Solo traveling can be overwhelming at times. If you’re doing it for the first time, you even doubt yourself. Until you leave, your mind can be full of a lot of what-ifs and different people you would meet.
But it won’t really hit you until you are actually there, check into your hotel, and unpack one or two essentials. That’s when your nervous butterflies will start to relax.
To start your journey, you should first have some knowledge. Inform yourself about the best solo travel destinations that are suitable for traveling alone. Find places where you can meet other solo travelers.
More Resources
Plan on a Budget
Smart strategies for stretching your travel dollars without sacrificing experiences.
How to Avoid Solo Travel Money Mistakes
Common financial pitfalls solo travelers make and how to sidestep them.
5 Fundamental Solo Travel Safety Principles
Essential safety tips every solo traveler should know before hitting the road.
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Affordable travel insurance designed for remote workers and long-term travelers.
Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip Alone
Everything you need to know about planning a solo road trip adventure.
Safe and Easy Destinations for Solo Travelers
Top destinations that are welcoming, safe, and perfect for traveling alone.
If you’re a solo female traveler, car hire is a great way to hit the road for a weekend break. You get all the freedom and convenience to travel where and when you want. But if driving isn’t your thing, no worries, there’s lots of fun to be had on public transport too!
Public transport is generally safe and straightforward to use in most of these countries. However, traveling by car or bus on your own gives you more freedom to explore new destinations and stop to smell the roses.
Top Destinations for Solo Travelers
You might be hitting the road solo to figure things out. Maybe you’re escaping a breakup or dealing with some past stuff, like I was when I took my first solo trip. Or maybe you just want the thrill of it all with no anchor. Whatever the reason, these solo spots are gonna blow your mind.
Rome, Italy: Cultural
Rome is traditionally labeled as a romantic and historical destination. It is also one of the most welcoming cities for solo travelers. There are so many activities and places to visit that will keep you occupied and amazed! Visiting the ancient arena of Roman history is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
You must visit the Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Steps too. If possible, go to the Appian Way; it goes all the way to Brindisi. If you have time, please do visit Vatican City. You simply can’t go wrong with any of these. The locals won’t just be very friendly but will also have suggestions of their own.
Want to blend in like an Italian when you’re in Rome? Follow these simple rules from ‘Girls That Travel’:
• Cappuccino is for Breakfast. NEVER drink it at lunch or dinner time.
• In need of a quick caffeine fix? Drink your coffee standing up at the bar.
• Order a SINGLE espresso after dinner or lunch in Italy.
• Try Caffe’ e ammazza caffe’. It translates as “Coffee and coffee killer.” It is a digestive drink like limoncello or any strong liquor that helps aid digestion.
• Ask for a Digestivo after lunch or dinner.
Ambergris Caye, Belize: Escape
Unlike Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker will not break the bank, and that is why it’s a popular choice for solo travelers on a budget. It’s kind of like the perfect ‘first-timer’ island for those taking their inaugural solo journey. If safety is your top priority, you’ll find that the island is among the safest islands to be found.
And since it’s not too commercialized, you get more personalized attention from your hosts. You will likely have an amazing time here as it isn’t too crowded with people and tourists. If you’re trying to find a destination for your very first solo trip, you’ve got it!
Ubud, Indonesia: Healing
Bali is one of the most popular backpacking destinations, and it is shared on social media. It is now becoming a popular spot for groups as well. What is better than a tropical paradise with rice terraces and fields, a volcano, and beautiful beaches? This small island in Indonesia is extremely popular for a reason. It is one of the most visited islands out of the thousands in the country. You can’t beat the experience and relaxing vibes.
Bali can be touristy or authentic. It all depends on how you choose to explore it. It also depends on which areas you want to visit. Bali, like other islands, is very dependent on tourism for most of its livelihoods. But, because the island is so big, each part you visit is a little different.
Find all the things to do in Bali by doing a quick Google search.
You have to do deep tissue massages, flower baths, incense therapy, and other relaxing things that are geared toward making you heal. Bali is truly a paradise. If you choose to come here, you’re definitely going to get some well-deserved time for self-reflection.
South Africa: Tours
Cape Town is an awesome spot for solo travelers. You’ve got stunning vineyards, and let’s not forget about South Africa’s incredible wildlife, it’s just the cherry on top!
