The best solo travel destinations for 2026 are Japan, Portugal, Iceland, New Zealand, Vietnam and Scotland, with Thailand, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Slovenia, Morocco and Colombia completing the top 12. Each has easy public transport, a good chance of meeting other travellers and streets where you feel comfortable walking back to your room after dinner, and each suits a different kind of solo traveller. This guide covers how to plan your first trip alone and the 12 best solo travel destinations for 2026, with who each one suits, what it costs and the catch to know before you book.
If you are focused on North America, our separate guide to solo travel in the USA covers that country city by city, and women travelling alone can find a dedicated safety checklist in our solo female travel guide. This page looks at the wider world.
How we chose these destinations: We scored countries on four things that matter most when nobody is with you: personal safety, ease of transport, the social scene (hostels, tours, shared tables) and value for a single traveller who cannot split a room. Every pick also has a clear first-timer route. Checked in October 2026; entry rules and prices change, so confirm them before you travel.
How to plan your first solo trip, step by step
Pick a forgiving first destination. Your first trip alone is about learning how you like to travel. Choose somewhere with good transport, English signage or widely spoken English, and plenty of other travellers, then save the harder countries for trip two.
Plan the first 48 hours in detail and leave the rest loose. Book your first two nights, know exactly how you get from the airport to your bed, and arrive in daylight if you can. After that, a rough route with flexible bookings lets you stay longer where you are happy.
Budget for the single supplement. A double room costs about the same for one person as for two, so solo travellers pay more per head. Dorms in good hostels, private rooms in guesthouses, and longer stays with weekly rates bring the cost down.
Build in social time. Group day tours, walking tours, cooking classes and hostels with common rooms make meeting people easy. Equally, schedule time just for you: a museum at your own pace, a long lunch with a book.
Set up a safety net. Share your itinerary with someone at home, carry a second bank card in a separate place, buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and save the local emergency number in your phone. An eSIM bought before departure keeps maps and messaging working from landing.
Best solo travel destinations compared
Compare budget and style in the table, then read the full entry for each country.
Budget symbols are relative, from $ (cheapest) to $$$$ (most expensive), and reflect a solo traveller's daily spend on a private room, food and local transport. Best months suit most of each country, but Vietnam stretches over a long north-south coastline, so Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City peak at different times. Iceland's summer and aurora seasons call for very different packing and budgets. For a first solo trip, Japan, Portugal and Taiwan pair easy public transport with well-marked tourist routes; Morocco and Colombia reward travellers who already have a trip or two behind them.
| # | Destination | Best for | Best time | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | Best for first-timers | March–May, October–November | $$–$$$ |
| 2 | Portugal | Easy Europe | April–June, September–October | $$ |
| 3 | Iceland | Nature alone | June–August, September–March for aurora | $$$$ |
| 4 | New Zealand | Adventure capital | November–April | $$$ |
| 5 | Vietnam | Best value | February–April, September–November (varies by region) | $ |
| 6 | Thailand | Classic backpacker | November–April | $–$$ |
| 7 | Scotland | Highlands and history | May–September | $$$ |
| 8 | Taiwan | Underrated | October–April | $$ |
| 9 | Costa Rica | Wildlife | December–April | $$ |
| 10 | Slovenia | Small and calm | May–September | $$ |
| 11 | Morocco | For the second trip | March–May, October–November | $ |
| 12 | Colombia | Latin energy | December–March, July–August | $–$$ |
Top 12 solo travel destinations for 2026
Japan is the best destination for a first trip alone, thanks to very low crime, punctual trains and a culture where eating alone is normal. The other eleven are Portugal, Iceland, New Zealand, Vietnam, Thailand, Scotland, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Slovenia, Morocco and Colombia, each with who it suits, what it costs and the catch to know.
Japan
For a first trip alone, Japan is hard to beat. Crime is very low, trains run on time to the minute and eating alone is completely normal: ramen counters, conveyor-belt sushi and standing bars are built for one. Start in Tokyo, take the bullet train to Kyoto and Osaka, and add Hiroshima or the Japanese Alps if you have two weeks.
Capsule hotels and business hotels give solo travellers small, clean, affordable rooms. The catch is cost: Japan is not cheap, and rail passes have become more expensive, so price your route before buying one.
