Traveling alone is a popular trend amongst those looking for independence, self-discovery, and the ability to travel at their own place. Whether you’re looking for a multi-stop backpacking adventure, or laid back luxury getaway, traveling by yourself offers a unique and rewarding experience.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best countries for those traveling alone, tips for staying safe, and advice on keeping things affordable when solo travel planning.
What is Solo Traveling?
Solo traveling is a great way to explore exciting new places by yourself, without relying on friends or family. It’s a method of travel that allows for complete flexibility, and for a lot of people, traveling alone stretches beyond just a trip. It’s an opportunity for personal growth, happiness, meeting new people, escaping the boredom of mundane, everyday life, and gaining self-confidence through facing challenges alone.
Why Solo Travel?
Solo travel has a few benefits that make it attractive to people, such as the independence of controlling every aspect of their trip, the opportunity to discover themselves, and the flexibility to go where they want, when they want. It’s a great way for solo celebrations and healing getaways.
Experienced nomads often share stories of the life-changing experiences they’ve had during their time traveling alone, such as creating lifelong friendships with people they’ve met in hostels, discovering new sports, indulging in new cuisine, or discovering hidden gems they may never have stumbled across if they were traveling with others.
Best Places to Go for Solo Traveling
If you’ve been thinking about setting off on an adventure by yourself, here are some of the top destinations we recommend for a trip alone. From the cold mountains of Canada to the beautiful beaches of Bali, there’s a beautiful destination that suits everyone. Each of these offers unique experiences, safety, and an abundance of activities you can enjoy alone.
Iceland
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, and safety, Iceland is a great destination for those traveling alone. Whether you’re interested in hiking through a stunning national park or relaxing in some geothermal hot springs, the natural beauty of Iceland is truly unmatched. If possible, try to rent a car in order to explore Iceland to the fullest. It’s worth noting that Iceland is a great spot to travel to as a female, or a first-timer, thanks to it having one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Japan
Japan is a vibrant mix of serene countryside, rich tradition, and bustling modern cities, making it a dream destination for many solo travelers. Public transport is efficient, and the cities are incredibly tourist-friendly, making it a great place to get around easily, even if you don’t speak the language. Large cities like Tokyo and Osaka have a great selection of solo-friendly dining experiences, and Japan has a very low crime rate, so this is also a great choice for first-timers.
Portugal
Portugal, in particular, the city of Lisbon, is a vibrant, affordable, and welcoming city, which is super easy to explore on foot or by tram, so there’s not much need to worry about navigating public transport or needing to rent a car. The lively culture, delicious food, and friendly locals make it a great destination for those traveling alone. Be sure to research great things to do in Lisbon before your visit, as it’s one of the top cities for solo travelers, and has some stunning beaches. It’s also incredibly close to Spain, and many people choose to pair a trip to Portugal with a trip to one of Spain’s best cities, such as Barcelona, Marbella and San Sebastian.
Also read: Strange Buildings of the World
New Zealand
New Zealand may not be one of the first destinations that comes to mind when thinking of places to travel to alone, but it’s actually a haven for adventurous solo travelers. Visitors can enjoy a backpacking adventure or a laid-back road trip. Locals are known for their friendliness, and it’s recommended to join some groups for hikes or to explore the country’s national parks to meet new people and stay safe.
Solo Travel Tips for Staying Safe
Solo travel can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in the world, but it’s important to always be prepared and stay safe. To help with that, here are some important solo travel tips:
- Stay connected: Always keep in touch with friends or family, share where you plan on visiting, and be sure to make regular check-ins.
- Research your destination before you travel: Always know which are safe solo travel destinations and which are not, and what the local customs are to avoid any trouble.
- Pack light: This is especially important if backpacking, as you’ll be carrying everything around a lot of the time. If you’re not backpacking, this is still important so that you don’t face any issues at the airport, and can bring plenty of things back with you!
Budget Solo Travel Destinations
Solo travel doesn’t need to be expensive! Here are some budget solo travel destinations so you can explore without the expense.
Thailand
With affordable accommodation, street food, and public transport, Thailand is a great destination if you’re on a budget. Explore culturally rich cities like Chiang Mai to enjoy a low-cost adventure.
Mexico
Mexico’s larger cities are culturally rich and affordable, making it an ideal destination for solo backpacking trips thanks to its many hostels, local markets, and free attractions.
Solo Female Travel Destinations
Safety is a top concern for solo female travelers, and there are many great destinations that provide security for women traveling alone. Here are some excellent options.
Iceland
As we mentioned before, Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal escape for female solo travelers. From exploring the Northern Lights to hiking glaciers, there are plenty of safe adventurous things to do here.
Japan
Japan’s safe cities, efficient transport, and respectful culture make it another top choice for female solo travelers. We spoke with one female traveler who visited the country alone:
Case Study: A Solo Female Traveler in Japan
For this case study, we spoke to Emily Adam, an experienced travel writer and solo traveler, who has previously traveled solo to Japan. She carefully planned her itinerary, mixing in popular tourist spots in Osaka such as The Dotonbori Don Quijote store, with traditional attractions in Kyoto like the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. She stayed with her friend to keep costs low, but also spent a short part of her stay in a cheap Airbnb to keep costs low. Emily said that while the trip offered her the opportunity to discover the culture and beauty of Japan, it also helped her to gain self-confidence and independence.
Whether you’re looking for affordable solo vacations or solo adventure travel, there’s a destination out there for everyone. From the natural wonders of Iceland to the culturally rich Japan, traveling alone offers the freedom to explore the world on your own terms. Start planning your solo travel journey today!