Best Destinations for Solo Travelers: Deciding Where to Go

I did Thailand Laos Cambodia and Vietnam in 2012. Not solo, I went with my son, but I am an experienced solo traveller. Also taught English in Thailand in the 1980s during a one year solo trip to Asia.

Look up the Gibbon experience in Northern Laos if you like adventure. A 2-3 day zip line trek in a beautiful, remote nature area.

Some of the backpackers in South Asia are hard core partiers (think drugs) and there are areas to go to or avoid depending upon what you want your experience to be. Khao San road in Bangkok and Vang Vieng in Laos are two place that come to mind.

I used hostel world on a recent year long trip to South America and it was great for getting the low down on the hostels in order to choose one that suits you (small, large, party hostel, cultural activities, reviews, female only dorms, dorm size options, kitchen provided, etc.).

Great suggestion!

Follow your dream Rina. I know only a few words in Spanish, no Catalan or Baque yet I have travelled through much of Spain on two separate occasions. Some of my most memorable experiences are from Spain. All you need is a sense of enthusiasm and adventure… and a big smile!

Oh, your tips are awesome and they’re very very useful. My dream is Spain. but I’m afraid to travel here solo or on the budget, cuz it’s another culture and many people told they don’t speak English – it’s a problem as I know in Spanish only few phrase. However, thankfully to your blog, I’ve chosen my first destination – the trip will be to Poland.

I just spent 6 days on Easter Island and it was perfect as a solo traveler. I joined a few group day tours to get the history with a guide and then rented a car for 2 days and explored the island and caves meeting new people at each stop along the way. It is so special and remote. A definite must see!! Elisa 49 from Los Angeles

I found the turkish people in Istanbul not so friendly, all the restaurants owners wants you to eat fast, pay the highest price as possible and go.

I am 77 now and still traveling, although now I often take tours because of the logistics. I find they take care of a lot, but still leave time for wandering on your own.

I love the Blog. I’m also a solo traveller and I really love
to visit different places of this beautiful world. I used to be in travelling
most of the time, Like this time I’m planning to go on tours
from new york to miami. I’m really exited for that. When I read your
Blog, I really feel encouraged. I think that you’re doing a very nice job.
which makes you relaxed and happy.

Agreed Barbara. Have a look at today’s post :). https://solotravelerworld.com/solo-travel-silence-enrich-life/

Iceland is also on my wish list for 2015. Would love to chat with you about your experience there

I have traveled to France and the UK alone at age 49 and 50. Met up with tour groups there which are very handy to drive you around and buy tickets for admissions without waiting in line, but still I do much on my own. The UK is a great first destination for anyone wary about going solo for the first time. I can’t say enough about how easy it is to get around London for a first timer. I travel often to NYC and I have taken the wrong train, got stuck with a metro card not working, couldn’t understand the driver announcements (nobody can, ever). I never had those problems on the London tube! Still, NYC a great city to walk, and perfect for a solo traveler. The biggest expense in NY is lodging, so traveling solo and doing without a private bath, can save $$.

Thanks. Croatia has been very high on my list.

Well, I’m not gay, but bi-sexuality was very much in evidence to me in Morocco.

SPAM

Thank you sooo much George. Very encouraging. I am Canadian and 69 years old. Done a lot of world-wandering in the past, but am feeling frustrated that the wandering in my blood is hampered by advancing age. I miss it terribly. Gotta get out…

i certainly agree with you, geoff. i fell in love with turkey & its people, culture, food oh lots of it. thats why i kept coming back… i recommend the hot hot air balloon trip at dawn watching the fairy chimneys of cappadocia. its just amazing to see the breath taking landscape.next month, i`ll visit izmir, troy, pergamom, ephesus & sirince. for culture vulture folks, this is it!

i spent 2 weeks in Barcelona as a solo traveler last spring and Loved it! I felt very safe and there is so much to do. It is easy to navigate and people are helpful and friendly. I am planning on returning this year, will spend another 5 days in Barcelona before touring other areas in Spain. i was fortunate that I found a room in an apartment on Airbrib and the hosts were wonderful in giving me suggestions and helping me navigate. Get advance tickets for Sagrada and go first thing in the AM to avoid the crowds, I suggest the audio tour as it gives a very good understanding of the architecture and Gaudi. Spend some time looking at the outside facade both from after entrance into the Basilica and from the park across the way. Then walk to the Hospital St. Pau http://www.santpaubarcelona.org/en. There is a street close by where there are pleasant outdoor cafes to have lunch before touring the Hospital. I took the hop on hop off bus. The Museum of History of Catalunya is interesting as well as the Museum of Catalyna Art.

I think solo traveler is the best remedy of loneliness and I believe at least once in a life time everybody should work for a solo traveler to identify themselves.. I am a solo traveler because my partner does not like to travel more. That’s why when my mind want a break from my regular routine, I am starting to go. Thanks to recommended Jordan. Jordan is truly an attractive destination for the solo travelers.

