Ready to take the plunge and travel solo, but not sure where to start? With nearly 200 countries to choose from, picking your first destination can feel overwhelming.
Here’s the good news: some spots are especially great for solo adventurers, offering welcoming vibes, reliable public transport, plenty to see and do, and lots of fellow travelers to meet along the way.
We’ve handpicked 15 destinations that shine for first-time solo travelers—whether you’re new to wandering on your own or just looking for your next adventure.
Safety, convenience, and a dash of excitement were our top priorities, and these places tick all the boxes for all travelers, regardless of gender. (Of course, even in the safest spots, a bit of common sense goes a long way!)
Dive in and get inspired—your perfect solo trip could be just a few clicks away!
#1. Thailand
Think of Thailand as Southeast Asia on “easy mode.” With more than 35 million visitors a year, the country has perfected travel for solo adventurers: a huge selection of hostels, hotels, efficient transport, and endless tours. Most Thais speak some English, and getting around is safe and cheap (your wallet will thank you!). Plus, it’s sunny almost year-round.
Getting there is simple: Thailand is a major air hub in Asia, with tons of affordable flight deals from all over the world.
Sample solo itinerary: Start in Phuket → take a boat tour of the islands → ferry to Ko Lanta for snorkeling and downtime → onward to Krabi → circle back to Phuket → fly to Bangkok for 2-3 days of city buzz → up to Chiang Mai for temples and street food → bus to Pai for mountain chill → return to Chiang Mai → then home!
Local tip: Never joke about the King. And please don’t support animal exploitation—avoid those sedated tiger selfies. Money tip: ATMs charge a 200 BHT (~$6 USD) fee every withdrawal. Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees or bring US/EU cash to exchange.
#2. Australia
Australia is super solo-friendly, just a bit hard on the budget. The country’s modern cities, epic nature, and chill locals make it simple to explore—even if you’re going it alone. Book your stays early: accommodation costs add up and hostels go fast, especially in tourist hotspots.
Sample solo itinerary: Land in Perth (3 days) → fly to Melbourne (4 days, including the Great Ocean Road) → onwards to Sydney (4 days, with 2 nights in Katoomba for the Blue Mountains) → then up to Cairns for 4 days of rainforest and Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Pro tip: Aussies are known for their direct, cheeky humor—just roll with it!
#3. Italy
Italy’s biggest danger? You might never want to leave! This country is packed with beautiful cities, delicious food, and thousands of years of history. Solo travelers love Italy for its warm vibe and endless opportunities to meet others (especially over a plate of pasta).
Sample solo itinerary (mainly by train): Arrive in Rome → explore the city plus the Vatican → head south to Naples/Pompeii/Salerno → then north to Florence, Bologna, Venice, and Milan → for coast lovers, continue to Genoa, then circle back to Rome. (Optional detour: Amalfi Coast—save it for your next trip!)
Travel hack: Use loco2.com for Europe train/bus tickets, and Seat61 for train itineraries around the world.
#4. Spain
Spain is as relaxed or as lively as you want it to be. Solo travelers fit right in thanks to the thriving hostel scene, a fantastic train network, and affordable accommodation. English is spoken in most tourist areas, so don’t worry if your “hola” is rusty.
Sample solo itinerary: Fly into Barcelona (3 days) → head to Valencia (2 days) → fly or train south to Malaga or Seville → discover Andalusia (Granada, Córdoba, Ronda) → end in Madrid (4 days with a quick visit to Toledo).
Food tip: Seek out the menu del día at lunch. For about €10, you’ll get a generous, local meal—dessert included!
#5. Portugal
Portugal is Europe’s hidden gem—a relaxed, friendly country that’s ideal for solo exploring. Great for a week-long adventure on its own, or pair it with Spain for an unforgettable journey.
Sample solo itinerary: Start in Lisbon (3-4 days) → day trip to magical Sintra → head north to Porto (2-3 days) → then back to Lisbon or onward.
Stay tip: Book a place in Lisbon’s historic Alfama district. Wander winding streets, and every night you’ll hear haunting fado music drifting from the open windows—for free!
#6. Croatia
Stunning coastlines, charming old towns, and a dash of Game of Thrones magic—that’s Croatia for you. This dazzling spot is packed with crystal-clear waters, friendly locals, and way more affordability than neighboring Italy or France. Skip the pricey Yacht Week (unless you’re into that scene) and still have an unforgettable trip.
Sample Solo Itinerary: Fly into Zagreb (spend 2-3 days) → Admire waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes en route to Zadar (hang out here, do day trips to Dugi Otok & Nin) → Take in the views at Krka National Park on your way to Split → Hop over to lively Hvar → End in iconic Dubrovnik.