Here, solo adventurers can tick a bunch off their bucket lists. The best way to explore this amazing area with so much going on is to hop on a group tour.
How The Tour Works
So what’s the deal with a tour? Well, if you’re traveling alone, you can split the cost of a room. That way, it won’t break the bank for a single person. Simply choose the date you’d like to travel to your final destination and pay a deposit to reserve your spot.
Oh, and on your travel day, you may be included in a group chat. It’s usually dependent on the tour company you book with. You can chat with the other solo travelers in the group chat.
In 1-2 weeks, you get to: try wine tasting in Stellenbosch, have game driving in Kruger, snorkel through kelp forests to search for octopuses, and even abseil down Table Mountain. You should also try zip-lining along the Panorama Route.
If you are adventurous and you want to feel secure, this is your best choice. You will be secure while being alone, but with a group.
Reykjavik, Iceland: Reflection
If you want to catch the Northern Lights in winter, get ready for an epic adventure full of magic. And in the summer, you can soak up those super-long days thanks to the midnight sun. Iceland, chilling all alone in the North Atlantic, has been shaped over the years by volcanic activity and tectonic shifts. It’s honestly just breathtaking to see and explore.
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world.
Things To Do
On top of that, there is a wide range of activities to fill up a solo traveler’s day. These activities include snorkeling in Silfra Fissure. Others are glacier hiking, all-terrain vehicles, and horseback riding. You can also try whale watching, mountain trekking, and sightseeing. There are activities like ice climbing, snowmobiling, and caving.
This is to name only a handful. That’s not even including the attractions.
In Iceland, visitors can:
- Explore waterfalls like Gullfoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Dettifoss.
- You can also visit glaciers such as Vatnajökull, Langjökull, Eyjafjallajökull, and Mýrdalsjökull.
- Mountains and volcanoes like Vestrahorn, Snæfellsjökull, Hekla, and Katla are also highlights.
- The country’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park.
- More activities and instructions on navigating Iceland are listed in ‘A Guide to Iceland.’
Lisbon, Portugal: Backpacking
Lisbon is a popular destination for backpackers and solo travelers and digital nomads mainly because it’s got everything! From an extensive historical legacy to beautiful views, spectacular beaches, cultural attractions, and, of course, incredible food. If you plan to meet other solo travelers, the best place to stay is one of Lisbon’s amazing hostels.
A recent ranking by Hostelworld listed Lisbon as home to three of the top 10 hostels in the world. These places are for solo female travelers! They have group dinners, free activities, increased security, and female-only dorms.
According to ‘Devour Tours,’ the simplest activity for solo travel in Lisbon is to walk! It may seem basic, but walking is the best way to get to know the city. The city unfolds its charm as you explore it on foot. It’s small enough to cover several different locations in one day. Be prepared to get lost in winding corners, steep hills, and colorful buildings that make Lisbon so unique and photo-friendly.
San Salvador, El Salvador: Exploration
El Salvador is a great location for a first-timer looking for culture and exploration. However, it is not the cheapest place for a budgeteer. El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. Travelers often ignore it, but this is quickly changing. This small country has many active volcanoes to explore and many other fun activities, like the super fun rainbow slide located in Cafe Albania.
if you’re backpacking El Salvador, you’ll spend as little as $30-35 USD per day. This budget should cover a hostel dorm, buses, a few groceries, and cheap local eats.
A full apartment is around $100 USD per night. So, if you choose this as your destination, be ready to meet new, friendly smiles of locals and travelers alike.
Kenya: Safari
If you are an experienced solo traveler, this is the place for you. It’s easy to go wild for Kenya, no matter how long you stay. It’s the top destination for safaris and Big Five wildlife encounters. But you’ll be amazed by its volcanoes in the Great Rift Valley, too. You can go up Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya. Explore the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem. Sail on a 100-year-old dhow. Enjoy the beautiful starry nights.
Kenya has lots of accommodation options for varying budgets. A few will quote higher for singles, but negotiating will work, especially off-season. To feel life as it really is in the Kenyan food world, visit a kibanda. It’s an outdoor cafeteria where food is always phenomenal.
