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Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

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From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

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The best solo travel destinations

By Anna Prendergast and Anna Hart

2024 is set to be huge for travellers who want to break away from the beaten path, or simply explore it on their own terms. Typically thought of as a student’s game, studies suggest that senior travellers are starting to take up more space in the  solo travel  sector. Whatever age, stage or vintage, solo travellers tend to take their time and embrace slow travel and research suggests that holidays are deemed more essential than ever for mental health, marking a shift towards carefully curated trips that have a big personal impact and a smaller environmental one. Solo travel is also increasingly accessible, with innovative tour operators such as  Planet Abled  and  Halal Tours  providing tailor-made trips to under-served communities. According to  Skyscanner , over 50 percent of travellers chose to book trips alone in 2023 if their travel interests didn't align with those of their friends – and why compromise? Whether you want to pick up a new skill, immerse yourself in a new culture, take the scenic route or make new friends on a group tour, these are the best solo travel destinations for 2024.

The French Alps

Best for: nature-first escapes

Ski holidays have long been known as group events, with rowdy aprés and jam-packed chalets, but going on a solo trip to the Alps can reap a whole host of rewards. Rise with the sun to be the first to carve through pristine blankets of snow without having to wait for anyone else, avoid boisterous bars in lieu of elegant eateries with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the slopes, and retreat to your serene hotel to cosy up by a roaring fire with a good book. For serious sophistication in Les Trois Vallées, book into Six Senses Residences Courchevel for the ultimate sleek ski experience, while Aman Le Mélézin has a cosseting spa (the deep tissue is guaranteed to re-energize tired legs). If you'd rather travel in the summer months, there are plenty of hiking tours with routes all across the French Alps offering community-led holidays for solo travellers.

Seoul, South Korea

Best for: fashion-forward travellers

There are few things quite as gratifying as a solo shopping trip, and where better to embark on a sartorial adventure than Asia’s most stylish city ? The South Korean capital is known as the home of some of the world’s best-dressed people – and Seoul ’s recent pop culture boom has had a helping hand in highlighting exactly that. Behind the glitz and glamour of Seoul’s sky scraping buildings and futuristic stores, delve into the neighbourhoods that provide the backbone to the city’s fashion-forward reputation. You’ll find artisanal havens that have been operating for generations, from shops dedicated to the ancient craft of ceramics to all-natural skincare brands pairing centuries-old traditions with the latest research. You’ll return home with a suitcase full of secrets.

Best for: safety-first solo travellers

With low crime rates and a harmonious Buddhist culture,  Bhutan  has long held a reputation as a super-safe destination for solo travellers, which is understandably a priority for many, particularly women, Black people, LGBTQ+ or minority communities. In 2022, the Trans Bhutan Trail reopened after 60 years, making this year the perfect time to follow in the footsteps of monks, traders and pilgrims on the 250-mile route. Pass through the folklore-filled Dochula Pass, visit Trongsa’s high-altitude dzongs, and hike up to the sacred cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro Taktsang – the route offers direct access to  Bhutan’s  culture and cuisine, with homestays dotted along the way and local life at every turn, with profits being redirected back into the trail and the communities that support it. The country’s spiritual heritage is somewhat infectious, with outlooks that are grounded in gratitude and see nature as a blessing – the dramatic Himalayan mountainscape, deep green valleys and pristine lakes, rivers and glaciers make it impossible to disagree.

The Galapagos, Ecuador

Best for: upmarket adventure

Few  bucket-list destinations  provide the chance to see quite so much extraordinary wildlife all in one go, but this archipelago of volcanic islands off the coast of  Ecuador  has an awe-inspiring, goosebump-giving roster of blue-footed boobies, Galápagos tortoises, sea lions, and flamingos to see in their natural, protected habitat. And that’s just above ground: scuba divers will find white-tip reef sharks, bottlenose dolphins, scalloped hammerheads, black-nosed butterflyfish, king angelfish and manta rays under the surface, especially around Darwin’s Arch and Gordon’s Rock. Liveaboards and dive boats are a super social way for solo travellers to experience somewhere like the Galapagos, which is usually pigeon-holed for large groups, but forward-thinking tour operators are starting to identify a gap in the market for those that want the option of drinks on the deck or a quiet in-room cocktail. Small charters are targeting a more upmarket crowd, such as G Adventures’ new Reina Silva Voyager, which took to the waters in April 2022 with two solo cabins, saving customers money and preserving their privacy.

Bavaria, Germany

Best for: fly-and-flop (face down on a massage table, preferably)

With health – both physical and mental – at the forefront of our consciousness more than ever before,  wellness retreats , spa holidays and treatment-focused trips are no passing trend. And whilst a couples massage sounds lovely in theory, self-care is one of the few spaces in which you’re meant to be entirely self-focused, without anyone else’s expectations, time restraints or itineraries being imposed upon you. But it needn’t feel clinical, either – Bavaria’s many baths are drawn from naturally medicinal hot springs and are often surrounded by glassy lakes, snow-topped mountains and fairytale forests deep in  Germany’s countryside . Traditional spa towns such as Bad Tölz (whose mineral-packed mud baths are credited with relieving back pain and rheumatoid arthritis) are just under an hour from Munich, whilst results-driven Alpine retreats like  Schloss Elmau are 45 minutes from Innsbruck. Flights to both are extremely affordable and take less than two hours from the UK.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

Best for: once-in-a-lifetime wildlife

Sustainable  tour operator Intrepid Travel launched its Premium range this year, and it quickly became their most popular product, particularly with the 50+ solo age group seeking out high-end experiences that both step outside their comfort zone and support local communities along the way. According to both Journey Woman and Overseas Adventure Travel, demand has never been higher for women in their 50s, with  safari trips  to destinations such as  Kenya , Tanzania and Botswana leading the trend, indicating that a bucket-list approach to travel in later life is on the rise once again. Botswana brims with breathtaking sights and sounds, as well as being a ‘big five’ destination: herds of elephants gather at waterholes; the great zebra migration takes place cross-country; lions, hippos and giraffes all call the Okavango Delta home. With blue waxbills and woodland kingfishers, it’s a birdwatcher's paradise, too. Depending on whether you’d rather see baby antelopes or take a mokoro canoe trip (for example), be sure to book the right time of year so you don’t miss out. For younguns, EcoTraining runs a variety of courses in Mashatu Game Reserve where you can learn to track animals, navigate the bush, identify species and more – from week-long workshops to year-long qualifications.

Western Australia

Best for: slow travel on your terms

Whether you’re breaking in a new driver’s license or breaking away from the nine-to-five,  Australia’s  appeal is ageless and enduring (and there’s no language barrier for those that speak English). Movements embracing travel by road and rail show no signs of slowing down, and this country’s vast open road and impressive landscape are ideal for both. Being behind the wheel provides total freedom and means you’re in control of your itinerary – if you like a place, stay a while – whilst moving around by train can take the stress out of a solo trip: your route is pre-planned and you can sit back and enjoy the ride. The Ghan is one of Australia’s – and the world’s – most iconic trains, but the transcontinental route from  Sydney  to Perth on the Indian Pacific is a great alternative. Many Aussies use the service, so it’s a fun way to eavesdrop on – and meet – the locals, and the three-day sleeper train means you can gaze out the window at the rugged Blue Mountains and endless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain.

The Dolomites, Italy

Best for: high-energy hikers

A 10-day hut-to-hut stomp through  Italy’s  stunning limestone landscape provides solitude scenery and a sense of achievement in spades – perfect for restless adventurers and those that want a physical challenge that reaps major rewards. Alta Via 1 is around 75 miles and takes about 10 days to complete, and whilst some solo travellers book a mountain leader or group trek, it’s perfectly manageable if you invest in a good guidebook and pack appropriate supplies. Depending on the route you take, there are campsites available, so many take a one-man tent (and lots of layers), but the most immersive experience comes from the traditional rifugios, simple mountainside huts with running water and shared bedrooms set among the wildflowers and evergreens. Since everyone you meet here will be on roughly the same adventure, it’s a lovely way to share stories, trade tips, reflect on the experience and even make friends.

Lauren Burvill

Charley Ward

María Casbas

Olivia Morelli

Best for: beaches

It’s hard to imagine a coastline more abundantly blessed than Costa Rica ’s, and nature’s generosity is warmly extended to travellers. The hubs of Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna and Nosara are particularly solo-traveller friendly places to start, and at friendly hostels such as Tamarindo Backpackers , lone travellers land here and immediately place themselves within a tribe of other yogis or surfers, or simply find their crew while clambering through bat-bedecked caves or scaling volcanic peaks.

One of the world’s most biodiverse nations, Costa Rica prioritises wildlife preservation with a string of outdoor adventures on the menu and development balanced by green energy such as hydro and wind power. This makes it a mecca for a particular breed of eco-minded adventurer, a true feel-good destination.

Whether you fancy hiking, mountain-biking, kayaking or even jungle ziplining your way around the country, navigating Costa Rica is made easy for you, a real bonus when you’re doing the schlep solo. Expect to rub up against reassuringly familiar trends from home including farm-to-table dining, an emphasis on sustainable travel, and achingly hip cafés – but Costa Rica remains both tantalisingly exotic and tirelessly surprising.

Stockholm, Sweden

Best for: Scandi cool

Spread across 14 islands connected by bridges, with a cobblestoned old town ( Gamla Stan ) and a smattering of elegant parks, Stockholm combines fairytale good-looks with the functionality of a Scandinavian metropolis, and the safety and slickness of this city makes it a particularly great city option for solo females.

Culture comes easy in Stockholm, so start at the Moderna Museet on the central island of Skeppsholmen, or take things shamelessly pop at the ABBA Museum Hall of Fame . Berns Hotel is the chandelier-draped grand dame with a legendary bar and restaurant, at the geographical and figurative heart of Stockholm, but the stylish young upstart is Miss Clara . This sleek 92-room Nobis hotel is housed in the former Ateneum girls school, with original art nouveau decor and herringbone parquet flooring, swirly bentwood bedheads and arched windows that overlook Sveavägen Boulevard.

Stockholm won’t snatch the crown for cutting-edge-cuisine off Copenhagen’s head anytime soon (the Danish capital has 15 Michelin stars against Stockholm’s nine), but at Mathias Dahlgren's airy, informal Matbaren brasserie on the waterfront you can pick up a Michelin starred lunch for £24.

You haven’t been to Stockholm until you’ve been on the water. Get a break from the city by taking the boat out to the idyllic harbour town of Vaxholm for lunch at the Waxholms Hotel.

Best for: adventure

Canada ’s cities are famously civilised, cultured and classy, but it’s the outdoorsy assets within easy reach of Toronto , Montreal, Vancouver or Ontario that make Canada such a mecca for solo travellers. As the globe's second-biggest country, Canada offers a vast menu of landscapes, from soaring mountains, remote beaches and wild tundra to lush rainforest, all spread across six timezones.

Adventure highlights include kayaking or rafting the South Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories or navigating the swells and surf of Nova Scotia, but the outdoors is also stamped firmly on Canadian cities, so for outdoors-obsessed solo travellers, even the cities deliver. Vancouver’s Stanley Park is that rare thing, a city park that really does feel a little rugged, but spits you out a short cycle from one of the world’s greatest food markets and streetfood scenes at Granville Island .

Heading north out of Vancouver, the quirky town of Dawson in the Yukon Territory offer a rich taste of Canadian smalltown culture, with a music festival that should belong on the list of any culture-craving solo traveller. Dawson is also the launchpad for snow-based activities in the winter months, and hiking and biking in the summertime.

New York, USA

Best for: a city break

If there is a solo travel equivalent to grabbing the bull by the horns, it is this: jetting off to the world’s most high-octane city alone. But you’re never alone in this big anonymous city, you’re never bored, and you’re never conspicuous. New York doesn’t give a damn who you’re with; and such insouciance is infectious.

Every traveller lands in New York clutching a lengthy do-do list, and solo travellers make better progress, so go eat that pretzel in Central Park, wander the art-lined walls of the Metropolitan Museum, stroll wide-eyed along Broadway, catch a world-class show, shop the big brands of Fifth Avenue and the vintage boutiques of Williamsburg and soak in a swish urban spa such as Aire Ancient Baths in Tribeca.

The city’s long-established bartop dining scene makes dining solo a relaxed affair, and with urban wineries in Brooklyn, classic Jewish delis in Manhattan and virtually every national cuisine represented in some corner of the city, your tastebuds are in for an adventure. One of the joys of Manhattan is that so many of the city’s prime cultural and artistic attractions are moments away from each other, but it’s also just a breezy subway ride to any other neighbourhood. Perhaps make a music pilgrimage to the iconic jazz joint Minton’s , where Southern-style soul food like smoked praline pork chops and bourbon-loaded cocktails is served to a soundtrack of former Minton’s players like Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Charlie Parker.

Best for: responsible travel

The Caribbean might not seem like an obvious choice for solo adventurers, but Dominica is a world away from the pricey honeymoon resorts on neighbouring islands. A ferociously geothermal island around the same size as Anglesey in Wales , Dominica’s volcanic craggy coastline and lack of white-sand beaches has deterred swanky multinational hotels and package tourists for decades – and Dominica is so much richer for it. With a thrilling menu of adventures on offer – treks to bubbling lakes, caving through gushing gorges, rafting up mangrove swamps – and the promise of genuinely affordable accommodation alongside stylish splurges, it’s a genuinely backpackable island, with a fascinating British colonial heritage, vibrant cultural scene and disarmingly caring local community.

2017’s Hurricane Maria took its toll on the island’s infrastructure and the island is keen to welcome back travellers, so this is a genuinely responsible way to spend your tourist dollar and help rebuild the island. The smart way to experience the island is to veer between affordable quirky B&Bs such as Cocoa Cottage and swanky eco-lodges including Secret Bay . An unspoiled, unknown gem, Dominica is set to re-emerge as a destination for eco-minded adventure travellers.

Best for: learning new skills

Thailand is where it all started for travellers the world over, but this South-east Asian idyll is still hard to beat when it comes to transformational solo travel, with courses in everything from Thai cookery to massage to yoga to scuba-diving, and a well-trodden route that makes Thailand particularly safe for solo female travellers.

Chiang Mai makes for a more chilled urban Thai experience than Bangkok , as well as being a springboard to Thailand’s waterfall-studded, rainforested north, and hippy hubs such as Pai. For a treat, book into 137 Pillars for 1880s Lanna architecture, but the warm Thai welcome extends to quirky, charming and more budget-friendly flashpacker joints like Mo Rooms .

Then head south to match with your own dream beach, whether it’s diving with whale sharks off Ko Tao, combining health with hedonism on Ko Phang Nguan, or kiteboarding and kicking back in Hua Hin. The serene spirituality of Thailand as well as the fact that dining well is a gloriously democratic and informal pleasure only adds to the country’s charms for solo adventurers; it’s genuinely hard to feel stressed in Thailand.

Austin, Texas

Best for: eating and drinking

Texans are famously, some would say notoriously, friendly, and Austin is a city where you’ll never be short of a smile, whether it’s across a shared plate of streetfood, across a grimy dancefloor, or across the water of one of the steamy city’s cherished swimming holes. Dining out is a thoroughly relaxed affair in Austin, as much of the best eating in town is dished out of food trucks – where solo travellers join other diners at bar-style seating and never really eat alone. There are over 1,000 food trucks rolling around town, but Gourdough’s doughnuts are cult dishes in Austin, served out of a vintage Airstream; go big and go for grilled banana and bacon.

Hip hotelier Liz Lambert runs the sleek Hotel Saint Cecilia and the more affordable San Jose Hotel around the corner on South Congress, which teems with organic grocery stores, vintage stores, coffeeshops, taco shacks and music venues like the legendary Continental Club .

If South Congress is the city’s hipster thoroughfare, the up-and-coming creative neighbourhood is the East Side, best seen after an afternoon touring and tasting the local brewery, Hops & Grain Brewing . Make pilgrimage to Rainey Street , a residential street turned urban phenomenon, where bars and cafes are housed in converted bungalows. In the morning, leap out of bed early to cycle the steamy 10-mile circuit of Ladybird Lake along the new hike and bike track’, perhaps cooling off at beautiful Barton Springs pool (free before 8am; £2 after), a vast spring-fed swimming pool hewn out of rock.

An expert's guide to Austin

Belfast, Ireland

Best for: making friends

Shunned by travellers for decades because of sectarian violence, in recent years Belfast has emerged as one of the most culturally vibrant and friendly city break destinations in Europe . This a big-hearted town where a lone traveller can turn up alone at a Cathedral Quarter bar like The Spaniard and find a few new friends before they’re halfway through that pint of Guinness. The Merchant remains the city’s smartest hotel, but there are a smattering of stylish and oddly affordable boutique joints, of which the Bullitt Hotel is an exemplar. Meanwhile, on the food scene, mainstays like Mourne Seafood rub up against innovative upstarts like the Muddlers Club .

The newly-minted Titanic Quarter is the city's number-one tourist draw, and the museum centrepiece is well worth a visit, as is the MAC Belfast and the Ulster Museum, which sits in the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Before the Troubles, Belfast was a relatively wealthy Victorian centre of shipbuilding, and leafy parks like Lady Dixon and Lagan Meadows provide a reminder of the city’s gentile past, all too often overlooked by visitors

Best for: surfing

In need of a short-haul sunny destination where you won’t be surrounded by families and couples? Portugal’ s enviable surf camp scene gives its coastline an altogether different vibe, where solo travellers can easily turn up alone and be clinking bottles of Sagres with new friend that evening.

With over 800km of coast, you can choose between melodramatic cliffs, stellar surf breaks, dune-covered beaches and serene sandy islets; Portugal can afford to be generous with its coastline, so no stretch feels entirely dominated by families, or couples, but a healthy mixture. Beyond the beaches, solo travellers hike the granite peaks of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês or explore the traditional villages in the lesser-explored Beiras, increasingly on the map for wine-loving or retreat-craving travellers.

On top of the natural scenery, Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto are fiercely unconventional and informal compared to their Spanish, French or Italian counterparts. And festivals dominate Portugal ’s calendar, so consider planning a solo jaunt around Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António or Porto’s Festa de São João, or find a smaller jazz or rock festival down the coast.

But at any time of year you can hit the bars to hear the mournful strains of fado music, and in Portugal you’ll never dance alone.

Surfing holidays for women | How surf school can change your life

Best for: culture

It used to be fashionable to dismiss Singapore as a sterile stopover city, but frankly, those travellers weren’t trying hard enough. 21st-century Singapore is a cultural and culinary melting pot, with world-class cultural institutions, space-age green spaces and a thrillingly diverse hotel and restaurant scene. What travellers invariably love most about Singapore are the dramatic contrasts; historic Hindu temples sit at the feet of soaring skyscrapers, world-class museums have rainforest as their back garden, and crumbling 19th century shophouses now house vintage boutiques and speakeasy-style cocktail dens. Thanks to a long history of migration, Singapore is one of Asia ’s most ethnically diverse, and racially integrated, cities, with significant Malay, Indian and Eurasian minorities alongside the 74% Chinese Singaporean majority. This enables travellers to explore countless colourful cultures and cuisines without leaving the island. And one major bonus: English is the principal spoken language, so there is zero language barriers, adding to the friendliness and security of an already welcoming and ultra-safe city destination.

Step into Hong Kong in Chinatown, where the smell of sweet cured pork intermingles with the smoke from the Hindu temples at neighbouring Little India , whose Tekka Market is one of the most vibrant and colourful (and frequently Instagrammed) sights on the island. Meanwhile, in Kampong Glam, the Arab quarter, Haji Lane is lined with independent boutiques, retro barbershops and - the ultimate badge of hipster pride - a Tokyobike store, positioning Singapore alongside Copenhagen , Berlin , Melbourne and Shoreditch . Singapore is a place where European influences comfortably rub up against Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions; no other destination so successfully celebrates the marriage between East and West.

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The 15 best places to travel alone

There’s nothing like gallivanting around the globe on your own. These are the best solo travel destinations in the world

Nothing sounds quite as liberating as upping sticks and going to see the world, at whatever pace, and for however long you want. The freedom of only being tied to your own schedule is the beauty of travelling solo, and it seems like lots of us are catching on. 

Travelling the world alone has only grown in popularity since we came out of pandemic restrictions, with many of us adopting the ‘life’s too short’ mindset, and working up the courage to just book that damn flight. And why shouldn’t we? There’s such an abundance of places to travel solo, some so glorious that you won’t even notice you don’t have company. 

Of course, there are some things to consider if you’re jetting off solo. Safety, especially for women travellers , is an important element to factor into your planning, among plenty of other aspects that need weighing up. We’ve done our research: here is our list of the best solo travel destinations in the world. 

RECOMMENDED:  🧗‍♀️ The best destinations for solo female travel ☀️ The prettiest islands in the world 🌆 The  best cities in the world  🖼️ The most beautiful places in the world

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The best places to travel alone

1.  Iceland

The aptly-named ‘land of fire and ice’ is a magnet for nature fanatics, and perfect for those travelling solo. An abundance of caves, caverns, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and geysers should be plenty to keep you occupied, as the landscape and scope of this Nordic island is second to none. The country’s charming capital, Reykjavik , is jam-packed with activity – why not add the Blue Lagoon or the Laugarvatn Fontana to your to-do list for some solo relaxation? And the best thing about Iceland for solo travellers is the safety. The country is named time and time again named  one of the safest places for travellers , thanks to low crime rates and a generally accepting society. It’s definitely one for the bucket list.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Iceland

2.  East Coast Australia

It goes without saying that Australia is absolutely massive. Mahoosive. Ginormous. And while that fact might make it seem daunting, particularly for those of us travelling solo, most of the action is concentrated on the East Coast. There are plenty of classic routes that run from Adelaide to Brisbane and beyond, allowing intrepid explorers to visit a variety of exciting towns that each seem to have their own magnificent ocean view. Australians are famously sociable, too, so meeting new people will never be an issue in this isolated corner of our beautiful planet.

📍 Discover the best places to visit in Australia

3.  Botswana

For those keen to explore the wonders of Africa, Botswana is likely your best bet. The country has a wealth of wildlife to appreciate and observe, with nearly 40 percent of its land area being devoted to national parks. The Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert and Chobe National Park are world-renowned safari spots, home to everything from giraffes to rhinos. Botswana is also a politically and economically steady nation, and ranks highly on safety indexes for African countries. This, plus the fact that many Botswanans speak excellent English, makes it a great destination to navigate on your solo travels.

4.  Canada

Canada ’s name is one thrown around most often when it comes to solo travel. The population has a worldwide reputation for their friendliness, and the country has everything you could want from a travel destination. Incredible off-the-grid adventure opportunities like visiting the Rockies, Niagara Falls and Banff National Park offer up plenty to see for intrepid globetrotters. However, Toronto is considered one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Vancouver is famed for its unique urban design, stunning surroundings and the fact it's on the doorstep to some incredible nature. The weather? Not so great, but the people? Incredible.

5.  Vietnam

Vietnam ’s unique beauty and complicated history make it a compelling travel destination, particularly for those doing so alone. The country has grown into a popular travelling hotspot, and that’s led to a thriving social scene – the well-established tourist route means it should be really easy to meet like-minded travellers to journey alongside. Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop are three of the nation’s tourist highlights. There are also great transport networks, it’s budget-friendly and full of hostels. What more could you ask for when you’re travelling alone?

📍 Discover the  best things to do in Vietnam

6.  Portugal

Portugal’s most popular spots frequently pick up travel awards and plaudits alike, and the hype is not without good reason. Lisbon is a backpacker’s dream, while the dreamlike beauty of Porto attracts wide-eyed adventurers from all over the world.  The Algarve is much more than its budget holiday destination suggests, and the rest of the country is packed with stunning sights and spots. This European treasure boasts 800km of coastline, and it’s a particularly surfer-friendly paradise, thanks to the fact it’s perched on the edge of the Atlantic.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Portugal

7.  Chile

In South America, Chile leads the way in terms of quality of life, and unsurprisingly, lowest crime rate. It’s the perfect destination for people travelling alone thanks to its tight-knit community of backpackers, and, of course, abundance of sights to see. Atacama, the driest desert in the world, is located in the north, while there’s plenty to see in Santiago, the nation’s capital. You won’t go thirsty either, thanks to the fantastic Chilean repertoire of beer and wine. It’s also considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude.

8.  Slovenia

Small but perfectly formed, Slovenia is a tremendous destination for solo travellers. 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. 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. Pro tip: pick up a €15 IZLETka train ticket and get unlimited travel on the weekends.

📍 Discover four Slovenian getaways that are good for the planet

9.  New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that just gets things right. For one, it takes its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world very seriously, meaning travellers can explore in total security. But it isn’t usually safety that brings individual adventurers to New Zealand ; instead, it’s the dazzling landscapes, buzzing towns and cities and convivial people that make NZ the place it is. All of the bigger towns are backpacker paradises filled with history, culture and booze (the great trifecta of backpacking), and the scenery in between is staggering.

📍 Discover the best things to do in New Zealand

10.  Ireland

Irish storytelling is world-famous, immortalised in the novels of Joyce, Stoker, Wilde and the rest. Spend an evening in any Dublin pub and you will almost certainly hear a tale for the ages, as locals spin yarns and transport listeners to a world within a world, one pint at a time. The friendly hospitality of the Irish guarantees good conversation, while the stunning breadth of nature here allows for tranquil walks and plenty of room to think, ideal for solo travel. Getting around also couldn’t be easier, as it looks like Irish railway services are about to be amped up .

