For centuries, the old Silk Road was the stuff of solo traveler nightmares. If you’re solo tripping, you’ll find the same Aleppo pine-cloaked, cove-sculpted, turquoise sea-splashed loveliness one boat over on the wilder neighboring island of Alonissos in Greece’s Northern Sporades. Walk, talk, make amigos – Lisbon is a city of solo travel dreams. Some capitals feel standoffish and so ungraspably huge that you’re instantly out of your depth as a solo traveler. Certain destinations are suited for solitude, while in others travelers are naturally thrown together, making it easy to meet new people.
Experience the serenity of Kyoto’s traditional tea ceremonies, marvel at the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo, and immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing. Revel in the flamenco rhythm of Seville, visit the masterpiece of Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and wander through the narrow streets of the Albaicín in Granada. Dive into history at the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, admire the Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral, and explore the historic beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle. Hike amidst the stunning Austrian Alps in Innsbruck and visit the fairytale-like Hohensalzburg Fortress in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Austria captivates solo adventurers with its Alpine vistas, Baroque architecture, and rich cultural heritage of classical music and art.
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Lisbon welcomes solo travelers with colorful tiled buildings, vintage trams, and some of the friendliest locals in Europe. If you love wildlife, and want an easy way to meet people while you’re solo travelling, then a visit to the Galapagos Islands seems an obvious choice. The biggest risk to solo travellers is really the mountains and nature themselves, but for a relatively small island, there’s an impressive range of skilled, professional guides working here; from the canyons to the peaks and oceans. From the mountains of Madeira to the mangroves of Thailand, these are the best destinations for solo travel this year… Whether it is your first time planning a solo trip or you cannot resist cool destinations, Scandinavia never goes out of style. While Singapore is viewed more as a luxury layover or finishing touch to an epic expedition around Southeast Asia, it is a completely different story for solo travellers.
The city offers amazing things to do, from exploring world-class museums to wandering through colorful markets. You can easily navigate the compact city center on foot or rent a bicycle like the locals do. You’ll find must-see attractions like ancient fortresses and historic cathedrals around every cobblestone corner. The Old City walls contain dozens of golden temples you can explore at your own pace. The island’s affordable luxury means you can treat yourself to spa days and yoga classes without breaking the bank. The city is safe and has a contemplative vibe that makes wandering alone feel natural.
The 16 best solo travel destinations for 2025
Unsurprisingly, there aren’t a whole lot of accommodation options in the middle of the rainforest, so you’ll have plenty of chances to socialise with other travellers at the end of each of your hiking days. It’s also an incredibly affordable spot, which naturally often plays a big part in choosing a destination for solo travel. I’ve also asked some seasoned travellers for their tips on the best places to solo travel in 2025. Group tours are also a reliable way to experience lots of different places on one trip while following a trusted route backed by travel experts. If it is your first time in Southeast Asia, you may prefer starting with one of our Thailand tours, before spending a few days by yourself enjoying the cities or island life.
- The city blends futuristic architecture with traditional neighborhoods.
- If you love wildlife, and want an easy way to meet people while you’re solo travelling, then a visit to the Galapagos Islands seems an obvious choice.
- The city of Santa Marta, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, is a pretty lush place to return to afterwards, as well.
- You can wander narrow streets at midnight without worry while exploring endless ramen shops and neon-lit districts.
- Unlike many adventure destinations – packed with predatory animals and venomous insects – you have little to fear on Iceland’s hiking trails.
Countries that score highly have lots of hotels, attractions and tours for solo travellers. The city welcomes solo travelers with open arms, offering everything from free walking tours to rooftop bars. For this list, we’re basing it on how easy it is to get around and explore the country, how well-equipped a destination is for tourism, and how likely it is to meet other solo travellers.
