What makes a destination great for solo travel? First of all it should be safe. Secondly, it should be affordable. Solo travellers do not have a companion to share accommodation expenses and car rental. Consequently, being able to find good budget-friendly accommodation and easily travel around on public transportation is essential. Finally, solo travellers need a place with friendly locals and approachable travellers they can socialize with!
Of course I haven’t been everywhere, so the following are my favourite destinations for solo travel, among the countries I have visited, ordered by continent (and not necessarily by preference).
1. Portugal
Portugal is often forgotten by travellers to Europe, and this is a shame because not only does it offer some of the lowest prices in Western Europe, but the distances are short, and the locals are friendly. Despite its small size, Portugal offers enough variety to keep you occupied for months. As a bonus, food portions are large, and you can often order a “meia dose” (half portion) if you don’t have anyone to share with. And talking of food, make sure to try a pastel de nata at Pastéis de Belém.
Coimbra, Portugal
2. Slovenia
Slovenia is a tiny country, part of the ex-Yugoslavia, and was a delightful surprise when I first visited in 2003. Clean and green, with lakes, mountains, a small coast, and a pretty little capital (Ljubljana), it exudes a very good vibe which should make solo travellers feel comfortable.
Little church near Bled, Slovenia
3. Croatia
Another piece of the ex-Yugoslavia, and right next to Slovenia, Croatia is another beautiful country with many attractions. Because of its long coast along the Adriatic, you can hop from island to island, and marvel at how clear the water is. You will also find its cities well endowed with history, and home to a great café culture. And because it is not as over-tramped as Prague or Paris, the locals tend to be friendlier.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
4. Argentina
Argentina is a large country with many different climatic zones and highlights. You can visit Buenos Aires to enjoy tango, beautiful people, European architecture, and rich food. You can tour the famous Iguazu Falls in the tropical north. You can go for nature hikes in the Lake District or Patagonia. And more. There is still a strong European influence in Argentina and it used to be a rich country, so you will not stand out as an obvious gringo.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. Ecuador
Ecuador looks small on the map, but the Andes that split it down the middle make it feel much bigger when you’re travelling overland. Choose between mountain towns, the Amazon, or the Pacific beaches (as well as the Galapagos if you have the budget), or combine all the regions in an epic trip. You could also settle down in one place (most likely Quito or Cuenca) and study Spanish, as Ecuador is one of the best and cheapest country to do so.
Quito, Ecuador
6. Peru
Peru is now one of the most popular countries in South America, and safe to travel through (if you exercise normal caution). Accommodation is affordable, food is good, varied, and cheap, and its sights and attractions need no introduction. You will have plenty of other travellers to chat with, and like all Latinos, the locals are friendly and will praise your smallest effort to speak Spanish.
Inca ruins near Cusco, Peru
7. Costa Rica or Panama
These two countries are tropical eco-tourism destinations with both a Pacific and Caribbean coast. They are very affordable, although not a cheap as say, Guatemala or Honduras, but they are safer. A lot of North Americans have retired there already, so people who speak English are not too hard to find. Or you can spend a few weeks in Boquete (mountain town) and/or Bocas del Toro (Caribbean islands) and learn Spanish at the excellent Habla Ya school while staying with a local family.
Boquete, Panama
8. Thailand
Thailand is probably the most popular country is Southeast Asia. Despite its excellent infrastructure and its well organized tourist activities, the prices are still very low. Add to this glittery temples, some of the best beaches in the world, and the tasty cuisine, and you have a winner! The country has gone through some political turmoil recently (installing a military government last May) but this hasn’t had a major impact on tourists. From what I hear, it is still perfectly safe to travel there.
Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
9. Cambodia
Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Cambodia of course is home to one of the top man-made sights in the world: the temples of Angkor. But it also has friendly outgoing locals, great food, and small prices. Inter-city buses are comfortable, and the local tuk-tuks (or moto-remorques as they call them) only charge a couple of dollars to take you around town. You will find many expats and “western-style” restaurants in the main cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. It’s all a lot more “civilized” than you may think.
Serendipity Beach, Cambodia
10. New Zealand
OK, New Zealand is not exactly cheap, but it offers superb natural features, and you will feel right at home if you come from an English-speaking country (after you get used to the cute accent). Since it’s a first-world country, it’s safe, comfortable, and did I say beautiful? Even if you’re not a hostel person, you may want to try hosteling here: there are many nice ones where you can get your own private room. The fact that the NZ$ is still lower than the $US or even $CAD will also net you some savings.
Abel Tasman Park, New Zealand
More alternatives
Mexico would normally have made the cut, but I haven’t really researched the safety situation lately. I travelled there on my own several times between 2001 and 2008 without any problem. (Update: I went back to Mexico solo in 2015 and 2019 and didn’t have any issues.)
If you want to stay within North America, I would recommend mid-size cities such as Portland, or San Francisco in the USA, and Victoria, Halifax, or Ottawa in Canada. They are easier to get around on transit, and generally have friendlier people than big cities. You can cut accommodation costs by staying in AirBnB rooms, or even stay for free by house-sitting.