📍 Discover the best things to do in Ireland

11.  Japan

It can often feel as though Japan has been organised with solo travellers in mind. The efficiency of its transport links is as legendary as such things can be, allowing vagabonds all the time in the world to hit up the gripping cities and out-of-this-world scenery. (Check out our Japan rail itinerary if you’re planning to see the place by train.) The Japanese are among the friendliest in the world, the food is incredible and the whole experience is exactly that: an experience. It’s also another country that is consistently ranked the safest destination in the world for solo travellers .

📍 Discover the best things to do in Japan

12.  Greek Islands

No matter your preferred form of travel, a spot of island-hopping in Greece is almost a rite of passage for any traveller. That’s why you’ll meet everyone from excitable backpackers to considered veterans of the road here, each with a different story to tell. The Greek Islands are gorgeous and lush, not to mention packed with excellent food. Each one seems ready to capture your heart and convince you to stay forever and ever. 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.

📍 Discover the best Greek islands

13.  Bhutan

What could be safer than a culture so infused with Buddhism? Bhutan is definitely a place to include on your list should safety be one of your top priorities. The Trans Bhutan Trail reopened in 2022 , meaning travellers can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and monks who trod the 400km route. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the tiny country is of course perched on the very edge of the Himalayas, meaning the views are truly unmatched. There’s also tranquil lakes, luscious green valleys and dazzling glaciers to admire. Take heed: you will need some extra cash to splash in Bhutan, as the country has a pretty steep tourist tax .

14.  Croatia

Another super-safe solo-friendly destination is this jewel of the Adriatic. Boundless glorious beaches, fascinating mediaeval towns and relatively low prices are what Croatia has become so popular for. The nightlife is another perk of this place – the festival calendar is absolutely jam-packed, and Croatian cities are known for their cheap drinks and plethora of party spots. Eight national parks are also dotted around the country. Like waterfalls? There’s a whopping 90 of them at Plitvice Lakes,  though if you want a dip, head to the smaller falls at Krka National Park instead. Croatia is also an underrated wine producer and, of course, a hotspot for  Game of Thrones  fans.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Croatia

15.  Singapore

The phrase ‘melting pot’ is ridiculously overused, but one place that’s truly worthy of the label is Singapore . The island nation is a glorious meeting of different cuisines and cultures, with a landscape characterised by ancient temples and towering glass skyscrapers. Singapore is also incredibly safe, according to 96 percent of locals who we surveyed last year for our annual list of the world’s best cities . There are plenty of hostels if you’re wanting to meet other travellers. Spend your time soaking up the year-round tropical climate, and make sure to go on a food tour through Singapore’s  markets . 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Singapore

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20 Best Countries to Travel Alone for the First Time

06/26/2023 by Kristin Addis 23 Comments

Hey, I know that going on your first solo trip can be nerve-wracking, from deciding to go, to planning it, to actually going.

I was surprised to find — and I think this is a common experience — that the hardest part was making the decision to go. Once I was on the road, everything fell into place. I found my stride, and I enjoyed it so much that I laughed at how scared I’d been of the whole idea.

Traveling alone is a gift. You will be presented with daily opportunities to learn and grow, and you will become closer to yourself as a result.

Since it can be overwhelming to decide where to go first, I’ve compiled a list of 20 destinations that I loved over nine years of firsthand solo traveling experience, and I know you will love them too:

Table of Contents

1.  Thailand

It should not come as a surprise that the Land of Smiles is first on the list — it’s the perfect spot to “test the water.” Thailand is friendly, affordable, easy to travel through, and full of other travelers and delicious food. There are multiple daily flights from all over the world arriving in Bangkok, the country’s capital, sending new and seasoned backpackers, budget and luxury travelers, fresh grads and retirees, solo travelers (like you!) and tour groups on an epic journey around the country.

I recommend beginning in Bangkok and learning how to  fall in love with the city , or starting off in Chiang Mai up north — there are so many things to do there, like  cooking courses and temples , and  playing with elephants ethically .

Next, head south and go scuba diving around one of the  many gorgeous islands , some of which are well known and some of which are  lesser known , or even participate in a  10-day silent meditation retreat .

If you end up loving your experience in Thailand, it is so easy to extend your journey and explore nearby countries by plane, train, or bus.

A Complete Guide to Thailand

2.  Malaysia

Malaysia is often overlooked as a travel destination in favor of its neighbors — and to me, that’s mind-boggling! As a multicultural country, the locals generally speak at least two languages, and English is usually one of them. I personally never had a problem with communication when traveling there. In fact, having a common language helped me have more local interaction in Malaysia, including  participating in local events  and  being invited to local family celebrations .

Like in Thailand, you can have all kinds of travel experiences in Malaysia, from cities and small towns to beaches and mountains. I also think, when it comes to islands, diving, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, it’s hard to beat Malaysia, both the peninsular part and Borneo.

So if you are hoping for an interesting cultural experience minus the language barrier on your first solo trip abroad, Malaysia could be the ideal choice.

A Complete Guide to Malaysia

Japan is one of the cleanest, safest, most polite, and most organized countries I’ve ever visited. It was also one of the most unique in terms of culture,  food , and the delightful mastery of technology in everything from  art museums  to bathrooms. Plus, cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are some of the most interesting in the world and are great to visit any time of year, even in the dead of winter .

I should warn you that language  will  be a problem at some point. I got pretty confused at the train stations, as some signs are only in Japanese. And since English isn’t commonly spoken, it was challenging at times to communicate with some hotel staff and restaurant waiters. However, you can always rely on apps to navigate and use the classic “point and nod” method to order your food. All that said, people are so kind and friendly, the language barrier wasn’t as stressful as it can be elsewhere.

If you are traveling solo for the first time, the idea of sleeping in a hostel room can be daunting. In Japan, you can opt for a capsule hotel, which is very similar to a hostel, except that your bed space is much more confined, and your personal space is respected. Eating alone is not only acceptable but a norm in Japan, so it’s an awesome place to do that, especially if that’s usually intimidating to you.

A Solo Female Travel Guide to Japan

A Complete Guide to Japan

4.  Iceland

Iceland is gorgeous, and an outdoorsy person’s dream. Plus, it’s been ranked as  the safest country in the world  several years running. This means that you ( and your parents ) can put your worries aside. Another thing you wouldn’t have to worry about is getting lost. Most travelers in Iceland drive  the Golden Circle  or  Ring Road , and while I think that’s just right for  a road trip with a buddy , it’s amazing solo too. If you don’t feel like driving, the public transportation system is great as well.

Additionally, Iceland is delightfully small and intimate. With such a small population, it feels more like a big neighborhood where everybody knows everybody and there’s so much trust that people don’t even lock their cars when they grocery-shop. Almost everyone speaks English quite well, too, so there’s no language barrier either.

The only drawback is that  Iceland is pretty expensive . You can cut your costs by staying in hostels and buying your own groceries. But I’d say that Iceland is absolutely worth it if you can afford it!

A Complete Guide to Iceland

5.  Germany

Germany is my favorite country in Europe. I liked it so much that  I moved to Berlin for five years . I think that Berlin in particular is perfect for first-time solo female travelers: there are  so many things  one can do alone, such as visiting galleries, joining an alternative street art tour, and shopping at flea markets. When you’ve had enough of the artistic scene there, you can hop on a train to  Spreewald  or  Stuttgart , or visit the castles in the rest of  Baden-Wüttemberg  and enjoy the beautiful nature Germany has to offer.

The country is safe, navigation is a breeze, English is widely spoken, the locals are generally helpful — Germany just checks all of the boxes for first-time solo travelers! I also really appreciate its cultural diversity, and for some reason, I feel like I can be 100% my true self there without being judged — and perhaps that’s exactly what you are looking for for your trip.

A Complete Guide to Germany

6.  New Zealand

If you are under the age of 30 and planning a working holiday, New Zealand may end up being the destination of your first solo trip abroad! Many people use this opportunity to explore the country on their days off or after finishing up work contracts, and as New Zealand is such an awesome country for a road trip, I highly recommend gathering 3-4 people and renting a camper van for a drive around both islands.

Even if you are not considering the working-holiday opportunity, New Zealand is still awesome for first-time solo travelers, especially if you are comfortable driving long distances. You could take buses and trains, which are generally convenient and inexpensive, but to  get to off-beat places , a car is much more ideal. It’s also the best way to  find all these amazing views . Navigation is fairly easy, and the locals are incredibly friendly and helpful. Find more info on  road tripping New Zealand here.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to stay in a social hostel for your first couple of days and look for a road-trip buddy — just because you set off on this trip alone, it doesn’t mean that you need to be by yourself the entire time!

A Complete Guide to New Zealand

7.  California

To my non-American readers, if you are looking at the States for your first solo trip abroad, allow me to present to you the home I grew up in — California! While each state has something to offer, and  many places in the US  are perfect for solo travelers, I truly believe that California is the ideal destination for first-time solo travelers.

Some of the best spots in California are San Francisco,  Humboldt County , Orange County, and everything along the  Pacific Coast Highway . I suggest beginning in San Francisco, as it’s a tourist favorite, with ample public transport, high walkability, and a vibrant cultural scene. There’s truly nowhere else like the Bay Area.

If you want to head off the beaten path,  Humboldt and the Lost Coast  are beautiful and laid-back. There are also a bunch of road trip routes to choose from. My favorites are the  Southwest  (California and beyond) as well as  Highway 395 . Finally, if you want to see the last free place in America, head down to  Slab City . You can also enjoy dozens of amazing state and national parks, like Anza Borrego and Death Valley . There are just endless ways to  enjoy California as a solo traveler !

A Local’s Guide to California

8.  Hawai’i

Hawai’i isn’t typically what comes to mind when most people think of a solo trip. But I was so pleasantly surprised there that I genuinely think it’s perfect for first-time solo travelers!

Thanks to its rich culture and tropical climate, Hawai’i feels more like a country of its own, with so many things to do that are totally solo friendly. You could do a road trip along the  Road to Hana , explore  Lanai , or join the  Maui Surfer Girls  camp, designed specifically for solo female travelers who are looking for a supportive group of women to take up a new sport with. It’s an experience that is both empowering and fun!

The Big Island  is especially suited for  solo female travelers in Hawaii  because of the amount of  spiritual experiences  there are, plus the rugged adventure you’ll find.

A Complete Guide to Hawaii

9.  Peru

If your heart is set on South America for your first solo trip, I recommend Peru. This incredibly diverse country will expose you to a variety of experiences, cultures, and especially climates. Iconic spots, such as  Rainbow Mountain ,  Huacachina , the  Peruvian Amazon , and  the Inca Trail  (and  many other hiking trails ), are absolutely gorgeous. I mean, they are all bucket-list worthy!

As most people visiting Peru end up at these sites, you will hardly be alone, so most tours are more than happy to welcome single supplements. Peru also has a vibrant backpacker scene, so it’s really easy to meet others at hostels and on tours.

Note: My biggest piece of advice for you is that you learn a little Spanish. Don’t expect locals to know English.

Also, Peru’s safety reputation isn’t as great as the other countries on this list, but really, all you need to do is to exercise the same precautions as you do back home. Here are  safety tips from 31 solo female travelers  to get you started.

A Complete Guide to Peru

10.  Botswana

Want your first solo trip memories to be filled with wild elephants? Botswana’s the answer, as it has more than anywhere else in Africa. In fact, it’s my favorite country for  wildlife viewing  out of all of the African nations I’ve traveled to so far. It is slightly more expensive than other countries in Africa, but it’s also one of the safest, and has decent roads and a great safari lodge system as well. It is also quite the perfect place to try out glamping, especially since the cost of private accommodations may not differ much from that of basic dorms.

A Guide to Botswana

11.  Switzerland

The mountains make Switzerland ideal for solo female travelers (and the country is considered safe, too). Outdoorsy girls will love staying in little huts in the Alps owned by local families. While many places in Switzerland are pricey, hiking is free. If you don’t want to  hike in Switzerland  alone, there are hostels where you can join a day trip. You absolutely must go for a hike on the Edelweiss Trail, which gives you an amazing view of the Matterhorn.

A Guide to Switzerland

12.  Namibia

Namibia has a special warmth — both temperature-wise and people-wise. In the summertime, it’s in the 80s or 90s, and there’s so much to do. The place is an adventure junkie’s dream!

Go  sandboarding  if you visit Namibia. It’s like snowboarding, but you go down a sand dune. I’d only gone snowboarding once in my life and told the guy how terrified I was — but I was fine. The sand is really soft, and it doesn’t hurt to fall.

The country is surprisingly a wonderful place for a road trip — you can read all about mine  here . You’ll see plenty of wildlife in Namibia, along with some amazing  astrophotography  opportunities.

A Guide to Namibia

13.  Canada

Canada is world-renowned for having some of the friendliest people, so this comes at no surprise. Finding where to travel alone for the first time often boils down to where travelers will find the perfect balance of adventure and safety, and Canada is right at that intersection. I love Montreal for a winter weekend escape or Quebec for a fall road trip . If you want to experience the Canadian wilderness, head to Banff, where I found some of the most breathtaking hikes.

Since Canada as a whole is such a stellar pick for solo travelers, it might be tough to choose where to go. I put together this list of the absolute must-visit spots to help narrow down your search.

A Guide to Canada

14.  Singapore

You’ve never been to anywhere cleaner than Singapore, I guarantee it! There are so many rules — no littering, spitting, or chewing gum — and they enforce them. It does, however, make it nice to walk around. Also, English is one of the main languages there, so you can communicate just fine, making this a great pick for solo female travelers.

You absolutely must see Supertree Grove. It has giant trees that light up at night, synched to music. Plus, it’s open all the time. I had no reservations about going there at 4 a.m. — Singapore is that safe.

Singapore gets a reputation for being ungodly expensive, but some careful planning focused on  free activities in Singapore  will help you save money here. You can also find more info on  traveling in Singapore like a local here.

A Guide to Singapore

15.  Ireland

Some people may be surprised that  Northern Ireland  would be a good choice for solo female travelers , but it’s super safe now — the problems are in the past. Hospitality is one of Ireland’s strong suits. Irish people are so friendly and welcoming. You walk into a pub, and you’ve made a roomful of friends.

Belfast is a lot more manageable than Dublin for solo female travelers. It’s just calmer and less overwhelming. When you’re by yourself, you don’t need all the constant stimulation, and in Belfast, you’ll feel more at ease. Don’t miss the Titanic Museum there. I don’t have much interest in the  Titanic , but the museum was so well done and interesting and interactive!

If you can make it to western Ireland to see some natural beauty, definitely work that into your itinerary as well.

A Guide to Ireland

The beautiful architecture is the star of the show in Spain , especially in Granada. You don’t need to be with anyone else to enjoy its cool mix of Eastern and Christian influences. You especially can’t miss the Alhambra, a famous fortress originally constructed all the way back in 1889.

Also, Granada is safer than Madrid and Barcelona, where you have to be constantly watching your back for pickpocketers.

Other smaller cities are definitely worth checking out, like seaside Málaga, because they’re the perfect size for solo female travelers. You’ll be able to see more of those places without the greater safety risks of bigger cities.

17.  Mexico

Some travelers are too quick to write off Mexico as unsuitable for female travelers, but I disagree. Mexico is an incredible place to travel solo for the first time because it’s bursting with cultural richness, amazing food, and an astounding variety of landscapes. Mexican people are generally very warm and hospitable, making it a great place to meet locals and get to know the culture.

In Mexico, you’ll find  pristine beaches , beautiful mountain landscapes, crystal clear cenotes (swimming holes), and fantastic cities like  Oaxaca ,  San Miguel de Allende ,  San Cristobal de las Casas , and many more to explore.

If you’re concerned about  staying safe as a solo female traveler in Mexico , I get it. With alarming stories on the news about violence in Mexico, it can be daunting to think about going there alone. However, most of these stories come out of specific regions of the country that are far off the tourist track. This isn’t to say that popular areas don’t have risks, but there are plenty of ways to stay safe in Mexico as a solo female traveler.

A Complete Guide to Mexico

18.  Costa Rica

There are few places on earth with as much biodiversity and an overall abundance of outdoorsy things to do as Costa Rica. It’s also one of the best places in Latin America to  travel through as a solo female traveler  because of how easy it is to meet other travelers and how safe it is .

From the thick  green jungles  of Costa Rica’s interior to the golden beaches on both coasts , this is one of the places I will go back to over and over again. Imagine going from a  remote beach with rock arches  one day to hiking to a gushing waterfall in the jungle the next. Plus, the national parks here are next-level. My favorites are  Manuel Antonio National Park  and  Tortuguero National Park . Costa Rica is paradise on earth, and as a solo female traveler, it’s absolutely ideal.

-READ NEXT-

A Complete guide to Costa Rica

19.  Finland

Finland is a fantastic destination for first-time solo travelers not only because of its beautiful scenery but also because it’s one of the safest places on Earth to travel alone in. Crime rates in Finland are astonishingly low, the people are super friendly, and you don’t have to know any Finnish because most people speak great English.

From idyllic cities like Helsinki to small coastal villages and wintry Nordic scenes, Finland is perfect for travelers who love the outdoors and don’t mind chilly temps.  Finnish Lapland  is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the wintertime, too, because of the unique celebrations of the region and the possibility of catching the northern lights.

20. Portugal

Gorgeous cobblestone streets, astounding seaside views , and warm hospitality all keep solo travelers coming back to Portugal over and over again. As one of Europe’s most affordable countries to visit, it’s become an excellent place for budget-conscious travelers as well. Pair that with amazing food, delicious wine, and stunning landscapes, and you’ve got yourself a world-class travel destination fit for adventurous women.

Like most of Europe, pickpockets are common in big cities like Lisbon and Porto, but overall, crime is still quite low here. Plus, Portuguese people tend to be friendly and willing to help visitors, so even if you’re alone, you don’t have to feel alone.

First Name:

So these are the 20 destinations that I have personally traveled to and think are perfect for first-time solo travelers. Which one will you choose?

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Jerry James says

12/03/2018 at 3:50 am

Wow… awesome list there. From Asia to Europe, Europe to America and Africa, hard to pick destinations as there are many other places just like this, nevertheless you have crafted marvelous content, loved it. Hope to visit all those places. Firstly, I wanna got to Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal from Ammonite Adventures and then I will try to go through this list. Thanks !!!

Anil Kumar says

08/28/2019 at 2:38 am

I am a beginner solo traveler.I am going to start my first trip to Bhutan on this 1 st September.and want to see the world.need good suggestions and recommendations. I am 50 year old.

Vijay Patel says

03/28/2019 at 3:47 am

Wow! Amazing list about the destinations across the globe. One of my favorite place to visit is Thailand and my dream destination is California. These 2 are one of my favorite places. So, thank you for sharing just great and very helpful list of some of these travel destinations.

JoAnne says

04/11/2019 at 5:46 am

We’re you actually traveling solo? I was just wondering who took the pics.

This is great information.

Kristin says

04/11/2019 at 9:34 am

I took them, ye of little faith: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-best-travel-selfies/

Whitney says

05/24/2019 at 9:09 am

Im new to global travel and I realize that my friends are not about this life?. I want to see the world and I am so down to do it as a solo traveler. Thanks for the post it has givien me lots of insight?

05/25/2019 at 11:28 am

Yay get it!

Mylene says

06/25/2019 at 10:02 pm

Sooner or later, I’ll start my fist solo travel! I hope so hahahaha

Frances says

07/15/2019 at 10:37 am

I have Christmas Holiday OFF (all 2 weeks)… any recommended places specifics to traveling alone for the Holidays? Thanks1

09/26/2019 at 7:15 am

Taiwan should be on this list!

09/26/2019 at 8:30 am

Agreed. I haven’t been back in over 10 years but it’s such a lovely place with friendly people.

Simon Payne says

12/30/2019 at 12:31 pm

Wow! Great stuff, thanks Kristen. I backpacked in 1992 as a young 20 year old and did many of the places you mention. I’ve just had my 50th and I am going to do it all over again. No distractions, just nature and me. Where are you now then? Simon.

12/30/2019 at 12:39 pm

Wow that’s amazing! I’m still traveling! Not done yet.

D. Styne says

03/07/2020 at 3:11 am

I am making some life memories fantasy about heading out to the entire world and investigating each culture that presents on the planet. In the wake of perusing your accommodating article, I think my 50 to 70% dream is finished and I now just set up the bank balance for it. This is an extremely helpful article for travelers and tourists who want to travel to the best places all around the world. In any case, it’s extremely supportive and you’re the best for imparting it to us. Keep this work ongoing.

Tina K. says

07/07/2020 at 7:16 pm

What a lovely and inspiring writer you are, not to mention an intrepid solo traveller. I found the content organized, informative and uplifting.

Thank-you. I am ready for my next journey

07/08/2020 at 11:07 am

Thanks Tina!

suzanjack says

09/24/2020 at 4:04 am

It’s a wonderful place to visit with friends thankyou for sharing with us , I am planning to visit Iceland with my friends but unfortunately, just because of COVID we cancel the plan. But definitely, we will visit there. Once again thank you for sharing beautiful places.

grasya.com says

02/23/2021 at 9:51 pm

I started traveling alone at a very young age. I agree Thailand and Malaysia are great countries to start with. I cant wait to explore more of this earth as a solo female traveler

Camilla Centerwall says

03/22/2022 at 1:17 am

I love the list of travel destinations! I also think that the Nordic countries of Sweden,Norway, Denmark and Finland could/should be on it! 🤗 So please come and visit! You are most welcome!

Fatima Ahmed says

03/28/2022 at 2:41 am

Hi Kristin,

Great blog! Kudos to your solo travels all around the world, very inspiring too.

I would like to suggest a few more to the list. I would add Albania, Czechia, Canary Islands, Austria and Poland where one can easily travel solo, saying from personal experience 😉

Good luck on future travels.

Kind regards

03/30/2022 at 9:20 am

Thanks for the additions!

04/18/2022 at 2:59 am

South Korea is also a great country for first time travellers. Safe, convenient and there are more English signs compared to Japan. It’s also a small country, so you can cover most key places just within 2-3 weeks. I would also like to add Hong Kong (& Macau), Taiwan, Vietnam, the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands and New York.

04/18/2022 at 2:42 pm

Great suggestions!

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The 13 Best Places to Travel Alone

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Solo travelers can and do go just about anywhere, but there are certain places around the world that are particularly easy and even rewarding to visit by yourself. In crafting this list of the best places to travel alone, I looked at factors such as safety (especially for women traveling alone), local culture, the chance to meet other travelers, and the ease of getting around if you don’t speak the language.

Read on to discover the best places to travel alone.

New Zealand

Solo travelers who love hiking, mountain biking, or other outdoor activities shouldn’t miss New Zealand. It’s one of the world’s most relaxing places to travel; crime is low, and just about every city and town has its own visitor info center with friendly staff who will help you find lodging or book activities (so you’ll never feel lost). Best of all, there are countless adventures to be had, from the country’s famous Great Walks to Lord of the Rings tours . To learn more, see The 10 Best Places to Go in New Zealand .

Where to stay: The intimate Hotel DeBrett is a boutique option right in downtown Auckland.

Check Prices for Hotel DeBrett in Auckland Central

[viator_tour destination=”24″ type=”3-mod” tours=”30356P1,29858P2,54431P1″]

Exploring Denmark, which appears frequently on top 10 lists of the world’s happiest and safest countries , is a breeze for solo travelers. Most Danes speak English and are glad to help tourists find their way around; some even welcome travelers into their homes for dinner. (See MeettheDanes.com .) History lovers can enjoy Viking ruins and medieval castles, while outdoorsy sorts can join the locals on the thousands of miles of bike paths that crisscross the country.

Where to stay: Copenhagen’s 66 Guldsmeden is conveniently located within walking distance of Central Station and the Tivoli Gardens.

Check Prices for 66 Guldsmeden - Guldsmeden Hotels in Copenhagen

[viator_tour destination=”49″ type=”3-mod” tours=”2158CANAL,3224CARD,45763P6″]

Thanks to smiling locals, unforgettable sights, and a well-established backpacker trail, Thailand is incredibly popular with people traveling alone. You can make your solo trip anything you want in Thailand: an urban adventure in Bangkok , a week on the beaches of Koh Samui, a homestay in a northern hill town, a yoga retreat on a remote island—or a mix of all of the above.

Where to stay: SENSIMAR Koh Samui Resort and Spa has a prime location right on the beach in Koh Samui.

Check Prices for The Coast Koh Samui - Adults Only Resort and Spa in Mae Nam

[viator_tour destination=”20″ type=”3-mod”]

This long, skinny country is one of South America’s safest, boasting incredible landscapes (beaches! Mountains! Glaciers!) as well as delicious wines. Chileans are friendly and welcoming, although they don’t all speak English—so you’ll want to brush up on basic Spanish phrases before you go. Popular spots to visit include the remote Atacama Desert in the north and the sweeping mountain vistas of Patagonia in the south.

Where to stay: Explora Patagonia is a splurge, but it’s worth it for its stunning location in Torres del Paine National Park.

Check Prices for Explora Patagonia - All Inclusive in Torres del Paine National Park

[viator_tour destination=”80″ type=”3-mod”]

While terrorism is an ever-present concern, security is high and millions of people safely visit Israel every year, including plenty of solo travelers. Most of them spend at least a few days exploring the holy sites and colorful markets of Jerusalem before moving on to cosmopolitan Tel Aviv, the beach town of Eilat, or the mountain fortress of Masada . You’re sure to meet other travelers along the way, whether you stay in hostels or kibbutzim (farms).

