There’s nothing like gallivanting around the globe on your own. These are the best solo travel destinations in the world

Packing your bags and jetting off somewhere alone has always been the dream for a lot of people, but ‘solo travel’ as a concept is becoming more and more popular. Nowadays, hotels and holiday companies are doing solo travelling packages, and social media enables us to feel connected even when we’re out there on our own.

But if this sounds like your kind of dream, it goes without saying that some countries are better than others for solo travel. Above all you should feel safe, but it’s also great to visit places where locals are hospitable, or there’s lots of opportunities to meet new people. Of course, it’s important to research how to stay safe (especially for women), but to start, we’ve rounded up the best destinations for solo travel, right here. Happy travels!

1. Japan

Japan is such a comfortable, safe and accessible destination for solo travellers that it’s almost a cliché. Yes, the locals are unfailingly friendly. Indeed, everything works so dependably that getting about is delightfully stress-free. Aye, eating and drinking on your own here is marvellously normal. But it’s all so true. I spent three months travelling solo around the country last year, from Sapporo in the chilly north to Kagoshima in the semi-tropical south, and at no point – no matter how far I strayed from the tourist trail – did I feel like any of the country was beyond my reach. A few words of Japanese go a long way, of course (especially in rural areas), but there’s no better way to do Japan than on your own.

2. Ireland

When it comes to feeling welcome, you’d be hard pressed to come by a nation who are more hospitable than the Irish. I might be a bit biased – my family all hail from the Emerald Isle – but I can guarantee that whether you’re in the hectic centre of Dublin or the easy-going shores of Galway, something about the people here will make you feel right at home. In fact, I’ve found that the plush countryside and dramatic hills paired with the wood-covered, pint-filled walls of pubs where a local is usually spinning a tale strikes the perfect balance between tranquillity and community – it’s primed for solo travel.

3. East Coast Australia

It goes without saying that Australia is absolutely massive. Mahoosive. Ginormous. And while that fact might make it seem daunting, particularly for those of us travelling solo, most of the action is concentrated on the East Coast. There are plenty of classic routes that run from Adelaide to Brisbane and beyond, allowing intrepid explorers to visit a variety of exciting towns that each seem to have their own magnificent ocean view. Australians are famously sociable, too, so meeting new people will never be an issue in this isolated corner of our beautiful planet.

4. Iceland

The aptly-named ‘land of fire and ice’ is a magnet for nature fanatics, and perfect for those travelling solo. An abundance of caves, caverns, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and geysers should be plenty to keep you occupied, as the landscape and scope of this Nordic island is second to none. The country’s charming capital, Reykjavik, is jam-packed with activity – why not add the Blue Lagoon or the Laugarvatn Fontana to your to-do list for some solo relaxation? And the best thing about Iceland for solo travellers is the safety. The country is named time and time again named one of the safest places for travellers, thanks to low crime rates and a generally accepting society. Plus you have a seriously good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s definitely one for the bucket list.

5. Botswana

For those keen to explore the wonders of Africa, Botswana is likely your best bet. The country has a wealth of wildlife to appreciate and observe, with nearly 40 percent of its land area being devoted to national parks. The Okavango Delta, Kalahari Desert and Chobe National Park are world-renowned safari spots, home to everything from giraffes to rhinos. Botswana is also a politically and economically steady nation, and ranks highly on safety indexes for African countries. This, plus the fact that many Botswanans speak excellent English, makes it a great destination to navigate on your solo travels.

6. Canada

Canada’s name is one thrown around most often when it comes to solo travel. The population has a worldwide reputation for their friendliness, and the country has everything you could want from a travel destination. Incredible off-the-grid adventure opportunities like visiting the Rockies, Niagara Falls and Banff National Park offer up plenty to see for intrepid globetrotters. However, Toronto is considered one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and Vancouver is famed for its unique urban design, stunning surroundings and the fact it’s on the doorstep to some incredible nature. The weather? Not so great, but the people? Incredible.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam’s unique beauty and complicated history make it a compelling travel destination, particularly for those doing so alone. The country has grown into a popular travelling hotspot, and that’s led to a thriving social scene – the well-established tourist route means it should be really easy to meet like-minded travellers to journey alongside. Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop are three of the nation’s tourist highlights. There are also great transport networks, it’s budget-friendly and full of hostels. What more could you ask for when you’re travelling alone?

8. Croatia

Another super-safe solo-friendly destination is this jewel of the Adriatic. Boundless glorious beaches, fascinating mediaeval towns and relatively low prices are what Croatia has become so popular for. The nightlife is another perk of this place – the festival calendar is absolutely jam-packed, and Croatian cities are known for their cheap drinks and plethora of party spots. Eight national parks are also dotted around the country. Like waterfalls? There’s a whopping 90 of them at Plitvice Lakes, though if you want a dip, head to the smaller falls at Krka National Park instead. Croatia is also an underrated wine producer and, of course, a hotspot for Game of Thrones fans.

