I Have Traveled Solo To 65 Countries—Here Are My Top 8 Destinations (Plus Bonus Picks You Might Overlook)

Traveling alone has been the most rewarding kind of freedom I’ve ever known. With nothing but a backpack and an open mind, I’ve wandered through places that welcomed me like an old friend.

Some destinations just click when you’re solo—safe, soulful, and full of moments that are somehow better when you experience them on your own terms. These are the ones that stayed with me long after I left.

1. Japan

Stepping off the train, you’ll immediately feel the strange comfort of being alone yet completely safe. Japan offers solo travelers an organized playground with picture-perfect signs and locals who go out of their way to help lost foreigners.

Carry a pocket Wi-Fi for easy navigation and learn basic phrases like “arigatou” to show respect. The convenience store culture means you’ll never eat alone awkwardly!

2. Portugal

Cobblestone streets invite your wandering feet while the gentle Atlantic breeze carries the scent of pastéis de nata. Portugal welcomes solo adventurers with affordable guesthouses and easy-to-navigate cities connected by reliable trains.

Base yourself in Lisbon’s Alfama district, where fellow travelers gather at sunset viewpoints. Between Porto’s wine cellars and Algarve’s beaches, you’ll find perfect balance between socializing and solitude.

3. New Zealand

Vast landscapes that seem straight from fantasy films await your solitary footsteps. The land of kiwis offers remarkably safe adventures for independent explorers through mountains, beaches, and geothermal wonders.

New Zealand’s extensive hostel network makes meeting fellow travelers effortless. Rent a campervan to explore at your own pace, but visit between November and March for optimal weather. The locals’ friendliness will make you forget you came alone!

4. Thailand

Aromatic street food sizzles while colorful longtail boats glide through crystal waters. The perfect starting point for solo adventures in Southeast Asia awaits with its established traveler infrastructure and welcoming smile culture.

Thailand’s island-hopping opportunities let you mix social hostels with secluded beaches. Stay in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area for safety, then venture to Chiang Mai for cultural immersion. Your daily budget stretches surprisingly far in this solo traveler’s paradise.

5. Slovenia

Emerald rivers wind through alpine villages where time seems to move more slowly. Slovenia offers solo travelers a fairytale setting with practically zero hassle factor and remarkable public transportation.

This compact European gem packs diverse landscapes into day-trip distances from Ljubljana’s charming center. Rent a bike to explore Lake Bled’s surroundings or join hiking groups in Triglav National Park. The country’s small size means you’ll never feel overwhelmed navigating alone.

6. Colombia

Salsa rhythms pulse through streets painted in vibrant murals while coffee aromas drift from mountain plantations. This South American treasure has transformed into a welcoming haven for independent explorers seeking authentic cultural immersion.

Colombia rewards solo travelers with warm local connections in Medellín’s innovative neighborhoods and Cartagena’s walled city. Download the TransMilenio app for navigating Bogotá safely. Stick to tourist areas initially, then branch out as your comfort grows.

7. Iceland

Otherworldly lava fields stretch toward towering waterfalls where rainbows dance permanently. The land of fire and ice offers perhaps the safest solo adventure on earth with virtually no language barrier and remarkably helpful locals.

Iceland’s ring road makes navigation simple—just drive and prepare for jaw-dropping scenes around every curve. Summer’s midnight sun lets you explore endlessly, while winter brings northern lights. Hostels organize group tours so you’ll quickly find companions for glacier hikes.

8. Vietnam

Chaotic motorbike symphonies fill ancient streets where steaming bowls of phở await at plastic tables set mere inches from passing traffic. The Vietnam’s hustle creates perfect anonymity for solo wanderers seeking both adventure and reflection.

Its north-to-south shape makes creating an itinerary straightforward. Start in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, then work your way down via overnight trains. Street food tours provide both safety in numbers and culinary discoveries. Watch for fake taxis—use Grab app instead!

9. Georgia (The Country)

Ancient stone towers rise from misty mountain villages where wine-making traditions date back 8,000 years. This Caucasus jewel remains Europe’s best-kept secret for independent adventurers seeking authentic cultural immersion without tourist crowds.

Georgia’s famous hospitality means you’ll likely be invited into homes for supras (feasts). Tbilisi’s old town offers charming guesthouses where travelers connect naturally. The marshrutka (minibus) network reaches remote monasteries and hiking trails where stunning vistas reward your solo journey.

10. Uruguay

Relaxed beach towns flow into art-filled colonial streets where locals sip mate tea from traditional gourds. Uruguay provides solo travelers a refreshingly calm alternative to its more famous neighbors.

Its compact size makes exploring manageable even with limited Spanish. Montevideo’s Rambla provides a safe, 13-mile waterfront path perfect for solo wandering. The laid-back pace suits independent travelers seeking authenticity without overwhelming sensory input or safety concerns.

11. Taiwan

Fragrant steam rises from night market stalls while efficient metro cars glide silently between ultra-modern skyscrapers and ancient temples. This island paradise offers solo explorers the perfect blend of convenience, safety, and cultural immersion.

Taiwan’s excellent public transportation means you’ll never feel stranded. Base yourself in Taipei’s Ximending area, then use high-speed rail for day trips to Taroko Gorge or Jiufen. Even with minimal Mandarin, you’ll navigate easily thanks to bilingual signage and incredibly helpful locals.