A sample first route: four nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku or Ueno for transport links), a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura, three nights in Kyoto, one in Nara or Osaka, and a final night near the airport. Convenience stores (konbini) sell good, cheap meals at any hour, which is a lifesaver when you arrive late and alone. Coin lockers at stations let you sightsee before check-in without dragging a bag around.
- Region: East Asia
- Best time: March–May, October–November
- Budget level: $$–$$$
- Main airports: Tokyo (NRT/HND), Osaka (KIX)
Nervous first-timers get the most out of it. Learn a few polite phrases; people respond warmly.
Portugal
As an easy, good-value corner of Europe, Portugal pairs some of the continent's best hostels with a long coast, a mild climate and prices below most of Western Europe. Lisbon and Porto have walking tours, fado nights and lively social scenes, and the Algarve coast and the Douro Valley are easy by train or bus. The Rota Vicentina coastal trail suits solo hikers who like quiet days.
Lisbon's hills and tram queues test your legs and patience, and rents have pushed up hotel prices in the centre.
A relaxed ten-day route runs from Lisbon (three nights, with a day in Sintra) to the surf town of Ericeira or the walled town of Óbidos, then up to Coimbra and Porto, finishing with a train ride into the Douro Valley. The fastest Alfa Pendular trains between Lisbon and Porto take a little under three hours; Intercidades services take slightly longer. Lunch-time "prato do dia" set menus in local tascas are the best-value solo meals in the country.
- Region: Southern Europe
- Best time: April–June, September–October
- Budget level: $$
- Main airports: Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO)
Social travellers fit right in here; book a hostel with a family dinner night to meet people quickly.
Iceland
If you would rather spend time alone with landscapes than in bars, Iceland, one of the safest countries in the world, is made for road trips and nature. Drive the Ring Road in summer or join small-group tours from Reykjavík for glaciers, waterfalls, ice caves and the northern lights in winter.
It is very expensive, and winter driving can be dangerous for inexperienced drivers. Solo travellers save by taking guided day tours, using guesthouse kitchens and travelling in shoulder seasons.
Solo travellers without a car can base themselves in Reykjavík and take day tours: the Golden Circle, the south coast to Vík and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. In summer, the midnight sun makes long hiking days easy; in winter, there are only a few hours of daylight. Many guesthouses have shared kitchens, and supermarket meals cut the daily cost a lot.
- Region: North Atlantic
- Best time: June–August, September–March for aurora
- Budget level: $$$$
- Main airports: Keflavík (KEF)
It rewards self-sufficient nature lovers most. Check road and weather alerts every morning.
New Zealand
Often called an adventure capital, friendly New Zealand combines spectacular hiking, adventure sports and a backpacker network built for solo travel. Hop-on hop-off buses and campervans link Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and the fjords of the south. The Great Walks are well marked, and huts are sociable places to meet hikers.
The distances are long and flights from most of the world are expensive. Plan at least two to three weeks to justify the trip. Great Walk huts book out months ahead in summer.
Most solo travellers fly into Auckland, head north to the Bay of Islands, south through Rotorua and Taupō, then cross to the South Island for Abel Tasman, the West Coast glaciers, Queenstown and Milford Sound. Working holiday visas are available to some nationalities, which is why the hostels are full of long-term travellers who know the country well.
- Region: Oceania
- Best time: November–April
- Budget level: $$$
- Main airports: Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC)
Outdoor lovers will be happiest here. Book Great Walk huts as soon as reservations open.
Vietnam
On price alone, Vietnam is one of the best-value solo trips anywhere. The classic north–south route links Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City by sleeper bus, train and cheap domestic flights. Street food is cheap and excellent, and the backpacker trail means company whenever you want it.
Traffic is chaotic, and taxi and motorbike scams are common in cities; use ride-hailing apps such as Grab. Riding a motorbike without a valid licence can void travel insurance.
Allow about three weeks for the full length of the country. Many travellers fly into Hanoi, spend a night or two on a Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay cruise, go north to Sapa or the Ha Giang loop with a local driver, then head south via Hue and Hoi An. Overnight trains are a comfortable, social way to cover the long distances.
- Region: Southeast Asia
- Best time: February–April, September–November (varies by region)
- Budget level: $
- Main airports: Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Budget travellers stretch their money furthest here, and a cooking class in Hoi An is an easy way to meet people.