The coolest thing to do here is definitely going on safaris, and surfing is a close second. You can relax in a thermal bath at the three lagoons of Olkaria Geothermal Spa, which is nestled at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley right in the heart of Hell’s Gate National Park.
Fun fact: this place was also featured in the Tomb Raider and The Lion King movies!
To find more activities and Kenya-specific itineraries, check out ‘The Culture Trip.‘
Tanzania: Wildlife
More and more solo travelers are choosing to go to Africa now more than before, Tanzania in particular. It is a great destination for solo travelers. You can go to the most popular sites like the Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Serengeti National Park. Tanzania is gigantic. Going to this East African country involves long flights, layovers, activity fees, etc.
Also, a safari trip can get pretty pricey. Check out Moshi if you’re looking for a fun African adventure. It’s in northern Tanzania, right by the Kenyan border. Moshi is famous for being the go-to spot for Kilimanjaro National Park, which has Africa’s tallest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro.
It is safer not to roam around at night alone or eat in strange places alone. When you are out, try to mingle with other lone travelers. It may be more enjoyable if you do get lonely. If possible, as a single female tourist, joining a group of tourists is always best. You can contact Easy Travel Group Tours for more details. They can arrange everything for you.
This includes becoming part of a group of fellow travelers, your accommodation, transportation, activity charges, food, and so much more!
Paris, France: Love and History
Paris may be known as a place for lovers. But solo travelers have come to crash the party. There’s so much to do! If you’re still obsessed with the idea of Paris’s romantic identity, go ahead and visit. Just add a twist to your journey. Since you’re going to travel solo in Paris, date yourself.
I just went to Paris with a complete stranger I had met a few weeks before. My family advised me not to go for plain reasons of safety, but I felt we would make it work. I did not want to go to Paris alone. Looking back, I would have loved it much more if I did.
Paris is best enjoyed by walking around. In my opinion, the heat of summer is the least desirable time to go. I visited during August, and it was miserably HOT. Spring or fall are ideal, and mid-September through October is best.
If it’s your first trip to Paris, a hotel will offer an extra feeling of security. That’s what I did, choosing Marriott Bonvoy, to be exact. The hotel will also help with practical things like calling a taxi or making a reservation.
Paris Tips
Almost every visitor who goes to Paris goes to the Eiffel Tower. It’s the spot to witness the melting pot of tourism. It’s also where you witness its dangers. The tourist spots that are renowned for pickpockets are the larger tourist spots. These are areas around the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero, and the Champs-Elysées.
The Metro (subway) is another location to be careful in. Hold your backpack in front; don’t have it on your back or side. Carry what you need, but never all your money. Keep the rest in the hotel safe.
If the Eiffel Tower is still on your bucket list, make it a reality and just go. Going solo will push you out of your comfort zone, but it will also build your confidence with unforgettable experiences.
Solo Travel Tips That Actually Help
Solo travel is freeing, no doubt. But it’s different when you’re prepped.
Here are a few things that have saved my solo trips, from Bali to Paris and even a few countries in Africa.
1. Stay somewhere with vibes and people
Hostels, boutique hotels, or guesthouses with communal areas make it easy to meet other travelers. Look for places with social reviews, not just high stars.
2. Take a free walking tour on day one
Know your surroundings. The best way to get the lay of the land is to meet people and ask locals where not to go. Many big cities have them daily, just tip your guide.
3. Keep your day plans flexible, but your safety plan solid
Share your location with a friend or family member, especially if you’re going out at night or on an adventure tour.
4. Pack light but smart
You don’t need five “what if” outfits. A strong solo travel packing list includes a power bank, copies of your ID, meds you know you’ll need, and comfy shoes you actually like walking in.
5. Learn a few key phrases
If you’re going somewhere non-English speaking, knowing how to say “thank you,” “hello,” and “where’s the bathroom?” makes you feel less helpless and way more respected.
You’ve Got This
Solo travel can be weird at first. You may get side-eyed at dinners for sitting alone and even feel a little awkward taking your own photos with a tripod. But by day three? You’ll start feeling like you really did something for yourself.
You’ll move how YOU want to move on your own time, discover new things just by wandering, and meet people who might end up in your group chat forever. Or not. Either way, it’s your trip! So take it!
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
Book a consultation →