Where to stay: The apartment-style accommodations at Shamai Suites are within walking distance of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Check Prices for Shamai Suites in Jerusalem

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Ireland holds numerous appeals for solo travelers: It’s safe, beautiful, and an easy place for English speakers to get around. But what I love best about Ireland is how friendly it is. The locals will say hi to you on the street or strike up a conversation with you at the pub, so you’ll never lack for friends even if you’re traveling alone. You can also meet fellow travelers at hostels, on trains, or over the breakfast table at a B&B.

Where to stay: One of Dublin’s newest hotels is the chic Hotel 7 , located in a restored Georgian building.

Check Prices for Hotel 7 in Dublin

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With its low crime rates and kind, respectful locals, Japan is an ideal place for solo travel, including solo female travel. Buy a rail pass and hop aboard the country’s clean, fast bullet trains to explore temples and teahouses in Kyoto, hiking trails and hot springs in Hakone, and the bustling neon streets of Tokyo. Be sure to spend at least one night in a traditional ryokan , where you’ll sleep on a tatami mat and enjoy a typical Japanese breakfast.

Where to stay: Experience a traditional Japanese ryokan with a stay at Ryokufuso in Kyoto.

Check Prices for Ryokufuso in Kyoto

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Is an African safari on your bucket list? Consider a solo trip to Tanzania, where you can spot the Big Five and much more. If you want to meet fellow travelers, look for a camp or lodge that offers communal meals and shared game drives, or join a group trip. Keep an eye out for tours with a discounted or waived single supplement (you’ll often see these during the off season when demand is low), or book with a company such as Intrepid Travel or G Adventures , which will help you skip the supplement by matching you with a same-sex roommate.

Where to stay: See the famous wildebeest migration at Lamai Serengeti , a luxury camp.

Check Prices for Lamai Serengeti, Nomad Tanzania in Serengeti National Park

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A recent report found that Australia was the world’s safest country for women , making this a particularly appealing destination for solo female travel. Men and women alike will appreciate Australia’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the famous Sydney skyline to the colorful Great Barrier Reef to the wide-open, red-dirt stretches of the Outback. There’s a well-established backpacker trail of hostels where you can meet other solo travelers, and the laid-back locals speak English (albeit with their own unique vocabulary!), so you won’t have trouble finding your way.

Where to stay: Medusa is a stylish design hotel in Sydney’s lively Darlinghurst neighborhood.

Check Prices for Medusa in Sydney

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Hong Kong’s low crime rate, efficient public transportation system, and unique combination of Eastern and Western cultures make it an inviting spot for solo travelers, especially those who haven’t yet traveled much on their own. Because English is one of the city’s official languages, you’ll never feel like you’re lost in translation; nor will you run out of things to do, with countless options from harborfront museums to the bustling restaurants of Nathan Road .

Where to stay: The sleek, contemporary Hotel Stage is located in Kowloon.

Check Prices for Hotel Stage in Hong Kong

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Canada’s already low crime rates have dropped even further over the past decade or two, making this an even safer and more appealing place to travel alone. You can base yourself in a cosmopolitan city like Toronto , Montreal , and Vancouver to focus on museums and nightlife, or take a road trip through rugged national parks like Banff or Jasper. No matter where you travel, Canada’s friendly, English-speaking locals are happy to point you in the right direction.

Where to stay: The legendary Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise offers spectacular views of Banff National Park.

Check Prices for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Lake Louise

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Crime novels are popular in Iceland, but that may be partially because the country sees so little violence in real life. (It’s topped the Global Peace Index since 2008.) Both men and women traveling alone can do so safely on this remote island, known for thundering waterfalls, steaming geysers, and craggy volcanic landscapes. Many Icelanders speak at least a little English, so it’s no problem to get around and chat with locals, and the country’s largest city, Reykjavik, feels more like an easily navigable large town than a giant metropolis.

Where to stay: Book a clean, modern room in Iceland’s capital at Reykjavik Lights .

Check Prices for Reykjavik Lights by Keahotels in Reykjavik

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One of Central America’s safest countries, Costa Rica draws solo travelers in search of outdoor adventure. Consider booking a stay at a jungle lodge where you can meet fellow travelers and join guided excursions into the rainforest to look for wildlife like monkeys, sloths, toucans, and macaws. Or head for the coast to take a surfing lesson or simply relax on the beach. You can also visit local farms or soak in hot springs.

Where to stay: Enjoy a sustainable stay in the jungle at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in Arenal Volcano National Park.

Check Prices for Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in Chachagua

[viator_tour destination=”747″ type=”3-mod”]

More from SmarterTravel:

• Top Tips for Solo Travel
• 15 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling Solo
• 6 Things to Pack When Traveling Alone

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Solo trip: 15 of the world’s best places to travel alone

There is nothing quite like taking a solo trip. The experience of travelling alone is liberating and everyone should do it at least once in their lifetime.

Some people dream of taking a solo trip while others are constant nomads and travel alone for years, some their entire lives.

You are your own master and being able to make decisions solely by yourself is super gratifying. But whether you’re an experienced solo traveller or teetering on the edge of making the leap to wander off to some distant place, at some point you are definitely going to ask yourself, “What are the best places to travel alone?”.

In this article, we will explore some of the best solo travel destinations in the world.

READ MORE : If you’re preparing your first solo trip, you should read our guide on travelling alone for the first time .

Explore the world’s best places to travel alone

Solo travel in asia:.

• Tioman Island, Malaysia – For diving and duty-free shopping
• Singapore – For the ‘Crazy Rich Asian” experience
• Pai, Thailand – For laid back travellers
• Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – For hiking and trekking
• Luang Prabang, Laos – For a peaceful retreat

Solo trip in the U.S:

• New York – For the night owl
• Texas – For all touristy things

Travelling alone in Europe:

• Porto, Portugal – For first-timers
• Barcelona, Spain – For every solo traveller
• Berlin, Germany – For meeting new people
• Belfast, Northern Ireland – For sharing a Guinness with new friends
• Stockholm, Sweden – For History lovers
• Bruges, Belgium – For a trip back in time

Travel solo in Australia & New Zealand:

• Melbourne, Australia – For vibrant culture and art scene
• South Island, New Zealand – For the adventure seeker

The best places to travel alone in Asia

Tioman island, malaysia, for a solo trip full of diving and duty-free shopping.

If you love diving and snorkelling, then you most definitely must be aware of Tioman island in Malaysia. One thing you might not know is that it is also a great place to explore on a solo trip in Asia.

Known for its crystal clear water, colourful shallow reefs with corals, sea fans and sea sponges, and even shipwrecks, Tioman attracts divers from around the world. This ensures you will always have other enthusiasts around you as well. After the dive or on a rest day, you can explore the island’s duty-free shopping and resorts that give you a nice balance to a full day of underwater activities.

Besides its many dive sites, the island is home to tropical rainforests with awesome nature and wildlife to see. If you travel to the east coast, there is even the Juara Turtle Project , a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles.

READ MORE: Explore our complete Malaysia Travel Guide

Singapore City

Best place to travel solo and experience the ‘crazy rich asian’ lifestyle.

If you’re in the mood for skyscrapers and luxury restaurants, Singapore might be one of the best places in the world to visit. As a multi-racial city that is a hotspot for technology companies and financial giants in Southeast Asia, the city-state is one of the easiest countries to adapt to in Asia.

The budget might be the biggest concern for many travellers, especially those travelling alone, but if you want to hobnob with some of the richest people in Asia and experience the fictional lives of the cast of ‘ Crazy Rich Asians ‘, then Singapore is the city for you.

Relax at the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands which offers you an unmatched view of the country, as well as dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and shop at luxury outlets every day.

READ MORE: Discover our complete Singapore Travel Guide

Pai, Thailand

For a laid-back solo travel.

For the nature-loving relaxed traveller, Pai is one of the best solo travel destinations. Natural hot springs, pristine waterfalls, lush green forests and verdant mountains promise a relaxing getaway and a fun solo trip. Read a book or write something in the secluded cottages here.

From Pai Canyon to the Pambok Waterfall and Mo Paeng Falls to Pai Hot springs – there is no dearth of exquisite nature havens here during your solo trip if you love peace, quiet and greenery.

READ MORE: Explore our complete Thailand Travel Guide

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

For an adventurous solo travel.

If you love hiking and trekking, plan a solo trip to Annapurna Circuit in Nepal . Sure, there are other, more accessible places to visit as a solo traveller, however, if you enjoy long and rewarding hikes with breath-taking vantage points, then there is arguably no better place in the world for travelling alone.

Hiking through some of the world’s tallest mountain peaks while enjoying the heart-warming hospitality of Nepalese people, this is a solo trip that any traveller will cherish for a lifetime.

It is safe to plan this solo trip but of course, you have to go prepared. During the days, you can trek in solitude while enjoying picturesque views and at night, you can stay close to other groups of hikers to stay safe.

READ MORE: Can you guess why Nepal made it to our list of places to visit before your die ?

Luang Prabang, Laos

Perfect place for a peaceful solo trip.

If you are in dire need of a break from the concrete jungle and want to get away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Luang Prabang in Laos is one of the best solo travel destinations. Head over to the stunning Kuang Si Falls just outside of town and enjoy a meditative break in the lap of Mother Nature.

In addition to a scenic topography, the UNESCO-listed city has a vibrant cultural heritage and its rich history of Southeast Asian, Buddhist and French colonial influences offers a soothing break from skyscrapers, malls and office complexes.

One of the most popular things that people travelling alone love to do here is rent bikes, scooters and cycles to enjoy leisurely rides around the city.

READ MORE: Find out why Laos is featured in our list of bizarre and weird food from around the world

Best places to travel alone in the US

New york city, usa, one of the best solo travel destinations for the night owl.

New York is the unofficial international capital of fun and entertainment. If you love to party and are a night owl, NYC should be at the top of your list of the best places to travel alone.

But, first things first, if you travel alone, safety is the most important factor and though NYC did not have a great reputation some 30 years back, things have improved significantly and it is safe to plan a solo trip here.

Now, for those who travel solo and are looking to enjoy the nightlife in a city that never sleeps- there is obviously no dearth of things to do. From singles bars to 24X7 cafes and late-night Broadway shows to stand-up comedies, New York has a lot to offer during the wee hours for the vibrant fun-loving solo travellers. Visit Times Square , explore The Brooklyn Night Bazaar or go for a Boroughs of the Dead night tour!

If you are a FRIENDS fan, go see Monica’s apartment or take an instaworthy picture at Central Park’s fountain recreating the night-time shots from the theme song.

READ MORE: New York made it to our list of the best cities in the world to visit , can you guess what are the other ones?

Great solo travel destination to do the most touristy things

Solo travel is a unique experience that stays with us forever but it doesn’t have to be unique to be special. Solo travellers who are very mainstream at heart and love doing the most “touristy” things, must visit Texas, one of the best places to travel alone in the US.

From taking museum tours to hopping on shared tourist buses like Molly the Trolley and window shopping in Sundance Square to taking shots for the gram at Fort Worth Water Gardens , you can do it all on a solo trip in Texas.

Solo travel is generally safe in Texas but you are advised to avoid the rural parts after it gets dark.

READ MORE: Did you know Texas is also home to one of the best amusement parks in the world ?

Best solo travel destinations in Europe

Porto, portugal, a safe place to travel alone and a popular choice for first-timers.

According to Safe Around , Portugal is the 13th safest travel destination in the world and hence a popular choice for solo travel, especially for those who are beginners or first-timers. Best known for the Douro and river cruises, Porto is an ideal choice for travelling alone.

For solo tourists who love history, wine, and nature, the Douro Valley tour is a must-do. Located one hour north of Porto, the Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It has two thousand-year-old vineyards, which are maintained by the local farmers. With verdant rolling hills surrounded by lush grapevines, this place is an excellent way to meet other travellers while enjoying breathtaking views, incredible food, and world-class wine.

As first-timers, beginner solo travellers can join a local group from Porto to avoid getting lost during the Douro Valley hike.

READ MORE: Porto is one of our favourite and best places to visit in April

Berlin, Germany

Best place to travel alone… to meet new people.

Those travelling alone but looking to meet someone cannot miss out on Berlin- the capital city of Germany. Berlin has been in the top five list of top tinder cities in Europe over the past few years and is one of the best places to travel alone to meet people and make new connections.

As you explore its vibrant culture, intricate architecture, scrumptious cuisine, lively parties, and rich history, Berlin could also help you find the one! This is arguably one of the best places to travel alone in the world.

READ MORE: Berlin also has one of the best and largest zoos in the world

Barcelona, Spain

A lot to offer for every solo traveller.

There is something for everyone travelling alone who loves to explore as much as possible during their solo trip to Spain’s second city, Barcelona. With beautiful buildings, happening events, popular city beaches, a vibrant nightlife and many shopping options, as a solo traveller, you’ll have a plethora of things to do here.

Another reason why Barcelona is popular and one of the best places to travel solo is the wide variety of restaurants. There are many little restaurants hidden away in alleys. Cosy cafes and restaurants like El Rincon , Melic Del Gotic and Bar del Pla are highly recommended.

From Barcelona, you can explore more places to travel alone as it is well-connected. You can visit three countries in a single day with a one-day tour to Baga in Spain, Ax-Les-Thermes in France and Andorra. It might sound a little ambitious but it is doable in 12 hours.

READ MORE: Barcelona is one of our recommended best places to visit in June

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Best place to travel solo and share a guinness with new friends.

Just a couple of decades ago Belfast in Northern Ireland would not have made any travel list due to the long civil war. However, nowadays Belfast has become a tourist hot spot known for its vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere.

A solo traveller can turn up in the city and stroll over to one of the many pubs there for a pint of Guinness and conversation with anyone. The city offers a mix of the old and the new, with increasing entertainment and dining options, while retaining a lot of its old charm that makes it a bit of a magical place to visit.

Some great places to see include Belfast Castle, which offers incredible unobstructed views of the city and Belfast Lough, and we highly suggest a pub crawl through Belfast’s traditional Irish pubs for some culture and bonding.

Travelling alone there would be an unforgettable experience in this beautiful and quaint city.

READ MORE: While in Ireland, don’t miss out on the cliffs of Moher, one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world

Stockholm, Sweden

The ideal solo trip for history lovers.

If you are a history buff, for you, Stockholm is one of the best places to travel solo. When travelling alone, you can take as long as you want to soak up the intricate architecture and historical legacies at places like the Medeltidsmuseet (Museum of Medieval Stockholm), Nobel Museum , Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral among others.

You can choose to stay in the city’s old town of Gamla Stan and explore the vintage 17th and 18th-century buildings. You must explore Stockholm’s unique underground metro hidden inside beautiful caves.

Besides, the legal drinking age in Stockholm is 18 years, so young history-loving solo travellers can enjoy a vibrant nightlife at the bars here after they are done with museum-hopping in the day!

READ MORE: Surprisingly, Sweden is also home to one of the most unique and best underwater hotels in the world

Bruges, Belgium

Amazing place to travel alone and go back in time.

Solo travellers should flock to this Belgian town for its picturesque parks, historical landmarks and sentimental legends.

As a UNESCO-protected historic site , it offers visitors a look into ancient Europe through its stately castles and medieval architecture. Just outside the city are many castles and abbeys, which are accessible to the public and make for magnificent stops.

Those travelling alone can rent a bike and visit these sites such as the Loppem Castle, which has a 19th-century garden maze and Castle Wijnendale, which houses a whole museum dedicated to the history of the stronghold.

READ MORE: You can also consider Bruges as a couple as it is one of the best romantic holiday destinations

Best places to travel solo in Australia & New Zealand

Melbourne, australia, for solo trips with vibrant culture and art scene.

Travelling alone down under can be a life-changing experience for everyone. Australia offers cosmopolitan cities, rainforests, beautiful beaches, indigenous culture and unique wildlife. It also is one of the best places to explore on your own.

One city that you should not miss in Australia is Melbourne, which is perhaps best known for its vibrant cafe culture and arts scene. The grid-shaped city is also home to some of the best food in Australia, offering food from all over the world including authentic Asian cuisine made by the many immigrants that make Australia a melting pot of cultures.

This colourful city has numerous museums, shopping districts and an appreciative cafe industry, which makes it an excellent spot to relax, recharge and re-energize yourself. Travel solo there and you can expect to find a friendly and welcoming community.

READ MORE: Explore our complete Australia Travel Guide

South Island, New Zealand

For the adventure seekers ready to live out of a van.

For those travelling alone who love the hippy vibe, South Island in New Zealand is an ideal place for a solo trip.

If you can drive, get yourself an RV or campervan and hit the road. It is an ideal vacation as a solo traveller to just hop in a campervan and head off to free camp spots and holiday parks throughout the country. Many solo trip enthusiasts are living the van life here, and you’ll bump into adventurous and lovely travellers from all over the world.

Although South Island is relatively a safe place for travellers, you are advised to keep your van locked at night and always carry essentials like extra fuel, spare tyres and night light.

READ MORE: South Island is also known as one of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins

The world is best experienced when explored, so get out there! Setting off on a solo trip empowers you to make bold decisions and seize the moment. Hopefully, these best places to travel alone will inspire you to book that flight, or bus, or motorbike!

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• Solo Travel

Here’s Where to Take the Solo Trip of a Lifetime

From paris to bangkok, these 15 stellar vacation spots are all the company you need..

Taking your first big solo trip is incredibly intimidating, but once you take the plunge there’s truly no better way to get to know yourself. Free of other people’s travel ticks and the need to compromise, it’s a chance to explore the world at your own pace—and to be whoever you truly want to be.

There’s no need to go all Eat, Pray, Love or adopt a strong love for backwoods camping to scratch this itch. Solo travel can be as simple as a cushy staycation , as complicated as hiking through a far-off country , or as lavish as a catching flight to the Maldives . This is the time when you should be selfish. Want to sleep in at the swanky hotel you booked in Paris ? Prefer to spend the day cycling to beer gardens in Belgium ? Want to change destinations and itineraries altogether? You’re the one calling the shots, and as long as you’re doing it safely, the sky’s the limit.

To help you choose your own adventure, we’ve tapped a roster of globetrotters who have embraced going it alone. From small-town gems to bustling capital cities where getting lost is all part of the adventure, here are the places to travel on your own—and a hint at what you might find when you get there.

Seville, Spain

When I moved to Spain nearly ten years ago without knowing a soul, Spain is famously social, so much so that the entire tapas culture is built around sharing with friends. So how would I get by? Luckily, I landed in Seville.

The south lives up to its stereotype as Spain’s more fun-loving, open, and hospitable region. Social life here is a public affair—in the streets, in the plazas, spilling onto cobblestones outside the bars. One friend told me he lived in Seville for years and never saw the inside of his best friend’s house. This makes it easy to strike up a conversation with locals (if you can hold your own with the tricky Andaluz accent) or some friendly study-abroad types (if you can’t).

You don’t even need a plan: Just go outside and something will find you, whether it be a religious procession (there are so. many. religious. processions. ), an impromptu flamenco show, or a crowd of strangers watching the Betis game in one of the bars on La Alameda or Plaza del Salvador. For a real challenge, visit during the Feria de Abril , when the entire city dresses up like it’s 1899 and spends a whole week dancing sevillanas and day drinking in brightly colored canvas tents called casetas. A few of the casetas are public and open to all, but most are reserved for specific families and their close friends. Score an invite and you’ll instantly be considered one of the locals. – Maya Kroth

Scandinavia three ways

Safety, beauty, and a fluent population eager to speak English make visiting Scandinavia solo extra appealing. But perhaps even more enticing is the ease and affordability of travel between countries: Hop on a comfy commuter train, grab a can of Carlsberg, and watch the lush scenery go by as you Copenhagen, Denmark, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Olso, Norway in rapid succession. Getting from the lively Danish capital to the metropolitan center of Norway only takes about seven hours... but doing it right means experiencing a bit of western Sweden along the way.

Start in Copenhagen to immerse yourself in the Danish metropolis’s vibrant museums, unparalleled food, iconic bars, and rich history ( here’s a handy guide ). Then make your way across the water to Sweden: It’s a quick ride to Malmö, whose quirky art, vibrant food halls, and killer music scene are about to get the spotlight as it hosts Eurovision 2024 . From there, you’ll chug across Sweden’s ruggedly beautiful west coast, where a stop-off in the medieval university town of Lund offers a chance to stretch your legs on a campus that makes US Ivy League colleges feel modern. Then spend a couple days in Gothenburg , whose ultra-hip, post-industrial charms are often overshadowed by Stockholm. Get to know this surprisingly walkable, ultra-green city whose fantastic seafood and wildly overlooked underground music scene live in harmony with the idyllic and old-school island villages reachable by ferry from the city center.

Then it’s off to Oslo, Norway’s biggest city, where world-class museums are dedicated to everything from Edvard Munch to the Nobel Prize , and vikings (obviously). Massive food halls offer a chance to sample Norwegian cuisine (ever had whale burgers?), while bars are overflowing with aquavit. Oslo is a friendly, walkable seaside city full of saunas, boutique shops, and funky galleries surrounded by lush islands and spectacular outdoor art, and it’s nothing but warm vibes even in the cold, dark winter. And if you want to keep the trip going, fairytale Bergen is reachable by one of the most sweeping train/ferry trips on the planet. You’ll cruise through massive fjords—and maybe even see the northern lights if you skip the endless summer sun—en route to the town that inspired Frozen . –Andy Kryza

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a “one size fits all” kind of place, a concrete jungle teeming with divergent personalities and crisscrossing travelers getting on in mellow symbiosis. Even for those who are socially shy or take a minute to get out of their comfort zone, it’s pretty effortless to meet people here. Friendly Thais will take you under their wing, and you’ll befriend foreigners you might not usually gel with, united simply by shared experiences—those WTF moments of navigating a chaotic hub that swings between electrifying and claustrophobic.

Show up to a bar opening or expat mixer, and a few beers or vodka sodas later you'll be crammed in a tuk-tuk with a motley crew rattling off to a nightclub or afterparty. Years ago, as a tenderfoot tourist in Bangkok, I found myself adopted by a Thai celeb couple and their crew at a Lady Gaga concert, treated afterward to a night of VIP bottle service at what was then Bangkok’s best club. It was a colorful chance encounter, one that Bangkok creates like nowhere else. It was so great that I jetted back to Canada, packed up all my things, and moved there . – Barbara Woolsey

Paris, France

Book a trip to Paris and friends will invariably ask, “Who are you going with?” Your perfectly acceptable response: No one . You’re about to binge on some of the world’s best museums, and catering to a travel companion can quickly spoil a wool-gathering stroll or long meditative sit in front of centuries-old paintings. Paris’ Museum Pass costs just 92 euros for six days of entry to more than 50 different sites in and around the city. I only managed to hit maybe a dozen, including the Louvre, which alone would require all six of those days to see the entire thing. The city feeds you culture and beauty the way foie gras farmers feed their geese corn mash.

When you go, post up somewhere central and walkable. I booked a quiet apartment through a rental site called Paris Perfect , but if your tastes run more bière than Champagne, a no-frills one-room apartment can run a mere $40 a night on Airbnb (or you can go the hostel route, if you’re really on a budget).

Then, soak up some of the architecture that makes Paris, well, Paris. The Rodin Museum, for instance, sits on the grounds of a grand, 18th-century mansion that the artist himself took over in 1911. Across the street, the Museum of the Army is housed in a palace Louis XIV built for his wounded vets. You’ve got dozens—if not hundreds—of similar spots to hit. The best part? No one is here to rush you off to the next spot, so sit and stay a while. – Sam Eifling

If you’re seeking a setting for your next short story, jet across the pond to the Welsh coastline . It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Barafundle Bay’s emerald fields, the colorful architecture lining the waters in Tenby, jagged rock cliffs at Presipe. Double down on the charm by staying at a bed-and-breakfast, or one of Wales’s many medieval castles like Bath Tower, on the northern coast. Some beach towns (like Shell Island) double as campgrounds, so you can pitch a tent and fall asleep to sounds of waves in the countryside.

Wales is a safe country overall, which is obviously a plus for solo escapades. The Welsh are also friendly and hospitable folk (just don’t call them British), so when you inevitably tuck into a local pub for a pint, making a new drinking buddy won’t be difficult—especially since English is their most-recognized language. Native Welsh is spoken in more rural areas, but good luck asking for directions to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (yes, that’s a real place). – Brooke Sager

Athens, Greece

Greece is often reserved as a spot for a honeymoon or engagement, and don’t get me wrong, Santorini’s sunsets really are worth proposing over. But it’s not somewhere I’d want to spend a week doing solo yoga or fighting the crowds in Oia to get that postcard-worthy photo of the blue domed churches melting into the even bluer sea beyond. I’ve always had a soft spot for stopover cities, those jumping-off points you pass through to get somewhere fabulous like a safari or, in this case, Santorini. Athens is often an afterthought. But given the disconnect between flights and ferries into and around Greece, you’re bound to spend at least one night in Athens, no matter where your final destination may be.

On a recent trip to Crete, I found myself alone in Athens for two whole days (a long, COVID-related story). I stayed in the former artisan area of Psiri, which is now considered one of the more up-and-coming neighborhoods. I strolled the cobbled, winding streets of Plaka, the historical center that’s home to the Acropolis, sidewalk cafes, and traditional (albeit touristy) Greek tavernas. I had lunch on a makeshift terrace at a Japanese gastropub called Birdman , whose inventive yakitori-esque cuisine was some of the best I’d ever tasted. I bought artisanal olive oil and mountain tea from a deli-sized gourmet grocery store and treated myself to natural wine and a cheese plate for dinner at Heteroclito , the Greek version of a Parisian wine bar.

