Solo travel changes you. There’s something about navigating a new place on your own that builds confidence you didn’t know you had.
But not every destination makes it easy.
Reliable public transit means you’re not stuck figuring out sketchy taxi situations. Safe neighborhoods let you actually relax instead of constantly looking over your shoulder.
Some places drain your wallet fast, while others let you eat well without breaking the bank.
The best countries for solo travel offer freedom without the worry, and that’s what we’re covering here.
Also Read: Travelling for the first time? Here’s your complete guide.
Choosing a Solo Travel Country
Picking the right destination comes down to a few key factors that can make or break your trip.
Safety: This sits at the top. I check crime rates, read what other solo travelers experienced recently, and look into how locals treat tourists. Walking around after dark without constant worry? That’s non-negotiable.
Ease of getting around: Reliable public transit, clear signage, and affordable transportation options mean you’re never stranded. Countries with metro systems or easy ride-sharing apps make solo travel way less stressful.
Culture and openness: Some places naturally welcome solo travelers with friendly locals who don’t mind a chat. Others keep more distance, which isn’t bad, but good to know beforehand.
Budget plays a role, too, since your money stretches very differently across destinations.
Best Countries for Solo Travel Around the World
Solo travel works differently depending on where you go.
Some regions offer budget-friendly adventures, while others provide structure and safety that first-timers appreciate.
1. Japan
Safe streets and respectful culture.
Trains run exactly on time, and you can leave belongings unattended. The culture values respect and quiet. Signs include English, and everything operates efficiently.
Where to go: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka
2. Thailand
Easy travel routes and social hostels.
Decades of backpacker traffic mean infrastructure built for solo travelers. Hostels, tours, and transportation cater to people moving alone, and costs stay low.
Thai hospitality is genuine. Street food culture means you’re never stuck eating alone in restaurants. Tourist areas are generally safe with common-sense precautions.
Where to go: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Tao
3. Vietnam
Affordable stays and great food.
Cities move fast and loud with motorbikes everywhere. But once you adjust, it’s incredibly easy to navigate solo. Your money stretches far without sacrificing quality.
Locals are curious and friendly. The food scene is legendary with pho and banh mi on every block. Buses and cheap flights connect major cities easily.
Where to go: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An
4. Indonesia
Popular with solo travelers and digital nomads.
Bali anchors the solo travel scene with coworking spaces, yoga studios, and a massive expat community. Beyond Bali, islands offer different vibes from party scenes to quiet retreats.
English works in tourist areas. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to month-long villa rentals.
The food is cheap and flavorful. Safety varies by island, with Bali and Java having solid infrastructure.
Where to go: Bali, Yogyakarta, Gili Islands
5. South Korea
Safe cities and efficient transport.
Technology makes everything simple. Free WiFi everywhere, instant translation apps, and efficient transportation systems. The culture is polite but reserved, and the streets stay safe even late at night.
Food portions suit solo diners, and many restaurants have single-seat counters. Crime against tourists is rare.
Where to go: Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island
6. Portugal
Walkable cities and warm locals.
Europe’s most affordable gem. Food, accommodation, and transit cost a fraction of those in other Western European countries.
The pace feels relaxed, and Portuguese people are famously friendly.
Public transit works well, and petty theft is the primary safety concern. Many locals speak decent English. Cities are compact enough to explore on foot.
Where to go: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve
7. Spain
Lively cities with simple transport.
Late-night culture keeps streets lively until dawn. Solo travelers blend into the social atmosphere easily, whether grabbing tapas or people-watching in plazas.
Safety is generally good, but watch your belongings in crowds. Trains and buses connect cities efficiently. English isn’t universal outside tourist zones.
Where to go: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville
8. Italy
History, food, and solo-friendly cities.
Solo dining is entirely normal, especially at lunch. The culture revolves around meals and piazzas. Trains connect major cities efficiently, and tourist infrastructure is well-developed.
Safety varies by location. Rome and Naples need extra awareness for pickpockets. Northern cities feel calmer.
Where to go: Rome, Florence, Venice
9. France
Good rail system and iconic spots.
The train network reaches almost everywhere. Paris draws solo travelers with museums, cafes, and walkable neighborhoods. Beyond the capital, regions offer wine country, beaches, and mountain villages.
English works in cities but less so in rural areas. Safety is generally solid with standard big-city precautions. Dining alone at cafes is part of the culture.
Where to go: Paris, Lyon, Nice
10. Netherlands
Easy cycling and safe cities.
Bikes rule the roads. Renting one lets you move like a local through flat, easy-to-navigate cities. Dutch people speak excellent English and communicate directly.
Safety is high. Bike theft happens, but violent crime is rare. Cities are compact, and you can cover a lot in a short time.
Where to go: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht
11. Germany
Organized transport and clear signs.
Efficiency defines everything. Trains arrive on time, signs are evident, and systems work as promised.
English is widely spoken in cities, and tourist infrastructure is thorough.
Germans seem reserved but are helpful when needed. Safety ranks among Europe’s highest.
Where to go: Berlin, Munich, Hamburg
12. Iceland
One of the safest countries to visit alone.
Crime is nearly nonexistent. You can hike, drive, or camp with minimal worry. Nature is the main attraction, from waterfalls to hot springs to northern lights.