Thailand
Temples, islands and an easy, well-trodden trail make Thailand the classic first backpacking country. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands have hostels, tours and other travellers everywhere. Learn to cook in Chiang Mai, trek in the north and island-hop in the Gulf or the Andaman Sea.
Popular islands can feel like party zones, and drinks spiked at full-moon parties are a known risk. Choose quieter islands such as Koh Lanta or Koh Yao Noi if that is not your scene.
A first trip often starts with three nights in Bangkok, a night train or short flight to Chiang Mai, a trip to Pai or Chiang Rai and then the islands. Many travellers spend a week or more on one island to dive or learn to free-dive. Songthaews (shared pick-up taxis) and ride-hailing apps make getting around cheap.
- Region: Southeast Asia
- Best time: November–April
- Budget level: $–$$
- Main airports: Bangkok (BKK)
Sociable first-timers settle in quickly. Read our Thailand guide for region overviews.
Scotland
English-speaking Scotland, with its Highlands and castles, suits solo travellers who like history, hiking and pubs where conversation comes easily. Edinburgh has walking tours and festivals, and small-group tours run to the Highlands, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. The West Highland Way is a popular solo long-distance walk.
Weather changes quickly, midges bite in summer and Skye accommodation books out early.
Edinburgh in August hosts the Fringe festival, the largest arts festival in the world, which is easy to enjoy alone because shows are short and casual. Outside festival season, take the train to Inverness or Fort William and join small-group tours for the islands. Hostels across the Highlands are well run and many have drying rooms for wet gear.
- Region: UK
- Best time: May–September
- Budget level: $$$
- Main airports: Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA)
Come for culture and walking, and book Skye rooms months ahead for summer.
Taiwan
Underrated by many travellers, Taiwan is safe, friendly and easy to navigate with an excellent high-speed rail network. Taipei's night markets are ideal for solo eating, and the Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and the old streets of Jiufen make easy trips.
Fewer people speak English outside Taipei, so download a translation app. Typhoon season runs roughly from summer into autumn.
Taipei is easy to explore by metro, with day trips to Jiufen, the Pingxi line (sky lanterns) and Beitou hot springs. The high-speed rail reaches Tainan, the old capital and food city, in under two hours. Convenience stores sell meals and SIM cards, and almost everything closes late, so solo evenings never feel empty.
- Region: East Asia
- Best time: October–April
- Budget level: $$
- Main airports: Taipei (TPE)
Food-focused travellers do especially well. Buy an EasyCard for metro, buses and convenience stores.
Costa Rica
Wildlife, surf, volcanoes, beaches and eco-lodges give Costa Rica its pull, backed by an established tourism network. Shuttle buses link La Fortuna, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio and the Caribbean coast, and surf camps and yoga retreats are easy places to meet others.
It is more expensive than its neighbours, and petty theft from cars and beaches is common, so never leave bags unattended.
A common two-week route runs from San José to La Fortuna for the Arenal volcano and hot springs, to Monteverde for cloud-forest hanging bridges, then to Manuel Antonio or the Nicoya peninsula beaches. Guided night walks are a great way to see frogs and sloths and meet other travellers.
- Region: Central America
- Best time: December–April
- Budget level: $$
- Main airports: San José (SJO), Liberia (LIR)
Nature lovers get the most from it; use shared shuttles between towns.
Slovenia
Small, calm, safe and green, Slovenia is a country of lakes and hiking. Ljubljana is a relaxed capital, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj are a short bus ride away and the Julian Alps offer hut-to-hut hiking. Everything is compact, so a week covers a lot.
Lake Bled is crowded in summer; Bohinj is calmer.
Ljubljana's old town is car-free along the river, with cafés and markets that suit wandering alone. Buses run often to Bled and Bohinj, and the Soča Valley offers rafting and canyoning. A week in Slovenia can easily link into Croatia, Austria or Italy by train or bus.
- Region: Central Europe
- Best time: May–September
- Budget level: $$
- Main airports: Ljubljana (LJU), or via Venice or Zagreb
Choose it for a calm, outdoor trip, and stay in Bohinj for quieter lakes.