9. Chile

In South America, Chile leads the way in terms of quality of life, and unsurprisingly, lowest crime rate. It’s the perfect destination for people travelling alone thanks to its tight-knit community of backpackers, and, of course, abundance of sights to see. Atacama, the driest desert in the world, is located in the north, while there’s plenty to see in Santiago, the nation’s capital. You won’t go thirsty either, thanks to the fantastic Chilean repertoire of beer and wine. It’s also considered one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its high altitude.

10. Slovenia

Small but perfectly formed, Slovenia is a tremendous destination for solo travellers. The old ‘four seasons in a day’ adage is very much alive and well in a place where you can spend the morning skiing in the Alps before heading for a romantic solo sunset on the Adriatic at Piran. The capital, Ljubljana, is the perfect base for exploration, a city of friendly people and social spots an easy bus or train from Slovenia’s famous lakes and less-famous postcard villages. Pro tip: pick up a €15 IZLETka train ticket and get unlimited travel on the weekends.

11. New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that just gets things right. For one, it takes its reputation as one of the safest countries in the world very seriously, meaning travellers can explore in total security. But it isn’t usually safety that brings individual adventurers to New Zealand; instead, it’s the dazzling landscapes, buzzing towns and cities and convivial people that make NZ the place it is. All of the bigger towns are backpacker paradises filled with history, culture and booze (the great trifecta of backpacking), and the scenery in between is staggering.

12. Greece

No matter your preferred form of travel, a spot of island-hopping in Greece is almost a rite of passage for any traveller. That’s why you’ll meet everyone from excitable backpackers to considered veterans of the road here, each with a different story to tell. Athens and the mainland are fabulous, but the Greek Islands are particularly great for solo travellers, not to mention packed with excellent food. Each one seems ready to capture your heart and convince you to stay forever and ever. Kefalonia and Corfu are the most popular and thus offer endless social opportunities, while the serenity of Naxos and Icaria will appeal to more introverted explorers.

13. Portugal

Portugal’s most popular spots frequently pick up travel awards and plaudits alike, and the hype is not without good reason. Lisbon is a backpacker’s dream, while the dreamlike beauty of Porto attracts wide-eyed adventurers from all over the world. The Algarve is much more than its budget holiday destination suggests, and the rest of the country is packed with stunning sights and spots. This European treasure boasts 800km of coastline, and it’s a particularly surfer-friendly paradise, thanks to the fact it’s perched on the edge of the Atlantic.

14. Bhutan

What could be safer than a culture so infused with Buddhism? Bhutan is definitely a place to include on your list should safety be one of your top priorities. The Trans Bhutan Trail reopened in 2022, meaning travellers can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and monks who trod the 400km route. The architecture is awe-inspiring, and the tiny country is of course perched on the very edge of the Himalayas, meaning the views are truly unmatched. There’s also tranquil lakes, luscious green valleys and dazzling glaciers to admire. Take heed: you will need some extra cash to splash in Bhutan, as the country has a pretty steep tourist tax.

15. Singapore

The phrase ‘melting pot’ is ridiculously overused, but one place that’s truly worthy of the label is Singapore. The island nation is a glorious meeting of different cuisines and cultures, with a landscape characterised by ancient temples and towering glass skyscrapers. Singapore is also incredibly safe, according to 96 percent of locals who we surveyed last year for our annual list of the world’s best cities. There are plenty of hostels if you’re wanting to meet other travellers. Spend your time soaking up the year-round tropical climate, and make sure to go on a food tour through Singapore’s markets.

When in the Emirates, do what the locals do and be respectful of the dress standards. Find out how to stay out of trouble with these tips to dress appropriately in the UAE.

Dress codes for travelers in the UAE

The UAE is a Muslim country, and so there are expectations of how visitors should dress. For visitors that stay in resorts and hotels, the dress code is whatever you want to wear, but in areas where there are more local people, dress conservatively. There are also slightly different standards depending on which Emirate you find yourself in, in Dubai, the dress code is much more relaxed than in Sharjah or Ajman, for example.

There are guidelines setting out the dress code, and there are signs at the entrances to malls and hotels reminding visitors of the rules, in particular the covering of shoulders and knees, which goes for both men and women. Women should cover their hair when visiting a mosque and everyone should cover their arms and legs before entering a place of worship. Beach clothes should only be worn at the beach or pool.

What’s acceptable dress in Dubai?

Even in Dubai, arguably the most relaxed Emirate, for both men and women, officially, it means covering the shoulders and the knees (and everything in between). Spaghetti straps will raise eyebrows, and in some places where the clientele is more local, you may get stopped by security and reminded to cover up.

