Travel and Leisure has revealed its picks for the top solo traveller destinations for 2026 in the world.
Solo travel has shifted from being a niche idea to something far more mainstream. In 2026, travelling alone isn’t about escaping; it’s about exploring on your own terms.
According to new data shared with Travel + Leisure by Expedia, independent travellers are booking trips in record numbers, with certain cities seeing dramatic spikes in single-person hotel stays.
From Californian coastlines to Caribbean shores and European capitals, the destinations trending this year have something in common: accessibility, safety, strong infrastructure, and experiences that don’t require a companion to enjoy.
Best Solo Traveller Destinations in 2026
Below are the top solo traveller destinations for 2026, based on the latest booking data and travel trends.
1. San Francisco
San Francisco has emerged as the standout solo destination of the year, with a remarkable 145 per cent surge in single-occupancy hotel bookings. The appeal is easy to understand. The city is compact, walkable, and layered with distinct neighbourhoods that each feel like its own world.
Solo travellers can wander through Golden Gate Park in the morning, explore the murals of the Mission District in the afternoon, and enjoy waterfront views at Fisherman’s Wharf by evening. Public transport is efficient, and ride-sharing is widely available, making navigation simple for first-timers.
What truly sets San Francisco apart is its balance. It offers culture, cuisine, coastline, and counterculture energy, all without feeling overwhelming. For solo travellers seeking independence without isolation, it’s an ideal starting point.
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles recorded a 60 per cent increase in solo bookings, proving that even sprawling cities can work beautifully for independent travel. While the city is vast, its neighbourhood-based structure allows travellers to tailor their experience, from beach days in Santa Monica to gallery hopping in Downtown LA.
Solo travellers appreciate the freedom to move at their own pace. You can hike to the Hollywood Sign in the morning, browse bookstores in Silver Lake by midday, and catch a sunset along the Pacific Coast without coordinating schedules.
Los Angeles also offers something subtle but important for solo travellers: anonymity. It’s a city where doing things alone feels completely normal.
3. San Diego
San Diego combines safety, sunshine, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it especially appealing for those new to solo travel. With another 60 per cent jump in bookings, the city’s relaxed beach culture clearly resonates.
The Gaslamp Quarter offers nightlife without chaos, while La Jolla’s coastal paths provide peaceful ocean views. The city’s manageable size makes it easy to explore without feeling lost, and its outdoor focus, from paddleboarding to cliffside walks, means solo travellers rarely feel confined.
San Diego’s calm energy makes it less intimidating than larger cities, yet still vibrant enough to stay interesting.
4. Dallas
Dallas saw a 55 per cent increase in solo bookings, reflecting a growing interest in cultural and culinary travel. The city blends modern architecture with historic districts, offering museums, live music venues, and strong food scenes that are easy to enjoy on your own.
Neighbourhoods such as Deep Ellum encourage exploration, while major attractions are well-connected and clearly signposted. For solo travellers who enjoy structured sightseeing alongside relaxed evenings, Dallas offers a balanced experience.
5. Washington, D.C.
Also recording a 55 per cent surge, Washington, D.C. is arguably one of the most solo-friendly cities in the United States. Its layout is straightforward, public transport is reliable, and major attractions are clustered together.
Museums along the National Mall, many of them free, make it easy to spend full days exploring independently. The city’s blend of history, politics, and culture creates an environment where walking alone feels purposeful rather than lonely.
For travellers who enjoy reflective experiences, Washington provides depth and accessibility in equal measure.
6. Boston
Boston continues to attract independent travellers drawn to its historic streets and manageable scale. Cobblestone paths, waterfront parks, and compact neighbourhoods make it highly walkable.
Solo travellers can follow the Freedom Trail at their own pace or settle into cosy cafes without feeling rushed. The city’s intellectual atmosphere and student presence create a lively but comfortable energy.
7. Miami Beach
Miami Beach blends tropical relaxation with nightlife and art deco flair. For solo travellers, it offers flexibility as you can choose peaceful mornings by the ocean or lively evenings in South Beach.
The beach itself becomes a social equaliser. It’s entirely normal to read, swim, or simply people-watch alone. With strong tourism infrastructure and year-round sunshine, Miami Beach balances vibrancy with ease.
8. New York City
New York City remains one of the world’s ultimate solo playgrounds. Its diversity means there’s always something happening, and no one looks twice at someone dining or sightseeing alone.
From Broadway shows to Central Park walks, independent travellers can shape their days spontaneously. The city’s extensive public transport system makes movement seamless, even for first-time visitors.
9. Cancun
Internationally, Cancun leads the solo surge with a 105 per cent increase in bookings. While known for group holidays, it’s increasingly popular among solo travellers seeking beachfront relaxation paired with cultural exploration.
Beyond the hotel zone, visitors can explore cenotes, Mayan ruins, and local markets. Guided day tours offer social interaction without requiring a travel companion. For those wanting warmth, accessibility, and adventure in one package, Cancun delivers.
10. Dublin
Dublin recorded a 90 per cent rise in solo travel bookings, reflecting its reputation for friendliness and walkability. The city’s pub culture makes conversation easy, while historic sites such as Trinity College provide rich daytime exploration.
Compact and welcoming, Dublin allows solo travellers to feel part of the rhythm of the city without needing structured plans.
Bottom Line
The solo travel boom of 2026 isn’t simply about independence; it’s about confidence. The destinations trending this year share common traits: reliable infrastructure, strong tourism networks, safe environments, and experiences that naturally suit independent exploration.
Solo travel offers space for reflection, spontaneity, and growth. Whether wandering along Pacific coastlines or strolling through European streets, 2026’s top destinations prove that travelling alone doesn’t mean travelling without connection. In many ways, it can feel even more personal.
Best Solo Travel Destinations in FAQs
Is solo travel safe in these destinations?
Generally, yes. These cities are well-established tourist hubs with strong infrastructure. However, travellers should still follow safety precautions such as sharing itineraries, securing belongings, and staying informed about local advisories.
Why is California dominating solo travel trends?
California offers varied experiences within one state, such as beaches, cities, mountains, and culture, making it ideal for flexible, self-paced travel without the need for complex planning.
What should solo travellers pack for safety?
Portable chargers, personal safety alarms, and secure travel locks are recommended. It’s also wise to carry backup payment methods and share your live location with a trusted contact while abroad.
