15 Places Where Solo Travel Feels Safe, Easy, and Unforgettable

Traveling solo doesn’t have to be intimidating—in fact, it can be one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do. If you’re craving freedom, adventure, and a dash of self-discovery, these 15 destinations check all the boxes. From laid-back cities where you’ll feel instantly at home to scenic spots perfect for slowing down and soaking it all in, these are the places where solo travel feels safe, easy, and totally unforgettable.

1. Iceland

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, which already makes it a solid choice for solo travelers—but the real draw is the otherworldly landscape. Volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and black sand beaches all packed into a country you can loop in a week or two.

Start in Reykjavík, a small capital with a cool vibe, colorful buildings, and a thriving café culture. From there, join a tour or rent a car and hit the Golden Circle—home to Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, and Thingvellir National Park. Or head along the South Coast to see Skógafoss, Reynisfjara Beach, and maybe even a puffin or two.

For something more off-the-beaten-path, explore the Westfjords or plan a dip in a remote geothermal pool. If you’re visiting in winter, the Northern Lights are a real possibility, especially in darker, rural areas.

Iceland isn’t cheap, but it’s incredibly solo-friendly. Roads are safe, English is widely spoken, and the raw beauty of the landscape makes every solo moment feel like a personal discovery. You’ll come for the views—but the peacefulness and sense of freedom are what will really stick with you. Did you know that there are no mosquitos and no snakes in Iceland?

2. Japan

Japan is one of the easiest and most fascinating countries to visit solo. It’s incredibly safe, super organized, and packed with things to see—whether you’re into ancient temples, neon-lit cities, nature, or food. The trains run like clockwork, signage is usually bilingual, and people are helpful, even if they don’t speak much English.

Start in Tokyo, where you can go from quiet shrines to futuristic arcades in a matter of minutes. Solo dining is totally normal here, especially at ramen counters and sushi bars, so you’ll never feel awkward eating alone. From there, hop on a bullet train to Kyoto, home to geisha districts, bamboo forests, and peaceful temples.

Osaka brings a more laid-back, foodie vibe—don’t miss the street food in Dotonbori. If you’re craving nature, head to Nikko, Hakone, or even Mount Fuji for hiking and hot springs.

One thing you’ll love: Japan is super clean, respectful, and solo-travel friendly. Whether you’re navigating the metro or soaking in an onsen, everything is designed to make life easier. It’s a country where solo travel feels natural—calm, inspiring, and full of little moments that stick with you long after you leave.

3. Portugal

Portugal’s welcoming atmosphere, beautiful landscapes, and rich history make it one of the best places for solo travel in Europe. Whether you’re wandering the narrow streets of Lisbon or catching a wave in Nazaré, this country is full of experiences that feel both exciting and easy to manage alone.

Lisbon and Porto are the go-to cities for many travelers—and for good reason. In Lisbon, you’ll find historic architecture like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, charming neighborhoods like Alfama with its soulful fado music, and plenty of cute cafés where you can sip a coffee and people-watch. Porto, with its colorful riverside buildings, iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and world-famous port wine cellars, feels both lively and relaxed. It’s easy to get around, friendly to foreigners, and perfect for exploring at your own pace.

For beach lovers, the Algarve is a dream. Head to Lagos, one of the most picturesque coastal towns, known for its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and chill vibe. You can join a boat tour to see sea caves like Benagil or just spend your days soaking up the sun. It’s safe, walkable, and has plenty of hostels and boutique hotels ideal for solo travelers.

Don’t skip smaller gems like Óbidos, a medieval walled town straight out of a fairytale, or Nazaré, a fishing village famous for its giant waves and strong surf culture. These spots give you a more local feel, and they’re easy day trips from the main cities.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its breathtaking landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and beaches, solo travelers can enjoy activities like hiking, bungee jumping, and kayaking. Cities like Auckland and Wellington provide cultural experiences, while the friendly locals and efficient transport make it easy to explore

5. Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding solo travel destinations. It’s budget-friendly, easy to get around, and packed with culture and natural beauty. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find a buzzing street food scene (pho for breakfast? yes please), chaotic charm, and tons of affordable hostels.

Head to Ha Long Bay for otherworldly landscapes or explore the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. The people are kind, the buses and trains are efficient, and it’s easy to meet other travelers along the way.

