Are you thinking about embarking on your first trip as a solo traveller? Solo travelling can be an incredibly rewarding and exhilarating experience to travel on your own, with the freedom to chart your own course, set your own pace, and be as sociable or self-contained as you choose. It can feel a little scary to go it alone, which is why we’ve created a list of our favourite destinations where you can safely step outside your comfort zone and enjoy the adventure.
Iceland is consistently ranked as one of the world’s favourite destinations for solo travellers, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and welcoming people, as well as its low crime rates and inclusive culture. Towering waterfalls, smouldering volcanoes and pristine glaciers compete for your attention, offering endless opportunities for solo hiking and quiet contemplation, while the capital of Reykjavik is compact and walkable with a vibrant arts, music and culinary scene.
Our favourite solo experience in Iceland: the 1300-kilometre Ring Road that encircles Iceland is the ultimate route for a solo road trip. Armed with a curated playlist and a sense of discovery, you should allow at least seven days to take in all the main sights, from the Blue Lagoon to Vatnajökull National Park.
You might arrive in Ireland as a friendless stranger, but it will likely only take a few hours for the famous Irish brand of hospitality to have you feeling that you’ve found a new family. Throughout the country, people are happy to strike up a conversation that is likely to lead to an invitation to a pub for an evening of Guinness drinking, live music and plenty of great craic (fun). Ireland is quite compact, so you’ll find it easy to explore the countless castles, abbeys and other ancient sites, which are scattered amongst some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery.
Our favourite solo experience in Ireland: join a guided walking tour through the streets of Dublin. Whether you’re sampling fine Irish whiskies or listening to spine-tingling ghost stories, it’s a fabulous way to dive head-first into authentic Irish culture.
From its largest cities, like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, to its stunning wild spaces, Japan is renowned as a destination that is safe, scenic and super-friendly for solo travellers. There’s an extensive, efficient public transport network that’s perfect if you want to explore at your own pace, and it’s easy for you to stay in touch with friends and family back home, thanks to travel-friendly tech like free public Wi-Fi hotspots. From ultra-modern capsule hotels to traditional ryokan, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to welcoming accommodation options, and there are plenty of great dining options, such as sushi counters and ramen bars, which are welcoming and delicious.
Our favourite solo experience in Japan: grab a Japan Rail Pass and explore the country in safety, comfort and style.
If you’re looking for a destination that’s laid-back, affordable and loaded with incredible cultural experiences, northern Thailand is well worth a closer look. The region’s size means you can pack an amazing variety of experiences into a single holiday. You can even rent a scooter (with or without driver) so you can explore the countryside, waterfalls, temples and mountain viewpoints.
Our favourite solo experience in northern Thailand: Chiang Mai is the capital of northern Thailand, and it’s renowned as a hub for yoga, meditation and wellness centres. Whether you’re looking to slow down, recharge or learn a new skill, there’s a massage course, Muay Thai class or meditation retreat with your name on it.
In Vietnam, travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone – you’ll be made to feel part of the community. The Vietnamese people are famously friendly, and despite occasional language barriers, you’ll find locals eager to share their culture with you. Buses, trains, and budget airlines connect popular hubs like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with destinations that are a little further off the beaten tourist trail. The local street food culture is perfect for solo travellers – you can grab a stool at a roadside phở stall or enjoy a fresh bánh mì and iced Vietnamese coffee while people-watching.
Our favourite solo experience in northern Thailand: take a sunrise yoga class during an overnight cruise on the iconic Ha Long Bay. This breathtaking world of turquoise sea and immense, limestone karsts is one of Vietnam’s must-do experiences. Pro tip: Choose a smaller, boutique cruise – the more intimate setting makes it easier to connect with your fellow passengers.
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a vibrant hub for travellers heading to Machu Picchu and beyond. A guided small-group trek is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded travellers, and sharing the challenge of completing the Inca Trail will earn you a bevy of new friends for life.
Our favourite solo experience in Cusco: experience the local Indigenous culture by signing up for a class or workshop. From traditional Quechua weaving techniques to playing a pan flute, you’ll leave Cusco with a much deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage and history… and maybe, some unique souvenirs!
Walkable, friendly and surrounded by spectacular scenery, Vancouver is an outstanding choice for your first solo adventure. It’s easy to explore downtown neighbourhoods like Gastown and Chinatown on foot, or you can use the excellent public transport to explore further afield. From food trucks and Asian fusion to local farm-to-table restaurants, Vancouver is a foodie paradise – just grab a spot at a communal table and settle in to enjoy the vibes.
Our favourite solo experience in Vancouver: take a day trip to the idyllic mountain resort town of Whistler. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours by shuttle, so you can sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery, then choose your adventure (think mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, ziplining).
Solo travel is your chance to set your own pace, follow your own curiosities, and perhaps discover a little about yourself along the way. If you’re ready to embrace the adventure and make the leap, talk to one of our knowledgeable Personal Travel Managers.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