The server there was friendlier than my neighborhood bar back in actual Paris, and quickly found me a table despite it being a busy Saturday evening. He didn’t care that I was alone; he didn’t ask if I was waiting for someone to join. He was more interested in why I was in Athens and wanted to tell me how great his city is. The same thing happened on my way to the ferry port to meet my friend the following day. “There are a lot of new hotels opening soon in Athens,” the taxi driver said in near-perfect English. “We hope people will stay longer before going to the islands and see our city.” I’m glad I did. And doing it alone gave me a different insight into the gritty but gorgeous Greek capital that’s all too often overlooked. – Lane Nieset

Glacier National Park, Montana

Halfway through a three-mile hike up a steep incline to a remote mountaintop where one twisted ankle could spill you into a crevasse, you’ll start taking stock. Quads screaming. Lungs burning. Subconsciously you’ll touch the bear spray on your belt, the same way you’d feel your pocket for your phone. Football coach Vince Lombardi used to say fatigue makes cowards of us all—but this is where you determine that you’ll go down fighting if a critter decides to step.

That fight-or-flight moment will find you in any of America’s National Parks . For the full experience, I recommend Glacier, in Montana. Spanning more than a million acres, with 175 mountains and an epic 745 miles of maintained hiking trails, it’s a vast, beautiful obstacle course. You will see chipmunks and rabbits and marmots, as well as bears and moose. The park encourages hikers to wear jingling bells to scare away bears and always carry bear spray—especially if walking alone. But when you’re alone, that’s when you’ll feel the towering, snow-capped mountains surrounding you. Getting to the end of a trail , or coming upon a peak and taking in an otherworldly view, shrinks you down to size, and reminds you that nature really runs this bitch. – Nicole Schuman

A year after grad school, I bought a used bike and made my way around Belgium. I practiced my high school French to ask for directions and got very lost. I met a friendly little granny who convinced me, a vegetarian, to eat her homemade sausage. I met a man named Pol who'd named his microbrewery Inter-Pol. (He thought this was very funny.)

Two things make Belgium a great place for a bike trip : First, it’s the density of great breweries. The entire country is smaller than the state of Maryland and so crammed with world-famous breweries (over 150 of them ) that you can stop at a different one each day. Biking between these breweries is dangerously easy; go on the tour, sample the world-renowned beer , then hop on and ride off to your next pint. Second, the country is completely bonkers for bikes. Some of its biggest celebrities are professional cyclists. There’s a bike shop on every corner, which saved me on two separate occasions, and a surprising number of dedicated bike paths parallel to highways. Drivers are much less threatening than in the States, an important consideration when you’re riding with a belly full of monk-brewed Trappist. – Lewis Kelly

Dublin is easy to get to from New York . And exploring the idyllic, shockingly green countryside dotted with loads of fluffy white sheep is an easy day or overnight trip from Dublin. Ireland isn’t very large, which means you can see a lot of it in a short amount of time. And there are a few ways to do it: by public transport, by bike, or by renting a car. If efficiency is your goal, scooting down to historic Cork or over to the traditional harbor city of Galway and the inconceivable Cliffs of Moher for a day or two is incredibly easy on a tour bus of the Wild Atlantic Way . Is it a little touristy? Yes, but it will also give you an easy opening with other solo travelers who probably also want to get a pint in a cozy bar with live Irish folk music and then buy a fisherman sweater.

Sometimes, a solo trip doesn’t have to be a grand transcendent adventure or a challenging journey of self-discovery. Sometimes, you only have a week between quitting a job and starting a new one and you want to go somewhere accessible and fun where you don’t have to use too much of your brain to communicate. Ireland is the perfect place to get away from the everyday grind, be anonymous for a little while, eat comforting food, and pet the sweet noses of curious donkeys who peek over the fence of their pasture when your ride pulls to the side of the road. Folks here are friendly and the air is crisp and fresh—except, of course, the one night I stayed in a poorly ventilated, six-person hostel room in Dublin with five roommates who had been out drinking beer all night at The Temple Bar . I don’t recommend that last bit. But I'll never forget it, either. – Carrie Dennis

Nearly everywhere you turn in Morocco there’s something to be photographed. “The colors of the aged architecture suck you in,” says NYC-based photographer Eian Kantor, who recently took nothing but a backpack and two cameras to the North African country. “The landscapes are paintings. The medinas are chaotic, yet beautiful mazes.”

From city to city, Morocco offers something different. Chefchaouen , with its characteristic blue-washed buildings and the vast Rif Mountain region surrounding them, practically begs to be put on film. Three hours south in Fez, you’ll find an 11th-century leather tannery where animal hides are soaked in limestone vats of cow urine, pigeon feces, quicklime, salt, and water; then, they’re dried and dyed naturally with spices like saffron. If you can forget where the colors are coming from and hold a sprig of mint up to your nose, the sight—dozens of vibrant vats—are seriously something to behold. Locals will ask if you want to see it from a balcony and charge you $5 (a.k.a. 60 dirham) to do so—which Kantor says was well worth it for the shot. Friendly Moroccans genuinely just want to show off what the country has to offer, a mission a photographer instantly shares. – Rebecca Strassberg

When we think of getaways to national and state parks, we mostly think of trips taken in the summertime. Summer, however, means crowds. To get some quality solo time during the off-season—the kind where you can actually hear yourself think without an ambient chorus of hungry schoolchildren in the background—you need to go to an outdoors destination that is best visited in the wintertime . Utah is your place.

February is an ideal time to take a solo trip to Zion National Park ; only 13% of visitors go in the winter months, meaning the usually crowded trails are 87 % more peaceful to explore. It’s also prime time to wander the echoey washes of Goblin Valley State Park , where you can enjoy the otherworldly hoodoos that Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for without the crowds that Bryce is also famous for. If you’re aiming farther north, try Vermilion Cliffs National Monument along the border of Utah and Arizona. Wherever you are, don’t head back to your hotel too early—you’re in the right place for some of the most incredible stargazing you won’t want to miss. – Kastalia Medrano

Berlin, Germany

Here’s a tip: Start with a guided walking tour . Germany’s history is visible on almost every corner of Berlin, and getting quickly acquainted with its darker realities gives you a strong geographical and cultural foundation for the rest of your trip. Explore the Jewish District, see the site of the former SS & Gestapo Headquarters at the Topography of Terror Museum , and visit the Holocaust Memorial. It’s all very sobering, but you’re alone, so don’t sweat getting emotional. Walk along the East Side Gallery —the spectacularly painted remains of the Berlin Wall—and see the Brandenburg Gate at sunset. Berlin is where events you’ve read about in textbooks since you were 14 years old actually happened, and connecting dots will never be this compelling.

Berlin is a veritable feast of museums and historical hotspots, which makes it an excellent city for entry-level solo travel. Too shy to strike up a conversation with a stranger? Spend your days seeking the city's best currywurst while wandering between points of interest: Go to Bauhaus-Archiv to see items from Walter Gropius's iconic design school, and then head to Kulturforum , a complex of cultural buildings that includes the Neue Nationalgalerie , which houses 20th-century paintings. Climb to the top of the Berlin Cathedral for the view. Then, maybe on your third or fourth night in town, make a weird friend who’s just as alone as you are. Invite them to eat a doner kebab for dinner and then see if you can get past the bouncer at Berghain , a club with one of the strictest door policies around. You probably won’t, so move on and dance to trance music until 7 am at a club you can’t remember the name of instead. That’s what I did, at least. – Carrie Dennis

Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

Whitehorse is cold, isolated, and small. Like, 25,000 people small. It’s the capital of a vast, majestic region of Northwest Canada the size of California, yet with approximately 1/1,000th of the population. In fact there are almost two moose for every human being living in the Yukon. (This is the best Yukon fact there is.)

To make life there tolerable, the locals have become alarmingly good at making friends. I stayed in Whitehorse for two weeks; by the time I left, it felt like I was abandoning my hometown. Within 24 hours of arriving, I experienced the following: First, a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend heard I needed to borrow a Wi-Fi router, came over, and installed it. Then, he invited me to dinner at his house. Not long after, he offered to lend me his car to pick up groceries.

Whitehorse is also surrounded by scads of great opportunities to hike, mountain bike, kayak, or ski and dogsled in the winter months . It offers honest-to-goodness untamed wilderness, with all the associated rewards—and risks. This is where your new friends will come in handy. When you’re one twisted ankle away from a seven-hour limp back to civilization, having someone to lean on is priceless. Plus, most locals carry bear spray with them almost everywhere—with good reason. – Lewis Kelly

Dubrovnik can get a little pricey. It is, after all, one of Croatia's most touristy cities. But drive up Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline and you’ll find all the wine, cheese, seafood, and sunbathing spots you could ask for. This is a place where you can indulge without putting too deep of a hole in your wallet. It turns out that traveling solo to a gorgeous destination doesn’t mean you have to rough it if you pick the right spot.

Sample the oysters in the ancient village of Ston, and take a dip in front of the Sea Organ in the town of Zadar, where the waves make a musical instrument out of the strategically hollowed-out marble steps descending into the water. Stop in Pag for a wheel of what many consider the best sheep’s cheese in the world. And no matter where along this dazzling aqua-green coastline you end your night, tuck yourself into a bar with a glass of the local red and ask your bartender for their recommendations for swimming holes to hit the next day. ( Might not hurt to smoke a little weed while you’re in Croatia, either .) – Kastalia Medrano

Tokyo, Japan

With nearly 40 million people scrambling under the skyline of the Tokyo metro area , it’s pretty easy to feel like a mere speck. That’s part of the charm of wandering around the world’s biggest city. It’s a place where ancient architecture and futurism live in harmony, showstopping food can be found at fine-dining tables and subway stalls alike, and a sense or orderliness belies an anything-goes attitude where buttoned-up business folks unbutton into wholly different people once the sun goes down and the neon lights up the sky.

For non-Japanese visitors, few places will make you feel more foreign than Tokyo. This is a feature, not a bug. Roam the streets of Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Shibuya and you’ll find a wide array of bar and dining experiences catering to solo travelers, from vending machine-style ramen booths to the tiny bars stacked upon another in cramped alleys, where shouts of “kanpai” with each highball are as omnipresent and inviting as the smell of sizzling yakitori. Taking a solo morning omakase sushi set at the famous Tsukiji fish market is a mind-altering experience that lets you commune with your food and its makers in understood silence, while the millennia-old shrines and forests around the city are prime spots for quiet introspection. Whether you’re here for the food, sightseeing, Ghibli , shopping, sumo, or a chance to let your freak flag fly until dawn with like-minded cosplayers, you’ll find what you’re looking for… and probably a lot more.

Even better, the Shinkasen bullet train makes seeing more of the country a cinch—the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the seafood-intensive delights of Osaka, and the serene nature of Hakone all within a comfortable high-speed ride from Tokyo station (the Mt. Fuji views are a huge bonus). Sweetening the deal? Post-Olympics Tokyo has a huge surplus of affordable hotel rooms, and the city’s famous hospitality has never been more fine-tuned to welcome foreigners. –Andy Kryza

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8 perfect destinations for the first-time solo traveler

Do you ever want to stay at a local Airbnb, but your travel partner wants to stay at a five-star resort? Have you ever found yourself on a tropical holiday, relaxing by the beach with a margarita in hand, only for your travel companion to start itching to go zip lining or bungee jumping?

There are certainly many perks of traveling with friends, family or loving partners. However, nothing quite compares to stepping out of your comfort zone and traveling on your own. Solo travel has become increasingly popular over the past several years, as more and more people fall in love with the idea of globetrotting party-of-one style.

For those who've never ventured out alone, however, the idea of planning where to go can feel daunting. After having traveled to over 50 countries by myself, here are my top eight recommended destinations for the first-time solo traveler.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian sliver of adventure, paradise, beauty, delicious eats, nature and more. It's a country that truly has it all. Ask any avid traveler what their favorite nations are, and Vietnam is bound to be included in that list, for good reason. Vietnam is safe, cheap, beautiful and full of adventure.

Hanoi is a perfectly chaotic city where motorbikes buzz through the streets from all different directions. Try some Bun Cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a restaurant visited by both President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain. Here working women pour you large bowls of a fishy broth with clipped noodles, herbs and pork. Wash it all down with a beer at Train Street. Head to Ha Long Bay to see one of the new natural wonders of the world. When you're ready for a city escape, head south to Da Nang, Vietnam's hippest beach town, where expats from all over the world relax.

Extra perks? Vietnam is incredibly affordable. Meals run on average $2, and traveling around the country via bus will run you an average of $5 per ticket.

Where to stay: Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort .

Related: Cambodia, South Korea and Vietnam loosen COVID-19 restrictions as Asia reopens for tourists

When discussing different destinations around the world, it's easy to group them into one of two categories: safe and unsafe. This can perpetuate negative stereotypes, and it's important to keep in mind that every traveler's journey is subjective. However, when it comes to Iceland , it would be hard to argue that it's even remotely unsafe.

Iceland is absolutely, hands-down, one of the safest place on earth. You'll likely meet several solo female travelers, as well as LGBTQIA+ travelers, because of the country's inclusive and equitable societal standards. Downtown Reykjavik has a booming LGBTQIA+ scene. Also, walking alone at night isn't as much of an issue if you choose to visit in the summer, because, around the summer solstice, it's daylight (or twilight) 24 hours a day. Iceland is so safe that it's been said there are more horses on the island than police officers.

As for the landscape, it's true that Iceland is like another planet. You'll be greeted with geysers, waterfalls, glaciers and volcanoes. If you're feeling adventurous, try scuba diving between the tectonic plates that separate the North American and European continents. Keep in mind that Iceland is a bit more expensive than your average destination, so a downfall to traveling solo to this destination is not having anyone with whom to split the cost.

Where to stay: Hotel Ranga .

Related: Iceland is open to Americans: Here's how to travel there on miles and points

One of my first destinations as a solo female traveler was to Colombia , and never have I ever received as many questionable stares as when I told people I was headed there alone. Thankfully, I didn't let the pessimistic comments get to me and headed out on a direct JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Cartagena anyway.

Once riddled with a bad reputation, Colombia has cleansed itself of its ugly past and has become a backpacker's and luxury traveler's haven in recent years. It's incredibly affordable, with some of the best cuisine in Latin America, and short flights from the U.S. make it an easy getaway.

If you visit Cartagena, expect to find a vivid city with nearby picturesque beaches, friendly locals, late night arepa stands and all-around sunny good vibes. Feeling adventurous? Take a day trip to El Totumo Mud Volcano. Don't skip out on visiting the crystal-clear blue waters of either Isla Baru or the Rosario Islands. In Medellin, you'd be a fool to not take advantage of the flourishing and efficient transportation system. The city is full of beautiful architecture and museums.

Help rid a fabulous country of a negative stereotype by visiting solo — and have the time of your life while doing so.

Where to stay: Ermita, Cartagena, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Related: 11 sunny spots to spend a winter holiday

What traveler hasn't dreamed of visiting Paris , the city of love? Though it may seem like a top choice for honeymoon getaways, who says you need a partner to enjoy a romantic vacation? Treat yourself to one of the world's most popular destinations and choose your own adventures.

Enjoy freshly baked baguettes with cafe au lait each morning as you wake up to views of the Eiffel Tower or Seine. Explore the Paris Catacombs for a creepy history tour. Head to a winery, or even more luxuriously, to the Champagne region to savor the real deal. Explore the rocky beaches of Nice. If you want to make it a two-for-one deal, take a day trip to Monaco and tick off another country as a solo traveler.

Where to stay: Hotel de Louvre.

Related: 10 of the best points hotels in France

Has life been stressing you out? Are you looking for a proper getaway in a tropical location where you can sit on a hammock, drink a beer, pet some local dogs and just relax? Look no further than the tiny Central American oasis of Belize.

All international flights go into Belize City. You can spend a few days on the mainland to explore Mayan ruins or head out on a local ferry to one of the many islands, or cays. Why not opt for Caye Caulker? It's a 45-minute boat ride from Belize City. Upon arrival, you'll likely notice the absence of vehicles. Bikes are the primary mode of transportation on this car-free cay. The island's motto is "Go Slow," and it's easy to feel the relaxing vibes all around you. If you want to venture out, head to Shark Ray Alley and swim with the nurse sharks. Want to tick off a major bucket list item? Scuba dive the Great Blue Hole, just off the coast of Belize.

Where to stay: Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection.

Related: 6 solo travel mistakes to avoid on your first trip

For travelers looking to jump into an extraordinary adventure, look no further than Japan . It's unlike anywhere else in the world and has something for every traveler.

In Tokyo, feel the fast-paced energy of Shibuya, play Mario Kart at underground cafes in Akihabara and enjoy the street food of Omoide-Yokocho. In Kyoto, feel the calmness and history of Japan at one of the many shrines, preferably one of the country's top visited sites, Fushimi Inari Shrine. Take a day trip to Nara, Japan's original capital. Here you can meet and feed sacred deer who will bow to you. If your time and budget allow, head to Okinawa for some of the best scuba diving in the world.

Why travel to Japan alone? Japan will catapult you out of your reality quicker than most destinations. The traditions and cultures of Japan don't bend and shift with trends, and you won't be catered to based on your needs. That's not to say that the locals are not above and beyond friendly. However, Japan is hard to make a home out of if you're an outsider, pushing you to the ultimate limits of your comfort zone.

Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Tokyo.

Related: 3 of the best-value points hotels in Tokyo

New Zealand

If you're into nature, serenity and road trips and want to get as far away as humanly possible from everything and everyone, New Zealand should be on your radar. It's quite far from most destinations around the globe, meaning you're likely to lose at least a day from travel. However, what awaits you on the other side includes stunning landscapes, sheep and bunnies to greet you, fresh Manuka-honey-laced ice cream and friendly Kiwis to assist you in anything you might need.

Road tripping New Zealand is the proper way to explore either island, and it's almost a travel requirement to rent a car while here. Keep in mind, New Zealanders drive on the left side of the road. Though it might sound daunting, as long as you're a decent driver it takes very little getting used to. There are also plenty of road signs to remind you to stay in your lane.

For adrenaline junkies, Queenstown on the South Island is a must. It's known to be the adrenaline capital of the world, with the Nevis Swing (the world's biggest canyon swing) as well as canyon bungee jumping. New Zealand can easily be done in just a few short days, or a few long weeks. Itinerary options are nearly endless depending on your time and budget. If you rent a car, as you should, New Zealand is one of the destinations where traveling solo means you'll truly be alone.

Where to stay: The Carlin Boutique Hotel in Queenstown.

Related: 4 new hotels to visit when New Zealand reopens in May

What travel list would be complete without including Indonesia ? This nation is a popular choice for honeymooners, families, and yes, even solo travelers. It's affordable, aesthetically pleasing and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery this world has to offer, from waterfalls and rice terraces to pristine beaches and more.

Traveling solo in Indonesia seldom means traveling alone. In popular destinations such as Bali, Nusa Penida, Jakarta, Lombok or Java, you're bound to meet plenty of other travelers, many of them traveling solo. All over Indonesia, you can chase waterfalls, ride swings over rice terraces, meet playful monkeys and try the world's rarest coffee called Kopi Luwak. Each corner is more picturesque than the next. If you feel adventurous, rent a motorbike to get around. Prefer to travel without responsibilities? Hire a driver to take you around for as low as $30 per day.

Don't skip out a visit to Komodo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Komodo National Park is home to about 2,500 Komodo dragons, as well as other species of reptiles, animals and mammals.

Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Bali.

Related: 5 unique solo trips to take on points and miles

The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the United States for an Unforgettable Adventure

Whether you're looking for activity or relaxation, your dream trip awaits.

Whether you're planning your first adventure on your own or are a solo travel veteran, choosing a destination can be overwhelming, especially if you still have a lot of places to check off your bucket list . The good news is, you don't have to go far for the adventure or relaxation you crave, because there are plenty of options across the U.S.

Weighing variables such as walkability, safety, self care opportunities, number of historic sites and museums and access to nature, we've come up with a list of the best places in the U.S. for solo travelers — ranging from mountain and beach destinations to small towns and large cities. Time to book your ticket for one, plan your itinerary (or don't, remember, it's your trip!) and answer to no one except yourself for a few days.

Saratoga Springs, New York

This beautiful upstate New York town is a short Amtrak ride from the city, so it's ideal for NYC residents looking for a quick solo escape. Watch a horse race at the historic Saratoga Race Track, jam out at a concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and enjoy the mineral spring baths (where the city gets its name!) at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Oh and don't miss the fabulous dining and shopping up and down Broadway.

Waco, Texas

Ideal for the Fixer Upper fan looking for a low-key getaway, the heart of Chip and Joanna Gaines's Magnolia empire is a fun Texas town that's a short drive from both Austin and Dallas. Stop at Magnolia Market for tasty treats and farmhouse chic shopping. Beyond Magnolia, there's boutique shopping, wine and beer tastings and an impressive nightlife downtown. For more fun, tour the Dr. Pepper Museum, check out the Mammoth National Monument or visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

You'll feel like the main character in a storybook in Carmel-by-the-Sea — but in addition to marveling at the fairytale-like village, there's plenty to do. You'll find the famous Pebble Beach golf course, the Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the white-sand Carmel Beach all nearby. Pro tip: Carmel Bakery and The Cottage of Sweets are great treat-yourself stops.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a prime destination for art lovers, as it's home to both the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the original Meow Wolf (an experimental, immersive art exhibit that doubles as something of a psychedelic escape room). Art galleries, antique stores and craft shops line picturesque downtown Santa Fe, which is also a great place to try New Mexico's famous red and green chiles. Don't forget to book a spa day at the Inn & Spa at Loretto .

Burlington, Vermont

If relaxation is what you crave, Burlington is a bucolic little town with a laid-back atmosphere. Saunter through the lovely Church Street Marketplace, tour the Ben & Jerry's factory, grab a cold drink at a craft brewery or take a cooking class at Essex Resort & Spa (just a short 20-minute drive away). When the weather's warm, partake in all of Lake Champlain's fun — from boating and sunbathing at the beach to hiking along the shore. Or visit during the fall, when the foliage is nothing short of superb.

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff has as many activities as a big city, but with a small town vibe. It's close to natural and historical wonders, like the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon and the Wupatki National Monument, but you won't need a car to see them — plenty of tour operators are located in Flagstaff. If you're into space, the famous Lowell Observatory — a.k.a. where astronomers first discovered the ex-planet Pluto — is just outside of town. The city's downtown is a destination in its own right, with restaurants and bars to fill your time between adventures in the desert.

Portland, Maine

Ranked one of the 25 safest places to live by U.S. News , Portland is a pristine New England seaside city with beautiful lighthouses, an art museum and opulent Victorian mansions. Stop by any of the waterfront restaurants for the fresh catch of the day, or pop into a local brewpub for a pint.

New York City, New York

Big city energy seekers, this one's for you! Solo travelers will never run out things to do in the city that never sleeps. Visit some of the world's best museums, catch a Broadway show or join the hunt for the "best" slice of pizza or bagel in the city — both matters of some dispute. You'll need the extra carbs to explore the vast city by subway, from Central Park and Battery Park to the hipster enclaves of Brooklyn and the multi-cultural offerings of Queens.

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Poconos, a mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania filled with ski slopes and charming small towns, is a great option for adventure and relaxation seekers alike. You'll need a car to get around, but driving through the scenery — especially in the fall — is one of the area's highlights. Hit hiking trails, like the one to Bushkill Falls, and stop at local gems, like Callie's Candy Kitchen. If you're seeking relaxation (and a spa) more than action, stay at one of the many resorts in the Poconos, like Skytop Lodge.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is best known for its historic district, filled with beautiful architecture, museums, art galleries and lush green squares — all ideal for solo exploration. Plus, the "Hostess City of the South" is a foodie paradise, with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes serving all sorts of delicious cuisine. But don't forget to make time for Southern food while you're there!

Boise, Idaho

Another one of the U.S.'s 25 safest places to live , Boise is surrounded by mountains, making it a scenic location and hiker's paradise. The city itself has quite a few green spaces, including the Idaho Botanical Garden and Camel's Back Park. On Saturdays from mid-April to mid-December, it hosts the Capital City Public Market, filled with local food and craft vendors. If you happen to visit in late summer, don't miss the magical annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic held in Ann Morrison Park.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ann Arbor is an under-the-radar town perfect for museum lovers, thanks to the University of Michigan. Worth a visit are the institution's Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History and Museum of Archaeology. We also suggest strolling through the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and catching a show at the Hill Auditorium. Off campus, visit the Nickels Arcade for shopping and eats.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

To put it simply, Oklahoma City is an underrated destination. Between its boisterous Bricktown neighborhood, unique Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, beautiful Myriad Botanical Gardens and whitewater rafting and kayaking facility, you might be surprised by how much there is to do. For food and accommodations, check out the newly-opened National Hotel, housed in a former bank (psst, there's a cocktail bar in the old vault).

Reno, Nevada

Sure, Las Vegas might get most of the attention in Nevada, but Reno is a more approachable destination for a solo trip. Yes, there are casinos here, but you'll also find impressive art and automobile museums, a lovely rose garden and the Nevada Historical Society. In the winter, skiing is nearby, and in the early fall, Reno hosts the world's largest free hot air balloon event. "The Biggest Little City in the World" certainly lives up to its moniker.