If you’re interested in joining a multi-day group tour of Japan, there are 250 organised tours to choose from. Plus, Japan boasts over 3,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $193. If you’re looking to join a multi-day group tour of Spain, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from. Plus, Spain boasts 10,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $87. If you’re looking to join a multi-day group tour of Germany, there are more than 250 organised tours available. Plus, there are more than 2,000 day tours running in Germany, with the average cost of a day trip being $58.
Venture off the West Coast of Scotland
I want to help you plan solo trips that are more adventurous than the average tourist experience. For those interested in joining a multi-day group tour of France, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from. For those interested in joining a multi-day group tour of Sri Lanka, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from. For those interested in joining a multi-day group tour of Costa Rica, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from. For those interested in joining a multi-day group tour of Canada, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from. For those interested in joining a multi-day group tour of Ireland, there are more than 250 organised tours to choose from.
Vietnam has long been a top stop in Southeast Asia for solo travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Small but perfectly formed, Slovenia is a tremendous destination for solo travellers. The average group tour lasts 7 days and costs $2,023 (about $284 per day) for a solo traveller. The average group tour lasts 10 days and costs $1,299 (about $126 per day) for a solo traveller.
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Keep reading to learn more about each of the best places to travel alone and what makes each one stand out! Sandy Mitchell is a travel expert and the content reviewer/fact checker at Travellers Worldwide. Having written for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for writing about travel to the masses… You can save coin by booking into a private room in one of the city’s flashpackers and grabbing a takeaway meal from legendary Fergburger to eat by the lake. But if you only have time for one spot, the South Island’s adrenaline epicenter of Queenstown is hard to beat.
The Best Places for Solo Travel (Table)
Hike along the coastal Lands End trail from Golden Gate Bridge, nosh sweets from Tartine while admiring the Mission’s murals – and if solo travel feels isolating, take a ferry to Alcatraz for perspective on what “solitary confinement” really means. And while a 54-bed platzkart (open carriage) might sound like a modern-day travel nightmare, these epic desert-crossing odysseys often evolve into unforgettable shared spreads and chitchats with families pouring fresh tea. A compact metropolis with rich local culture and iconic sights woven into a vibrant city, Singapore is one of Asia’s most popular destinations for a reason. As a country already well ingrained on the backpacker trail, Thailand has a fair share of solo-friendly destinations, with Chiang Mai topping that list. There’s also plenty to do on day trips outside the city – and thanks to Germany’s fast, efficient train system, you don’t need a rental car to get there. Take day trips from Reykjavík to see the Golden Circle’s powerful waterworks, drive along the south coast for black sand beaches or spend a few hours soaking in a thermal pool (try tourist-packed Sky Lagoon or local favorite Laugardalslaug).
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But it isn’t usually safety that brings individual adventurers to New Zealand; instead, it’s the dazzling landscapes, buzzing https://chickenroadapp.in/ towns and cities and convivial people that make NZ the place it is. Kefalonia and Corfu are the most popular and thus offer endless social opportunities, while the serenity of Naxos and Icaria will appeal to more introverted explorers. That’s why you’ll meet everyone from excitable backpackers to considered veterans of the road here, each with a different story to tell.
- Nature is also never far away from city life; with the tropical Waiheke Island being a popular day trip from Auckland, and Queenstown hailed as the world’s adventure capital.
- Plus, Italy offers over 20,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $114.
- You’ll see the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate, the Berliner Philharmonie, Berlin Cathedral, and the Zoological Garden while you’re here.
- It’s easy to be sociable and solitary at the same time, too.
- Known for its alternative and trendy vibes with endless examples of historic architecture and landmarks, Berlin, Germany is the perfect city for a solo trip and a great place to meet other solo travelers.
Venture to the latter and you’ll find an island not often visited, with a terrific mountain ridgeline. What that means for soloists is that the locals are incredibly well used to welcoming tourists and that there’s already excellent infrastructure for adventure tourism in place. On my solo trip here I ended up in a game of 5-aside football versus the Colombian army in the middle of the jungle – and met good friends I’m still in touch with. Walking around, you’ll find lots of animals and if you’re snorkelling, you have a chance to play with some of those animals. From a kind interaction with a stranger to discovering a new side to a destination, moments like these could end up becoming your favourite memories of a trip.
