Solo travel – the words alone make many hearts skip a beat. For some, it’s with joyful anticipation; for others, with nervous excitement. But a recent Economist article confirms it yet again: Solo travel is trendier than ever.
I’ve been traveling alone for many years, and here I’m sharing my experiences from countless trips with you. Here’s everything you need to know about solo travel – why it’s worth trying, the best destinations, tips on costs and safety, and traveling alone as a woman.
What’s so great about traveling alone?
When I tell people I mostly travel alone, I often get puzzled looks. Then comes the usual round of questions: Don’t you get bored? Isn’t it dangerous? Don’t you feel awkward dining alone at a restaurant?
The explanation most people get: I don’t always have someone to travel with. Not going at all and missing out on what might be an incredible adventure isn’t an option for me.
But I also often choose solo travel intentionally, because traveling alone means ultimate freedom to me. I’m free to make my own choices and tune in to my needs and desires without compromising – something that’s often lost or just not possible in everyday life.
I get to ask myself, “do I want to go on a multi-hour sightseeing tour or sleep in and enjoy some people-watching with a cappuccino and two pastries at the café around the corner?” Only my opinion counts and no one can accuse me of being selfish!
Being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. I enjoy my own company and, more importantly, I often find it easier to meet others when I’m not relying on a travel partner.
It also builds strength and confidence to handle uncomfortable situations on your own, whether it’s negotiating prices at a market or reading maps on a road trip. While it’s great to have a partner who takes care of things, it’s just as empowering to know I can do it all myself.
Where to travel solo – the best solo travel destinations
Every year, there’s a new list of countries answering the important question: Where are the best places to travel alone? Safety, solid local infrastructure, and opportunities to meet other travelers are all important factors when choosing your first solo travel destination.
While those are all good things to consider, I think it’s even more important to ask yourself where you actually want to go. Maybe, deep down, you’re drawn to the Namibian desert or have always dreamed of seeing whales off the coast of Dominica. Just because a place isn’t known as a solo travel destination doesn’t mean you can’t go there alone. Let your dreams and desires be your main guide – not just a list.
My tip: Start small and plan a solo trip within the U.S. – traveling alone is something you can definitely practice. Take a day trip to the nearest big city, spend a weekend exploring a national park, or treat yourself to a wellness retreat in a peaceful coastal town. According to Numbeo, Boston ranks very highly for safety among U.S. cities, so that could be a great place to start! Or if you want to explore the South on a solo trip, maybe a trip to Texas could be on the cards?
Still need a bit of inspiration? No worries – here are some of my favorite places that are perfect for a solo trip.
New York City
My first real solo trip took me to New York City many years ago, where I later went to study. The Big Apple is still one of my all-time favorite travel destinations and, in my opinion, is perfect for solo travel.
New York is anonymous in the best sense of the word – walking the streets or sitting in a restaurant alone won’t make you stand out. Plus, there’s just so much to do and see that you definitely won’t get bored, even on your own.
Entertainment is especially great for solo exploration in New York – whether it’s a Broadway show or a live TV taping, your chances of scoring a ticket are much better when you’re traveling alone.
Thailand
For years, I had zero interest in Thailand – a solo trip there just felt too cliché. That all changed when I spent two nights in Bangkok on a layover to Cambodia. The city immediately stole my heart.
Since then, I’ve been to Thailand countless times and now live in Bangkok myself. According to a study by Everly Life Insurance, Thailand is still one of the safest destinations for solo travelers. Friendly, polite people, a solid tourist infrastructure, and stunning places make for a perfect vacation. And don’t get me started on the delicious food…
You can choose between vibrant city life, yoga and wellness, hiking, diving, or lots of other fun activities. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or want to meet other travelers, Thailand has it all.
Thailand is also considered very safe for both women and LGBTQ travelers, and it’s really easy to get around.
Greece
Many European countries are great for solo travel, especially if you’re looking for stunning coastal landscapes, cute towns, and rich history. Plus, the EU is visa-free for U.S. travelers (although make sure your passport has at least 3 months’ validity from the date of entry). Also check out places to travel without a passport.
My absolute favorite European destination is Greece. I love combining a city trip to Thessaloniki with some of the stunning beaches in Crete or a trip to the island of Rhodes. Expect cultural landmarks, beautiful beaches, and arguably the best food in Europe.
Speaking of food: For me, Greece is the most relaxed country when it comes to dining alone. I’ve never gotten weird looks there – quite the opposite, the staff has always treated me with extra kindness.
Greece also has a solid tourist infrastructure – from flights and ferries to buses and trains. And you can add in friendly and helpful locals who are always happy to point you to the best local wine.
Seychelles
Going solo to a honeymoon paradise? Absolutely – why wouldn’t you?! The Seychelles were one of my first true solo travel destinations because I was craving dream beaches, jungle, and giant tortoises.
On the main island of Mahé, the best way to get around is by rental car. They drive on the left, but most cars are automatic, which makes the transition easier. Plus, you can use your U.S. driver’s license – no international permit required for short visits!
To hop from one island to another, there are ferries and boats. I found La Digue especially relaxing – you just bike around to reach the world’s most beautiful beaches, like Anse Source d’Argent.
Another big plus: There are no poisonous animals on the Seychelles and no tropical diseases like dengue fever or malaria.