You do not have to hide your figure, as you do in Iran, but tight-fitting clothing can still cause offense. That said, go to any of the popular weekend brunches, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you are in Europe during a heatwave. But then, these events are rarely attended by locals, nor Muslims.

All genders should keep sports clothes on the sports field, including cycling shorts (name me a culture where cycling shorts are NOT considered offensive!), but everyone understands that when you are walking home from the gym, you might be a little under-dressed.

At the hotel and resort beaches, but not all public beaches, women can wear bikinis, but going topless, even in private resorts, is not ok. Young children can wear whatever you want them to, but don’t let them run around completely nude, for the sun alone, if nothing else.

While there is no law against this, try to avoid clothing with offensive slogans or symbols. Think carefully and conservatively about this one.

What if my dress offends in Dubai?

If what you’ve chosen to wear doesn’t quite meet the dress code, expect to be turned away at the entrance to a mall or a public building. An easy way around this is to carry a large, loose shirt, or a scarf in your bag to cover up what needs covering up at short notice.

Before departing for Vietnam, prepare key factors for a smooth trip. Enable essential phone features, update credit/debit card info, and download payment and navigation apps. Opt for international roaming plans to stay connected and secure, ensuring uninterrupted access to services like hotels, taxis, and restaurants, crucial in emergencies.

Stay connected with International Roaming plans

When travelling, choosing an international roaming plan is essential for uninterrupted connectivity.

Stay in touch with loved ones and easily access crucial services like hotels, taxis, and restaurants. These plans offer invaluable support during emergencies, providing peace of mind and swift assistance.

Stay prepared with emergency contacts

Being prepared for emergencies includes saving crucial contacts on your phone. Ensure you have numbers for the police, fire department, ambulance, and helplines for natural disasters. Having these contacts readily available will ensure a quick response during critical situations.

Ensure smooth financial transactions

To ensure a seamless financial experience during your trip to Vietnam, it’s crucial to prepare your payment methods in advance. Begin by ensuring your debit/credit cards are set for international use. Access your bank’s app or net banking portal to enable international transactions, or visit a branch for assistance if needed.

Consider acquiring a Forex card for convenient spending and ATM withdrawals. Load the desired amount onto the card before your trip for easy access to funds while abroad. These steps will help you avoid any financial hiccups during your travels, ensuring a worry-free and financially secure experience. With your finances in order, you can focus on creating lasting memories in Vietnam.

Important apps to download for your Vietnam trip

Here’s a list of important apps for navigation, public transport, cab-hailing services, food delivery, and more for Vietnam:

Google Maps: For navigation and finding places of interest.

Google Translate: Helpful for translating Vietnamese text.

XE Currency: To quickly convert between Vietnamese Dong and your home currency.

Grab: A popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam, similar to Uber.

Vietnam eVisa: If you need a visa, this app provides eVisa services.

Vietnamese by Nemo: Language learning app for basic Vietnamese phrases.

Traveloka: For booking flights, hotels, and activities in Vietnam.

GrabFood: GrabFood is part of the Grab app and offers a wide range of food delivery options from local restaurants and chains.

Moovit: Moovit provides information on public transportation routes, schedules, and real-time updates for buses, trains, and other modes of transport in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

BusMap: BusMap offers bus routes and schedules in major cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, helping users navigate the public transport system.

Transit: Transit is another app that offers public transport information, including bus and metro schedules, in cities around the world, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

With heatwaves becoming the norm around the world, here’s how to cope and stay safe when traveling in extreme heat conditions.

The world is seeing hotter temperatures, year after year. In June 2024, temperatures in Mecca reached 125°F (52°C), causing hundreds of fatalities among Hajj pilgrims. And the western and southern US experienced record-breaking heatwaves in late June and early July this year. It goes without saying that when the weather heats up, it’s important to stay hydrated; but water isn’t the only factor in staying cool in the extreme heat. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe and hydrated when traveling in hot climates and unusually hot weather.

Stay hydrated

Regardless of how long you’ll be in the sun, it’s crucial to always to bring sufficient water along. If you do a lot of hiking, you may even want to invest in a hydration pack, which is basically a mini backpack with a removable “water bladder” inside. A tube connects the water bladder to a mouthpiece, which runs up and along one of the backpack’s straps so you can easily sip while walking. These hydration packs come in different sizes and can usually accommodate some snacks, your phone, and perhaps a light jacket. Many large backpacker-style backpacks also have a hydration sleeve to slide the bladder in, so you don’t have to purchase separate bladders for different backpacks.

If a hydration pack isn’t your style (or it’s not in your budget), there’s nothing wrong with packing good old-fashioned reusable water bottles. If you’ll need more water than you can or want to carry that day, bring a high-quality water filter so you can drink from streams, rivers, and questionable public water sources. Some travelers like to bring one large water bottle or canteen, but I like to bring several small ones since I think they’re easier to whip out and drink from.

