Best Destinations for Solo Travelers

There’s a lot to do when it comes to planning a solo trip. Booking plane rockets and transportation, hotel rooms and accommodations, learning local phrases, and keeping track of documents and baggage; solo travel takes a lot of work in the beginning. However, once you take that big adventure, you’ll start to wonder why you were ever scared or stressed in the first place.

The most important thing to decide when planning a solo trip is, of course, the destination; where are you going to go? Taking safety, convenience, geographical location, and points of interest into consideration, there are some destinations that measure up better than others for solo travelers to feel comfortable. If you are having trouble deciding where to go or looking for inspiration for your next solo trip, here are 8 fabulous destinations around the world that are best for solo travelers.

New Zealand is a superb destination for a solo adventure and has been attracting solo travelers for years. Not only does it offer a working holiday visa for those under 30, but it’s also very easy to get around, and the most popular form of transportation is a camper van. Set out on the road trip of your dreams, and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, untouched natural wonders, and adrenaline-filled activities both the islands of New Zealand have to offer. Locals will be happy to help you along the way, English is widely spoken, and it is one of the safest countries for solo travelers.

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world and an absolutely perfect location for solo travelers. The island itself is small, making it very easy to get around, easy to meet friendly locals, and, the capital of Reykjavik has the lowest crime rate of any capital city worldwide. For first-time solo travelers, Iceland is a great place to dip your toes into the water of the solo traveling lifestyle, all while enjoying stunning scenery, beautiful landforms, and a glowing view of the Aurora Borealis.

Ireland is a great destination for first-time solo travelers as its very welcoming and the residents speak English. Friendly inhabitants are likely to gather with you in one of the thousands of local pubs around the country, welcome you with open arms, and introduce you to the array of elements that make Ireland special. It’s full of green rolling hills and stunning scenery, and a lot of ancient legends that make it interesting. It’s easy to rent a car and explore the island on your own, hitting popular locations like Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

Mexico is huge and full of adventure of diverse cultures; a great combination for solo travelers. There’s no shortage of things to do and do around Mexico, from gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, hidden cenotes, interesting museums, and delicious Latin American cuisine. There is a large backpacker scene in Mexico, making it easy for solo travelers to meet others along the way. While the country does get a bad reputation, as long as you travel smart Mexico is likely to be your new favorite destination worldwide.

Japan is the perfect place for solo travelers. Not only it is full of interesting temples, sights and landmarks, delicious Asian food, and peaceful rejuvenating nature destinations, Japans people and culture make solo travelers welcome, safe, and intrigued. Locals are very polite and welcoming, going out of their way to help solo travelers if need be. Additionally, Tokyo is one of the most advanced cities in the world, and you won’t feel out of place taking selfies and using tripods. It’s a peaceful country, small in size, and great for both upbeat city dwellers or those looking to relax in the mountains in peaceful hot springs.

Thailand has a little something for everyone, making it a great destination for solo travelers. Southeast Asia is a huge backpacking hub, so you are bound to meet other like-minded travelers while exploring Thailand. It’s very affordable so it can cater to a backpacker or luxury traveler’s budget, and has a never-ending list of stuff to do, whether you are a nature lover, city hipster, or culture seeker. The locals in Thailand are very friendly and welcoming and are more than happy to assist solo travelers along the way.

Spain is one of the most visited destinations worldwide and an ideal location for a solo travel adventure. It has something for everyone’s personal preferences, from coastal beaches, exciting cities, firey Spanish culture, art museums, and miles of hiking routes for nature lovers. It’s a hot spot for travelers traveling around Europe, and the atmosphere and vibe of the country if welcoming, exciting, and loved all around the world. If you are brave enough to hike the Camino de Santiago, you will be sure to meet other solo travelers along the way.

Peru has a huge backpacker scene and is a great destination in South America for solo travelers. It’s loaded with a diverse mix of cultures and climates, and some of the best bucket list spots for those who love adventure. Peru is home to the Amazon Rainforest, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and so many other fantastic things to see and do. Is easy to meet people while traveling through Peru, locals are warm and welcoming and is one of the safer countries to visit in South America.

Even if all your friends are strapped for cash if you are afraid of taking that first step out into the world alone, there are plenty of wonderful places that are perfect for exploring all on your own. Once you take your first trip, it’s likely you’ll be hooked forever, so be sure to refer back here for more inspiring destinations for solo travelers!