Tampa, Florida

Most travelers are familiar with South Florida's hotspots, but Tampa to the west (also considered one of the safest cities to live in the U.S. ) is rightfully drawing attention. Its most famous attraction is Busch Gardens, but the city has more to offer than roller coasters. Head to the Tampa Riverwalk for waterfront dining, or visit Ybor City for lively nightlife, classic cigar lounges and the original 118-year-old Columbia Restaurant — home to one of the tastiest house salads you'll ever eat and a must-see flamenco show.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville has an impressive range of offerings for all types of interests. Are you a fan of history? There's the Biltmore Estate.Shopper? Head for the Grove Arcade. Hiker? The Blue Ridge Mountains are yours to explore. Art Lover? Stroll through the River Arts District. Oh, and did we mention the local breweries and exceptional Southern comfort food?

Boulder, Colorado

Before you hit the ski slopes or hiking trails (depending on the season), check out the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder, filled with quirky shops and tasty eats. You might not expect it, but Boulder is also home to a landmark tea spot called the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse (a solo afternoon tea sounds divine to us), a contemporary art museum and the Shelby American Collection of classic cars.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago may be a big city, but it's easy to navigate on foot — or on the "L" train system. There's no shortage of activities, whether you're interested in taking an architectural history boat tour, visiting the Art Institute of Chicago or Field Museum or taking a selfie with the famous "Bean." This should go without saying, but make sure to take yourself on a deep-dish pizza tour, because you deserve it (and you'll have the whole pie to yourself).

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

If you're interested in hiking part of the Appalachian Trail, hit the region around Harpers Ferry. The visitor center is considered the "psychological midpoint" of the trail, and there are a number of scenic day hikes in the area. The town itself — which boasts small-town charm — is part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and has an antique shop (called The Gilded Flea) and a historic candy shop.

South Bend, Indiana

College towns make for perfect weekend getaways for solo travelers, with lively downtowns and impressive museums — and South Bend is no exception. There's a three-story automotive museum, two art museums, a gorgeous neo-Gothic church, the Morris Performing Arts Center and a scenic riverfront park to fill your itinerary. It also has several chocolate shops, the Indiana Whiskey Company for tastings and restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world.

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The 26 Best Places to Travel Alone in the US!

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2024

Categories North America , Solo Female Travel

Are you a diehard solo traveler who is desperately searching for some of the best places to travel alone in the US? If you are then you’ve come to the right place because trust me, there really ain’t no party like a USA solo travel party (YEE-HAW)!

Besides solo travel is just, in general, the total shiz! Esepcially since, well, who really has time to sit around, waiting for other prople, just to book an epic USA vacay?

I know I don’t! I mean, if I sat around, waiting for other people to travel, then I think THE most exicitng place that I’d ever go would be the grocery store. WOMP, WOMP, WOMP.

Which is why I created this SUPER handy list of all the best places to travel alone in the US, this way you can quickly and easily get your solo travel swerve on, and while waiting for…exactly NO ONE. Wait! Time out! Scratch that! Because in all honesty,  I actually wrote a WHOLE LOT of NOTHING.

Yeah. See, instead of writing this post myself, I actually found some of the raddest and baddest solo travelers out there to help me create this list of awesome American cities for solo travelers.

So take a gander, get MAD innspired, and see if you favorite metropolis made the cut, or is just another, anonymous addition to the chorus of the song, “another one bites the dust.”. Either way stick around and find out exactly where your solo travels should take you next, as you explore the grand old, U S of A!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. 

1. San Diego, California

By: Sane of Spend Life Traveling

One of the many things I love about San Diego is the intense devotion of locals to this city and the level of pride that they have in calling this place home.

And for good reason! Because between its perfect, year-round climate, the beautiful beaches, the gorgeous Balboa Park, and the many independent shops, restaurants, and cafés, San Diego really is a fabulous city!

I mean I myself have taken many solo trips to San Diego and cannot recommend it enough as one of the best places to travel alone in the US.

And added bonus? Many tourists seem to skip over this city when visiting California, making this place a whole lot less touristy than many other nearby, urban centers.

But If you’re unsure of what to do during your solo trip here, then why not start with one of the best  things to do in San Diego  and explore some of the city’s many amazing beaches? Two of my personal favorites are Ocean Beach and the Mission Beach boardwalk.

However La Jolla is great too. And if you do end up here, be sure to visit the seals at La Jolla Cove (if you’re feeling extra brave, you can even swim with them too!)

Now, if you have time you cannot leave San Diego without visiting Coronado Island for the day. You’ll also want to explore the enchanting Balboa Park (take your time since this greenspace is massive!) and spend at least one evening in Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter.

But if all this solo travel leaves you feeling a bit lonely, then you can always check out Meetup.com  and meet like-minded, solo travelers while at a rejuvenating yoga sesh by the beach or while enjoying a fun, craft beer tasting. Because the array of different activities that this website offers really are endless.

2. Honolulu, Hawaii

By: Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

Of all the fun places that solo female travelers can visit in the US, Honolulu, in Oahu, is definitely one of the best.

Just a short, five-hour flight from the west coast of the USA, Honolulu is a vivacious hub of international travel and is a fantastic home base from which you can explore Hawaii’s many neighboring islands.

However the city is itself is also a fun and easy place for solo travelers to explore since it is home to iconic, tourist attractions like Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head State Park.

But if you’re looking to do something a bit more cultural, then you can always visit one of the area’s many historical attractions like Iolani Palace (the only royal palace in the United States), city hall, Chinatown, Aloha Tower, Pearl Harbor, and Ala Moana (the largest outdoor shopping mall in the Pacific). 

Additionally, Honolulu is a paradise for adventure lovers and has many different activities that solo travelers can enjoy, like water sports, hiking, biking, sailing, and climbing; all of which can be done as part of a group tour group or on your very own, DIY excursion.

However if food is more your thing, then you’ll love Honolulu’s food scene, which is a beautiful mixture of traditional, Hawaiian dishes with other, distinct, Asian cuisines, creating a cross-cultural feast of flavors that can be found throughout the city’s many different street food vendors, food courts, and fine dining venues.

So if you’re ready to visit Honolulu for yourself, then check out this post about some of the  top things you can do in Honolulu , and get some additional inspiration about what to see and do while on the island of Oahu.

3. New York City, New York

By: Claudia of My Adventures Across The World

New York is hands down, one of the best cities to travel alone in the US! I mean, after all, it was the immortal backdrop for the iconic show, Sex and the City! Which makes sense since this is the kind of place where a solo traveler never really feels alone.

No, really! There are just so many things to do, places to visit, shows to see, and events to attend that you never really have time to feel lonely.

Plus there are tons of classic things to do in New York , like see the Statue of Liberty, go on the Staten Island ferry, visit the Empire State Building (from where you can get breathtaking views of Manhattan), explore Central Park, stop by the MET (the Metropolitan Museum of Art), check out the Guggenheim, visit MOMA (Museum of Modern Art), and pay your respect at the National 9/11 Memorial and World Trade Center.

While you’re here I also recommend walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploring Brooklyn Heights, one of the nicest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Once here you’ll enjoy stunning, panoramic views of both Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge, another iconic bridge that connects downtown Manhattan with Brooklyn.

However if you’re looking for an excellent place to eat, then you can’t beat Olio e Piu, which is a nice Italian eatery in The Village. Zibetto Espresso Bar is also a fantastic place for an awesome cup of coffee in Midtown Manhattan.

And while New York does have some excellent accommodations, they can be quite costly. Therefore you may want to opt for an Airbnb instead of a regular hotel, especially since the experience will feel a bit more personable.

Plus if you can find a centrally located Airbnb in the East Village, then you’ll still have easy access to some of the best attractions, restaurants, and nightlife spots in the entire city.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

By: Meghan of Meghan the Traveling Teacher

Asheville is such a fun city to visit alone! Not only will you find plenty of likeminded people here, but you’ll also discover that a visit to this charming little mountain town can be super affordable too!

Additionally Asheville is located less than an hour from the Smoky Mountains, making it easy for visitors to go on incredible hikes and explore some of the region’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Personally though my favorite area is the Pisgah National Forest since you can go down a natural rock slide waterfall in the summer and marvel at the beautiful fall foliage here in the Autumn.

Because while you’re in Asheville, the mountains really are all around you in, which is why many locals, and travelers alike, will join hiking groups (you can find them on Facebook or MeetUp) and explore the plethora of different hiking trails around the city.

But, after all that hiking, you’ll probably be a little hungry! Which is perfect since Asheville has an amazing food and drink scene, with local favorites including restaurants like Tupelo Honey (Southern food), Corner Kitchen (American cuisine), and Curate (Spanish food).

So feel free to relax and go on an awesome brewery tour. Or, learn more about the city’s fascinating history at places like the Biltmore Estate and Omni Grove Park Hotel.  Because trust me! There really are a ton of fun and cheap things to do around Asheville, North Carolina.

5. Memphis, Tennessee

By: Clare of I live 4 Travel

Memphis is a city that is known for its music, making it the perfect place to experience some authentic Blue’s and Rock-n-Roll.

Which is why the one thing that you absolutely HAVE to do while in Memphis is visit Graceland , the former home of Elvis Presley.

During your visit not only will you get to see exactly what the mansion looked like on the day of Elvis’ death, but you’ll also get to view some of his lavish outfits and pay your respects at his gravesite.

While in the city you can also stop by the legendary Sun Studio , the birthplace of Rock-n-Roll, and hear the unique stories behind rock-n-roll legends like Turner, Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Roy Orbison, all of whom recorded albums here.

However if history and museums are more your thing, then you cannot leave Memphis without an eye-opening visit to the National Civil Rights Museum , a unique attraction that was built around the Lorraine Motel, the exact place where Martin Luther King was assassinated.

But Memphis is not just famous for its music. It’s also known for its unique style of barbecue, which can be enjoyed at Central BBQ , in downtown Memphis. And once you’ve had your fill of amazing BBQ take a nice, leisurely stroll down Beale Street and listen to some live music at one of the area’s many fantastic bars.

Yes Memphis really is the perfect city for solo female travelers since it’s safe, easy to get around, and home to a ton of different attractions that every type of solo traveler will love.

6. Madison, Wisconsin

By: Paulina of Paulina on the Road

Madison,  Wisconsin  is often overlooked by travelers who are searching for some of the top destinations in the United States. However the capital of Wisconsin is a great place to visit, especially if you’re traveling solo!

“Why?” you may rightly wonder. Well, this city has so many amazing activities for you to enjoy alone, like visiting the  Madison Historical Society , exploring the  Wisconsin State Capitol , or enjoying a scenic walk along Lake Mendota.

But if you don’t want to spend your entire time in Madison alone, then you can always visit one of the city’s many bars and restaurants, like  Madison Eleven Park , since this is an easy place to meet people, thanks in large part to nearby, Madison University.

And if you’re not sure where to stay while in Madison then you’ll be delighted to know that this amazing city has several different hostels, like the  HI Madison Hostel , that offer a wide array of activities for solo travelers to enjoy. 

7. San Francisco, California

By: Marina of Travel Eat Blog

San Francisco is one of my favorite places to travel solo since it’s a safe, vibrant city, that is also home to an amazing public transportation system.

I also love how unique every neighborhood in San Francisco is.

I mean it’s like each neighborhood has it’s very own, unique history; a history that you can personally experience while you’re there. That’s why, I would definitely recommend visiting one of the  most beautiful districts in San Francisco , the Marina/ Cow Hollow District.

While you’re here you’ll find a ton of different local shops, street bars, restaurants, and beaches, as well as some beyond exquisite views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The Palace of Fine Arts  is also in this area and a total must since you can pack yourself a little picnic lunch and enjoy it out in front of the pond here. You can also stroll through the park and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Similarly Chinatown is another must-see neighborhood, in downtown, San Francisco, that is filled with unique decorations,  colorful shops, historic street lights, vibrant hanging lanterns, and charming pagodas.

This area is also home to Chong Qing Xiao Mian, an amazing little Chinese restaurant that serves some of the best Sichuan noodles (beef noodles with pickled mustard) in the entire city. And for a fantastic, reasonably priced place to stay try some of the hotels near Union Square since they are centrally located and within close proximity of some fantastic entertainment, food, and shopping options.

8. Phoenix, Arizona

By: Nicole of American SW Obsessed

Best visited between October and March when the weather isn’t too hot, Phoenix is without a doubt one of the most underrated cities in the USA.

I mean not only is there a lot to do there, but it also makes a great home base from which you can explore the area’s many National Parks and Monuments.

Personally though my favorite part of Phoenix is Scottsdale since it is a real foodie’s paradise that has over 800 restaurants and cafes to choose from. And while a variety of different cuisines are represented here, I recommend sampling Scottsdale’s authentic Southwestern cuisine since it is a beautiful cross between Spanish, Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.

However to really enjoy dishes from as many restaurants as possible, I recommend joining one of the many amazing food tours that are offered by Arizona Food Tours .

While you’re here I would also recommend going on a hike along the Treasure Loop Trail since it a beginner’s trail that will take you through the Superstition Mountains (to the east of Phoenix) and provide you with breath-taking views of the surrounding area (When hiking in Phoenix, always start early in the morning and carry plenty of water).

9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

By: Derek and Mike of Robe Trotting

Philadelphia is a fantastic city for any type of traveler, but especially for solo female travelers since it is well-lit, safe, easy to get around, and has a ton of fun things to do , many of which are best enjoyed alone.

Philly is also known for its wealth of world-renowned art museums, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art , The Barnes Foundation , and The Rodin Museum .

However if science is more your thing, then you’ll love Philly’s Franklin Institute , as well as The Mutter Museum of Medical Oddities. Additionally, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens are another hidden gem that is well worth visiting since this fantastical place includes an exhibition of tile-mosaics that are spread throughout multiple city lots.

Now because Philadelphia is home to more street art murals than almost any other city in the United States, it is also a fantastic city to explore on foot.

And along the way you can also discover Philly’s Old City, and learn more about this city’s prominent. place in American history, with a visit to Independence Hall , The Liberty Bell , and The Constitution Center.

And for all the food lovers out there, no trip to Philly would be complete without sampling local favorites like a cheesesteak and a Philly soft pretzel. Plus most Philadelphia restaurants actually offer food service at the bar, which is the perfect place to dine when eating alone.

10. Disney World, Florida

By: Kris of Nomad By Trade

My first ever solo trip was to Disney World and I truly believe that it is the perfect place to start your very own, solo travel adventure.

I mean if you’re staying in Disney itself then all of your transportation (including from the airport to your hotel and from your hotel to the parks) is included with the cost of your stay.

Therefore you really don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting around by yourself or being alone at night. And with four theme parks, two water parks, and a shopping/dining district to enjoy, there’s plenty to keep you busy during your stay.

Plus not only do you get to plan your days exactly as you want them, visiting all of the top attractions that matter to you the most, but dining reservations and FastPasses are also much easier to come by when you’re traveling alone.

There are also official, Photopass photographers, stationed at all of the best Disney photo spots, who will help you take pictures, even if you don’t purchase photos directly from Disney so that you can come home with something other than a selfie.

Additionally several popular attractions now have designated, single rider lines that you can use to help reduce wait times, which is just one of the many reasons why I love visiting Disney World solo .

11. Santa Fe, New Mexico

By: Stella of Around the World in 24 Hours

Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the most pleasant and charming cities for a solo female traveler in the United States. First of all, it’s not a huge city. In fact, it’s not even the largest city in New Mexico, making it a relatively easy place for solo travelers to navigate.

Now because Santa Fe is the state capital, and one of the most historic cities in New Mexico, it has a wealth of cultural attractions and delicious restaurants that guests can enjoy.

That’s why the first stop for any solo female traveler in Santa Fe should be the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum , an institution that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the most famous American, female artist of all time.

However if you’re more interested in history, then you can always visit the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian , to learn more about New Mexico’s very first settlers, and the Palace of the Governors, to better understand the men and women who helped shape New Mexico’s past.

But, if you’re looking for a bit of relaxation then be sure to make an appointment at Santa Fe’s legendary Ten Thousand Waves Spa, where you can splurge on an all-day package, or save some money on one of their more affordable, female-only baths.

Also don’t miss the out on Santa Fe’s extraordinary restaurant scene, where you can go casual at Cafe Pasqual’s or enjoy something a bit more upscale at Restaurant Martin .

Either way Do NOT leave without trying the area’s famous, New Mexican green chiles! Because yes, they really are THAT GOOD!

12. Boise, Idaho

By: Kay of The Awkward Traveller

Like most of Idaho, Boise is a criminally underrated hidden gem in the United States. However that’s also part of the reason why this city is such a fantastic destination for solo female travelers.

I mean… Pull up those Tinder profiles ladies! HEYYYOOO.

But, aside from the top tier dating potential, this vibrant, college town hosts an array of fun pop up events that solo travelers will LOVE, like indie film showings, poetry slams, and trivia nights every day of the week.

Boise is also a microbrewery mecca of sorts, with some of my personal favorites including Sockeye Brewing and Boise Brewing.

Speaking of booze and food, Boise does a magnificent job of bringing the earthy goodness of Idaho’s treasure – the potato – to life in new and exciting ways.

So be sure to stop by Boise Fry Co, and sample some of the more than 20 sauces that accompany their endless array of potato types and fry cuts. Also and I hate to say it, but you really haven’t lived until you’ve eaten Idaho’s famous Butter Cake. So, definitely pick up a slice after a fantastic lunch (or dinner) at Fork !

And while Idaho has no National Parks to speak of, the natural areas that surround Boise are truly exquisite and full of enchanting waterfalls that are waiting to be discovered in places like Shoshone Falls and Craters of the Moon National Monument .

But if culture and learning is more your jam, then definitely check out one of the nation’s top nuclear labs at Atomic City. Or you could always decolonize your understanding of American history and take a trip to the Sacagawea Cultural Center, where you can learn all about the TRUE story behind the Lewis & Clark expedition.

13. Denver, Colorado

By: Meg of Fox in the Forest

When choosing some of the best places to travel alone in the US, Denver just HAS to be on your list!

I mean one of the BEST things about Denver, Colorado, is the fact that most of the residents here are actually from somewhere else. Yup! It’s an incredibly dynamic city full of transplants, that is home to a variety of different people from all across the USA.

And while the people of Denver are amazing, there are also a ton of fun things to do in Denver, like visit a top-notch brewery, catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, head to a museum, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of Denver’s many parks, or go on one of the many amazing  hikes near Denver.

If you can though be sure to rent a car (at least for a day) so that you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery or  Rocky Mountain National Park  or visit one of the many relaxing hot springs just outside of Denver.

Now although there a ton of different boutique hotels in Denver, one of the best places to stay for any solo female traveler is going to be an Airbnb.

And the Highlands, RiNo, and Capitol Hill are all perfect neighborhoods to stay in since there are plenty of small businesses, boutique shops, and restaurants here for visitors to explore.

14. Atlanta, Georgia

By: Allie of WOC Travel

Atlanta is a great destination for solo female travelers since there are a multitude of things to do here, that will satisfy people with a variety of different interests.

I mean from history to art to cultural activities to food, you will not run out of things to do here. And one of your very first stops here should be the Atlanta Botanical Gardens . 

Because one of the park’s most awe-inspiring, feature displays is that of the Earth Goddess, a 25-foot tall, living sculpture that consists of more than 18,000 annual plants that are used to create the structure’s beautiful face and hair.

Now, in addition to the botanical gardens, intrepid solo travelers can also enjoy the city’s famed World of Coke, Zoo Atlanta, Centennial Park, and the Aquarium, as well as a ton of different festivals that occur each weekend.

And if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Atlanta then I would definitely recommend the Midtown area since it’s in close proximity to multiple forms of public transportation.

There are also many fantastic restaurants, like South City Kitchen for brunch and Surin of Thailand for late-night dinner,  in this amazing neighborhood, as well as top attractions, like Piedmont Park (AKA the City of Atlanta’s premier green space).

15. Boston, Massachusetts

By: Retha of The Roaming Nanny

Boston is a great city for solo female travelers. Not only are there plenty of things to do here, year-round, but this city is also home to a fantastic, easy-to-use, network of public transportation.

That’s why I highly recommend a Boston itinerary of at least 3 days, if not more, since this will give you plenty of time to visit many of the city’s top attractions.

Because as someone who grew up nearby, I always tell visitors that they NEED to do two things while in Boston: Explore Boston Common and Public Gardens and Watch a baseball game at Fenway Park (or at least take a tour).

Trust me on this, the Common always has something going on, especially when the weather is nice and the flowers in the Public Gardens are in full bloom, There are also plenty of fun statues to discover, as well as a slew of Swan Boats that you MUST take a spin on.

And while I’m a HUGE baseball fan myself even if you’re not into the sport, you should still definitely watch the Red Sox play at Fenway Park (one of the oldest ballparks in the country) since it is always one hell of an experience.

So yeah just grab a hotdog, a beer, and some cheap tickets (they usually start at around $25-$35 apiece), so that you too can enjoy Boston’s immortal, boys of summer.

Now when searching for a place to stay in Boston, look no further than  HI Boston , which sits right near Boston Common, I promise this is an absolutely ideal location to stay in as it’s right near the Redline (which can get you anywhere in the city that you need to go) and is within walking distance of both Chinatown and the Theatre District.

This fantastic hostel also offers guests both private and shared rooms, as well as a complimentary breakfast every morning. 

16. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

By: Heather of RaulersonGirlsTravel

You wouldn’t immediately think of Myrtle Beach as a fantastic, solo female travel destination, but you should! Because not only is Myrtle Beach small enough for you to explore comfortably on your own, but there are also a ton of different things do there; so much so that you won’t have any idea what to do first.

So, to start, you can always do the obvious, and rent a lounge chair on the beach, while periodically dipping your toes in the water.

However, if all that relaxation gets a bit dull, you can always take a nice stroll along the beach, enjoy the 1.2-mile-long boardwalk here (with several piers that extend out into the ocean), and even stop at the legendary Bowery for some live music.

Plus, if you get hungry along the way you can always enjoy one of the numerous, beachside eateries here, which include Rip Tydz (known for their seafood) and Duffy’s (known for their incredibly sassy waitstaff).

But if you want an even bigger selection of restaurants to choose from, then just stop by Broadway at the Beach, which is also home to a local movie theater, an aquarium, speed boat rides, and various forms of nightlife.

And if you’re feeling REALLY adventurous, you could always rent a car and take a short drive to Brookgreen Gardens or go a bit further afield and explore the beautiful city of Charleston (If you don’t want to drive, you could always take an UBER too).

Now during my trip to Myrtle Beach, I enjoyed a lovely stay at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa , which sits right on the water. However there are plenty of hotels available here, with a variety of different price ranges, that are all within easy walking distance of the beach.

Which is just one of the many reasons why Myrtle Beach really does have everything you need for the perfect, weekend getaway as a solo female traveler.

17. Portland, Maine

By; Olivia of My Wandering Voyage

Portland, Maine, is an enchanting, east coast town that is filled with historic, red brick buildings and seafood restaurants as far as the eye can see.

Add in a BEYOND friendly atmosphere and you have the perfect destination for solo travelers. But what really makes Portland, Maine special is the fact that it has been named both the craft brew capital of the United States and the restaurant city of the year in 2018. 

Therefore expect more eateries here, per capita, than in any other city in the US, except for San Francisco of course! And some of the most amazing, foodie hot spots that you’ll just HAVE  to try while you’re in town include  Bite into Maine ,  The Highroller Lobster Co ., Portland Lobster Co.,  J’s Oysters , and Eventide Oyster Co. for delicious seafood and incredible fresh lobster. 

Next wash all that delicious food down with some great cocktails at  Vena’s Fizz House , mead from Maine Mead Works, delicious gin from  Hardshore Distilling Company , or a pint from one of the town’s many craft breweries.

While in Portland you’ll also want to explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Port, do a bit of shopping on Exchange Street, enjoy the views from Munjoy Hill, or watch the boats go by at the Historic Waterfront. 

However the real highlight of any trip to Portland, Maine are the series of quaint lighthouses that surround the city, the most famous of which is the  Portland Head Lighthouse . See there really is so much to see and do, that you’ll definitely want to plan a fun  weekend in Portland ! 

18. Salt Lake City, Utah

By: Rachelle of Adventure is Never Far Away

Salt Lake City, Utah, is the PERFECT destination for solo female travelers in the USA!   Known as the biggest little town in the west, Salt Lake City has something to satisfy the wanderlust in every type of traveler.  

So If you’re an adrenaline junkie, why not take to the sky and go skydiving or paragliding? Or If you’re a rock climber, why not explore one of the numerous slot canyons and sheer faces that surround the city?

And if you visit during winter, well, then be sure to take advantage of the best snow on earth and test your skills at one of Salt Lake City’s world-class ski resorts.

Because with a wealth of restaurants, interactive museums, sporting events, and festivals for solo travelers to experience, the variety of different activities here will always keep you coming back for more.

Plus not only is Salt Lake City easy to navigate, but it’s also one of the safest capital cities in the entire United States.  

So much so that residents always welcome visitors and even look out for solo travelers, guaranteeing that anyone who visits will have an amazing time. Salt Lake City also has the added benefit of having hotels outposts for most major chains and being home to a diverse array of AirBnB options.  

That’s why for a more socially engaging travel experience, be sure to stay at the new SLC Hostel, which is located just a mile from downtown, right across the street from the city’s light rail system; making this hostel the perfect jumping-off location for exploration further afield.

19. Las Vegas, Nevada

By: Jordan of The Solo Life

A surprisingly fun city to visit as a solo traveler is Las Vegas, Nevada. And although unexpected there are a number of exciting things to do for anyone who wants to solo travel Las Vegas.

Now of course there’s gambling in Vegas, as well as shopping, seeing a show, or simply people-watching along The Strip; all of which can be enjoyed as a solo traveler.   And because there are so many people around, and so much security at all of the city’s major hotels and casinos, Las Vegas never really feels unsafe, which is something that is important to any solo traveler.