Most backpacks have side pockets that can accommodate water bottles; if not, you can throw them inside if they are leak-proof. You could also attach bottles to your backpack or hip pouch using a carabiner if your bottles have handles. If you want to combine the convenience of small water bottles and the easy access of a hydration pack’s sip tube, you can buy a holster attachment for your backpack’s front strap to store your bottle right on your chest. And, while insulated bottles aren’t necessary, ice-cold water is especially refreshing during a long hot hike.

Also, remember that as important as drinking water is when you’re active outdoors, it’s just as important to replenish electrolytes if you’re doing strenuous activities. Electrolyte supplements help restore the salt and minerals lost through sweat, which helps prevent fatigue. Instead of buying pre-made energy drinks, which are full of artificial colors and flavors and which come in earth-destroying plastic bottles, you can purchase small electrolyte tabs that you simply drop into your water to dissolve.

Travel with snacks

Though overeating can make you feel extra sluggish and uncomfortable in extremely hot weather, getting enough calories in your system to fuel your adventures is important. Always eat breakfast if you’re heading out on a hike or an action-packed day, and bring along snacks to munch on when you get hungry. While headaches and dizziness are often a symptom of dehydration, they can also be a symptom of low blood sugar. If you begin to feel lightheaded, it’s time to drink and eat up. In fact, it’s past the time you should have been drinking and eating, so you really need to pause, take a break, and start sipping and snacking.

Take regular activity breaks

If an adventure is really that good, it’s possible you might not take enough breaks. After all, the trail is just another mile long, you want to finish before sunset, or you’re having so much fun that you simply forget to stop. If it’s very hot outside, it’s imperative that you stop regularly, even if you don’t feel tired, hungry, or thirsty. If there is shade, find it and sit down for a few minutes; you’ll be surprised by how refreshed you can feel after only a few minutes of resting in the shade. Use the break to throw another electrolyte tab in your water, eat an apple or granola bar, or just relax and breathe. If you’re out with someone who moves faster than you, don’t feel embarrassed to let them know you need a break. It may not occur to them that you’re tired or overheated, and it doesn’t help anyone if you push yourself too hard and suffer heat stroke.

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen is important anytime you’re in the sun, and if you’re traveling in a hot climate, it’s extra important to re-apply frequently since you’ll likely be sweating it off. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, SPF 30 may be good enough for day-to-day use, but if you are outdoors, they recommend using SPF 60 or greater and reapplying it about every two hours. If you’re sweating a lot or if you’ve been swimming, you may need to reapply even more often. Also, remember that even if it’s cloudy out, the sun can still burn, so wear sunscreen regardless of what the skies look like.

Sun-protective clothing and headwear

No sunscreen is perfect and it can be annoying to apply and reapply every two hours, so wearing sun-protective clothing can be very convenient. Sunglasses may protect your eyes, but wide-brimmed hats provide additional coverage for the eyes and also shield your neck and face. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are also readily available, and many hiking pants are “convertible,” so you can zip off the bottoms to easily turn them into shorts. UPF is the clothing-rating equivalent to SPF and for the best protection, choose clothes with a UPF rating above 50.

While you might think that wearing long sleeves in the heat is counter-intuitive, know that long sleeves protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also help keep you cool by providing a barrier between you and the sun. The best fabrics are lightweight and wick away moisture, as cotton can trap your sweat and leave you walking around in a hot and soggy shirt all day. Instead, look for light-colored clothing made from wool or synthetics that were specially designed for the heat.

Since long-sleeved shirts can be warmer than short-sleeved shirts when you’re indoors or in the shade, I like to pair short-sleeved shirts with detachable UPF arm sleeves. This way, I can easily whip them off, similar to how convertible pants zip off at the bottoms. I use cycling sleeves for biking, hiking, and sightseeing since they are specifically designed to protect you from the sun without causing you to overheat.

Avoid the midday sun and extreme heat

Regardless of where you are and what time of year it is, the sun is usually strongest – and the temperature usually highest – right around midday and in the early afternoon. By heading out early (or even late in the afternoon), you can avoid the hottest time of day, which is safer and more comfortable. If you absolutely cannot avoid being out during peak sunshine, aim for activities and itineraries that include shade. For instance, instead of mid-day desert hikes where there is nowhere to duck into the shade, opt for a forested hike where the leafy branches block out some sun. If there’s a river, lake, or water source where you can safely jump in, consider taking a dip to cool down.

If temperatures are unusually and extremely high, consider not venturing outside at all. Instead, stay indoors with windows and doors closed, blinds or shades closed, and limit your physical activity.