The Best Destinations for Solo Travel
With books and films like Wild, Down the Nile, and Eat, Pray, Love inspiring us to travel on our own more, solo travel has been on the rise in recent years—and rightfully so! Who wouldn’t want to go at their own pace, see whatever they want to see, and eliminate any distraction pulling them away from the present moment. Solo travel can be so invigorating, freeing, and healing for the soul. There are plenty of factors to consider when taking a solo trip—safety, cost, duration of travel, etc.—but I personally think you should just go with your heart. Go wherever it is that your soul is pulling you towards and lose yourself in it. If you need a little inspiration, take a look at the list below for some of the best destinations for solo travel.
Puerto Rico
I know I might be biased here since I am of Puerto Rican heritage, but Puerto Rico really is an incredible destination for any kind of traveler. Additionally, because of the recent natural disasters the country has been victim to, they need the tourism now more than ever. Whether you’re looking for adventure, food, LGBTQ+, luxury, or cultural travel, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Puerto Rico! The best part for US-citizens is that it doesn’t require a passport so you can freely enter and exit with no problem.
Ireland
Ireland is typically amongst the list of happiest countries in the world (along with Denmark, which I also recommend traveling to), which makes it a great reason to visit as a solo traveler. You can experience the lively music and pub culture in major cities like Dublin, or visit the abundantly lush, rolling hills throughout Irelands countryside. There’s a great combination of nature and city life for any type of solo travel here.
Japan
There are a number of countries in Asia that are excellent for solo travel, but Japan could be a great place for you to start. You can find history, culture, cuisine, and beautiful locations all over this gorgeous country. There’s outdoor adventures, urban adventures, and everything in between. The public transportation is impeccable throughout Japan, and it’s commonly amongst one of the safest places to travel in the world. The only downside is that it can be a little on the higher end of the budget scale (depending what your budget is); so if you’re looking to spend less, perhaps consider other destinations such as Thailand or Vietnam.
Costa Rica
Pura Vida! Of course Costa Rica needs to be on this list because it is such a gorgeous destination for any solo travel who is into the outdoors and getting in touch with nature. There are endless opportunities for adventures like zip lining in the rainforests, white water rafting, hiking, surfing, or just relaxing on the beach. It’s hard not to love Costa Rica and all its beauty!
South Africa
Although it may be a bit of a longer journey for some, South Africa is absolutely worth visiting as a solo traveler. Experience the urban life in Cape Town, head to Stellenbosch for wine tasting, or do safari in Kruger National Park. Visiting South Africa will give you a little taste of the magical experience that comes with traveling through Africa. I highly recommend it!
Spain
Where else can you go and get a whole meal + drinks for under 10€? Spain is an incredible destination for solo travelers because of its relatively low cost and beautiful surroundings. You can kick it on the beach, sightsee around many historic cities, celebrate one of the thousands of annual festivals, or indulge in the cultural ambience that often goes late into the night. Spain is one of those destinations that makes you want to return again and again and again.
New Zealand
New Zealand has been notoriously touted as a great destination for solo travelers—and particularly female solo travelers. There are plenty of outdoor and urban adventures to enjoy for all types of travelers. Wine lovers will rejoice because New Zealand is known for having a great selection of new world wines and vineyards to experience.
Portugal
If you’re planning on taking a trip to Europe, consider stopping over in Portugal for a little excursion. Portugal is a great place for solo travelers to visit and have an extended layover. TAP Airlines even has a layover program designed for this! I guarantee you will want to come back and visit again once you experience the culture, see the idyllic beaches, explore some historic architecture, and get your first taste of a Pasteis de Nata (my mouth is watering just thinking about them right now). Visit cities like Lisbon, Porto, or Sintra to get your first taste of this incredible country.
United States
The list is endless for how many cities that you can take a solo trip to in the United States. While traveling within the states isn’t necessarily as cheap as other international destinations, it is still extremely accessible and easy to navigate. There are larger destinations like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, or Miami that you can explore, or you can scale down and explore other spots like Savannah, Austin, Santa Barbara, Portland (either Maine or Oregon). There’s truly something for everyone!
Italy
Like other European countries, Italy is excellent for the solo traveler because of how easy it is to get around everywhere. With trains connecting basically every major and small city, you can easily just grab a train pass and create your own experience. Visit the famous beach towns around the coast, indulge in the food and drink around the country, or check out the historic sights. For a real adventure, consider renting a car for a couple days and exploring the countryside.
Peru
Peru is a solo backpackers dream. Most famous for its ruins and mountains, the country has made traveling to famous sights and destinations extremely easy for travelers. There are also frequent tours and public transportation to/from places like Machu Picchu if you want to do your exploring in a group setting with other solo travelers.
Switzerland
While Switzerland is on the pricier end of the European destinations to visit, it is surely one you cannot miss. To put it simply, Switzerland is gorgeous, clean, and safe. Getting around Switzerland is also incredibly easy. You can rent a car to explore the vast countryside, or hop on the train to visit just about any town you want to explore. This is another wonderful destination for outdoor and urban adventures alike. Make sure to include cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel on your list!
Norway
If you want to spend your entire trip exploring nature, head to Norway. Fjords, Northern Lights, glaciers, mountains, waterfalls… What more could you possibly want in your outdoor oasis adventure?! High season is typically around June-August, so consider visiting on a shoulder season (just before or after high season) to get better prices and less crowds.
Canada
If you’re not able to jump the pond from the United States, consider taking a visit to our next-door neighbor up north. Canada is an incredibly beautiful country with so much to explore. Visit cities like Québec, Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver; or go off the beaten path and visit places like Lake Louise, Whistler, or Jasper. Prices are relatively less expensive than a lot of destinations in the United States, making it a great alternative that is close to home.
France
While Paris is always a good idea, there are also so many other places to visit around France that you simply cannot miss. Consider heading to the Eastern region to drive through the Alsace wine region and stop in cities like Strasbourg, Colmar, or Kaysersberg. Or visit the beaches down south in Nice, St. Tropez, or Cannes. Like other countries in Europe, you can have just about any type of traveling experience you desire—cultural, urban, outdoor, etc. It’s simple getting around France with either a car or the train.