Another great thing about Las Vegas is that it’s pretty reasonably priced, at least if you’re not a gambler.  

Additionally there are a ton of different day trips that you can take from the city, to places like the Hoover Dam and even the Grand Canyon .

However for a fun and totally unique solo activity, try booking a tour at the  Neon Museum , a place that collects and restores neon signs, in order to tell the story of Las Vegas’ dynamic past.  

Once inside visitors can see a multitude of historic signs, and all while learning more about them from a dedicated guide.   So whether you’re a gambler, a fan of live shows, or an avid, outdoor enthusiast, Las Vegas really does have something to offer every type of solo traveler. 

20. Cincinnati, Ohio

By: Sage of Everyday Wanderer

Easy to navigate and with plenty to see and do, Cincinnati is an amazing Midwest destination for solo travelers.

I mean, I explored the city solo from before dawn until well after dusk and always felt safe, which is why I think that Queen City is one of the best places to travel alone in the US.

Founded in the mid-1800s by immigrants from Prussia, Bavaria, and Saxony, Cincinnati’s so-called, “Over the Rhine” neighborhood has a great, central location and is full of one-of-a-kind boutiques, delicious restaurants, and local breweries that are al just waiting to be explored.

And if you enjoy learning about the past then discover the dark and sobering history of slavery in America at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Cente r.  

Next lighten things up a bit at the American Sign Museum , which is home to the largest collection of vintage, 1900s era signs in the United States, including a two-ton McDonald’s sign and a fiberglass Big Boy.

From here take a stroll along the Ohio River, at Smale Riverfront Park, admire some the city’s 140 street art murals, and walk across the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, a structure that connects Ohio with Kentucky and that offers visitors unparalleled views of the entire city.  

But no trip to Cincinnati would be complete without enjoying a nice, big, bowl of Skyline Chili , nestled atop a bed of spaghetti, and a scoop of black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream from Graeter’s . Conversely, you could also kick start your day with breakfast at Maplewood Kitchen and Bar , where the menu highlights locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.  

Afterwards check out the gourmet hot dogs at The Senate, which should be closely followed by a visit to Bakersfield , where you can enjoy some of the city’s best street tacos and drinks (preferably ones with tequila or whiskey).  

21. Charleston, South Carolina

By: Michelle of The Wandering Queen

Charleston, South Carolina is without a doubt, one of the best cities in the USA for solo travelers.   Not only is this town an incredibly, Instagrammable place, filled with historic, pastel-colored homes, but it’s also known for its wealth of delicious seafood and is famed for its one of a kind, southern hospitality.

However Charleston is also home to some wonderfully, delectable cuisine that anyone traveling alone in Charleston will love.

So much so that it can be extremely difficult to get reservations at some of the city’s top eateries, like Edmunds, Oast,  Prohibition, Magnolias, and Husk.

And when it comes to deciding where to stay in Charleston, I highly recommend the downtown area since it is a pedestrian-friendly, centrally located neighborhood, that is within easy walking distance of iconic places like Waterfront Park, Marion Square Farmers Market, King Street shopping center, Historic Charleston City Market, Battery Park, Rainbow Row, and White Point Gardens.  

Before you leave though Do NOT forget to take some Instagram shots at Rainbow Row and the Pineapple fountain since both places are incredibly photogenic. But regardless of what fun things you do in Charleston , you’ll definitely fall heard over heels in love with this charming, pastel-hued city.

22. Miami, Florida

By: Inna of Executive Thrillseekers

As a solo traveler you’ll first need to decide what part of Miami you’d like to stay in, either Miami or Miami Beach, since these are two completely different areas.

See Miami is a fairly typical city, filled with residential buildings, business centers, skyscrapers, hubs of public transportation, two airports (Miami International & Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport), restaurants, clothing stores, parks and basically anything else you can think of.

In contrast Miami Beach is located on an island and feels like an entirely different city with its own, unique vibe. So, you may want to visit as part of your New York to Miami road trip .

That’s why this place feels more like a cozy little resort town, with a variety of different low-rise buildings, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs for you to check out. There are also groves of beautiful palm trees here that sit nestled along the magnificent, 10-Mile beach.  

Therefore if you can, do try and make the most of your time here by staying at a hotel right on Miami Beach, with 24-hour concierge service, just so that you can feel a little safer. Now there are are also plenty of amazing places to visit in Miami , like:

• Bayside Mall – A beautiful, cozy street along the bay that is home to a ton of different shops and restaurants.
• Bayfront Park – A stunning park on Biscayne Bay that hosts a variety of different local events and shows.
• Miami Zoo – Occupying more than 750 acres, this is considered one of the best zoos in the country and is home to more than 500 different species of animals.
• Wynwood – An artsy neighborhood filled with street art murals, theaters, art studios, museums, and designer clothing stores. 

And while 90% of travelers visit Miami to relax on the beach, and enjoy some of the island’s many famed nightclubs, as a solo traveler,   do be careful and take the same precautions that you would in any major city.

23. New Orleans, Louisiana

By: Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan

New Orleans is typically viewed as a party town, a place where you can go with a group of friends and have a wild time.  

But can you actually enjoy the Big Easy as a solo traveler?   Yes, absolutely!   Because honestly, one of the most amazing things about New Orleans is the iconic, Southern hospitality that you’ll experience from locals.  

I mean it’s totally normal for random strangers to strike up a conversation with you. That’s why it’s incredibly easy for solo travelers to make new friends here.   Plus New Orleans locals will be quick to lend a hand if you look like you’re lost or are in need of some help.

Another great way for you to meet people is through a walking tour, during which you can admire the beautiful architecture of exquisite neighborhoods like the French Quarter, the Garden District, and Faubourg Marigny.  

Other interesting tour options through the city include cemetery tours and plantation tours.   But if you opt for the latter, be sure to choose one that goes to Whitney Plantation, which has been converted into a very insightful museum about slavery.

And if official tours aren’t really your thing then you can always just wander around the city and enjoy the live music scene here, since you’ll find lots of musicians performing along the streets of the French Quarter.

That being said Frenchmen Street is typically where most locals go to enjoy some live music, and you might want to do the same.

Additionally there are also some amazing restaurants in New Orleans  that serve up traditional, Cajun-style dishes, some of which are available in gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan variations.

And if you’re going to drink while in New Orleans, please do so responsibly and limit yourself to a couple of cocktails.  But if you’re not comfortable drinking alone, then you can always join one of the many pub crawls or cocktails tours through the city .  

24. Washington D.C.

By: Richa of My Ticklefeet

The capital city of the US will take you beyond politics and into a world full of history, fun, and adventure.  

Now, in my opinion, the best time to visit is during the Spring, when you can see all of the beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC .

Washington D.C. really is amazing at any time of the year since there are a ton of different attractions here that you can happily enjoy alone. From dozens of free Smithsonian museums to National monuments to tours of government buildings, like Capitol Hill, the White House, the Library of Congress, etc., this magical city really does have it all.

And If you’re visiting during the Spring or Summer seasons, then don’t forget to check out some of the free summer festivals that take place, almost every weekend, throughout the city.   Plus many of the embassies in the city will actually open their doors to the public and host various, cultural events during the month of May.

But given the number of tourists and amount of traffic in the city, I’d recommend using either public transport or shared car services to navigate the city (Also, don’t forget to pack a pair of extra comfortable sneakers since you’ll be doing a lot of walking).

I’d also recommend staying in either the downtown area near China town or near the National Mall since both of these areas are extremely close to many of D.C.’s top attractions.

25. Savannah, Georgia

By: Marta and Milosz of Backpackers.WRO

Located in the Southeastern part of the United States, Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and is a perfect destination for anyone who loves history or who wants to explore famous locations from their favorite books and movies.

However no trip to Savannah would complete without a visit to the city’s historic center, a charming, incredibly safe place that is easy for solo travelers to explore.

You could happily spend hours here, walking amongst the historic buildings and the enormous oak trees, with their characteristic Spanish moss.

While you’re here you can also visit a wealth of different filming locations and sit on Forest Gump’s bench in Chippewa Square, visit the house from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , or explore the wedding chapel, on Tybee Island, from The Last Song .

Also don’t forget to sample some local delicacies from the famous confectionery – Byrd Cookie Company.   Trust me, the selection of goodies here is huge, with the Scottish Oatmeals being my personal favorite.  

You also can’t miss River Street Sweet, which is home to the most famous candy store in all of Savannah (No matter what, get the beyond delicious pralines).

And if you can, do try and visit River Street in the evening, when you can listen to live music, get a hot dog from a food truck, and grab a local souvenir.

26. Blue Ridge, Georgia

By: Bret of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

Located in northern Georgia, at the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains , is the tiny town of Blue Ridge.

Encompassing a mere 2.4 square miles of land, and with a population of less than 1500 people, this quaint village sits adjacent to the Tennessee River watershed in the north and the Alabama River watershed in the south.

Blue Ridge is also surrounded by the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and offers visitors endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.  

Which is precisely what makes this friendly, welcoming town such a great place for solo travelers.  

Love hiking?   Then explore the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and check out some of the gorgeous waterfalls that can be found in the Vogel and Amicalola Falls State Parks.  

Enjoy being near the water?   Then stop by Lake Blue Ridge and do some fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, or boating. You could also try tubing or fly fishing, for freshwater trout, along the Ellijay and Toccoa Rivers.

Additionally there are plenty of cozy mountain cabins that are available for rent, as well as some amazing hotels that you can stay in, like the Douglas Inn and the historic Blue Ridge Inn B&B.   This quaint little town also has some fantastic restaurants for you to enjoy, like Mike’s Trackside BBQ, Harvest on Main, and the aptly-named Southern Charm.  

Whatever you do though be sure to take a ride on the famous, 125- year-old, Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. It takes visitors on a picturesque, 13-mile journey along the beautiful Toccoa River, to the twin border towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee.

27. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs, Arkansas is one of the best places to travel alone in the US. This spot is famous for its hot springs. Duh! No brainer right! I’m sure the name gave it away. Anyways, if you want some alone time where you can unwind and just connect with yourself, then this is the place to visit.

Just think about going to Bathhouse Row which has 8 bath houses. These date back to the early 19th and 20th century and make great places for a solo stop. Otherwise head to Garvan Woodland gardens for a nice leisurely stroll. The bonsai garden has a lot to see!

If that’s not something you want to do, swap Garvan Woodland gardens with Hot Springs National park. A great tip is to head to the visitor center at Fordyce Bathhouse. It offers free tours of the National park. Once you are done hiking along the trails, you head back to Bathhouse row for another soak!

28. Seattle, Washington

Seattle is one of the big cities that are perfect for anyone who is interested in traveling alone in the US. First off, it has all the amenities that every big city has. Think of museums, amazing food, good shopping, lots of great restaurants and more. One of the top things to do in Seattle is to head to the top of the Space Needle. This is where you will get a bird’s eye view of the Seattle skyline. 

Don’t forget to head to Pike Place Market. It is always bustling and it will definitely make you feel like one with the crowd. Here you can get a lot of great handmade souvenirs, amazing local food and more. While you are there, make sure not to forget the underground speciality shops!

Now if you want to get away from the city, then head to Olympic National Park where you can enjoy the calm forests and trails. Hiking is something that is popular in the region but make sure that you check the weather before you head out on the trails!

Best Places To Travel Alone In The US FAQ

How do you travel alone for the first time in the us.

Traveling alone in the US can be daunting when you are heading out for your first trip. The best thing to do is follow a few rules to ensure that you are safe. For one, make sure to arrive at your destination early. Try to not reach after dark. This will allow you to check in at your accommodation and to check out your neighborhood. Other tips are”

• Always let someone know where you will be.
• Always and I mean always have travel insurance .
• Carry your hotel’s address/business card.
• Never tell anyone where you are staying.

Can A Girl Travel Alone In The USA?

Yes by all means! I have traveled solo across the US so many times. It is safe as long as you are sensible about your interactions with others. 

At What Age Can You Travel Alone In The USA?

Generally airlines allow children above the age of 5 to travel alone. Children between the age of 5-11 will however have parental permission and you have to check with the airlines before traveling.

TADA ! OUR MISSION TO FIND THE 26 BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL ALONE IN THE US IS NOW COMPLETE!

I hope you found this list moderately inspiring because, gosh darn it, i know i did., sure, i’ve been to a couple of these cities, but most of them are still totally new to., so, if you need me, i’ll be living my best life on one of these  hella awesome, solo vacations, and if this list of epic, solo trips has left you longing for some usa solo travel, then pin this now and read it again later.

Fares Match

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

I read a lot of Blog Post on Solo Travel but this blog are really intresting and I never read blog topic like this. Your writing skill Awesome!

girlwiththepassport

Thanks so much for reading.

Friday 4th of February 2022

I liked the post, very interesting and well written, I really needed to know about Solo Travel in the USA, thanks for sharing :D!

Thanks for the comment and so glad you found the post useful. Thanks for reading.

Monday 8th of February 2021

This is such a great list! Philadelphia and Phoenix are personally high on my list of upcoming places to check out. I'll definitely save these suggestions for the future!

Tuesday 23rd of February 2021

Oh awesome! Thanks for reading Courtney and so glad you found this article helpful.

Saturday 4th of January 2020

This is such an awesome post! I'd always discounted traveling solo in the US - not from choice, but because I don't drive and thought that'd be a problem. I'm seeing now that I had a lot more options than I thought! Thank you! <3

Thanks for reading! Yeah, there are a TON of solo travel options for anyone in the United States. Just so much to do and so little time, per usual.

As a solo traveller, I’m definitely adding lots of these places to my list! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for reading and so glad that you found this post useful.

Privacy Overview

25 Best Places To Travel Alone In the US – An Epic Bucket List

The US is one of the best destinations in the world for travelling solo . Some of the reasons being – easy to meet travellers, safety is not an issue, and the connectivity is excellent. In this post, globetrotters and travel bloggers have shared  the best places to travel alone in the US  – a mix of cities, each uniquely offering plenty of experiences for solo travelers.

In the United States, you will find megacities encompassing skylines adorned with multi-storeyed buildings coexisting with beautiful national parks, home to abundant wildlife, gorgeous waterfalls, alluring valleys and dense forests, making it one of the most diverse, culturally and historically rich countries in the world. 

From hiking in the spectacular mountains to camping under the stars to road-tripping across the country – there is nothing that you can’t enjoy in this part of America!

So go ahead and get to know more about this beautiful country to add cities to your solo travel bucket list!

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Best Places to Travel Alone in the US

Denver, colorado.

When it comes to solo travel, picking a destination where you feel safe and welcome is paramount. Luckily, many United States destinations fit the bill.

But if you are looking for one of the best places to travel alone in the US that also comes along with a healthy dash of Midwestern friendliness, then a  trip to Denver, Colorado , is an option you must explore.

When it comes to things to do in the “Mile High City” (as Denver is known), there are tons of fantastic options.

Popular attractions in the downtown area include the new and improved  Union Station , Denver’s famous  16th Street Mall , and standing precisely one mile high at the  Colorado Capitol Building . 

Recommended tour: Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park Tour from Denver

Colorado is also well known for being an outdoor recreation lover’s dream .

So, if that describes you, then you will love all the incredible hiking trails, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, or even getting a workout in at one of Denver’s many city parks .

They are all fantastic activities to do solo, while still allowing you to mingle with like-minded people.

Where to stay in Denver?

As you are planning your trip, a solid hotel recommendation is  The Westin Downtown Denver .

It is located smack dab in the middle of the 16th street mall, is reasonably priced, has an incredible rooftop pool, and is under the reliable Marriott brand.

Or, if you are looking for a more local option,  Courtyard Downtown Denver  is Denver’s original boutique hotel.

– Kara Patterson, Destination Live Life

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is one of the best places to travel alone in the US for many reasons. At the top of the list, Utah’s capital is one of the safest cities for solo travelers to wander around alone.

It’s also a picturesque place that sits in a valley surrounded by mountains. The biggest city in Utah has a friendly small-town vibe, and it’s a comfortable place to meet locals. 

Among the  things to do in Salt Lake City  are visiting museums, admiring the unique architecture, and learning about its history which dates back to the first settlers who came in 1847. 

If you love history, the landmarks in Salt Lake City are well preserved. Start at Temple Square , the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), which has grand buildings and lovely grounds.

Other unusual things to do in Salt Lake City are skiing or hiking at Park City (20 minutes away), and visiting the quirky Gilgal Garden to see giant body part sculptures and biblical scriptures.

Recommended tours: Salt Lake City Big City Loop Bike Tour

Take an Instagram shot of the “Up” house , which is a replica of the Disney and Pixar movie. For the best view, hike up to Ensign Peak behind the State Capitol building. 

Where to stay in Salt Lake City?

The best place to stay is in the city centre, within walking distance of many of Salt Lake City’s sites. Two hotels are the Hilton Salt Lake City Center and Salt Lake City Marriott City Center .

-Christina Pfeiffer, Travel2Next

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Mobile, Alabama

The Southern states of the US are famous for their hospitality, and nowhere is that more true than in the charming coastal City of Mobile, Alabama .

It is one of the best places to travel alone in the US as you won’t have any trouble making friends with the locals here because it’s quite common for Mobilians to say hello and even strike up a conversation with strangers they pass on the street.

Mobile is a calmer, quieter alternative to New Orleans and offers many of the same attractions, without so much raucous partying and with significantly less violent crime.

Even though it’s now part of Alabama, Mobile was founded by the French and was the original capital of the French Louisiana Territory.

It means you’ll see similar architecture with beautiful wrought-iron balconies and antebellum mansions built by plantation owners. 

Recommended tour: Evening Food Tour of Old Mobile’s Culinary History

They celebrate Mardi Gras here too! Parades run day and night for about two weeks in the leadup to Fat Tuesday, usually in late February or early March. Then a bit later in March is another local celebration, the Azalea Trail Festival.

Local high school girls dress up as Southern belles and welcome visitors to the City to see the pink and white azalea blooms.

At other times of the year, you can visit the USS Alabama battleship or the historic Fort Condé. And be sure to try the local specialities in  Mobile’s restaurants . 

Where to stay in Mobile?

As for where to stay in Mobile, The Malaga Inn is a beautiful antebellum townhouse in a great location downtown.

-Wendy Werneth, The Nomadic Vegan

Miami, Florida

Arty and cultural Miami in Florida is one of the best cities in the United States for solo travel.

Whether you like street art, food, or relaxing on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you busy in this refreshing and colourful City.

The surrounding neighbourhood of South Beach is perfect for a beach day. Even if you’re alone, it’s safe to leave your belongings on the sand while going for a dip.

Recommended tour: Miami Sightseeing City Tour

For a tasty but cheap eating in the area, head to Sriracha House for delicious Asian food. Afterwards, eat an indulgent rainbow doughnut at Happy Place Donuts.

Other exciting areas in Miami include Little Havana, the most prominent Cuban neighborhood outside of Cuba.

For the  best food in Little Havana , start with a Cuban sandwich at Old Havana Restaurant, then finish with gelato at Azucar Ice Cream.

The other excellent place to check out in Miami is Wynwood Walls .

This area was once run-down but is now one of the city’s most colourful and vibrant parts, with static art galleries to check out and colourful murals all around the neighbourhood.

Recommended: Miami: Little Havana Walking Food Tour with Lunch

Where to stay in Miami?

The best place to stay in Miami for solo travellers is South Beach , in particular, Beds’ n’ Drinks Hostel which, despite the name, is a relaxed place to stay with a beautiful outdoor seating area.

With a hearty breakfast buffet that will keep you full all day, it’s also a good place for meeting other travellers.

– Rose Munday, Where Goes Rose

Honolulu, Hawai

One of the best places to travel alone in the US is Hawaii . With a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities living on the islands and visitors traveling from all around the world, Hawaii is welcoming and really offers Aloha to everyone that visits, including solo travelers. 

The main hub for visitors to the islands is usually Oahu and Honolulu airport – a busy metropolitan area that contains world-famous Waikiki and the lovely beach areas. 

Honolulu is a vast area of the urban oasis and green tropical zones that combine city and cultural treasures, lovely nature, beautiful landscapes and stunning vista points, making it one of the best travelling cities.

There are plenty of  things to do in Honolulu . The City is easily accessible and walkable too.

You can take public transportation everywhere or catch Uber rides to more outlying areas worth visiting, including  Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor . 

Visit the historic district in the downtown area encompassing  Chinatown , museums, the  Lolani Palace , the Capitol building , and other historic sites. 

If you are an outdoors and adventure lover, you can have your choice of Kayaking, Snorkelling , sailing, scuba diving to on-land pursuits like hiking, biking, mountain climbing to more extreme adventure sports.

Recommended tour: Oahu Submarine Scooter Adventure

Foodie lovers can visit farmers markets , food truck venues, food courts, and even fun oceanside bars and beautiful dining venues to choose an international variety of dishes along with favourite local dishes to choose from.

If you want to see the rest of the island with visits to scenic coastlines and views, gorgeous beaches, and western towns with a tropical vibe, rent a car or take a guided circle island tour to get a flavour of the real part of Oahu and the beautiful landscape around the island .

Where to stay in Honolulu?

One of the best areas to stay in Honolulu is Waikiki, which has plenty of hotels and guesthouses in all budget ranges. I’d recommend Marine Surf Waikiki 17th Floor , close to the beach with excellent views.

-Noel Morata, This Hawaii Life

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City is a great place to dip your toes in on solo travel in the United States. The city has a vibrant downtown but it’s also a big road trip destination since it’s one of the  major cities on Route 66.  

For solo travelers who love driving alone, OKC is the perfect destination since it’s one of the largest cities in the US by land. 

Make sure to visit the  Lake Hefner Lighthouse ,  Bricktown , and the  Wheeler Ferris Wheel .

A really popular thing to do in OKC during the season is to go to an  Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game  and then go out in Bricktown afterward. 

Other fun but more off-beat things to do in Oklahoma City include heading down to the  Paseo Arts District  or  Automobile Alley  as well as eating at one of the city’s great restaurants in the Asian District.

There are also tons of great OKC Instagram spots you can visit to get gorgeous travel photography, including lots of great views and cute cafes to explore. 

If you love museums, check out the  Oklahoma City Museum of Art  and the  National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum . 

Where to stay in Oklahoma?

Check out The Skirvin Hilton Hotel Oklahoma City , one of the best historic hotels in the city of Oklahoma.

-Stephanie Craig, Oklahoma Wonders

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Phoenix, Arizona

Located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix , AZ is one of the coolest places to travel solo in the United States.

The City has a little bit of everything from delicious eats to picturesque hikes, beautiful architecture and cool art. 

Hiking  is a pastime in the Phoenix area, just remember to start early during the warmer months, and you’ll love it. 

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Papago Park  is known for its Hole in the Rock hike where you can climb the rock; it’s also a great place to view the sunset.

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Plus there’s even a fishing pond! If you’re into more strenuous hikes,  Camelback Mountain  also offers a fantastic view of the Phoenix valley. 

Phoenix also has a great art and architecture scene. You’ll find beautifully painted murals throughout the City as well as museums and renowned architecture.

Recommended tour: Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Phoenix

Visit  Taliesin West , once Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and architecture school, today it is still a school, but it’s also a museum for architecture lovers.

You’ll love  spending a few days in Phoenix , and you’ll want to return over and over again. 

As a Southwestern state, Arizona and Phoenix specifically, are well known for their Southwestern cuisine. You’ll find Mexican food everywhere, including tacos, Menudo, Sonoran hot dogs, and so much more. 

Where to stay in Phoenix?

The AC Hotel Phoenix is a fantastic place to stay. The rooms are luxurious for the price. It is so close to Papago Park that you can see it from the pool area!

Constance, The Adventures of Panda Bear

San Diego, California

San Diego is one of the perfect Cities for Solo Travel in the US. Why? It is incredibly safe, and there is a ton of things to do in San Diego.

The crime rate in San Diego is extremely low, despite being such a large city. In most tourist areas, it is no problem to walk around at night and feel safe.

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I have lived here for many years and here are some of the highlights that you can’t miss: 

Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter:  Just in Downtown San Diego, there is so much to do and explore. If you want to party, go to the  Gaslamp Quarters for fun bars and clubs and some of the best restaurants in San Diego .

If you are interested in museums, head to the countless museums in  Balboa Park  or visit the  USS Midway aircraft carrier . For animal lovers, you can go whale watching. 

Recommended tour: San Diego Harbor Cruise

Beach towns:  The beach towns in San Diego have a very laid back and casual vibe.  Pacific Beach  is the party beach town,  Ocean beach  is famous for its laid back Hippie vibe, and Mission Beach is beautiful for vacation rentals and families. 

Recommended – 15 Beautiful Waterfalls in San Diego You Should Add To Your Itinerary

Where to stay in San Diego?

I would recommend staying Downtown , especially if you don’t have a car. You can explore a lot on foot or use public transport. The ITH Hostel in San Diego Downtown is a great budget-friendly option in a perfect location. 

If you want a hotel, but are still budget-friendly, take a look at the Urban Boutique Hotel , which is just slightly more expensive and also in a great location. 

– Maria Haase,   San Diego Explorer

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Seattle, Washington

Seattle is one of the best cities to travel alone in the US. The Pacific Northwest is an extraordinary region, and Seattle represents that well.

It’s surrounded by mountains and water on all sides with a delicious food scene and outdoor activities in every direction. 

Seattle offers so much to a solo traveller. From food and drinks to outdoor activities and museums. If you’re wondering  what to do in Seattle  besides eat and drink, there’s a lot for you to discover.