Durable and waterproof, with a handy slipcase and an easy-fold format, Lonely Planet’s country maps are designed to let you explore with ease. Pocket Guides are compact guides for short trips that offer the best local experiences. From hikes to bike rides and surf breaks, discover the most epic adventures across the world to inspire your next trip. The capital, Ljubljana, is the perfect base for exploration, a city of friendly people and social spots an easy bus or train from Slovenia’s famous lakes and less-famous postcard villages.
Ride in a tuk-tuk to get around the city easily and cheaply, visit a tour company or stay at a hostel to link up with others, and check out Khao San Road if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife. Oceanfront Barcelona, Spain is a favorite spot for solo travelers with eclectic and historic architecture, bustling urban areas pulsing with lively energy, and beautiful beaches to lounge on. Albania is becoming more popular as a solo travel destination because it’s so affordable, beautiful, and authentic. Few destinations are as famous for solo travel as Bali – a magical island dotted with stunning beaches, Hindu temples, and endless outdoor adventures off the coast of Indonesia. You’ll feel liberated and full of wonder as you take on some of the world’s most incredible destinations as a solo traveler with a flexible itinerary that leaves you with fulfilling new experiences. New Zealand (Aotearoa) regularly ranks as one of the top countries globally for solo travelers.
Dive into the most sought-after guides that have captured the hearts of travelers worldwide. Epic Guides provide inspiration and first-person stories for a lifetime of unforgettable travel experiences. For travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture and language essentials. For travelers seeking the most comprehensive insights. Get inspired by destinations chosen in this year’s Best in Travel list. The old ‘four seasons in a day’ adage is very much alive and well in a place where you can spend the morning skiing in the Alps before heading for a romantic solo sunset on the Adriatic at Piran.
Kyoto feels like the perfect intro to traditional Japan, where ancient temples and peaceful gardens create an ideal setting for solo exploration. Beach time at Barceloneta provides the perfect break between sightseeing adventures. The efficient MRT system connects every attraction you want to visit. Go solo dining at hawker centers, where sharing tables with strangers feels natural. The city blends futuristic architecture with traditional neighborhoods. The city offers perfect walking distances between historic sites like Trinity College and Dublin Castle.
Nature is also never far away from city life; with the tropical Waiheke Island being a popular day trip from Auckland, and Queenstown hailed as the world’s adventure capital. Even in the heart of Canada’s biggest cities, travellers can expect to find all these features that make this destination such an iconic one. As Australia offers one of the best working holiday programmes in the world for travellers aged 18 to 35, you can even move here. Another great perk of solo travel in Australia is that there is no language barrier.
Plus, Costa Rica boasts over 3,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $103. Plus, Canada offers over 2,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $120. The vast and diverse landscape of Canada is the perfect solo travel destination thanks to its breathtaking national parks, French-Canadian cities and friendly locals. Plus, Ireland boasts over 1,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $88. Plus, Chile offers 1,000 day tours, with the average cost of a day trip being $93.
Most of Puerto Rico’s top sites are no more than an hour from San Juan, making adventures outside the city easy to reach by car. Once night descends, boogie Boricua-style with locals at La Factoría, a six-room cocktail bar where friendly salsa dancers set the floor aflame with fancy footwork. It’s relatively easy to get around via Uber – so you can zoom safely from sugar-sand shores near Condado’s hotels to the old city’s historic fortresses and beyond. Stay at an affordable hotel (try the Jane or Pod Brooklyn), eat on the cheap (pizza and bagels, hello!) and take advantage of free city spots like the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and the Staten Island Ferry. And if you ever get homesick, the city’s glut of global cuisine – representing more than 150 countries – is ready to serve your comfort food of choice.