There is nothing quite like taking a solo trip. The experience of travelling alone is liberating and everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime.
Some people dream of taking a solo trip while others are constant nomads and travel alone for years, some their entire lives.
You are your own master and being able to make decisions solely by yourself is super gratifying. But whether you’re an experienced solo traveller or teetering on the edge of making the leap to wander off to some distant place, at some point you are definitely going to ask yourself, “What are the best places to travel alone?”.
In this article, we will explore some of the best solo travel destinations in the world.
READ MORE: If you’re preparing your first solo trip, you should read our guide on travelling alone for the first time.
Explore the world’s best places to travel alone
Solo travel in Asia:
- Tioman Island, Malaysia – For diving and duty-free shopping
- Singapore – For the ‘Crazy Rich Asian” experience
- Pai, Thailand – For laid back travellers
- Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – For hiking and trekking
- Luang Prabang, Laos – For a peaceful retreat
Solo trip in the U.S:
Travelling alone in Europe:
- Porto, Portugal – For first-timers
- Barcelona, Spain – For every solo traveller
- Berlin, Germany – For meeting new people
- Belfast, Northern Ireland – For sharing a Guinness with new friends
- Stockholm, Sweden – For History lovers
- Bruges, Belgium – For a trip back in time
Travel solo in Australia & New Zealand:
- Melbourne, Australia – For vibrant culture and art scene
- South Island, New Zealand – For the adventure seeker
The best places to travel alone in Asia
Tioman Island, Malaysia
For a solo trip full of diving and duty-free shopping
If you love diving and snorkelling, then you most definitely must be aware of Tioman island in Malaysia. One thing you might not know is that it is also a great place to explore on a solo trip in Asia.
Known for its crystal clear water, colourful shallow reefs with corals, sea fans and sea sponges, and even shipwrecks, Tioman attracts divers from around the world. This ensures you will always have other enthusiasts around you as well. After the dive or on a rest day, you can explore the island’s duty-free shopping and resorts that give you a nice balance to a full day of underwater activities.
Besides its many dive sites, the island is home to tropical rainforests with awesome nature and wildlife to see. If you travel to the east coast, there is even the Juara Turtle Project, a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles.
READ MORE: Explore our complete Malaysia Travel Guide
Singapore City
Best place to travel solo and experience the ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ lifestyle
If you’re in the mood for skyscrapers and luxury restaurants, Singapore might be one of the best places in the world to visit. As a multi-racial city that is a hotspot for technology companies and financial giants in Southeast Asia, the city-state is one of the easiest countries to adapt to in Asia.
The budget might be the biggest concern for many travellers, especially those travelling alone, but if you want to hobnob with some of the richest people in Asia and experience the fictional lives of the cast of ‘Crazy Rich Asians‘, then Singapore is the city for you.
Relax at the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands which offers you an unmatched view of the country, as well as dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and shop at luxury outlets every day.
READ MORE: Discover our complete Singapore Travel Guide
Pai, Thailand
For a laid-back solo travel
For the nature-loving relaxed traveller, Pai is one of the best solo travel destinations. Natural hot springs, pristine waterfalls, lush green forests and verdant mountains promise a relaxing getaway and a fun solo trip. Read a book or write something in the secluded cottages here.
From Pai Canyon to the Pambok Waterfall and Mo Paeng Falls to Pai Hot springs – there is no dearth of exquisite nature havens here during your solo trip if you love peace, quiet and greenery.
READ MORE: Explore our complete Thailand Travel Guide
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
For an adventurous solo travel
If you love hiking and trekking, plan a solo trip to Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Sure, there are other, more accessible places to visit as a solo traveller, however, if you enjoy long and rewarding hikes with breath-taking vantage points, then there is arguably no better place in the world for travelling alone.
Hiking through some of the world’s tallest mountain peaks while enjoying the heart-warming hospitality of Nepalese people, this is a solo trip that any traveller will cherish for a lifetime.
It is safe to plan this solo trip but of course, you have to go prepared. During the days, you can trek in solitude while enjoying picturesque views and at night, you can stay close to other groups of hikers to stay safe.
READ MORE: Can you guess why Nepal made it to our list of places to visit before your die?