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One must-visit attraction is Seattle’s primary market –  Pike Place Market . It’s catered to tourists but is still a great stop with a diversity of food stalls and vendors throughout the market.

Recommended tour: Premier 3-Hour Seattle City Tour

Another excellent solo trip is heading to the  Museum of Pop Culture . It’s a quirky museum designed to be a tribute to all things pop culture from the past. The museum will bring back some good and cringe-worthy memories. 

If you’re more into true art, then the  Chihuly Garden  and  Glass exhibition  may be more your speed. It’s a display of glass sculptures from artist Dale Chihuly.

The sculptures are all sizes and shapes and will take your breath away. 

Another great idea is to book a ride through Puget Sound  using the Washington State ferry or a private company.

It’s easy to take the ferry to  Bainbridge Island , where the natural wonder of the region is amazing to explore first-hand.

Where to stay in Seattle?

One of the most interesting neighborhoods in Seattle is Capital Hill .

It’s the perfect area to stay if you want to meet other travellers because it’s the center of the City’s nightlife scene and full of coffee shops, boutiques, and eateries. 

The Downtown is full of great hotels, but if you want to be in the middle of it all, State Hotel is close to all the action.

-Derek Hartman, Robe Trotting

San Francisco, California

If you’re longing to visit America but are worried about traveling alone, San Francisco is a great place to start as the lively, vibrant city is a wonderful place that welcomes solo travelers.

The arty, laid-back vibe of San Francisco makes it a safe place to travel, and unlike visiting LA or New York, you’re much more likely to be able to strike up a conversation with someone in a coffee shop or museum!

San Francisco has a whole host of epic tourist attractions which are must-sees –  The Golden Gate Bridge , Fisherman’s Wharf , Alcatraz Island , riding the cable car , Lombard Street , and Chinatown . 

Recommended tour: San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

There are also some more offbeat attractions such as unique museums and galleries,  the wave organ at the Marina ,  poetry evenings in the City Lights Bookstore , the sculptures along the  Embarcadero boulevard,  and enough quirky coffee shops and restaurants to keep you entertained for years!

Where to stay in San Francisco?

If you’re traveling to San Francisco solo (and want to meet new people), I suggest staying in one of the city’s cool hostels such as Hi San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel in Marina District or the more upmarket FOUND Hotel/Hostel . 

They always have such a range of people (all ages and nationalities) so you’re bound to find someone you connect with, and if you still want your own space then FOUND offers private Superior Queen Rooms too.

Chrysoula Manika, Travel Passionate

Boston, Massachusetts

The Oldest City in America, Boston , has many feathers on its cap.   It is one of the biggest cities in the country, but it is among the most walkable cities – thanks to its large town-like ambience.

Rich in history and many things to offer, Boston is also one of the best places to travel alone in the US. 

Recommended – 40 FUN THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON AT NIGHT

You have plenty of things to do in the City – Be it just gorging on food from local markets, going on a heritage trail, sailing at the waterfront, or just lazing at the park, Boston gives you multiple options to choose. 

If you are a history lover, then  Boston’s freedom trail   is for you.

The trail takes you through prominent landmarks and talks of the American Revolution that took place to throw British colonies out of their land.

Remember the Boston tea party which we studied in our history classes? So you get to see all that. It is a pleasant 3km walk, and the trail is marked by red tiles running around the City. 

A little away from the trail’s end lies the  Prudential Tower , the top of which gives you a 360-degree view of the City. On a clear day, you get to see flights taking off the Boston airport, and other far off islands. 

Recommended tour: Boston Duck Boat Sightseeing City Tour with Cruise Along Charles River

Walk into the  Boston Public Market  to see local producers selling fresh veggies and all kinds of groceries.

And for some good food, walk along the pier and fine dine. Or there is always  Faneuil Hall Marketplace  for a variety of American and Mexican food. 

When in Boston, never forgot to have chunky juicy Lobster, for which Boston is known, and even just a sandwich with it is heavenly. Boston is well connected by the subway and has buses.

Where to stay in Boston?

Some of the best neighbourhoods in Boston are near Back Bay Station, The North End, The South End, Harvard Square, and Brookline, each offering a different experience. In Back Bay, the recommended hostel is Hi Boston Hostel .

If you prefer a single bedroom apartment, Cozy & Stylish Newbury Street Studio, #9 and Stylish Newbury Street Studio, #11 are excellent.

Chittra,  Masala Box

Washington DC

How could you travel to the United States without discovering its famous capital? Washington, DC is so much more than just the White House.

One of the best places to travel alone in the US, the City is full of exciting culture, fascinating history, and breathtaking architecture.

In general, Washington, DC, is a safe and easy-to-discover city and, therefore, perfect for solo travelers.

When I arrived in Washington, DC, I was surprised at how easy it is to walk to many of the City’s attractions. 

When visiting Washington DC , don’t miss the National Mall, which is located in the centre of the City.

You can also discover the  Lincoln Memorial   here. Not only known from Martin Luther King’s famous speech but also in the movie Forest Gump.

Recommended tour: Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

Also, there are a lot of impressive museums to discover, which cover almost every subject. Many of them are even free of admission.

But a visit to the  Georgetown district  is also worthwhile. Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the fantastic view.

You could easily forget that you are actually in the capital of one of the world’s largest countries. In the popular  Park Dumbarton Oaks , you will find plenty of rest.

Where to stay in Washington, DC?

If you are traveling alone as a woman, you can book accommodation near the centre so that you don’t have to rely on public transport.

One of the most popular areas for travellers is the neighbourhood around the National Mall. Some of the recommended places to stay in Washington in this area are Hotel Harrington and Luxury Rentals National Mall DC .

-Vicki Viaja,  Sweet Vida Home

Best Places to travel alone in the US – Offbeat Cities

Milwaukee, wisconsin.

Milwaukee typically is not the first place people think to travel to as it’s often overlooked because of its proximity to the more famous Chicago.

However, it’s actually one of the excellent cities for solo travelers in the US because there are so many things to do, prices are dirt cheap for a major city, and Milwaukeeans are very friendly and welcoming.

Milwaukee is a great solo travel destination, especially if you’re into summer festivals, beer, and friendly locals. 

Recommended: Discover Iconic Milwaukee Tour

While traveling solo in Milwaukee, one thing you’ll want to do is go  brewery hopping .

Milwaukee is known for being built on beer, so check out a bunch of the local breweries. Some recommendations are  Lakefront Brewery for the tour  and Dead Bird for delicious vegan food and beer. 

You should also check out all the festivals if you’re visiting Milwaukee in summer, and go for a walk downtown around the Riverwalk. 

Great day trips from Milwaukee are  Lapham Peak, Madison, and Green Bay  if you’re looking to get out of Milwaukee for a day.

Where to stay in Milwaukee?

If you are traveling solo to Milwaukee and want to stay at a hostel, check out the newly built Cream City Hostel in the eclectic Riverwest neighborhood. It will help you visit the real Milwaukee at a confluence of different neighborhoods. 

If hostels aren’t your thing, go for The Iron Horse Hotel in Walker’s Point, just south of downtown . Both are located in wonderful spots to see the city with plenty to do and see within walking distance. 

Mike and Becca ,  MY Travel BF  

Flagstaff, Arizona

The walkable historic Downtown makes Flagstaff in Arizona one of the best US cities for solo travel. Flagstaff’s proximity to the Great Outdoors pulls those looking for solo outdoor adventure from around the world.

The surrounding  Ponderosa Pine forest —the largest on Earth—can be reached via hiking and mountain biking trails that begin right inside the city limits. 

Recommended – 10 PRETTIEST LAKES NEAR FLAGSTAFF FOR A PICNIC

Besides the  Grand Canyon ,  Wupatki National Monument  (NM),  Sunset Crater  NM, and  Walnut Canyon  NM are within a 30-minute drive from the bustling Downtown. 

Take the  Amtrak train  or  historic Route 66  into the town that earned its stripes in railroading and lumber. Now a lively university town with a tempting foodie scene, the City has an easy-to-navigate airport (FLG).

Recommended tour: Grand Canyon Sunset Tour from Flagstaff

Meetup with other solo travelers at chill places like Nomads Global Lounge or Macy’s European Coffeehouse & Bakery. 

The  Flagstaff Brewery Trail  and mellow live music venues render this mountain town a safe place to meet other international travelers who come to experience Grand Canyon National Park . 

Antelope Canyon, the Navajo Nation ,  and the Instagrammable Horseshoe Bend   are a day trip away.

Where to stay in Flagstaff?

Stay at the new Residence Inn by Marriott right in historic Downtown, so convenient to craft breweries and the Orpheum Theatre’s live concerts.

-Stacey Wittig , Unstoppable Stacey

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh might not have a big reputation as a tourist spot, but recent changes are making ‘The Steel City’ one of the best places to travel alone in the US. The city has gained a reputation for being one of the most livable cities in America. 

Pittsburgh can offer a lot when it comes to travel and photography. What was once purely an industrial town has now blossomed into a fun place to go and visit.

One of the more quirky activities for the solo traveller is the self-guided scavenger hunt .

Work your way through a 15 clue scavenger hunt by yourself or with a team of newly found friends while also exploring the history and sights of Pittsburgh.  

Pittsburgh is set between the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers and where the two rivers intersect the beautiful  Point State Park . The park has walking routes alongside both rivers. 

Recommended tour: Essential Pittsburgh Experience – The One Tour to Take

Across the Allegheny River sits  Heinz Field , home to NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Almost right next to it is PNC Park home of baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates. Both are among the prettiest sports stadiums in the country

No visit to Pittsburgh would be complete without a trip to one of the cities stunning viewpoints.

The easiest one to reach is  Grandview Overlook  across the Monongahela River. It affords a complete panorama of the whole of the downtown skyline. 

Where to stay in Pittsburgh?

While there a plenty of hotel options within Pittsburgh more affordable options can be found in the township of Moon just outside of the city.  

-Rob, Roam Yonder

Scottsdale, Arizona

One of the best places to travel alone in the United States would have to be Scottsdale, Arizona.

Located just outside Phoenix , there’s almost an endless list of  things to do in Scottsdale , a small but growing city.

With so many museums and guided adventure activities, Scottsdale is a great, safe place to visit as a solo traveler.

Scottsdale is a vast art-centric city with loads of public art, art museums of all types, art “experiences” like Wonderspaces and the Cosanti studio, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site architectural landmark of  Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West . 

Recommended tour: After Dark Desert Tour and Navigating the Night Sky

Additionally, Scottsdale has an extensive network of outdoor preserves with a long list of outdoor activities that would be perfect for solo adventurers:  Kayaking, light hiking trails , guided mountain biking, horseback riding excursions  and so much more.

Where to stay in Scottsdale?

One great place for a solo traveller to stay in Scottsdale would be the Civana Wellness Resort & Spa .

Whether or not you’re into spa life, Civana is excellent for solo travellers because they have an extensive menu of free activities that include guided hikes in nearby deserts, cooking demonstrations, sports and fitness classes, swimming, art classes, and so much more.  

-Ashley Smith,  My Wanderlusty Life

Bozeman, Montana

Bozeman is one of the best places to travel alone in the US. Bozeman is an excellent stop on a Montana road trip or as its destination thanks to the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.

It is one of the  best places to visit in Montana  due to its city attractions, nearby nature sights, world-class skiing a short drive away, and a friendly vibe that is extended to visitors .

Within the city limits, you’ll find a wide range of things to do, from tastings at craft breweries and distilleries to tasting some of Bozeman’s fine farm to table cuisine to checking out one of the best dinosaur museums in the country:  the Museum of the Rockies.

At night, head to Main Street in downtown Bozeman for some drinks and dancing and the chance to meet some new people or just head to your accommodation for a good night’s rest before waking up early to hit the trails or slopes. 

Recommended tour: Best of Yellowstone Full-Day Private Guided Tour from Bozeman

Solo travelers will find amiable locals to strike up conversations with or the chance to seclude themselves on a remote hiking trail (just bring your bear spray) or while skiing down the slopes at nearby  Big Sky Resort .  

Where to stay in Bozeman?

An excellent option for a place to stay for solo travelers in Bozeman is the Treasure State Hostel , which has both private and shared dorm rooms. 

-Gina Tarnacki, Travel Montana Now

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is one of the best places to travel alone in the US. The City is an unexpected addition but is a worthy destination for travelers.

Once America’s 5th largest City and widely derided following decades of economic decline is starting to emerge from its dark shadows.

While there remains a long road of progress ahead, a period of mutual investment has seen several of the City’s landmark buildings renovated. A renaissance of this great Michigan city is upon us.

Just a short walk north lies District Detroit, the City’s midtown sports and cultural hub home to all four of Detroit’s major league sports teams and the ornate  Detroit Opera House . Its contemporary and unpretentious bars and restaurants perfect for a refreshment or two.

While Detroit is witness to increased investment and regeneration; it is often the ad hoc  areas of street art and murals  that best reflect a city’s cultural heritage and experiences. Detroit is certainly no exception with colourful paintings spread across the City.

Check out the Eastern Market district or ‘The Belt’  in a former downtown garment district as compelling examples. These are just a fraction of Detroit’s attractions.

Recommended tour: Explore undiscovered beauty of Detroit

For instance, the Motown Museum, the oldest Thanksgiving Parade in the US, its own Pizza and Hot Dog variations, and the addictive feather bowling and you have a city unlike any other.

Just ensure you book your visit before it becomes common knowledge!

Where to stay in Detroit?

Nowhere is this more exemplified than Woodward Avenue in the centre of Detroit where home town watch manufacturer and lifestyle company Shinola has recently opened its first hotel. 

Demonstrating style and quality craftsmanship synonymous with their brand, this has quickly become Detroit’s go-to hotel.

– Paul, The Two That Do

Portland, Oregon

If you want a weird, nature-loving, and trendy experience, Portland, Oregon is one of the best places to travel alone in the US.

Portland is one of the best cities to head to as a solopreneur, considering it’s well below the national average for crime rates compared to other US cities.

While I would personally say that Portland is less of a site-seeing city and more of a town to experience – that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do there! This City’s vibe is off the charts. 

When you first arrive, head over to  Forest Park   – the City’s most prominent. Walk around the miles of trails in beautiful evergreen woods before finishing at the Pittock Mansion for one of the best views of Portland and Mt. Hood. 

When you’ve walked yourself hungry, you can head to any of the great food truck pods (or take a food tour!) around Portland’s trendy neighbourhoods.

The  Pearl District, Mississippi, Hawthorne,  and  Alberta  are all great areas to just walk through and appreciate the weird but awesome (and very different) vibes. 

After this, you can head to the local brewpub for one of the best craft beer scenes you can come across. Also, if you come during the summer, definitely check out the  local farmer’s markets .

Where to stay in Portland?

There are plenty of great accommodation options, but I’d recommend staying in the Pearl District at the McMenamins Crystal Hotel . When you get up the next morning, be sure to walk the three blocks to get your classic Blue Star Doughnuts.

Ashley, Impact Winder

Bayfield, Wisconsin

A town in Northern Wisconsin that is often overseen is Bayfield, which is one of the best places to travel alone in the US.

Bayfield is the gateway to one of the most scenic National Parks in Wisconsin:  the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore .

Also, home to  Madeline Island  and the  Apostle Islands , Bayfield is known as the crown jewel of the Bayfield Peninsula. Bayfield is thus mostly a city for solo travel if you are an outdoor lover.

From here you can set out and explore the beaches of the area, discover the sea caves, rent a kayak or do one of the endless hikes. The City is entirely safe, and thus it’s perfect for solo travelers.

Other things to do here are camping, fishing, visiting pristine orchards and fine dining. No wonder that visiting Bayfield is often considered as one of the  best things to do in Northern Wisconsin .

Don’t forget to do a city walk through Bayfield and fall in love with the historic character of the town. A number are listed on the National Register of historical sites.

Where to stay in Bayfield?

There are plenty of excellent places to choose from in Bayfield. Some of the recommended options are Old Rittenhouse Inn and Pinehurst Inn Bed & Breakfast .

-Paulina, Paulina on the Road

ENJOY THE OUTDOORS IN BOULDER, COLORADO

If you love adventure, one of the best places to travel alone in the US is Boulder, located in the beautiful state of Colorado.

We discovered Boulder on our  Colorado road trip , and it quickly made an impression on us as a hip mountain town with lots of things to do.

Do you know? Boulder is also the home of over 45,000 acres of  designated trails, perfect for hiking or cycling . Just a short while away is the iconic  Rocky Mountain National Park, perfect for Ziplining   and many ski hills.

You could spend a lifetime exploring the mountainous regions around Boulder – it’s truly a one-of-a-kind area.

It is one of the best places for solo travelers in the USA as they can enjoy the plethora of tours Boulder has to offer , the abundance of entertainment options, great hiking, and shopping.

Pearl Street Mall  is where the centre of the action happens in Boulder. It is a hub of restaurants, shops, and street performers.

If you are visiting Boulder for the first time, I highly recommend joining this private guided tour of the highlights of Boulder , where a local expert will show you the best of the city, including Pearl Street Mall, Hotel Boulderado, and Boulder Theater.

Tours of the craft beer scene often descend on the Pearl Street Mall and are a great way for solo travelers to meet other visitors.

Where to stay in Boulder?

We stayed in an RV while exploring Boulder but can suggest Briar Rose Bed & Breakfast for their sustainable practices and great value if you are looking for a low-key place to stay.

Oksana & Max, Drink Tea & Travel

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville in North Carolina is one of the best places to travel alone in the US. Downtown Asheville is busy, arty and bourgeois bohemian.

Pedestrians bump against each other along narrow sidewalks past fair-trade and organic clothing boutiques, crowded cafes, a Three Dog Bakery, and street performers including the ‘World’s Most Okayist’ poet.

The printed page beckons at the  Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar  – three levels of towering stacks, a coffee counter, cheeseboards at tables among the books, and brunch on the patio. 

Dog friendly too. Want to see it all without walking? Greyline Trolley Tours offers a hop-on-hop-off 75-minute round-trip tour of Asheville . 

Recommended tour: Asheville Insider Guided Walking Tour

Downtown is cool, but the crowning jewel at Asheville’s edge is the  Biltmore Estates , a six-story castle, built in 1895 by George Vanderbilt. It took six years to construct.

With indoor plumbing, electricity, heating and 43 bathrooms (all unheard of at the time), it was the most technologically advanced house in the country.

Biltmore Estates isn’t only a historic house – it’s a destination. Property around the house is massive: acres of gardens, riding trails (yes, horses on-site), a tourist village with shops and taverns.

Two hotels and a winery complete this entrepreneurial endeavour. In the 1930s, the Vanderbilt family opened the property to visitors (to finance the upkeep), and it’s still owned by family members living somewhere onsite.

Where to stay in Asheville?

One of the best places to stay in Asheville would be Red Roof Inn Asheville West located conveniently.

Sherri Telenko, Dogtrotting

Moab is a city in southern Utah full of adventure and perfect for the nature lover or adrenaline junkie.

It is also one of the best places to travel alone in the US as the City is small, and even a great base to explore the nearby national parks.

One of the best things to do around Moab is to go hiking.

There are hikes in Moab that are outside the national parks (and free) or you can go hiking in  Arches National Park  which is about 10 minutes away or hike in  Canyonlands National Park  which is about 30 minutes away.

This part of Utah has some fantastic scenery, and the best way to see it is to get outside and go for a hike.

Also, visit Corona Arch, which is right outside of Arches.

This hike is a three-mile round trip hike on a trail that also visits Pinto Arch and Bowtie Arch. Corona Arch is impressive standing 105 feet tall and 140 feet wide.

Where to stay in Moab?

You’ll need at least a few nights in Moab to explore which is great because there is a  Moab accommodation  for all budget points.

Some of the recommended options to stay are Castle Valley Inn and Comfort Suites Moab near Arches National Park .

-Nicole, American SW Obessed

Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs is one of the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

With excellent weather year-round, unique local attractions and fantastic restaurants; you’ll have plenty of options to keep you entertained during your visit. 

Palm Springs is known for its midcentury modern architecture which you will see on prominent display throughout the City.

From the shops and motels along  Palm Canyon Drive  to the apartments and houses in local neighbourhoods, you’ll find the City’s iconic modern architecture around every corner.

If you’d like to experience something unique, Palm Springs, sign up for one of the City’s many architecture tours. You’ll learn all about how Palm Springs became the mecca of modern. 

Palm Springs is also widely known as a destination for shopping.

There are both modern and vintage style boutiques all over the City. If you’re looking to support local artists and designers, head to The Shops at Thirteen Forty-Five found on Palm Canyon Drive, where you’ll find independent and locally owned art galleries, clothing shops, and interior design studios. 

Where to stay in Palm Springs?

If you’re a solo traveler in Palm Springs and looking to socialize or make friends, head down to the pool at your hotel, pool parties are a big thing in Palm Springs, especially if you stay at one of the trendier hotels.

For an especially good time, consider staying at The Saguaro Palm Springs .

The hotel is beautifully decorated, but even more important; it also has a fantastic restaurant and a poolside bar. 

So that’s about the best places to travel alone in the US! Have you visited any of these? Do you have any more recommendations for best US cities for solo travel, or National Parks? Do let us know in the comments below!

-Eden,  Rock a Little Travel

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Best Places to Travel Solo | Money

Traveling exposes us to new places, cultures and people. For many, it’s one of the great joys of life. If you’re an independent spirit looking for safe places to travel by yourself, our guide can be an excellent place to start your research.

Keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best places to travel alone and how to make the most of your trip.

Our Top Picks for Best Places to Travel Solo

• Barcelona, Spain: Best for first-time solo travelers
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Best for solo backpacking
• Montreal, Canada: Best for solo female travelers
• Chicago, Illinois: Best for going on solo travel tours
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: Best budget solo travel destination

Best Places to Travel Solo Reviews

Best for first-time solo travelers: barcelona, spain.

• Offers many travel experiences in a single city
• Easy to get around town without a car
• Year-round good weather means you can visit in any season
• More expensive than other options on our list
• Can get very busy during popular travel times

Why we chose it : Barcelona is a beautiful and historic European city with something for everyone to enjoy. It boasts stunning gothic architecture, sandy beaches, a bustling nightlife and prices that will help you stretch your budget.

Spain is considerably affordable compared to other European countries, and Barcelona is its crown jewel. The city has roots tracing back to the end of the 1st century BCE and beautiful architecture throughout its winding streets, such as Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and his world-famous unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia.

If you tire of exploring Barcelona’s impressive history, gorgeous Barceloneta Beach is just a few minutes away from the city center. And at night, you’ll find plenty of entertainment options, from rooftop bars and clubs to concert venues and flamenco shows.

Barcelona is excellent for first-time solo travelers because its compact layout, wide sidewalks and excellent public transportation makes getting around town without a car a breeze. U.S. travelers can also visit for up to 90 days without a visa . However, Barcelona is more expensive than other options on our list and can be very busy during popular travel times.

Best for solo backpacking: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• Very affordable accommodations, food and attractions
• Is easy to navigate, with a developed transportation system
• Has a vibrant expat community
• U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to visit Vietnam

Why we chose it : Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and affordable city that offers a wide range of attractions for solo travelers, from inexpensive food and accommodations to an abundance of cultural and historical sites.

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City has become something of a bucket-list item for many backpackers. Its vibrant culture, friendly people and amazing food attract millions of tourists annually. And it’s also one of Vietnam’s safest cities .

Try some of the mouth-watering street food available in pretty much every corner of the city (especially Districts 1, 3 and 5), do some shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral or book a tour of the Mekong Delta to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Getting around is also pretty easy, with many transportation options, from the new metro to buses, taxis and motorbikes. However, one thing to keep in mind is that U.S. citizens need to apply for a Visa before they can be granted entry into Vietnam.

Best for solo female travelers: Montreal, Canada

• Very safe and walkable city
• Visitors can stay for up to six months without a Visa
• Toronto is only five hours away by direct train
• Not a great option for budget travelers
• The winter weather can be harsh

Why we chose it : Montreal is one of the safest cities in Canada, and it is only a short flight away for travelers from the U.S. The city has a vibrant art scene, a diverse population and plenty of old-world charm with its mix of classic and modern architecture.

Traveling solo as a woman might cause your loved ones some anxiety. But Montreal is a great place for women to travel alone. The city is safe and offers much to do, from beautiful architecture, such as Notre-Dame Basilica, to artisanal shopping in Old Montreal. And while the population is predominantly French-speaking, many residents also speak English, so you should have no problem communicating.

Visitors from the United States can stay in Montreal for up to six months without a visa. It’s also a good point of departure for exploring the rest of Canada. Trains depart for Toronto several times a day, and the trip is about five hours.

Accommodations in Montreal can be more expensive than in other international destinations, but enrolling in the best hotel rewards programs may help.

Best for going on solo travel tours: Chicago, Illinois

• You can find many different types of guided tours
• Has an excellent public transportation system
• One of the best culinary destinations in the U.S.
• Weather can be unpleasant if you visit at the wrong time

Why we chose it : Chicago is home to some of the best travel tours in the country. From river cruises to walking food and drink excursions, you’ll have no problem filling your time in the Windy City.

Chicago is one of the best places to travel in the U.S. It’s home to a wide variety of guided tours, covering everything from the city’s mob history to its architecture and natural landmarks. And if you love Chicago dogs or deep-dish pizza, you can take a walking food tour to enjoy some of the city’s best restaurants in a single day.

Chicago is also home to inspiring architecture, such as Willis Tower and Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The city is a more affordable place to visit than other U.S. cities of its size, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. And if you visit in summer, you’ll have perfect weather for relaxing on the beaches of Lake Michigan, located in the heart of the city.

