The best destinations for solo travelers

The best destinations for solo travelers are Portugal, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Indonesia, New Zealand, Peru, Australia and Mexico. Each one is safe and welcoming, easy to get around and full of chances to meet other travelers, so you can enjoy a trip on your own without ever feeling alone.

Below, we explain why each of these 10 places is great for solo travel. Whether you're dreaming of ziplining in Costa Rica, beach hopping in Thailand or exploring the sights of Japan, there's a destination to suit every type of traveler.

The 10 best destinations for solo travelers

Portugal

Portugal is one of the best destinations in Europe for solo travelers, thanks to its friendly locals, walkable cities and social hostels. Lisbon and Porto are the top picks, and it's easy to meet other travelers in both.

Both cities are compact enough to explore on foot, so you can spend a morning wandering through colorful neighborhoods and stopping for coffee whenever you like. If you want some company, join a walking tour. And when you're hungry, head to a food market or casual café, where eating on your own is completely normal.

Portugal is easy to explore beyond its two main cities, too. Trains and buses connect most major destinations, so you don't need to rent a car. Lagos in the Algarve is another great spot for solo travelers, with beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of hostels and activities that make socializing easy.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in the world. It has a social atmosphere, low prices and well-established backpacking routes, which makes it a great choice for first-time solo travelers.

Meeting other travelers is easy here. In fact, it's hard not to. Hostels organize activities, cities offer walking tours and there's always something to join, from cooking classes to snorkeling trips where conversations start naturally.

Most backpackers follow similar routes, so you'll meet people along the way and can even find someone to travel with for a few days. Getting around is simple too. The Thai islands are well connected by ferry, while buses and trains offer a cheap and convenient way to travel between popular destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pai.

Thailand also makes solo dining easy. Street food markets are some of the best places to eat, so you can grab a meal on the go while exploring temples, beaches and national parks at your own pace.

Japan

Japan is one of the safest and easiest countries to travel alone. It's well organized, and doing things on your own is completely normal there. From exploring temples and museums to relaxing in an onsen (hot spring), there's plenty to do, and traveling solo means you can do it all at your own pace.

Getting around is easy, with fast and reliable public transportation connecting cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. English signs are common in major cities, which makes finding your way on your own much less stressful.

Japan also has accommodation to suit every solo traveler. Choose from social hostels, capsule hotels with your own private pod or affordable business hotels with private bathrooms if you'd like more privacy.

Solo dining is very common in Japan, and many restaurants offer counter seating and individual booths. The language barrier isn't a problem either, since many places let you order from ticket machines or touchscreens.

Vietnam

Vietnam is ideal for solo travelers because of its friendly locals, low prices and well-traveled route from north to south.

Like Thailand, Vietnam has a very social atmosphere. Whether you're on a walking tour in Hanoi, taking a boat trip around Ha Long Bay or sitting in a lantern-lit bar in Hoi An, it's easy to meet other travelers. There are even dedicated backpacker streets, such as Bui Vien in Ho Chi Minh City and Ta Hien in Hanoi, where you'll find plenty of people traveling solo just like you.

Vietnam also offers a huge variety of experiences, so there's something for everyone. You could be cycling through rice paddies one day and relaxing on a sandy beach the next.

Getting around is simple, with trains, sleeper buses and budget flights connecting the country's main destinations. And because most backpackers travel between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you'll often run into familiar faces along the way.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best places in Central America for solo travelers. It's popular with backpackers of all ages and offers a mix of social hostels, wellness retreats and group activities, so you can make your trip as social or as relaxing as you like.

One of the main reasons it's so popular is the sheer number of things to do. From ziplining through rainforests to soaking in thermal pools, spotting sloths in the wild and snorkeling in crystal-clear coves, there's plenty to keep you busy, whether you explore alone or with other travelers.

Getting around is easy, with organized excursions and tourist shuttles connecting popular destinations. La Fortuna is known for its volcanic landscapes and hot springs, while Tamarindo offers surfing and a lively beach scene. For a slower pace, head to Santa Teresa, where yoga retreats, boutique hotels and a bohemian vibe make it ideal for a laid-back solo getaway.

Indonesia

Indonesia is one of Asia's top solo travel destinations. It's affordable, social and packed with experiences, and Bali and Lombok are especially popular with people traveling alone.

In Bali, Ubud is best for culture and wellness, while Canggu and Uluwatu are known for their cafés, bars and surf scenes. The nearby Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan) offer dramatic scenery and a more relaxed atmosphere. Over in Lombok, the Gili Islands are another solo travel favorite. Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, with busy beach bars and social hostels, while Gili Air is quieter, with yoga, sunset bars and relaxed restaurants.

The best thing about Indonesia is that your trip can be as social or as peaceful as you want. Explore independently for a quiet getaway, or meet other travelers in hostels, on boat trips or in bars.

Getting around is easy too. Regular ferries connect the main islands, so you can visit more than one place on a single trip.

New Zealand

New Zealand is perfect for solo travelers who love the outdoors. It's safe and welcoming, with social hostels and well-established travel routes, so it's easy to explore independently while meeting plenty of people along the way.

Getting around is simple, with regular ferries connecting the North and South Islands and buses linking the main destinations. Popular stops for solo travelers include Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown, all of which have plenty of hostels. Group tours and hop-on hop-off buses such as Kiwi Experience offer fun activities ranging from stargazing and bungee jumping to glacier hikes and boat trips.

When you're not chasing an adrenaline rush, New Zealand's compact cities and towns are easy to explore on foot. Spend the morning wandering around, grab a coffee or something from a market stall, then head off on your next adventure.

Peru

Peru is a great choice for a solo trip to South America. It has a popular backpacking trail, easy transportation and lively hostels, making it both convenient and social.

Cusco is one of the most popular stops, with a compact historic center that's easy to explore on your own. It's also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so there are plenty of tours and treks where you can meet other travelers. Arequipa is another favorite, especially for trips to Colca Canyon, while Lima is worth a visit for its food scene and neighborhoods like Barranco, with its cozy bars and bohemian atmosphere.

Getting around is fairly easy, with long-distance buses connecting the main destinations. And with so many tours and excursions available, you can explore the country's amazing landscapes and ancient sites while meeting like-minded people.

Australia

Australia is an easy choice for solo travelers because it's English-speaking, has well-established travel routes and offers plenty of social accommodations. The popular East Coast route is especially good for traveling independently. If you want to meet new people, try long-distance buses like Greyhound, where you'll find plenty of like-minded travelers.

The hostel scene is excellent too, with many hostels offering organized activities and social events. There are also lots of ways to meet people outside your accommodations, from sailing trips around the Whitsundays to camping on K'gari and surfing in Byron Bay. With so many people traveling the country solo, you'll never feel alone here.

One of the best things about Australia is the variety of experiences on offer, whether that's exploring busy cities, relaxing on beaches or hiking through rainforests.

Mexico

Mexico is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, with a lively hostel scene, affordable accommodations and warm hospitality, plus amazing food, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes.

Mexico City is a great place to start. Visit world-class museums, admire the architecture and explore trendy neighborhoods like Roma Norte, stopping at cafés and galleries along the way. Food lovers shouldn't miss Oaxaca City, where food markets make solo dining easy and cooking classes are a great way to meet other travelers. Puerto Escondido, on the Pacific coast, is also popular for its laid-back vibe, surf scene and nightlife. Getting between destinations is easy and affordable, with long-distance buses a popular choice for travelers.

Whether you're planning a solo city break in Portugal or a longer backpacking adventure through Vietnam, there are plenty of great destinations to choose from. For more travel inspiration, check out our blog and Instagram.