I am planning a solo trip to Croatia in the Spring (May-June) Other than Dubrovinik, Any recommendations as to where I should spend more than a couple of days.
Would like to station myself and do side trips for part of my visit

Try duolingo app brilliantffor learning simple basic language on the go. 20minsa day.

I love this! I have also wanted to go to NZ buying a van and tenting – it sounds wonderful and will try it myself later on as my next destination is Hawaii. Exploring and discovering, feeling happy! Have a blast sandibeaches!

I’m off to New Zealand for 3 months buying a car a tent and a bike, living in the car and the tent , hiking / biking/ kayaking everything I can find, solo. 4 day mountain track 5 day bike tracks. There is no safer more beautiful place on earth (Iceland sounds appealing though!) Although solo there are helpful friends everywhere. I first went to nz 2010 having never been anywhere for 23 years, acute fear of flying and other phobias. I decided to remove these limitations and jumped in head first. I found my soul and never really came back. Anyone in nz Jan Feb March I will be in the South with a car so come walk with me. ps I am 60 in earth years but about 32 in spirit and physical fitness!

Colombia is the best for solo travelers who speak Spanish – I’d never met so many talkative people in one country before!

you know am so happy and glad that am sew your website really i get good ideas and good information because am working with travel too but in jsut in Egypt and am from luxor i born there if u want any information am here i can do waht ever you liked

I didn’t recall that you are also a solo traveler, Kharis! What a nice surprise to nice to see you here. It’s a small world after all!

I traveled alone to Chile in 2007 and liked it so much, I enrolled in a language school to brush up on my Spanish and ended up living there for 2.5 years. I was an experienced solo traveler at the time, but had not traveled out of the USA alone, for quite some time. Chile is a relatively safe country and very easy to navigate, for the most part. If you have a non-Chilean passport, it is relatively easy to rent a place as well.

I’ve always loved to travel and have experience travelling solo because of my job (within US). After divorce, I didn’t want to give up on my love of travel and so ventured out alone, traveling to Mexico (where husband and I had gone many times). Now, for the first time, I’m venturing to an unknown destination, (that’s been on my bucket line for a long time), Barbados. I’m scared and excited! I want to get out and see some nightlife (music) but very nervous about going out at night alone. Advice?

I can tell you about Thailand and Cambodia. I am in Phnom Pehn now and leaving for Siem Reap on Tuesday. Easy solo travel for female in both places with precautions.

I was afraid of travelling Solo – until I spent 10 days by myself in Colombia, between the capital, Bogota, and an amazing Natural Park called Tayrona. After that, I’ve been travelling Solo whenever I want to travel – and having no one to go with me has become not a barrier, but just something else. I’ve been to San Francisco (USA), Oslo (Norway), several places in my homecountry, Brazil, from cities to beaches and jungle. I think that the best places to go when traveling Solo is either to a big city (where there’s lot to do) or to the nature (where you can spend time with yourself). And always staying in campings, hostels or B&B.

I’ve been to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand alone and really had an amazing experience – especially in Cambodia. Something about exploring temples at Angkor Wat by myself just made any troubles worthwhile. The language barrier of all three nations was nearly non-existent, but I went to mainly known/tourist friendly places. If you go off the beaten path prepare yourself. The food is cheap and amazing, and the lodging is the same. As a solo traveler I picked hostels, but you can get private rooms from $5-7 USD. In fact, both Vietnam and Cambodia used USD as well as local currency. I was cautious with all of my things and not overly trusting of the vendors/etc in touristy areas. People WILL try and screw you over here so bargain for everything, know the exchange rate and what things cost for locals, and just have your wits about you. I’m no misogynist, but I know solo female travelers have particular problems and things to worry about. So I urge you to walk that fine line between having a ton of fun and taking risks, while also being cautious and avoiding people and places that seem sketchy.

Overall the people I met across Asia were intensely friendly

For young people in the 18 to 22 age bracket, SE Asia is the obvious choice. It’s not great from a cultural experience point of view. In fact, it’s pretty terrible in that respect, unless you make a concerted effort to get off the beaten track. But, they’re guaranteed to be spoilt for choice when it comes to making new friends and travel buddies, with ease. Especially if they’re a girl!

I lived in Iceland for 4 months and it is a wonderful country. Go and explore and enjoy.

My first solo travel experience was a few years ago, at the age of 28: A cross-Canada train trip, from Vancouver to Toronto! About 5 days on my own…..enjoying the quiet time to myself on the train, looking out the window and taking in the views. But also dining with a variety of people at meal times, and walking around the train meeting people from around the world: some families, couples, and other solos. What a great way to ‘get my feet wet’ into solo travel as a young woman!

i will appreciate any comments for a solo traveler to laos, vietnam, thailand and cambodia… those are my next goals. thanks!

Hi Janice my first solo travel was last September I was single again after 30years of married I get divorce and take my first solo trip to Europe first was London them take the metro to Paris and them fly to Rome was the best vacations of my life go by myself not tour learn how to use the metro where to eat what places to visit in the each country was genial! plus I was celebrate my Birdday 55 years younger and now my nest trip will be Grece and Turkey I hope very soom!