English is widely spoken. Tours make it easy to see highlights without renting a car, though road trips work well too.
Weather changes fast, so pack layers.
Where to go: Reykjavik, Golden Circle, South Coast
13. Ireland
Friendly people and cozy towns.
Pub culture makes meeting people easy. Locals chat naturally, and live music fills bars most nights. Irish hospitality is genuine, not a tourism slogan.
English removes communication barriers. Safety is solid throughout the country.
Where to go: Dublin, Galway, Cliffs of Moher
14. Scotland
Great views and helpful locals.
Highlands and coastlines provide scenery. Scots are warm and chatty, especially in smaller towns. Edinburgh and Glasgow offer city culture, while the north brings wilderness.
English with Scottish accents takes a minute to adjust to. Public transit connects major spots, though renting a car opens up remote areas. Safety is excellent.
Where to go: Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Glasgow
15. Switzerland
Clean cities and reliable trains.
Everything runs like clockwork. Trains connect mountain towns to cities seamlessly. The country is expensive, but the quality matches the price.
English is common in cities. Safety is top-tier across the board. Hiking trails are well-marked for solo access.
Where to go: Zurich, Interlaken, Zermatt
16. Austria
Culture, music, and quiet streets.
Vienna brings classical music and grand architecture. Salzburg offers Mozart history and access to the nearby Alps. Cities feel safe and manageable for solo exploration.
English works in tourist areas. Public transit is efficient and affordable. Coffeehouse culture means you can sit alone with a pastry and fit right in.
Where to go: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck
17. Greece
Island hopping and relaxed pace.
Ferries connect dozens of islands, each with different vibes.
The pace is laid-back, and locals are friendly. Solo travelers can easily join boat tours or beach days.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Food is cheap and social, often served family-style. Safety is good, though petty theft happens in crowded spots.
Where to go: Athens, Santorini, Crete
18. Turkey
Affordable travel and rich culture.
Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia with mosques, bazaars, and Bosphorus views. Beyond the city, coastal towns and ancient ruins offer variety.
Costs are low compared to Western Europe. Turkish hospitality is genuine, and locals often invite travelers for tea. English works in tourist zones.
Safety requires awareness in certain areas.
Where to go: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya
19. Morocco
Popular solo routes and guided options.
Riads (guesthouses) provide safe, social accommodation. Marrakech and Fes offer medinas full of markets and street food. Desert tours and coastal towns add variety.
Guided tours help navigate souks and language barriers. French and Arabic dominate, but English works in tourist spots.
Solo female travelers should dress modestly.
Where to go: Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen
20. Mexico
Great food and a growing solo scene.
Tourist infrastructure is well-developed with hostels and tours catering to solo travelers. Costs stay reasonable, and Mexicans are warm and social.
Street food and markets create natural interaction spots. English works in tourist areas, though Spanish helps significantly.
Safety requires awareness, so stick to tourist zones.
Where to go: Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tulum
21. Costa Rica
Nature stays and social hostels.
Adventure tourism is built into the infrastructure. Tour companies organize group activities that solo travelers can easily join, from zip-lining to surfing.
Ticos are friendly and laid-back. English is common in tourist areas. Hostels attract a social crowd, making it easy to meet other travelers.
Where to go: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal
22. Peru
Popular backpacker trails and cities.
The Gringo Trail connects Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu with established hostels and tour operators.
Infrastructure caters to budget travelers moving alone.
Peruvian food is having a moment globally. Locals are friendly, and Spanish basics help a lot. Altitude sickness affects some visitors in mountain areas.
Where to go: Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu
23. Colombia
Improving safety and lively cities.
Cities buzz with cafes, street art, and nightlife. Colombians are incredibly warm and proud to share their country. The tourism scene has grown rapidly.
Spanish helps significantly. Safety has improved dramatically, but requires street smarts. Use recommended neighborhoods and registered transportation.
Where to go: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena
24. New Zealand
Easy road trips and hostels.
Nature takes center stage. The entire country feels like an outdoor playground with hiking, skiing, and water sports. Infrastructure caters to backpackers with hostels everywhere.
Kiwis are friendly and outdoor-focused. Safety is excellent, and locals look out for travelers.
Renting a car or campervan lets you explore at your own pace.
Where to go: Queenstown, Auckland, Milford Sound
Tips to Follow when Travelling Solo
Traveling alone takes a bit more planning. These practices will keep you safe and make trips smoother.
Safety comes first:
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Trust your gut if something feels off
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas
Stay connected:
- Get a local SIM card or an international plan
- Download offline maps before you arrive
Manage your money smart:
- Split cash between different pockets and bags
- Use ATMs inside banks during the daytime
Meet people without forcing it:
- Stay in hostels or join walking tours if you want company
- It’s also totally fine to keep to yourself
These aren’t rigid rules. Adjust based on where you’re going and what makes you comfortable.
Conclusion
Picking where to go solo changes everything. Some countries make it simple with safe streets and friendly locals, while others throw up unnecessary obstacles.
The best countries for solo travel let you move freely without constant stress about safety or logistics. Start with one destination that matches your comfort level and budget.
Book that first night’s stay, pack light, and go.
Solo travel builds confidence you can’t get any other way. Your trip is waiting.
