly what every solo adventurer craves. Whether you’re planning your first solo escape or your fifth, these solo travel tips and destination insights will help you make the most of your journey.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is unmatched for solo travellers looking to stretch their budget while enriching their soul. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia offer everything from chaotic city life to peaceful retreats.
Thailand – Especially Chiang Mai and Pai. Affordable hostels, friendly locals, and a thriving backpacker community. Don’t miss the Elephant Nature Park (a rescue sanctuary).
Vietnam – Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via train is a powerful solo trip. Use local apps like Grab for easy transport.
Indonesia – Ubud in Bali offers solo yoga retreats, vegan cafés, and spiritual wellness.
Solo Travel Tips for Navigating Europe Safely
Europe is ideal for solo travellers thanks to its excellent infrastructure, hostels, and train connectivity. But costs can rise fast, so travel smart.
Portugal – Lisbon and Porto are budget-friendly, with vibrant nightlife and scenic coastlines. English is widely spoken.
Spain – Barcelona is alive with culture, but pickpocketing is a concern—carry a cross-body bag and stay alert.
Slovenia – A hidden gem. Ljubljana is safe, walkable, and full of green spaces perfect for solo picnics.
Scotland – Edinburgh and the Highlands offer breathtaking views and quiet reflection. Opt for a campervan road trip for total freedom.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in South America
South America offers intense natural beauty, from deserts to glaciers. Spanish helps, but solo travellers thrive here with the right research.
Colombia – Medellín has shed its dark past and is now a digital nomad haven. Stay in El Poblado or Laureles for the safest experience.
Peru – Trekking Machu Picchu alone is both daunting and empowering. Book your Inca Trail pass in advance.
Chile – Santiago to Patagonia is an ambitious solo route with scenery that makes solitude feel like a gift.
Solo Travel Tips for Budget Management
Track every expense with apps like Trail Wallet or TravelSpend.
Use local ATMs and avoid currency exchange counters at airports.
Buy a local SIM card to access affordable data and stay connected.
Choose overnight transport to save on accommodation.
Stay in hostels with communal kitchens and cook a few meals yourself. It helps meet fellow travellers too.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in Africa
Africa is often overlooked for solo travel, but it holds powerful potential for reflection and challenge.
Morocco – Marrakech’s souks may seem overwhelming, but solo travel here teaches assertiveness and confidence.
South Africa – Cape Town’s solo-friendly hostels and guided hikes make it a top destination. Stick to Uber and avoid walking alone at night.
Tanzania – For an awe-inspiring solo journey, nothing beats a safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Solo Travel Tips to Stay Safe Anywhere
- Register your travel with your embassy.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
- Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, or Grab instead of unlicensed taxis.
- Send a daily update to a trusted contact.
Carry a portable door lock and use it in hotels or hostels for extra peace of mind. Always scan your important documents and store digital copies in cloud storage.
Best Places for Solo Travellers in the Middle East
The Middle East offers profound culture and hospitality. Respect for local customs goes a long way.
Jordan – Petra and Wadi Rum are solo-friendly. Guided tours offer structure without the isolation.
Oman – Safe, scenic, and serene. Rent a car and navigate the coast solo.
United Arab Emirates – Dubai has luxury hostels, excellent metro systems, and ease for first-time solo travellers.
Dress modestly, avoid public affection, and learn a few greetings in Arabic—it makes a noticeable difference.
Solo Travel Tips for Making Connections Abroad
Use social platforms like Couchsurfing Hangouts, Tinder (for friends), or Meetup to find people with shared interests.
Join a walking tour on your first day—it gives quick orientation and helps meet others.
Pick accommodation with common areas like lounges or rooftop bars.
If you’re an introvert, consider group classes—cooking, surfing, or language workshops—to break the ice naturally.
Best Places for Solo Travellers Who Love Nature
New Zealand – A campervan in the South Island gives freedom and beauty without crowds.
Canada – Banff and Jasper are solo-hiker friendly, with well-marked trails and bear safety systems.
Iceland – Reykjavik is the safest city I’ve ever visited. Rent a car and drive the Golden Circle solo.
Pack quality gear, tell someone your itinerary, and always check the weather forecast. Nature doesn’t forgive recklessness.
Essential Solo Travel Tips to End Loneliness
Even the most seasoned solo travellers feel lonely sometimes. To combat it:
- Keep a journal and reflect each evening.
- Make a playlist of music that motivates you.
- Learn basic phrases in the local language—it opens doors.
Choose destinations where people are naturally sociable. Latin America and Southeast Asia shine in this regard.
Solo travel transforms you. The courage it takes to go alone is paid back tenfold in growth, perspective, and resilience. By focusing on the best places for solo travellers and applying solid solo travel tips, your next journey won’t just be another trip—it will become one of your defining stories.Solo travel transforms you. The courage it takes to go alone is paid back tenfold in growth, perspective, and resilience. By focusing on the best places for solo travellers and applying solid solo travel tips, your next journey won’t just be another trip—it will become one of your defining stories.