Just seeing this now — great topic!

Kenya (or any other safari destination) gets my vote for favorite solo travel destination. Wonderful people, landscapes, birds and animals that I’d never get to see in the US, knowledgable guides and welcoming hosts. Kenya has the added bonus of being one of the African countries where English is widely spoken, which makes things easier for a lot of Americans — although picking up a few words of Swahili or Maasai will bring a smile to many faces.

I’d note that my trips to Kenya have been more in the “I went alone, but not solo” category, as I had booked with a great safari outfitter (Gamewatchers) and always knew ahead of time that I’d have a driver and/or guide with me. I always felt safe with them, and I think that common sense precautions about neighborhood safety would have been more than sufficient even if I hadn’t always had a guide. My only caution would be that people think hard about driving themselves anywhere, as the “cotton soil” of many of the national parks and concessions I visited seemed only too eager to engulf vehicles, and the roads between many destinations are filled with the potholes and ruts that make the bouncing/jolting “African massage” a very real phenomenon.

I loved my first trip there so much that I was back there less than a year later, even though so many other unknown destinations beckoned. Do check it out!

There’s so much to say about Barcelona:     it is unique,  fun, easy to get around, great food.   I traveled all over Spain as a single woman and found friendly, helpful people.   I do not know Spanish but it was never a problem.   If you haven’t traveled alone very often, remember to keep a good local street map with you at all times and the name and address of the place you are staying.   

Would love to hear your thoughts about Barcelona.  I will be going there for the first time in Oct.

 I believe that as long as you do your homework & have some common sense, solo travel is not hard to do. Of course, it highly depends on your personality! I’ve always been very independent, hardly ever scared of anything, so maybe that helped?

I’m setting my sights to travelling abroad next year alone. Thanks for tips.

Spinster honesty does compell me to admit, I totally agree with you! would luv yr. travel stories facts, etc. best wishes, george

Hi satish, so nice to hear fr. u. do text me on 00354-6631291 yr. e mail address, I will send you my email add. I’m traveling a bit , done 5 country’s since nov. last and luv traveling solo..please bear with me if I don’t answer my phone..wil reply to text msg. Saw reindeers yesterday in Nwest Sweden around Jamtland national park..tons of snow , wild life as well.they were so close I could almost touch them..they were so BEautiful to look at. The people in jamtland ar
so amazingly hospitable, friendly. luvly wild cuisine, tried bear , reindeer, cantarels among other things, Yummy!
AS a European Indian I also luv traveling solo to Goa, India, met some amazing Hip Travellers in Goa ,need accommodation in goa talk to me on fb Goa Holiday VIlla Home Accompdation Rental

for me it was Rome and Amalfi coast….both places suit my needs 🙂 

How about Iceland..land of fire in Ice.. Absolutely breath taking Nature,Voted best Nightlife in Europe as well.
Rajasthan is great, Just back from  an Amazing dinning/shopping for Wall carpets hangings Gypsy ones holiday there and in  Goa, ..People tell me i have Amazing prices on NICE holiday accomodation in Goa…
If U do come to Iceland..i might show U around a bit..
Happy Solo travels…

Great Article my last solo trip was to the Bahamas and it was wonderful

We’re all solo travelers – for me it’s just about putting myself into situations, and watching. As a 66 year old B&B owner, I’ve had the privilege of many stories… This year I’m creating my own – living in France for a year. I was fortunate to rent my home, giving me the required income. Wonderful things happened. I’m (slowly) learning the language, I’ve fallen in love, friends and family visited and I know myself in new ways – all because I just did it. Sure there are downsides – sickness being one I only navigated with the help of very dear friends – but the point is, I did it.

I went to Israel by myself (read: Solo woman, 20 yrs old at the time) and it was a great experience. Three weeks, hitchhiked & couchsurfed for about 90% of the trip. Fascinating, easy country to navigate. I believe that as long as you do your homework & have some common sense, solo travel is not hard to do. Of course, it highly depends on your personality! I’ve always been very independent, hardly ever scared of anything, so maybe that helped? =P

What a fabulous article, I enjoyed reading your tips and advice Janice. I’m a Hotel person really but the B&B & Hostel stay advice – having breakfast with strangers is a great idea. I think that’s something I could try in another Town (close to home) as you suggested. I’ve traveled alone many times but generally to meet friends or family at the other end – not quite the same I know.

Great article. My favourite solo destination so far has been Albania. It’s fantastic considering it’s kinda off the beaten track and people are surprisingly friendly.

We have never traveled solo yet, but we’ll love to do it someday and just meet on the other side of the world. Great tips, thanks! 🙂

Great info.I travel solo and it’s nice to hear the stories from other people

Thank you for this inpsiring blog!

My first solo travel went to Paris and Normandy in France a few years ago which was a success and great for solo travellers. This autumn I am planning a visit to Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid.