Best Destinations for Solo Travelers

Published June 29, 2011 | By solotraveler

Al-Babba Spices Coffee - this shop in Aqaba, Jordan was started by this man's grandfather.

What are the best destinations for solo travelers? I am asked this question all the time – most recently this morning by a reporter for Smithsonian Magazine.

And, of course, there is no one right answer to this question. It depends on the individual’s interests, physical abilities, financial resources, time available and travel experience.

Here’s how I break it down for people.

First time solo travelers with no travel experience.

If you’re not only a first time solo traveler but also quite new to travel, I suggest that you stay close to home. Start by taking baby steps to build your confidence. Try a weekend getaway. Drive, take a bus or train to another town, city, province or state and explore. You will be doing so in a language and culture that is familiar which minimizes the challenges of solo travel.

As you travel, practice some of these basic solo travel techniques:

Stay at a hostel or B&B and have breakfast with strangers.
Join groups for a short period of time. Take a museum tour or a cooking class. Anything of that nature will deliver a really social experience.
Research coffee shops and restaurants with communal tables, again, so that you can meet people in a casual setting.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, go out and see some live music in the evening. Read Slip into the Scene Solo: Bars, restaurants, festivals…

Please refer to the Solo Travel Safety section of this blog, do a bit of research and head out. Don’t forget to give yourself some quiet time as well and take note of how it feels to be independent, strong and capable.

Best destinations for new solo travelers without travel experience: anywhere close to home. After you’re comfortable close to home you can stretch yourself to the next category.

Last year I took a solo road trip around Lake Ontario. This is Prince Edward County, Ontario.

First time solo travelers with travel experience

OR

experienced solo travelers with little experience abroad.

Both of these categories of solo travelers have the same best destination in my mind so I’ve lumped them together.

If you’ve never traveled solo but are already a traveler, you need to develop the solo travel skills. You know how airports work and that tourism bureaus are typically near train stations. A lot of your travel knowledge has become instinctive so your challenge is being alone. Have a read of the bullet points in the section above.

If you’ve traveled solo but only close to home, your learning curve is on the other side of the coin. Your challenge will be to negotiate transportation and foreign currency but you will feel pretty comfortable with being alone.

In both cases, I suggest a destination with a familiar culture and language. For North Americans, Britain is a great destination but there are others such as Amsterdam where English is widely spoken.

Best destinations for first time solo travelers with travel experience and solo travelers who haven’t been out of the country: places that have a familiar culture and language.

Jane Austen's House Museum in Bath, England.

Seasoned solo travelers wanting to broaden their experience.

Once you’ve traveled solo both home and abroad, you’re really ready to broaden your horizons and explore more challenging destinations. But where. This is my challenge. With limited time and money, where to go.

This year I have already gone to two countries which are slightly more challenging for solo travelers than Britain but certainly not too much so. Chile is a great destination in South America. Santiago is sophisticated with an excellent transit system, wonderful restaurants and great public spaces. From there I traveled by bus to Puerto Montt to take the Navimag Ferry to Patagonia. To learn how to travel to Patagonia read: How to Travel Solo to Patagonia: Top 10 Tips. Chile is an easy stretch for experienced solo travelers.

Jordan was my other destination and it, too, works very well for solo travelers. I was there thanks to the Jordan Tourism Board so I had a guide with me but I studied it with solo travel in mind. I also spoke with two solo travelers who went on their own. Jordan is very safe and a surprising number of people, especially in the hospitality industry, speak English.

It’s fascinating to stretch yourself as a solo traveler. Next January/February my destination is South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.

What’s Your Best Destination?

There is truly a best destination for every level of solo travel experience and every interest. What’s your best destination?

Tasting the Wine in Chile.

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Posted in How to Travel Alone

Andy

For young people in the 18 to 22 age bracket, SE Asia is the obvious choice. It’s not great from a cultural experience point of view. In fact, it’s pretty terrible in that respect, unless you make a concerted effort to get off the beaten track. But, they’re guaranteed to be spoilt for choice when it comes to making new friends and travel buddies, with ease. Especially if they’re a girl!
Eleni

Hi everyone! I would also like to add that I’ve been to Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal as a solo female traveler at the age of 35 and has been a great experience! Not lonely or dangerous at all as I kept meeting new people all the time on the way and even if locals didn’t speak any english sometimes, wasn;t a barrier at all! Im thinking of visiting Iceland maybe in June so i’d love to hear some more advice and comments! If you find yourselves in Thessaloniki, Greece, I’d love to show you around!!!!
avril

I lived in Iceland for 4 months and it is a wonderful country. Go and explore and enjoy.
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http://solotravelerblog.com Janice Waugh

Hi Daniela,

I’ve done that trip in the opposite direction and I completely agree. It’s a fantastic combination of quite and socializing. I met some great people on that trip – really interesting people. I’m glad you brought it up.

Best,
Janice
Daniela

My first solo travel experience was a few years ago, at the age of 28: A cross-Canada train trip, from Vancouver to Toronto! About 5 days on my own…..enjoying the quiet time to myself on the train, looking out the window and taking in the views. But also dining with a variety of people at meal times, and walking around the train meeting people from around the world: some families, couples, and other solos. What a great way to ‘get my feet wet’ into solo travel as a young woman!
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Dana Lowton

Hi George. I am a solo traveler and have been wanting to visit Iceland for a while. I keep reading traveling posts about the expense of the country…is it possible to do it relatively cheap on your own?
http://twitter.com/lawyerlu Luciana Vazquez

i will appreciate any comments for a solo traveler to laos, vietnam, thailand and cambodia… those are my next goals. thanks!
http://solotravelerblog.com Janice Waugh

Hi Margaria. How inspiring. You are clearly seizing life! Good for you!!!
Margarita

Hi Janice my first solo travel was last September I was single again after 30years of married I get divorce and take my first solo trip to Europe first was London them take the metro to Paris and them fly to Rome was the best vacations of my life go by myself not tour learn how to use the metro where to eat what places to visit in the each country was genial! plus I was celebrate my Birdday 55 years younger and now my nest trip will be Grece and Turkey I hope very soom!
http://www.facebook.com/lynda.greer.58 Lynda Greer

George, I’m in the process of planning a solo trip to Iceland. Would love to hear more about what to see, where to go, where to stay and places to eat. I’m an avid picture taker and can’t wait to see the beauty of Iceland.
WindowlessOffice

Just seeing this now — great topic!

Kenya (or any other safari destination) gets my vote for favorite solo travel destination. Wonderful people, landscapes, birds and animals that I’d never get to see in the US, knowledgable guides and welcoming hosts. Kenya has the added bonus of being one of the African countries where English is widely spoken, which makes things easier for a lot of Americans — although picking up a few words of Swahili or Maasai will bring a smile to many faces.

I’d note that my trips to Kenya have been more in the “I went alone, but not solo” category, as I had booked with a great safari outfitter (Gamewatchers) and always knew ahead of time that I’d have a driver and/or guide with me. I always felt safe with them, and I think that common sense precautions about neighborhood safety would have been more than sufficient even if I hadn’t always had a guide. My only caution would be that people think hard about driving themselves anywhere, as the “cotton soil” of many of the national parks and concessions I visited seemed only too eager to engulf vehicles, and the roads between many destinations are filled with the potholes and ruts that make the bouncing/jolting “African massage” a very real phenomenon.

I loved my first trip there so much that I was back there less than a year later, even though so many other unknown destinations beckoned. Do check it out!
cathy law

I just returned from traveling alone in Barcelona and Paris. Both were just great- fun, active cities with lots to see and do. Since I life in Southern California, I speak Spanish so Spain was no problem (many speak English) same in Paris- you just have to try a few words in French and then say “in French” “Pardon me, I don’t speak French- do you speak English?” and then all is well.
Pat Gross

There’s so much to say about Barcelona: it is unique, fun, easy to get around, great food. I traveled all over Spain as a single woman and found friendly, helpful people. I do not know Spanish but it was never a problem. If you haven’t traveled alone very often, remember to keep a good local street map with you at all times and the name and address of the place you are staying.
Satish chadha

Hi George,
I sent you a text but never heard from you, please send me an email at satishchadha95@yahoo.com, if you ever come to US, I lve near DC area I would show you this area.
Amy

Would love to hear your thoughts about Barcelona. I will be going there for the first time in Oct.
Lance

precisely what im doing in september. please… drop me as many tips as feel like. france is a little uncomfortable for me as i dont know the language… working on it slowly. really hope to hear from you.
http://wlzine.com/ Rodo

I believe that as long as you do your homework & have some common sense, solo travel is not hard to do. Of course, it highly depends on your personality! I’ve always been very independent, hardly ever scared of anything, so maybe that helped?
http://www.knok.com/fr/knoleskine/ Florine

I could not agree more, even if it can seem hard at first for shy people, B&B and hostels are the best places to get to know people to cruise around with!
Krisabele N. Ricamonte

I’m setting my sights to travelling abroad next year alone. Thanks for tips.
Coolsteppa

I’d luv to do Israel in the next year or two, I’m heading to Goa in JAn. Saw reindeers by Jamtland national park ,Sweden yesterday..they were so beautiful and so close I could touch them. Best wishes ,George
Coolsteppa

Spinster honesty does compell me to admit, I totally agree with you! would luv yr. travel stories facts, etc. best wishes, george
Coolsteppa

Sharon Rajasthan is lovely, camel treks, pink city, luvly cuisine, NIce JEwels, etc, etc. taj mahal is just 4 hrs. Drive away. someday soon I’d like to visit the teetons in Wyoming. I will b traveling to Goa in mid jan2013..best wishes ,george
Coolsteppa

Hi satish, so nice to hear fr. u. do text me on 00354-6631291 yr. e mail address, I will send you my email add. I’m traveling a bit , done 5 country’s since nov. last and luv traveling solo..please bear with me if I don’t answer my phone..wil reply to text msg. Saw reindeers yesterday in Nwest Sweden around Jamtland national park..tons of snow , wild life as well.they were so close I could almost touch them..they were so BEautiful to look at. The people in jamtland ar
so amazingly hospitable, friendly. luvly wild cuisine, tried bear , reindeer, cantarels among other things, Yummy!
AS a European Indian I also luv traveling solo to Goa, India, met some amazing Hip Travellers in Goa ,need accommodation in goa talk to me on fb Goa Holiday VIlla Home Accompdation Rental
Satishchadha

hi George,
My name is Satish Chadha and I like your post I would like to travel solo to the Iceland some time in the future from the United States,like you said you can help, how any one can communicate with you direct, can you provide an direct email address or how?
Thanks
Satish
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=619886420 Linda Luah Castle

for me it was Rome and Amalfi coast….both places suit my needs
Lokesh Kumar

Nice Techniques, It really helps lot of SOLO Travellers.

Dubai flights from UK
solotraveler

I’m glad. Have a wonderful time!
Phuong Uyen

Thanks for your share. I’m preparing for my first time solo travel ever… I’m kind of exciting and nervous as the same time. I believe I’m gonna go safe and sound thanks to your tips
George Holmes

How about Iceland..land of fire in Ice.. Absolutely breath taking Nature,Voted best Nightlife in Europe as well.
Rajasthan is great, Just back from an Amazing dinning/shopping for Wall carpets hangings Gypsy ones holiday there and in Goa, ..People tell me i have Amazing prices on NICE holiday accomodation in Goa…
If U do come to Iceland..i might show U around a bit..
Happy Solo travels…
George Holmes

I travel globaly solo for various reasons..11 yrs. back i decided to see Iceland as a tourist..i luved it so much, i ended up staying here.Wonderful Nature, Highlands are Spectacular..Night Life has been voted best in Europe, Dinning among the best..incl fourseasons quality..Locals R just not Gorgeous, Handsome, they take immense delight in entertaining their guest..Iceland has year around activities , need info ask me…i might even show U around a bit…
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http://www.bluegreenonline.com Henry Williams

Great Article my last solo trip was to the Bahamas and it was wonderful
solotraveler

Heather – what a wonderful contribution. And it is true, we are all solo travelers. Enjoy!!!
Heather Donaldson

We’re all solo travelers – for me it’s just about putting myself into situations, and watching. As a 66 year old B&B owner, I’ve had the privilege of many stories… This year I’m creating my own – living in France for a year. I was fortunate to rent my home, giving me the required income. Wonderful things happened. I’m (slowly) learning the language, I’ve fallen in love, friends and family visited and I know myself in new ways – all because I just did it. Sure there are downsides – sickness being one I only navigated with the help of very dear friends – but the point is, I did it.
http://www.bandbireland.com Joy Harron