Morocco
Save Morocco for a second trip: its culture rewards experienced solo travellers with colourful medinas, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara. Join a small-group desert tour from Marrakech, explore Fes and the blue town of Chefchaouen and stay in riads with shared breakfasts.
Hassle in the medinas is constant, and women travelling alone often face unwanted attention. It is best as a second solo trip, with a guide for the first day.
Trains link Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes and Tangier, and the high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca is fast and modern. Group desert tours from Marrakech to Merzouga usually take three days and are one of the easiest ways to meet other travellers.
- Region: North Africa
- Best time: March–May, October–November
- Budget level: $
- Main airports: Marrakech (RAK), Casablanca (CMN)
Confident travellers cope best. Agree prices before any service.
Colombia
With its Latin energy, salsa, coffee and lively cities, Colombia has become a favourite for solo backpackers: Medellín's spring-like climate, Cartagena's colonial walls, the coffee region around Salento and salsa in Cali. Hostels and Spanish schools make meeting people easy.
Safety varies by area. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, avoid displaying phones on the street and follow local advice about neighbourhoods.
Many travellers start in Bogotá, fly to Medellín and take buses to Guatapé and the coffee region, then fly to Cartagena and the Caribbean coast. Free walking tours in Bogotá and Medellín give context on the country's recent history.
- Region: South America
- Best time: December–March, July–August
- Budget level: $–$$
- Main airports: Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE)
If you want to learn Spanish, take a few lessons on arrival.
Which kind of solo trip suits you?
Independent backpacking gives the most freedom and the lowest cost. You choose every stop, sleep in hostels or guesthouses and change plans on a whim. It suits confident travellers and anyone with time, and it works best in Southeast Asia, Portugal, Colombia and New Zealand, where the routes are well worn.
Small-group tours take care of the logistics and give you instant company, while you still sign up as one person. Many operators match solo travellers in shared rooms to avoid the single supplement. They are a good choice for Iceland's winter roads, Morocco's desert or a first trip to a country with a different alphabet.
Slow travel means renting a room or apartment for a month and living like a local: a gym membership, a language class, a favourite café. It suits remote workers and retirees, and cities such as Lisbon, Chiang Mai, Taipei and Medellín are popular bases.
Activity-led trips build the journey around one passion, such as a trek, a dive course, a cooking school or a yoga retreat. The shared activity makes friendships easy, and the instructors become your local contacts.
How much does solo travel cost?
A solo trip usually costs noticeably more per person than the same trip for two, because rooms, taxis and car hire are not shared. Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand remain the cheapest, followed by Morocco, Colombia and Portugal. Iceland, Scotland, Japan and New Zealand sit at the top. Hostels with private rooms, overnight trains and buses, lunch-time set menus and city transport passes make the biggest difference.
Rail passes show how prices move: the 7-day adult Japan Rail Pass rose from ¥29,650 to ¥50,000 in October 2023, so for many routes single tickets or regional passes now work out cheaper. On group tours and cruises, single supplements can add a large share to the base price, so look for operators that run solo departures or offer room-share matching. Build a budget from three numbers, a nightly room rate, a daily food figure and a transport total, then add a margin for the costs a solo traveller cannot split, such as airport taxis and private transfers.
Safety habits for travelling alone
The safety habits that matter most when travelling alone are sharing your itinerary and hotel details with someone at home, arriving in daylight with your first transfer arranged, and carrying two cards and some cash in different places. Save your hotel address offline, ideally in the local script for taxi drivers.
- Share your plan. Send your itinerary and hotel details to someone at home, and check in at set times. Live location sharing on your phone does the same job in real time.
- Arrive in daylight. Book flights that land in the day where possible, and pre-arrange your first transfer. Save the hotel address offline, ideally in the local script for taxi drivers.
- Split your money. Carry two cards and some cash in different places, so one loss does not leave you stuck. Keep each card's emergency number written down separately.
- Trust your instincts. If a place or person feels wrong, leave. Changing hotels is cheaper than a bad night.
- Check entry rules. Visa and entry rules depend on your passport. Check each country's official immigration portal or our visa services.
- Get proper insurance. Choose a policy that covers medical evacuation and the activities you plan, such as hiking or diving.
Planning a trip to Japan? Read our Japan travel guide, compare hotels in Japan or search flights.
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