Luang Prabang, Laos
Perfect place for a peaceful solo trip
If you are in dire need of a break from the concrete jungle and want to get away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Luang Prabang in Laos is one of the best solo travel destinations. Head over to the stunning Kuang Si Falls just outside of town and enjoy a meditative break in the lap of Mother Nature.
In addition to a scenic topography, the UNESCO-listed city has a vibrant cultural heritage and its rich history of Southeast Asian, Buddhist and French colonial influences offers a soothing break from skyscrapers, malls and office complexes.
One of the most popular things that people travelling alone love to do here is rent bikes, scooters and cycles to enjoy leisurely rides around the city.
READ MORE: Find out why Laos is featured in our list of bizarre and weird food from around the world
Best places to travel alone in the US
New York City, USA
One of the best solo travel destinations for the night owl
New York is the unofficial international capital of fun and entertainment. If you love to party and are a night owl, NYC should be at the top of your list of the best places to travel alone.
But, first things first, if you travel alone, safety is the most important factor and though NYC did not have a great reputation some 30 years back, things have improved significantly and it is safe to plan a solo trip here.
Now, for those who travel solo and are looking to enjoy the nightlife in a city that never sleeps- there is obviously no dearth of things to do. From singles bars to 24X7 cafes and late-night Broadway shows to stand-up comedies, New York has a lot to offer during the wee hours for the vibrant fun-loving solo travellers. Visit Times Square, explore The Brooklyn Night Bazaar or go for a Boroughs of the Dead night tour!
If you are a FRIENDS fan, go see Monica’s apartment or take an instaworthy picture at Central Park’s fountain recreating the night-time shots from the theme song.
READ MORE: New York made it to our list of the best cities in the world to visit, can you guess what are the other ones?
Texas, USA
Great solo travel destination to do the most touristy things
Solo travel is a unique experience that stays with us forever but it doesn’t have to be unique to be special. Solo travellers who are very mainstream at heart and love doing the most “touristy” things, must visit Texas, one of the best places to travel alone in the US.
From taking museum tours to hopping on shared tourist buses like Molly the Trolley and window shopping in Sundance Square to taking shots for the gram at Fort Worth Water Gardens, you can do it all on a solo trip in Texas.
Solo travel is generally safe in Texas but you are advised to avoid the rural parts after it gets dark.
READ MORE: Did you know Texas is also home to one of the best amusement parks in the world?
Best solo travel destinations in Europe
Porto, Portugal
A safe place to travel alone and a popular choice for first-timers
According to Safe Around, Portugal is the 13th safest travel destination in the world and hence a popular choice for solo travel, especially for those who are beginners or first-timers. Best known for the Douro and river cruises, Porto is an ideal choice for travelling alone.
For solo tourists who love history, wine, and nature, the Douro Valley tour is a must-do. Located one hour north of Porto, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has two thousand-year-old vineyards, which are maintained by the local farmers. With verdant rolling hills surrounded by lush grapevines, this place is an excellent way to meet other travellers while enjoying breathtaking views, incredible food, and world-class wine.
As first-timers, beginner solo travellers can join a local group from Porto to avoid getting lost during the Douro Valley hike.
READ MORE: Porto is one of our favourite and best places to visit in April
Berlin, Germany
Best place to travel alone… To meet new people
Those travelling alone but looking to meet someone cannot miss out on Berlin- the capital city of Germany. Berlin has been in the top five list of top tinder cities in Europe over the past few years and is one of the best places to travel alone to meet people and make new connections.
As you explore its vibrant culture, intricate architecture, scrumptious cuisine, lively parties, and rich history, Berlin could also help you find the one! This is arguably one of the best places to travel alone in the world.
READ MORE: Berlin also has one of the best and largest zoos in the world
Barcelona, Spain
A lot to offer for every solo traveller
There is something for everyone travelling alone who loves to explore as much as possible during their solo trip to Spain’s second city, Barcelona. With beautiful buildings, happening events, popular city beaches, a vibrant nightlife and many shopping options, as a solo traveller, you’ll have a plethora of things to do here.
Another reason why Barcelona is popular and one of the best places to travel solo is the wide variety of restaurants. There are many little restaurants hidden away in alleys. Cosy cafes and restaurants like El Rincon, Melic Del Gotic and Bar del Pla are highly recommended.