Sri Lanka
Thinking about a trip to India but not quite feeling ready for it? I get that – India is an incredible country but can be overwhelming. Instead, consider Sri Lanka, often called “India lite.”
While there are some similarities, Sri Lanka is far from a dull version of India. History buffs will love the country’s fascinating culture; meanwhile, you can spot elephants, leopards, and whales in the wild, and the food is absolutely delicious – hoppers for breakfast are one of the best inventions ever!
Sri Lanka is also a great place for Ayurveda, with full retreat packages including transfers, accommodation, and treatments. My favorite spots in Sri Lanka? The historic Galle Fort and Ahangama, a cool little surf town on the southern coast. If you go, you have to stay at The Kip.
Uruguay
Central and South America are super popular with nature lovers and backpackers. But many countries aren’t ideal for a first solo trip – you’ve already got a lot to think about and shouldn’t have to worry about safety too.
One country known to be very safe is Uruguay, which scores high on the Global Peace Index. It has low crime, a stable economy and politics, and is one of the world’s most progressive countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights.
The cool capital, Montevideo, is full of quality-of-life perks and is a fantastic spot for a relaxing solo trip. You can look forward to beautiful beaches in Punta del Este, dive into gaucho history, and enjoy amazing wine in Uruguay.
Other great solo travel destinations
Looking for other places for your first solo trip that are considered especially safe? According to Numbeo, many cities in Spain like Madrid, San Sebastián, and Malaga are great options. So are Helsinki and Krakow, which are also among my favorite cities for amazing food. Plus, Iceland ranks first on the Global Peace Index 2024.
Numbeo regularly publishes a Crime Index, ranking cities by safety.
Safety & tips for solo travel
Getting around: I’m a big fan of public transport, and taxis too. For safety, I try to avoid arriving late at night in a new place. With KAYAK’s flight search, you can filter by arrival time – just set it under “Times” in the search results.
If a late arrival is unavoidable, I always take a taxi or – even better – book an airport pickup through my hotel.
Once I’ve arrived, I usually get familiar with public transit. If I do need a taxi, I use ride apps like Uber or Grab. These are usually cheaper than regular taxis, there’s no language barrier, and I don’t need cash. I also feel safer, especially as a woman, because I can share my route and read driver reviews.
Staying connected: I almost always get a local SIM card so I have mobile data for Google Maps and ordering taxis. I can also stay in touch with loved ones on WhatsApp and share my travel route, so someone always knows where I am.
Insurance: Whether I’m traveling alone or not, I always get good travel health insurance and trip cancellation coverage.
Money: I always travel with at least two credit cards and withdraw some cash at a local ATM. That way, I’m prepared for anything and never stuck without money.
Getting to know the country and people: I often book activities like street food tours or guided sightseeing trips to get a sense of the destination. They’re also great ways to meet other travelers or at least have company for a few hours.
Dinner for one: Eating alone makes a lot of people nervous. But don’t worry – it can still taste great without company. Try some street food or choose restaurants with counter seating. The bar or a book are good alternatives too. And here’s the best part: It’s often much easier to snag a table for one at a popular restaurant.
How to save money on solo travel
Traveling alone is expensive, right? Sure, some costs fall solely on you when you travel solo. But here’s how to still save on hotels and flights:
Hotels
Luckily, the unfair single supplement is becoming a thing of the past. When searching on KAYAK, you can simply enter the number of travelers. You’ll then see not only double rooms but also single rooms and beds in hostels.
Don’t be put off – many hostels are great for adults and offer more than just creaky bunk beds. Some have stylish capsule-style dorms. One of my favorite hostels is the sleek KINN Capsule in Singapore.
My tip: Breakfast at upscale hotels can really add up. Think carefully if it’s worth it – it might be more fun (and cheaper) to try a noodle soup at a local Thai spot for breakfast. On KAYAK, you can filter for or exclude extras like expensive breakfast when searching for hotels.
Solo travel as a woman
Female solo travel has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but I still get wide-eyed looks when I say I’ve now traveled to nearly 40 countries alone. And I’ll be honest – even though nothing will stop me: It would be naive to assume men and women experience travel in the same way.
Whether you’re a millennial or a woman over 50 traveling alone, here are a few tips for you:
Dress appropriately: In a perfect world, our safety wouldn’t depend on our clothes. But dressing respectfully in conservative countries shows cultural awareness. Plus, the more you cover up, the less unwanted attention you usually get.
Be “rude”: Many women are conditioned to always be nice. That’s fine in theory, but it can sometimes be misunderstood. In some places and situations, I need to adapt to feel safe. My number one rule: I’m not afraid to be “rude” when I travel. I listen to my gut and say “no” clearly when I don’t want something – without worrying about offending anyone. Kindness can easily be misread in certain cultures and situations.
Social media: While social media can be great for meeting people, I stay cautious. Even when staying at large hotels, I don’t share my exact location until after I’ve left. If I meet someone, it’s only during the day and in a public, easy-to-access location – usually with other women.
The fake husband: Many solo female travelers wear a fake wedding ring to avoid unwanted attention. I personally never felt the need for that, but I’ve often invented a husband. In some countries, it’s still rare for women to travel alone, so saying “my husband is waiting at the hotel” can help deflect unwanted advances.
Women help women: If I ever feel lost or need help, I usually ask other women or families.
Women-only transport: In countries like Japan, India, and the UAE, there are taxis and public transport just for women. I sometimes use these, especially in the evenings.