6. Canada

Canada is a huge, welcoming country that feels made for solo travelers. Cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto are clean, safe, and packed with things to do—whether you’re into museums, street food, or festivals. But what really sets Canada apart is the access to nature.

You can go kayaking in British Columbia, hike the Rockies in Banff, or explore the coastal charm of Nova Scotia. Transportation is solid, and locals are famously polite and helpful. If you like your solo travel with a side of fresh air and mountain views, Canada delivers.

7. Ireland

Ireland is one of those places where you’ll never feel alone, even if you’re traveling solo. Locals are famously friendly and love a good chat, especially over a pint in a cozy pub. Dublin is a great starting point, with its mix of cultural sites—like Trinity College and the Book of Kells—and buzzing nightlife in Temple Bar. If you’re not renting a car, you’ll still find plenty of day trips from Dublin without a car: think the Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, or even Galway, all easily reachable with guided tours or buses.

But Ireland really shines outside the cities. If you’re up for driving on the left, renting a car in Dublin opens up the country’s wild, scenic roads. A top solo-friendly route is the Ring of Kerry, where you’ll wind past mountains, lakes, and ocean views. Stop in Portmagee, the gateway to Skellig Michael. It’s the perfect place to slow down and feel completely immersed in nature and local life.

Whether you’re hiking dramatic cliffs, exploring ancient castles, or just enjoying a traditional music session, Ireland is a solo traveler’s dream: welcoming, easy to navigate, and endlessly beautiful.

8. Australia

Australia is a solo travel paradise, especially if you’re looking for a mix of modern cities and wild, unforgettable landscapes. Start with Sydney or Melbourne, both buzzing with life. Sydney’s got those iconic views—the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach just a bus ride away. Melbourne, on the other hand, is all about culture, coffee, street art, and hidden laneways full of surprises.

But the real magic happens when you head into nature. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hike through the Blue Mountains, or take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road. For something more remote and raw, the Outback gives you that wide-open, soul-stirring kind of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Traveling solo here is super doable. Australia’s public transport is solid in the cities, and there are tons of guided tours if you’re not driving. Add to that the easygoing locals and tons of solo-friendly hostels and guesthouses, and you’ve got a country that makes solo travel feel like second nature.

9. Spain

Spain is one of those countries where solo travelers instantly feel at ease. It’s full of life, rich in culture, and built for wandering. Start in Barcelona, where Gaudí’s wild architecture meets beachside bars and bustling markets. From there, hop down to Granada, Seville, or Cordoba for flamenco nights, Moorish palaces, and tapas-hopping through old town alleys.

Madrid offers world-class museums, sunny plazas, and late-night energy that solo travelers can dive right into or dip out of as they please. If you’re more into coastal chill, the Valencia region and Andalusia offer a slower pace with fewer crowds.

Spain’s train system makes it easy to move between cities without a car, and even small towns are packed with character. People eat late, talk loudly, and welcome strangers like old friends—making it perfect for solo travelers who want a bit of social energy with their sightseeing. Whether you’re here for the art, the food, the beaches, or just the vibe, Spain delivers.

10. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a breeze for solo travelers—compact, well-connected, and full of personality. Amsterdam is the obvious starting point with its canals, world-class museums, quirky shops, and vibrant neighborhoods like Jordaan and De Pijp. Rent a bike (because everyone does), cruise the canals, or just wander with no plan—it’s one of the best cities to get “happily lost” in.

But there’s more to the country than its capital. Take quick day trips to charming towns like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Delft, where you’ll find cobbled streets, historic architecture, and lively markets. Spring travelers shouldn’t miss the Keukenhof Gardens or the tulip fields nearby.

The Dutch are super friendly, English is widely spoken, and public transport makes it easy to hop around without a car. Whether you’re after art, architecture, or just a chill place to recharge, the Netherlands is solo-travel gold.

11. Italy

Italy is a dream for solo travelers who love culture, food, and a good dose of people-watching. It’s safe, walkable, and packed with must-see spots that are easy to enjoy on your own. Rome is where it all begins for many—an open-air museum where you can stroll from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain with gelato in hand.

Then there’s Florence, the heart of Tuscany and a paradise for art lovers. You can spend hours getting lost in the Uffizi Gallery or just crossing the Arno River for quieter, more local vibes. Nearby, Bologna is an underrated gem—less touristy, full of arcaded streets, rich food (hello, tagliatelle al ragù), and a lively student scene that gives the city real character.