Australia is also friendly to solo travellers, but their dollar has risen against the US and Canadian dollar lately, which means that the cost of everything feels higher. Distances are also very large. I you decide to go to Australia, I would suggest focusing on one region (maybe not Western Australia as it is the most expensive) and staying in AirBnB accommodation or doing house-sitting to cut accommodation costs.
There you go. These were my top destinations for solo travel around the world, along with a few spares.
Has this article been helpful? What other destination would you recommend to solo travellers?
at 9:51 PM
Good list, Marie-France. I’m with you on Costa Rica/Panama, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina and NZ — I’d probably even add Chile and maybe even Nicaragua, especially Granada. The war is long since over and northerners are retiring to Nicaragua these days. Love to travel the Adriatic countries one day, but I still can’t figure what I’d want to see in Portugal.
at 10:04 PM
Ha well, I was trying to limit myself to 10. Portugal has a lot to offer: two coasts with beaches, Porto wine, fado music, rivers, quaint pedestrian towns, churches, monasteries, and monuments as good as anywhere in Europe, and good affordable food (especially seafood).
at 12:04 PM
Marie, indeed Portugal is a country most people don’t travel to. The food, the wine, the History, have I mentioned the food? I know I may be biased because I’m Portuguese but if people only knew how affordable it can be. So glad you listed it here. Hopefully it will inspire more people to travel there 🙂
at 12:13 PM
Oh yes, I forgot to mention the Portuguese wine. I was surprised by how nice those rosés and vinho verde were!
at 12:13 PM
Hi, I’ve just come back from three days in Mexico and can offer you and your readers an update on safety. I traveled to Mexico City, Puebla, and Guadalajara and all were very safe. Mexico City is rich in culture and cuisine and is easy to get around, with an efficient and safe metro and cheap taxis. Years back, Mexico City had a bout with taxi-related crime, but this has died down significantly with a new taxi-registration system. My cab drivers were among the friendliest and most service-oriented people I encountered. Mexico City has a variety of neighborhoods that are pleasant and safe to walk around. There are no traces of the crime and gang activity from the northern states. The same holds for Puebla and Guadalajara. Locals told me that Acapulco has seen an increase in crime in recent years, but that other tourist spots on the beach – Puerta Vallarta and Cancun – are relatively free of crime in the tourist areas. For a rich traveler’s experience, alone or with friends, I would highly recommend Mexico City. It doesn’t rate on the top of many lists, but it’s safe, affordable, and has more than enough to keep you busy for a week or longer (I visited five days each of the last two years and didn’t think it was enough). Check out the pyramids of Teotihuacan, trajineras in the canals of Xochimilco, antojitos on the streets of the centro historico, the immense cathedral in the Zocalo, and top-rated archaeology and history museums. ¡Disfruten!
at 12:14 PM
I should say, three cities – 10 days!
at 4:55 PM
Thanks a lot Jeff for this useful information. 🙂
at 12:14 PM
I finally went back to Mexico this year (2015) and spent time in the Yucatan peninsula and Oaxaca without any problems! Some places are still iffy, but many are safe. You have to do your research.
at 4:11 PM
Great list! I love seeing travel blog posts about solo travel, especially from females! Women should be able to travel anywhere by themselves, but there are definitely places safer than others. I’ve done Guatemala & Mexico solo but I can see how they could feel scary in some places. I think each country has safe places and dangerous places. I’ll definitely keep these places in mind if I plan another solo trip!
at 4:36 PM
Thanks Christine! I’ve travelled solo to a lot of places but am still wary of the Middle East and Africa. I’m hoping to venture out solo into Turkey this fall. I’ll report back.
at 7:18 PM
Most of my trips have been solo to Italy, Mexico, and Spain and I never felt unsafe. I always exercise extreme caution like not staying out alone late at night, wearing a money belt, locking up my valuables, etc. Most of the list is on my bucket list of places to travel hopefully in the near future.
at 4:42 PM
I love Italy, Mexico, and Spain! In fact I’m returning to Spain (Andalucia this time) in October, but with a friend. It looks beautiful. 🙂
at 7:15 PM
Lovely Blog enjoyed it. Having been round the world twice I found the most crime and hostility was in Nice. In 3 days I was pickpocketed 2times [They got nothing] Pushed and josled in the Flower Market to get at my wallet. Also the hospital was one of the worse I have ever been in. But the yard stick of travel Is start early finish when it goes dark Be aware of whats going on around you And learn Excuse Me Thank You and Please in the language of the country your in [At the very least] Ans always live a tip or present for your room attendant She/he are always the lowest on the Pay chain
at 10:02 PM
re MEXICO – if U R between 45 & 100, and have sturdy legs/feet for cobbled streets SAN MIGUEL de ALLENDE, is Nirvana to SO many….It attracts smart, artists & wannabes, (many Canadians, U.S., Brits & more) and is as safe and friendly as anywhere I’ve been in the world.
Whoever you are, wherever you’re from….Do Not Miss SMA….Be sure to give yourself at least 2 weeks to get a decent feel for it….I’ve been twice for total of 3 mos….and I think daily about how/when I can return……Susan PS – I’ve done Semester-at-Sea -twice, around the world for 100-110 days each time. I’ve seen 6 continents 2 + times…..Still just want to return to San Miguel ASAP……
at 3:46 AM
Love your blog…. Can’t wait to read your e/book