The best places to travel alone are safe, easy to get around without a car, and full of other travellers. For a first solo trip, Portugal, Japan, Ireland and Iceland are hard to beat for safety and ease. For meeting people on a budget, Thailand, Vietnam and the Balkans (Albania and North Macedonia) have strong backpacker scenes and low costs. Spain, Greece, Malaysia and parts of Mexico fall in between. Below are 12 destinations, what each is best for, and how to choose.
Best places to travel alone at a glance
| Destination | Best for | Budget level |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | First solo trip in Europe, safety, food | Medium |
| Japan | Safety, solo dining, easy public transport | Medium–high |
| Ireland | English-speaking, friendly pubs, tours | High |
| Iceland | Safety, nature, day tours | High |
| Thailand | Meeting people, budget travel, beaches | Low |
| Vietnam | Budget backpacking, food, scenery | Low |
| Malaysia | Easy introduction to Asia, food, English widely spoken | Low–medium |
| Spain | Cities, culture, eating alone at tapas bars | Medium |
| Greece | Islands, ferries, history | Medium |
| Albania and North Macedonia | Cheap, social hostels, uncrowded places | Low |
| Mexico | Culture and food in well-travelled areas | Low–medium |
| New Zealand | Outdoor adventure, safety | High |
1. Portugal
Portugal regularly ranks among the most peaceful countries in the world on the Global Peace Index, and Lisbon and Porto are compact, walkable and full of hostels, food tours and other travellers. Trains connect the main cities, and day trips such as Sintra are easy to do alone. Pickpocketing on trams and at viewpoints is the main issue. Start with is Lisbon safe?, how many days in Lisbon and Lisbon to Porto.
2. Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and perhaps the easiest place to eat alone: many ramen shops and restaurants have counter seating designed for solo diners. Trains are punctual and well signposted in English, and capsule hotels and hostels keep costs down. It is not a cheap destination, but it is very easy. See how much a trip to Japan costs.
3. Ireland
Ireland ranks near the top of the Global Peace Index, everyone speaks English, and pub culture makes it easy to start conversations. Small-group day tours from Dublin and Galway cover the Cliffs of Moher and the west coast if you do not want to drive on the left. Accommodation is expensive, so book hostels or guesthouses early in summer.
4. Iceland
Iceland has topped the Global Peace Index for years, and Reykjavik is a small, friendly base for day tours to waterfalls, glaciers and hot springs. The real risks are weather and nature rather than crime, so follow road and weather warnings. It is expensive; see the cheapest airports to fly into Europe, as flights to Reykjavik are often among the cheapest from the US.
5. Thailand
Thailand is the classic first stop for solo backpackers. Hostels, cooking classes, island-hopping tours and diving courses make meeting people effortless, and costs are low. The main risks are road accidents, drink spiking and scams rather than violent crime. Read our full guide to solo travel in Thailand.
6. Vietnam
Vietnam’s long north–south route, from Hanoi and Ha Long Bay to Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, is easy to follow by train, bus and cheap domestic flights, and it is full of other travellers. Street food is excellent and inexpensive. Petty theft and traffic are the main concerns. See is Vietnam safe?, the best time to visit Vietnam and Vietnam trip costs.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is an easy introduction to Southeast Asia: English is widely spoken, transport is modern, and the food in Kuala Lumpur and Penang is a highlight on its own. It is quieter than Thailand, which some solo travellers prefer. See Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi.
8. Spain
In Spain, eating alone at a tapas bar counter feels completely natural, and high-speed trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. Cities stay lively late into the evening, which makes walking around at night feel comfortable in central areas. Watch for pickpockets in Barcelona and Madrid. See how much a trip to Spain costs.
9. Greece
Athens and the Cyclades are well set up for solo island-hopping, with frequent ferries in summer and plenty of small hotels and hostels. Naxos and Paros are easier and cheaper alone than Mykonos and Santorini. See is Athens safe?, how many days in Athens and Naxos vs Paros vs Milos.
10. Albania and North Macedonia
The Balkans are known for sociable hostels and travellers who keep bumping into each other on the same routes. Albania’s coast and mountains and North Macedonia’s Lake Ohrid are among the cheapest places to travel in Europe. Public transport is informal, with minibuses rather than trains, but it works. See the Albania travel guide, is Albania safe?, the Ohrid travel guide and Skopje to Ohrid.
11. Mexico
Mexico City, Oaxaca and the Yucatán Peninsula are popular with solo travellers for their food, culture and lively hostel scene, and domestic flights and ADO buses are comfortable and affordable. Safety varies greatly by state, so check your government’s state-by-state advice, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, and stay in well-travelled areas. See Mexico City to Oaxaca, Cancun to Tulum and Mexico trip costs.
12. New Zealand
New Zealand is among the most peaceful countries in the world and is built for independent adventure, with backpacker buses, hostels, hiking huts and organised activities. Distances are long and costs are high, but it is one of the easiest places to travel alone in the outdoors.
Which place is best for a first solo trip?
Choose a place where you can manage easily if something goes wrong: good public transport, English widely understood, plenty of other travellers and reliable accommodation. Portugal, Ireland and Japan are the easiest choices if your budget allows; Thailand and Malaysia are the easiest in Asia. Keep your first trip to one or two countries, so you spend time enjoying it rather than in transit.
What are the safest places for solo female travellers?
Countries that rank highly for safety, such as Iceland, Ireland, Portugal, Japan, New Zealand and Switzerland, are consistently recommended for women travelling alone. Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are also popular with solo female travellers. See our list of the safest countries for solo female travelers.
Where should you avoid travelling alone?
Avoid countries and regions under “do not travel” or “avoid all travel” warnings from your government, usually because of war, terrorism or serious crime, and be more careful in places where advice varies by region, as in Mexico or the far south of Thailand. Check your government’s travel advice before booking and again before you go.
Tips for travelling alone
- Share your plans with someone at home and check in regularly.
- Book your first night and know how you will get from the airport to your accommodation.
- Get mobile data before you land with an eSIM, for maps, ride-hailing and emergencies.
- Carry two bank cards and some cash, kept separately.
- Buy travel insurance that covers the activities you plan to do.
- Join group activities such as walking tours, cooking classes and day trips to meet people.
- Trust your instincts and leave any situation that feels wrong.
FAQ
Is it expensive to travel alone?
It costs more per person, because you do not share rooms or taxis. Hostels, guesthouses with single rooms and group tours help, and destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Albania keep solo costs low.
Is 27, or 40, too old to travel solo?
No. People of all ages travel alone. If you prefer quieter places to party hostels, choose small guesthouses, join day tours, and pick destinations such as Portugal, Japan or Malaysia.
How do you meet people when travelling alone?
Stay in hostels with common areas or events, join walking tours, classes and day trips, and travel on popular routes where you will see the same people again.
.jpg){kind=link}