For the Solo Traveller, B&B is the only way to travel. I recommend Ireland for a solo visit. The people are very friendly and in the B&B’s you will feel like part of the family. Choose from over 1100 Tourist Board Approved B&B’s at http://www.bandbireland.com and you will be sure of a positive experience.
http://www.latinabroad.com Maria Alexandra

I went to Israel by myself (read: Solo woman, 20 yrs old at the time) and it was a great experience. Three weeks, hitchhiked & couchsurfed for about 90% of the trip. Fascinating, easy country to navigate. I believe that as long as you do your homework & have some common sense, solo travel is not hard to do. Of course, it highly depends on your personality! I’ve always been very independent, hardly ever scared of anything, so maybe that helped? =P
http://spinsterscompass.wordpress.com Spinster

“I am not sure there is any one destination or even continent that suits a solo traveller. It is the traveller that will probably suit them rather than the other way around.”

Makes perfect sense and seems to apply to me. I don’t have a best destination; I’ve enjoyed every place I’ve done solo. My most recent: Italy (Tuscany region) about 2 weeks ago.
solotraveler

Thanks Iain. Your summary of the piece, is excellent. I meandered to the point. You nailed it. “I am not sure there is any one destination or even continent that suits a solo traveller. It is the traveller that will probably suit them rather than the other way around.”
http://www.malloryontravel.com Iain Mallory

Great piece and as you allude to it probably has more to do with the experience as possibly even more importantly the attidude and confidence of the traveller.

I am not sure there is any one destination or even continent that suits a solo traveller. It is the traveller that will probably suit them rather than the other way around.

Some will look for total independence and remoteness whilst for others just being in a foreign location and culture will be adventure enough for them.

Definitely agree that an inexperienced traveller should choose a less ambitious destination, cut their teeth and make any mistakes in a more forgiving culture.

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed the read.
http://fantastic-travels.com/ AJ

What a fabulous article, I enjoyed reading your tips and advice Janice. I’m a Hotel person really but the B&B & Hostel stay advice – having breakfast with strangers is a great idea. I think that’s something I could try in another Town (close to home) as you suggested. I’ve traveled alone many times but generally to meet friends or family at the other end – not quite the same I know.
http://www.acceleratedstall.com Maria

Cambodia. Pluses to traveling with friends or lovers but Cambodia is completely do-able as a solo-traveler – I’ve done it both ways.
Amer @TendToTravel

Great article. My favourite solo destination so far has been Albania. It’s fantastic considering it’s kinda off the beaten track and people are surprisingly friendly.
http://www.keku.com KeK

This is a really great post! A lot of people are scared to even go to the movies alone. I think they really just need to throw themselves into it and think about all the great experiences they will have. I know that’s what I did, and I am glad I did
http://2girls1journey.com/ Pia and Kris

We have never traveled solo yet, but we’ll love to do it someday and just meet on the other side of the world. Great tips, thanks!
solotraveler

Hi Sharon, I’m afraid that I don’t have current experience in those places. Are you a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook? http://facebook.com/solotravelsociety/ If yes, we could post the question there.
Rick Hewey

Great info.I travel solo and it’s nice to hear the stories from other people
Sharon W

I solo-traveled for work in both North and South America, which is a great way to get used to being solo – never pass on a solo trip for work that extends over the weekend, if possible! It has support built in and the local work contacts almost always make sure you have good things to do over the weekend.

My last big solo trip was Bangkok on the way home from a tour group in Bhutan – I loved it! I’m thinking of touring Morocco or Rajasthan or a few weeks in a flat in Barcelona. Any recommendations?
Anja

Thank you for this inpsiring blog!

My first solo travel went to Paris and Normandy in France a few years ago which was a success and great for solo travellers. This autumn I am planning a visit to Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid.

Best Destinations for Solo Travelers

First time solo travelers with no travel experience.

First time solo travelers with travel experience

OR

experienced solo travelers with little experience abroad.

Seasoned solo travelers wanting to broaden their experience.

What’s Your Best Destination?

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