From Barcelona, you can explore more places to travel alone as it is well-connected. You can visit three countries in a single day with a one-day tour to Baga in Spain, Ax-Les-Thermes in France and Andorra. It might sound a little ambitious but it is doable in 12 hours.
READ MORE: Barcelona is one of our recommended best places to visit in June
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Best place to travel solo and share a Guinness with new friends
Just a couple of decades ago Belfast in Northern Ireland would not have made any travel list due to the long civil war. However, nowadays Belfast has become a tourist hot spot known for its vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere.
A solo traveller can turn up in the city and stroll over to one of the many pubs there for a pint of Guinness and conversation with anyone. The city offers a mix of the old and the new, with increasing entertainment and dining options, while retaining a lot of its old charm that makes it a bit of a magical place to visit.
Some great places to see include Belfast Castle, which offers incredible unobstructed views of the city and Belfast Lough, and we highly suggest a pub crawl through Belfast’s traditional Irish pubs for some culture and bonding.
Travelling alone there would be an unforgettable experience in this beautiful and quaint city.
READ MORE: While in Ireland, don’t miss out on the cliffs of Moher, one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world
Stockholm, Sweden
The ideal solo trip for History lovers
If you are a history buff, for you, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel solo. When travelling alone, you can take as long as you want to soak up the intricate architecture and historical legacies at places like the Medeltidsmuseet (Museum of Medieval Stockholm), Nobel Museum, Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral among others.
You can choose to stay in the city’s old town of Gamla Stan and explore the vintage 17th and 18th-century buildings. You must explore Stockholm’s unique underground metro hidden inside beautiful caves.
Besides, the legal drinking age in Stockholm is 18 years, so young history-loving solo travellers can enjoy a vibrant nightlife at the bars here after they are done with museum-hopping in the day!
READ MORE: Surprisingly, Sweden is also home to one of the most unique and best underwater hotels in the world
Bruges, Belgium
Amazing place to travel alone and go back in time
Solo travellers should flock to this Belgian town for its picturesque parks, historical landmarks and sentimental legends.
As a UNESCO-protected historic site, it offers visitors a look into ancient Europe through its stately castles and medieval architecture. Just outside the city are many castles and abbeys, which are accessible to the public and make for magnificent stops.
Those travelling alone can rent a bike and visit these sites such as the Loppem Castle, which has a 19th-century garden maze and Castle Wijnendale, which houses a whole museum dedicated to the history of the stronghold.
READ MORE: You can also consider Bruges as a couple as it is one of the best romantic holiday destinations
Best places to travel solo in Australia & New Zealand
Melbourne, Australia
For solo trips with vibrant culture and art scene
Travelling alone down under can be a life-changing experience for everyone. Australia offers cosmopolitan cities, rainforests, beautiful beaches, indigenous culture and unique wildlife. It also is one of the best places to explore on your own.
One city that you should not miss in Australia is Melbourne, which is perhaps best known for its vibrant cafe culture and arts scene. The grid-shaped city is also home to some of the best food in Australia, offering food from all over the world including authentic Asian cuisine made by the many immigrants that make Australia a melting pot of cultures.
This colourful city has numerous museums, shopping districts and an appreciative cafe industry, which makes it an excellent spot to relax, recharge and re-energize yourself. Travel solo there and you can expect to find a friendly and welcoming community.
READ MORE: Explore our complete Australia Travel Guide
South Island, New Zealand
For the adventure seekers ready to live out of a van
For those travelling alone who love the hippy vibe, South Island in New Zealand is an ideal place for a solo trip.
If you can drive, get yourself an RV or campervan and hit the road. It is an ideal vacation as a solo traveller to just hop in a campervan and head off to free camp spots and holiday parks throughout the country. Many solo trip enthusiasts are living the van life here, and you’ll bump into adventurous and lovely travellers from all over the world.
Although South Island is relatively a safe place for travellers, you are advised to keep your van locked at night and always carry essentials like extra fuel, spare tyres and night light.
READ MORE: South Island is also known as one of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins
The world is best experienced when explored, so get out there! Setting off on a solo trip empowers you to make bold decisions and seize the moment. Hopefully, these best places to travel alone will inspire you to book that flight, or bus, or motorbike!