Milan brings a modern edge with its fashion, design, and sleek cafes, but also surprises with beautiful corners like the canals of Navigli and the hidden courtyards of Brera. For something truly local, don’t skip Brescia, a lesser-known northern city with Roman ruins, a castle, and a relaxed feel—it’s easy to reach from Milan and perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the obvious.

And of course, Venice—touristy but worth it. Wandering the canals alone early in the morning or after sunset is magical. In Italy, solo travel feels indulgent, inspiring, and totally natural. Plus, the food is made for one—order what you want, take your time, and soak it all in. Learn the Italian way with my travel guide to what to do in Italy and what not to do.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the easiest and safest countries in Central America for solo travelers, especially if you love nature and adventure. The country is famous for its “pura vida” lifestyle, and you’ll feel that relaxed, friendly energy from the moment you arrive.

Start in San José, then head straight to the good stuff—cloud forests, volcanoes, and beaches. In La Fortuna, you can hike around Arenal Volcano, soak in hot springs, or zipline through the jungle. Over in Monteverde, walk among misty treetops on hanging bridges or join a night wildlife tour.

If you’re more of a beach person, both coasts deliver. The Pacific side (like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa) is known for surfing and sunsets, while the Caribbean coast offers a more laid-back vibe and rich Afro-Caribbean culture—check out Puerto Viejo.
Costa Rica has tons of eco-lodges, hostels, and group tours that make it easy to meet people—or just enjoy your own peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. It’s a perfect balance of adventure and chill, and solo travelers often find themselves coming back for more.nd commitment to sustainability​.

13. Norway

Norway is a stunning destination for solo travelers who love nature, quiet moments, and jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s clean, safe, and easy to navigate with excellent public transportation and friendly English-speaking locals.

Start in Oslo, the capital, where modern design meets Nordic history. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, walk along the waterfront, and enjoy a laid-back city vibe. Then head north to Tromsø, one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights and try winter activities like dog sledding or snowshoeing.

The Lofoten Islands offer postcard-perfect scenery—dramatic peaks, red cabins by the sea, and great hiking in summer or skiing in winter. If you’re craving something truly off the beaten path, Svalbard delivers with Arctic wildlife, polar bears (from a safe distance), and 24-hour daylight or night, depending on the season.

Norway may be pricey, but it’s worth it. The solitude, nature, and peaceful vibe make it ideal for solo travelers who enjoy both adventure and stillness.

14. Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s is a solo travel classic—and for good reason. It’s safe, scenic, spiritual, and easy to navigate. Whether you want to surf, chill, explore temples, or dive into yoga and wellness, Bali lets you do it all at your own pace.

Start in Ubud, the island’s cultural heart, where you’ll find art galleries, jungle swings, and daily offerings lining the streets. Yoga studios, healthy cafes, and rice field walks make it ideal for solo downtime. If you’re craving beach life, head to Canggu for surf and a digital nomad vibe, or Uluwatu for dramatic cliffs and sunset spots.

It’s easy to meet people here if you want to, thanks to group tours, hostel hangouts, and classes. But Bali also welcomes solo quiet time, with peaceful retreats and eco-resorts tucked away in the hills or by the sea. The island strikes the perfect balance between connection and solitude.

15. Botswana

Botswana is perfect for solo travelers looking for a safe, low-key safari experience without the crowds. Known for its political stability and strong conservation efforts, it’s one of Africa’s most peaceful countries and a great introduction to solo travel on the continent.

The crown jewel is the Okavango Delta, a vast inland water system filled with wildlife. You can explore it by traditional mokoro canoe or join guided walking safaris that feel intimate and authentic. Solo travelers often opt for small-group tours or fly-in lodges, which handle logistics and offer a social but relaxed atmosphere.

Chobe National Park is another top spot, especially for spotting massive elephant herds along the river. In the drier regions, the Makgadikgadi Pans offer surreal, otherworldly landscapes that are stunning at sunset—and sometimes include meerkat encounters.

While it’s not as public-transport friendly as some destinations, Botswana’s lodges and camps are well organized, and many cater to solo guests. This is a destination where silence, space, and wildlife take center stage. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a deeper connection to nature without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Best Destination for solo travelers: Final Thoughts

These destinations provide a mix of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and safe environments for solo travelers. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, these locations offer unforgettable journeys.