Depending on what you’re looking for, visiting the city between May and October could be your best bet, as winters can be very cold, with average temperatures ranging between 22 F and 37 F.

Best budget solo travel destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

• A highly affordable travel destination
• Easy entrance requirements for U.S. citizens
• Classic European architecture and dining options
• Plenty of green spaces to lounge and relax
• Doesn't have a strong nightlife culture
• Crowds can be overwhelming during peak travel seasons

Why we chose it : Slovenia is one of the most affordable European countries, and Ljubljana is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations. It’s home to classic European cobblestone streets and its stunning architecture and exhibits can keep you busy for weeks without breaking your budget.

Ljubljana is an affordable European destination with beautiful green spaces and incredible architecture, including the Ljubljana Castle and the Robba Fountain. It’s also highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly, as car traffic is banned in the city center.

Hotels are cheaper here than in more popular destinations such as France or Italy, which is a big reason why Ljubljana is one of the best international places to travel . There are also many great affordable restaurants and open-air cafes.

U.S. citizens can remain in Slovenia for up to 90 days without a visa, making it easy to extend their stay with the money they save.

However, Ljubljana is not known for its nightlife, as many bars close earlier than elsewhere in Europe. Plus, it has become more popular in recent years, and crowds are abundant during peak seasons, especially the summer.

Other places to travel solo we considered

We compiled our list of the best places to travel alone by evaluating global destinations based on safety, affordability, cultural and historical sites and convenience, among other factors.

Although the following destinations didn’t make it into our top list, they’re still worth considering as you plan your travels.

Reykjavik, Iceland

• Close to beautiful natural landmarks
• It's possible to see the Northern Lights when conditions allow
• Home to many museums and several Michelin-starred restaurants
• More expensive than other popular travel destinations
• The region's weather can be bleak
• Long periods of darkness and sunlight can interfere with your sleep schedule

Reykjavik is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with stunning mountains and beaches everywhere you look. However, it’s an expensive destination and experiences prolonged periods of darkness and sunlight that may be difficult to adjust to.

• Some of the best food in South America
• Miles of beautiful coastline to explore
• Friendly locals - many of whom speak at least some English
• Travelers can suffer from altitude sickness in some popular attractions
• The city is sprawling, which can increase travel times and make traffic worse

Lima is a beautiful South American destination with picturesque beaches and affordable accommodations. It’s also a foodie’s dream, with a wide variety of tasty local and international restaurants available at budget-friendly prices.

Just remember that traffic congestions are common and can make it hard to get around. Additionally, some travelers may experience altitude sickness in high-altitude locations like Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Knoxville, Tennessee

• Has beautiful outdoor settings
• Minimal traffic
• Moderate prices for accommodations
• There isn't as much to do in Knoxville as in other travel destinations
• Public transportation options are limited

Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee, but it maintains a small-town feel. It’s home to beautiful attractions, such as the Great Smoky Mountains and the World’s Fair Park, and has enough cultural exhibits and museums to keep you busy.

Nevertheless, there isn’t quite as much to do here as in other cities, and public transportation is comparatively limited.

Places to Travel Solo Guide

Traveling alone can be intimidating, but a little preparation can go a long way. This guide covers some of the best travel tips to help you plan your next solo trip.

Why travel solo?

As with everything, there are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Some of the benefits of solo travel include:

• The ability to plan trips according to your schedule
• Paying less for dining and experiences
• Stepping out of your comfort zone and getting to know yourself better
• Having more time to reflect and relax in peace

Of course, to enjoy your solo vacation to the fullest, practice general safety precautions. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, do some proper research before visiting new places and consider hiring a guide if you’re doing outdoor activities in remote locations.

How to travel alone

Traveling alone can be a wonderful experience. But it often requires more planning and initiative than group trips. The following tips for traveling alone should help you make the most of your next solo trip.

Research your travel destination extensively

The more research you do before visiting a destination, the more prepared you will be to enjoy it. Pay close attention to the following:

• Climate : Be aware of the weather conditions at your destination to avoid potential hazards, pack the right gear and plan appropriate activities.
• Top attractions : Plan your itinerary by mapping out the attractions you want to visit and checking their distance from your accommodations. This will help you create a realistic schedule and determine if you need to book transportation for any day trips.
• Cost : Consider the average cost of accommodations, meals and attractions to create a realistic budget.
• Public transportation : This is an important consideration, as visiting a destination with insufficient or unreliable public transportation translates into additional expenses.
• Language barrier : Consider downloading translation apps or learning basic phrases in your destination’s native language if English isn’t widely spoken there.
• Food : If you have any dietary restrictions, check the availability of suitable food options at your destination and plan your meals.

Stay connected with your friends and family

When traveling alone, keep your loved ones informed of where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing. That way, your family can call for help if they don’t hear back from you in a reasonable timeframe.

Depending on your destination, you may consider purchasing an international SIM card or an international phone plan with your existing carrier to text and call your people back home.

Finally, you can register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department. STEP is a free service that allows you to receive automatic safety and travel updates from the U.S. embassy in the country you’re visiting. It also makes it easier for friends and family to reach you in an emergency.

Consider travel insurance

If you’ve spent quite a bit of money on non-refundable travel expenses and it hasn’t been that long since you made your initial trip deposit, consider travel insurance to safeguard your investment. A travel insurance policy can help you recoup a portion of pre-paid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance could also be worthwhile if you’re going on an extended trip, as it would cover some of your medical expenses in an emergency, including medical evacuation and repatriation. And some plans even include additional services like language support, which could be helpful if English isn’t widely spoken where you’re visiting.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, check out our guide to the best travel insurance companies .

Try new things

Now that we’ve covered some of the most important things to do before leaving for a solo trip, let’s explore how to get as much enjoyment out of your travels as possible while you’re there. The best advice we can give you is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

If you genuinely want to experience everything other cultures have to offer, you can’t spend your days doing the same things you do at home. So take a chance and live as the locals do. You’ll be happy you did.

Interact with the locals

The best way to forget you’re traveling alone is to befriend the locals. Your new friends can keep you company, guide you to the best places in town (the ones that aren’t in any tourist guides) and help to make your trip more enjoyable overall.

Meeting locals is much easier to do now than before the Internet. A wide variety of online resources can connect you to local events and groups where you can meet people. Some of the best options for this include:

• Facebook expat groups for the destination you’re visiting
• The subreddit for your destination (such as r/Paris and r/Chicago)

Some professional and religious groups may have international meetups as well. This can be a fantastic way to meet locals with whom you already have something in common.

Take plenty of pictures (with you in them)

Last but not least, make sure you take plenty of pictures to share with your people back home. Landmarks can be great, but you should also be in some of the photos. Most people will happily snap pictures of you if you ask nicely.

What to do when traveling alone

Traveling alone can be one of the best experiences of your life or a challenge that quickly loses its appeal. To give yourself the best chance of having an ideal trip, remember the following strategies during your travels:

• Be flexible : Flexibility is a must for solo travelers. You’ll have more fun if you take advantage of chance encounters and throw away your schedule when necessary.
• Take group tours and classes : Just because you arrive at your destination alone doesn’t mean you must spend every minute there alone. Group tours and classes will help you meet people and give you a chance to socialize when you’re feeling lonely.
• Stay in places that encourage talking : If you’re concerned about feeling lonely, consider staying at a hostel or bed and breakfast. Shared accommodations like these are more affordable than the best hotels and can be a great way to meet people.
• Gather first-hand advice : You can use Reddit and other resources to read about the experiences other solo travelers have had at your destination. These firsthand accounts can alert you to problems you may not have considered otherwise and new opportunities for fun.
• Sign up for free rewards programs : Airlines , hotel chains and third-party booking sites often have reward programs that help you save money if you’re a frequent traveler. You may also want to look into the best airline credit cards and best travel credit cards if you plan on traveling alone regularly.
• Prioritize your safety : Traveling alone can make you a target, so prioritizing safety is important. Be proactive about telling others where you’ll be and take yourself out of situations you feel unsure about to enjoy your trip without incident.

Staying safe is a critical consideration for solo travelers. One way to do that is by avoiding reckless behavior, such as drinking excessively and venturing alone into places locals deem unsafe.

Take the time to thoroughly research your destination, share your travel plans with friends and family and prepare an emergency plan.

Finally, consider travel insurance. If something does happen while you’re traveling alone, it will provide financial support so you can go to the hospital without worrying about breaking your budget.

You could save up enough money to make the cost of travel insurance negligible by signing up for one of the best airline rewards programs .

Places to Travel Solo FAQ

What are the safest places to travel alone, is solo female travel safe, how old do you have to be to travel alone, how we chose the best places to travel solo.

We evaluated the best places to travel solo based on the following criteria:

• Cost of accommodations, experiences and meals
• Crime rates
• Reviews and guides from experienced solo travelers
• Natural and cultural attractions
• Strictness of entry criteria

Summary of Money’s Best Places to Travel Solo

© Copyright 2023 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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The ideal destinations for senior adults who travel alone

In these times, when senior people are mentioned, a very different image from that of decades ago is projected on our heads. Gone is the idea that the beloved "grandparents" do not leave their homes or maintain a passive life. On the contrary, many elderly people are observed giving their lives a healthy attitude, gym, walking or touring. In short, it can be said that today's "grandparents" are more active than those of long ago and take advantage of this stage of life to fulfill wishes or pending projects. One of them is traveling. 

With these changes, the strategies had to be rethought, as is the case with Greca Travel, which today includes packages specially made for them.

Anyone who has traveled a lot can surely tell you that there are certain tourist destinations that are better suited for certain people in a certain age group compared to other groups.

There are some tourist destinations that mostly attract young students, such as Barcelona or Mykonos (although of course there are options for adults within these two incredible places).

On the other hand, other destinations largely concentrate more "mature" tourists, the elderly, who are the age group on which our report focuses.

Among the most common options is the organization of group packages. In addition to making a leisurely itinerary, easy access and permanent attention, the necessary accompaniment is provided for security, in places where the culture, traditions and language are completely different.

A good alternative for the beloved "grandparents" is a package to Turkey and Greece . A journey full of history for those who want to know the most important aspects of ancient Athens, exploring its cultural and historical places, up to Santorini, the famous "blue and white island".

This package may include a cruise. This is one of the classics of tourism for the elderly to enjoy a relaxing promenade. The boats are authentic floating cities, with many activities for the elderly and fully accessible facilities. Among the preferred cruises, those that cross the Mediterranean stand out. For example, the beautiful Italian coast or the Greek islands have a very varied offer of circuits.

But, when it comes to cruises, there is nothing written. For older people who prefer more exotic destinations, there are winter Nile routes . Another more romantic option is to join a cruise on a sailboat. There are many destinations with this type of luxury boat. Cruises allow you to visit almost any coastal area on the planet and its main cities. All this with exquisite attention and all the comforts.

Another classic for tourists of the third age is to spend a few days in a spa . In all the countries with beautiful beaches (Greece, Italy, Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates) that Greca Travel operates, there are facilities adapted for the elderly, with activities and care to improve health and in spectacular settings.

There are very popular cities and destinations, which, sometimes, remain in the pipeline. Senior citizen years are a perfect time to fulfill those pending wishes. Among the sites preferred by the elderly, these destinations stand out:

The pyramids of Egypt

Africa remains a place that attracts many. Above all, the Egyptian pyramids , which are on almost all bucket lists. There are many offers that combine this destination with others nearby.

From the Holy City to the Eternal City, Rome is also a classic destination for senior tourism, and there are many vacation packages to learn about its history and impressive cultural offerings.

Amalfi Coast

Small steep villages on the hills, a deep blue sea, underground caves and a road that winds between plantations. This is the Amalfi Coast in the south of Naples , a strip of about 50 km along a promontory, which constitutes one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Europe. A quiet tourist destination, full of beautiful bars and restaurants, and unique views.

Greek Islands

Through a cruise, after touring the impressive and ancient Athens , you will be able to visit the beautiful Greek islands . The boats are authentic floating cities, with many activities for the elderly and fully accessible facilities. A must-see ride.

Istanbul can also be reached via cruise ship. This is one of the largest cities in the world . Without a doubt, it is the most famous and populated city in Turkey. The beauty of Istanbul is governed by the slits that mark the Bosphorus Strait (which separates Asia from Europe) and the Golden Horn that connects bridges and ships. It also governs the colors provided by dozens of mosques. This destination can be walked slowly, with the help, security and information provided by our guides.

Strolling in the gondolas is one of the most sought after activities among the elderly. This unique city is built on an archipelago of 118 small islands linked together by 455 bridges, including the islands of Murano and Burano. Undoubtedly, in Venice, you will be able to visit its beautiful streets on the water, contemplate the Grand Canal, visit San Marco Square with its Basilica ("The most elegant hall in Europe” as Napoleon Bonaparte defined it). In addition, visit the Ducal Palace and enjoy the beautiful view from the Rialto Bridge. Unforgettable.

The precautions to take when traveling with the elderly

Among these cares, we must value those related to health and accessibility . As some exclusive sites for the elderly indicate, older tourism has its own characteristics that differentiate it from the rest. But the most important thing would be to make sure that good health insurance is included in the agency's offer. In addition, check the existence of special menus and, if possible, keep a medical report that includes the diseases that are suffered. With these precautions and good planning to avoid stressful situations, it is possible to live some very pleasant trips at this stage. Good trip!

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First-timer’s guide to Bryce Canyon National Park

May 8, 2024 • 7 min read

The cooler temperatures at Bryce Canyon National Park make hiking a pleasure © Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

The smallest of Utah’s "Mighty 5" national parks, Bryce Canyon packs a big punch. The first time you clap eyes on its iconic hoodoos – those otherworldly rock spires striped with orange, pink and red – is a moment you’ll never forget, even if you’ve seen photos of them before. This incredible park is home to more hoodoos than anywhere else in the world.

Bryce Canyon’s high elevation, averaging more than 8000ft but reaching almost 10,000ft at its loftiest points, gives this national park an edge. The seasonal cycle of freezing and thawing water repeatedly over millennia has transformed the soft sandstone and limestone into an utterly unique landscape. Despite its name, Bryce is not actually a canyon but rather a plateau (a canyon is formed by flowing water).

Epic hiking trails skirt the plateau rim before diving 1000ft down into the forest of alien pinnacles, fragrant juniper trees and centuries-old bristlecone pines. Here is everything you need to know about planning a visit to Bryce Canyon National Park.

When should I go to Bryce Canyon National Park?

More than half of the visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park go between June and the end of September, and for many, summer is the best time to visit. Bryce Canyon’s higher elevation means that the average high temperature in July is a blissful 79°F –a far cry cooler than the average of 100°F in Arches and Canyonlands or nearly 90°F in nearby Zion National Park .

In 2023, Bryce Canyon National Park’s busiest month was September, with 367,425 visitors, while January saw just 29,457 adventurers make the trip. The winter months can bring a powdered-sugar dusting of snow atop Bryce Canyon’s "fairy chimneys," providing an even more magical setting, though some trails and accommodations are closed.

How much time should I spend at Bryce Canyon National Park?

Some travelers visit Bryce Canyon as a day trip from Zion National Park (about 80 miles, a 1.5-hour drive from Zion’s east entrance), but it’s worth staying at Bryce Canyon for a full day or two. (How do you choose between Utah’s top national parks? Don’t! See them both.)

Bryce shows off its true colors at sunrise and sunset when the amphitheater of hoodoos looks like it’s been set alight with a golden-red glow. After the sun has departed, Bryce Canyon’s clean, dry air promises excellent nighttime visibility for stargazing, reaching all the way to the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light-years away.

Is it easy to get to and around Bryce Canyon National Park?

Yes, Bryce Canyon is easy to visit if you have a car – it's just a few hours’ drive from the closest airports and major cities.

During the busier months of April through October, shuttle buses are available to get visitors around the park. The shuttle bus is free to ride with park admission and reservations are not required. There are 15 stops, nine of which are in the park; it also stops at some hotels in Bryce Canyon City outside the park entrance, where you can leave your car. Unlike at Zion National Park, the shuttle bus at Bryce Canyon is not mandatory, and visitors are allowed to drive their own vehicles into the park.

Cycling is also a great way to get around, and you can ride a bike to every major trailhead. The paved multi-use path that runs through the park goes to the Inspiration Point overlook and, beyond the park, it connects with the Red Canyon Bicycle Trail, which takes you past even more hoodoos and awesome rock formations outside Bryce’s boundaries.

Top things to do at Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos are the stars of the park, and you’ll want to spend as much time as you can gawking at them from every angle and letting your imagination – and your feet – roam. Many hoodoos here have evocative names, such as Thor’s Hammer, Tower Bridge and Silent City, and the Native Paiute believe that the formations are ancient "Legend People" who were turned to stone as punishment for wrongdoing.

The Rim Trail , one of Bryce Canyon’s easiest hikes, traces the upper edge of the plateau, overlooking the bowl of hoodoos below and linking up several viewpoints. While crowds cluster at these viewpoints because they are also accessible by car, you can walk a short distance along the Rim Trail to admire the scene in solitude.

But you can’t leave Bryce without walking among these iconic formations instead of just seeing them from above. A handful of hiking trails leave the rim and descend thousands of feet into the maze of stunningly sculpted high-mountain desert, threading their way through the hoodoos. The most popular hike in Bryce Canyon National Park is the Queen's Garden–Navajo Loop Combination Trail . It hits Bryce’s signature features in a relatively short amount of time and starts (or ends) with an iconic series of switchbacks between high ocher-colored canyon walls.

A quieter and more challenging hiking option is the Fairyland Loop , an eight-mile day hike that gives a good workout thanks to the 1900ft of elevation gain. The trail meanders around hoodoos, down into washes, up and over saddles and past ancient bristlecone pines that cling to the rocky cliffsides for dear life.

My favorite thing to do at Bryce Canyon National Park

There are some seriously epic viewpoints where you can spy on the hoodoos to your heart’s content, but I don’t think any spot is as cool as surveying the scene from a horse saddle. On my last visit to Bryce Canyon, I signed up for a three-hour horse-riding adventure with Canyon Trail Rides , the park's official concessioner, which takes riders out on Peekaboo Loop from April through October.

My horse for the day was an ornery, sandy-colored boy named Twerp, and our guide added amusing commentary, telling stories and pointing out rock formations along the way.

Unless you have your own horse, booking with Canyon Trail Rides is the only way to see this national park from a saddleback perspective. Trail rides book up quickly, so reserve as far in advance as you can. Even if you’re on foot instead of on a horse, the Peekaboo Loop is one of the best hikes in Utah .

How much money do I need for Bryce Canyon National Park?

The standard entrance pass for Bryce Canyon National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person if you’re visiting on foot or bicycle, and it’s valid for seven days. If you’re visiting more national parks on a road trip through Utah and beyond, it’s worth buying the America the Beautiful pass for $80. It's valid for a year at all national parks and federal recreation land across the country for one vehicle or four per-person entry fees – arguably one of the best travel deals available.

There's a lodge and two campgrounds inside the park. Bryce Canyon Lodge costs from $200 to $330 per night depending on the season and size of the room. Campgrounds cost $30 a night for both tents and RVs. At certain times of the year, campsites are first-come, first-served, but in the busiest season (mid-May to mid-October), you must book at recreation.gov in advance.

What is the closest city to Bryce Canyon National Park?

Bryce Canyon City sits at the entrance to Bryce Canyon National Park. Calling it a city is generous, but it has a handful of hotels and restaurants. The towns of Tropic and Cannonville, east of Bryce Canyon National Park, have a few more options for both accommodations and eating.

Where’s the best place to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park?

Bryce Canyon National Park has two in-park campgrounds, as well as the historic Bryce Canyon Lodge , which opened in 1925 and is perfectly set between the Sunrise Point and Sunset Point scenic overlooks, offering trailheads on your doorstep. Try to book a cabin if one is available – these spots are more charming than the motel-style rooms, which feel a little dated (but not in a cute way).

South of Cannonville, Bryce Glamp & Camp has gorgeous geodesic domes that feel like a home away from home, with kitchenettes, full bathrooms and plush mattresses. Wind down in the evening at your own outdoor gas firepit, watching the fading sunset light play on the quiet red-rock landscape.

Keep planning your trip to Utah:

Make the most of your America the Beautiful Pass and visit Utah's other national parks Explore on foot with six of the best hikes in the state Bring the whole family with our guide to visiting Utah with kids in tow

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I Took a Solo Trip to This Pacific Northwest Island and It Left Me Feeling Renewed — Here's How to Plan a Relaxing Visit

With cozy inns, plenty of wildlife, and surprisingly sophisticated dining, Whidbey Island is a little-known destination you should know about.

Courtesy of Embrace Whidbey and Catano Islands

Rivulets streamed down the inside of my head-to-toe rain gear. I stood on a promontory, gleeful as a child, watching harbor seals dart about in the cold water below. Farther offshore, a lone elephant seal fished for its lunch, and, in a rocky inlet, an otter bobbed along on its back, a crab clutched between its front paws. It was the start of the rainy season, and I was seeking solitude on Whidbey Island.

Located about 35 miles north of Seattle, the island is often overshadowed by the San Juan Islands, the archipelago farther north in Puget Sound that is better known, and less developed. But it shouldn’t be. Whidbey is easier to get to — just take the 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland town of Mukilteo — and has fewer crowds. 

I wanted to experience the entire length of the island without doubling back, so instead of the ferry, which goes to the southern tip, I drove two hours from Seattle and crossed the Deception Pass Bridge, a historic span that connects Whidbey from the north. It was a dramatic entrance, with the fog thick and the rain coming down in sheets. Rather than going directly to my hotel, I made a detour to Deception Pass State Park and stopped at a parking lot that overlooked a shallow bay, relieved to see no other cars. 

Belathée Photography/Courtesy of Captain Whidbey

This was my first plane trip since the pandemic. I was also newly separated from my partner and had left our young twins at home in New York’s Hudson Valley. Now that I’d flown across the country, I wanted to commune with the woods and the water, alone.

I followed the trail markers, crossed a pebbled beach, and climbed a steep cliff hugged by Douglas firs. The trees were no defense against the rain, but I was already soaked and had ceased to care. I clambered across rocky outcroppings until I came to a clearing. And it was there that I spotted the first seal. I don’t know how long I stayed, only that, with the sea mammals unaware of my presence, I felt blissfully small. When my fingers grew numb, I wended my way back to the car and drove south, my windows fogged from the damp. 

Belathée Photography/Courtesy of Captain Whidbey; Lexi Ribar/Courtesy of Captain Whidbey

Whidbey Island is only about 40 miles long, but with mostly winding two-lane roads, it feels much larger. I drove about a half-hour, past the main town of Oak Harbor, and arrived at the Captain Whidbey , a 1907 inn on Penn Cove that was recently modernized. I stayed in the Glasswing cabin, which has wood paneling, a fireplace, and a balcony overlooking the cove. I wrapped my still-damp body in a wool blanket and took in the view. A great blue heron stood stock-still on the hotel’s long dock. I was amazed by its ability to stay motionless.

The heron remained there even after I changed into dry clothes and walked to the main lodge for an early dinner at the bar. I’d brought a book to signal to the bartender I wasn’t seeking company; she graciously left me alone after bringing a perfect rye Manhattan and several small plates. Back in my cabin, I took a hot bath and fell into a long sleep. 

Lexi Ribar/Courtesy of Captain Whidbey

In the morning, I took my coffee on the balcony. The heron was there again. (Had it been there all night?) The day unfolded slowly and blessedly free of plans. I spent the morning at the 151-acre Greenbank Farm , which has a café and miles of dog-friendly trails. Just as I reached the top of the first rise, the clouds moved aside to reveal the snowy tops of the Cascade Mountains on the mainland. Then I headed into the woods and walked for hours, emerging only when I realized how hungry I had become. 

Luckily, it was only a 15-minute drive to the sleepy village of Coupeville. I ate a heaping bowl of Penn Cove mussels with fries and drank a beer at Toby’s Tavern . I meandered through town, popping into the Kingfisher Bookstore (the island has a flourishing literary community) and across the street to Briggs Shore Ceramics, which occupies a narrow house. I found myself wondering about the heron, which I’d come to think of as a steward of the cove. I returned to the Captain Whidbey to find it still on the dock. 

Courtesy of The Inn at Langley

The following day, I bade farewell to the bird and continued south along a road flanked by small farms. The rain had returned, but I hardly noticed it under the towering canopy at Trustland Trails Park, where I spent the morning looking for mushrooms. I walked until I was ravenous, then drove into Langley, a small city with a couple of wineries and an arts center. At the Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar , I ordered raw oysters, a green salad, and a hearty chowder, along with a flinty white wine. 

Full and tired, I walked a few minutes to the Inn at Langley , where I’d spend my final night. My room was flooded with light and had unobstructed views of Puget Sound. I made an afternoon of soaking in the tub and cooling off in the briny air of my balcony. The sky had cleared by then, so I walked to the beach, stopping to look at starfish and driftwood. A trio of older women emerged from the sound in cold-water wet suits. I admired their physical strength and grit; they seemed as much creatures of the island as the heron did. 

I woke to sunshine on my final morning. After lingering over the inn’s sumptuous breakfast, I drove to the Deer Lagoon Preserve , a bird sanctuary flanked by steep cliffs. The sun was so bright I could hardly see the goldeneyes, grebes, and sandpipers through my binoculars. I wanted to stay, but I had a ferry to catch. My time on the island had pulled me out of my narrowed world, and brought me back to myself. Strange, how being far away can bring about a feeling of homecoming. Like that heron, I needed to return to my community, my family, my perch.  

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Breaking Away. "

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