#7. Benelux
“Benelux” means Belgium + Netherlands + Luxembourg. Effortless train rides link these pint-sized countries, making it super easy to explore solo. Each city has its own unique flavor, and flights into Amsterdam Schiphol are usually good value.
Sample Solo Itinerary: Land in Amsterdam (see the canals, day-trip to Haarlem) → Rotterdam (trust us, Holland isn’t just Amsterdam) → Antwerp → Whirl through Brussels (max one day) → Ghent → Bruges (as a day trip) → Return to Brussels/continue to Paris, Cologne, or home.
Hot tip: Skip long stays in Brussels. Spend time in Ghent, Antwerp, or Bruges instead—local trains are cheap and easy!
#8. Berlin
Berlin’s history is everywhere—Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, Holocaust Memorial—all easily accessible in one day. Solo-friendly hostels, legendary street food (hello, €2 doner kebabs), and an endless list of things to do make Berlin a solo traveler’s dream.
This city hums with energy: artists, club-goers, and entrepreneurs flock here for the nightlife and creative buzz. Affordable living means more money for museum-hopping (like the weirdly wonderful Museum der Charité) and the club scene.
Sample Solo Itinerary: Arrive in Berlin (spend the week!) → Take a day trip to Potsdam → Dive into its quirky museums → Use Berlin’s endless train and flight options to keep exploring Europe.
#9. Hong Kong
If you’re passing through Asia, Hong Kong is a fantastic solo stop—even if accommodation isn’t cheap! The city is super safe, English-friendly, and has a public transit system that puts most others to shame. It’s an Instagram paradise with top-notch food and hiking for days.
3-4 days is perfect to taste the city’s buzzing markets, stunning skyline, and hidden nature escapes.
Pro tip: Score a West Hong Kong Island Airbnb (think Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun, HKU, Kennedy Town) for good value and easy MTR access.
#10. Bali
Yes, Bali is everywhere on Instagram. But it’s still one of the easiest places to travel solo—especially beyond the package-deal crowds of Kuta. If you want waves and surfer cafes, Canggu’s your spot. For yoga and “Eat, Pray, Love” vibes, head to Ubud. Party and chill? Check out North Kuta. Adventure seekers should bounce to Lombok for scuba and more.
Bali is where you can hone your traveler skills in a relaxed, friendly environment. The farther you get from the main tourist drag, the more authentic and rewarding your experiences.
Pro tip: Apps like Grab, GoJek, and BlueBird offer reliable rides. You can use Uber, but do so discreetly—it’s technically not allowed and drivers may act a bit evasive if taxis or police are nearby.
#11. Vietnam
If you’re after energy, affordability, and excitement, Vietnam is calling your name. Picture a place where bustling cities meet stunning beaches—all for a fraction of the price you’ll pay elsewhere in Asia. Vietnam is growing fast, and you’ll notice: from Saigon’s skyscrapers to Da Nang’s beachfront resorts and a nation humming with business and motorbikes.
But don’t worry, you can still land a comfy bed in Hanoi for $15/night, and piping hot pho from a street stall for just $1–2. Even a local SIM with a month of LTE is only about $5!
Solo itinerary tip: Plan your route based on the weather (Vietnam’s climate shifts from north to south). For a classic adventure: Hanoi (with a Ha Long Bay day trip) → Sapa (hiking!) → back to Hanoi → fly/ride to Da Nang → train to Hue → bus to Hoi An (must-see) → fly to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Feeling adventurous? Hop on a scooter for parts of your journey, or continue into Cambodia.
#12. Japan
Japan is a wonderland for solo travelers: ultra-safe, endlessly fascinating, and almost impossible to get scammed. The food, ancient temples, neon-lit cities, bullet trains, and ultra-polite locals will leave you wide-eyed. Plus: prices are transparent, you pay what the locals pay.
Solo itinerary tip: Land in Tokyo—spend a few days discovering its diverse neighborhoods and gardens (day trip to Nikko for shrines). Optional: Climb Mt. Fuji (summer only). Hakone for hot springs, then bullet train to Kyoto (ancient Japan in a nutshell). From Osaka, make day trips to Kobe, Himeji (famous castle), and Nara (deer park). Got extra time? Head north to Sapporo or south to Okinawa’s beaches.
Pro tip: For an adventurous twist, ride the shinkansen to Kagoshima and catch the ferry to Yakushima, a mystical island of ancient cedar forests and friendly monkeys.
And there you have it: 12 great destination ideas for your next solo travel adventure!
Or: check out one of our free destination guides!