My Solo Journey Took Me To 10 Peaceful Spots + 5 Destinations That Were Overwhelming For Solo Visitors

Traveling solo wasn’t just a trip – it was a turning point. With nothing but my backpack and curiosity, I stepped into the unknown and found more than I ever bargained for.

Some places wrapped me in calm, giving me space to breathe and reflect. Others threw me into the deep end, loud and fast, forcing me to grow. Along the way, I learned what kind of traveler I really am. These are the stops that left their mark – both the peaceful escapes that felt like home and the chaotic cities that shaped me.

Ready to dive into the journey?

1. Luang Prabang: Riverside Serenity in Laos

Morning alms ceremonies with orange-robed monks created a spiritual atmosphere I’ll never forget. This UNESCO town nestled between mountains and rivers moves at its own gentle pace.

I spent days exploring golden temples and nights browsing the handicraft market without anyone pressuring me to buy. The locals greeted me with genuine smiles rather than seeing me as a walking wallet.

Sunset from Mount Phousi became my daily ritual, watching the Mekong River turn golden as fellow travelers nodded in quiet appreciation of the moment.

2. Kyoto: Japan’s Temple Haven

Wandering through bamboo groves in Arashiyama, I found myself completely alone at dawn. The gentle swaying sounds created a natural meditation space that no guided app could replicate.

Each temple offered its own personality – from the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji reflecting in still waters to the zen rock gardens of Ryoan-ji inviting contemplation. Traditional machiya guesthouses welcomed solo travelers with tea ceremonies and futon beds.

Even in busy areas, respectful cultural norms meant nobody bothered me as I sketched ancient buildings or photographed geisha hurrying through Gion district.

3. Reykjavík: Iceland’s Cozy Capital

Hot springs became my second home in this geothermal wonderland. Despite freezing temperatures outside, I found myself soaking alongside locals who shared travel tips without the awkwardness I’d experienced elsewhere.

The compact downtown area meant I never felt lost or vulnerable, even returning to my guesthouse after catching the northern lights at midnight. Colorful houses and quirky street art provided perfect photo opportunities without crowds photobombing my shots.

Café culture thrived here – I’d curl up with a book by steamy windows while snow fell outside, feeling perfectly content in my solitude.

4. Sedona: Desert Solitude in Arizona

Red rock formations created natural cathedrals where I hiked for hours without seeing another soul. The energy vortexes might sound like new-age nonsense, but sitting alone at Bell Rock, I felt a surprising calm wash over me.

Stargazing became my nightly ritual – the dark sky program here means minimal light pollution for spectacular celestial shows. Local art galleries welcomed browsers without pressure, while coffee shops remembered my order by the second day.

If you’re seeking wilderness without isolation, Sedona strikes the perfect balance with friendly locals who respect your space.

5. Hoi An: Vietnam’s Lantern-Lit Gem

Bicycling through rice paddies surrounding this ancient trading port became my morning routine. Farmers waved as I passed, creating connections without words.

The old town transforms at night when hundreds of colorful lanterns illuminate narrow streets. I wandered safely through the pedestrian-only zones, stopping for $1 street food that rivaled fancy restaurants back home. Tailors created custom clothes while I waited, treating me like royalty despite my modest budget.

Monthly full moon festivals brought locals and travelers together in celebration, making me feel part of something larger even while traveling alone.

6. Chiang Mai: Northern Thailand’s Peaceful Hub

Monk chats at local temples provided fascinating cultural exchanges where I learned meditation basics from orange-robed teachers. These free conversations offered deeper insights than any guided tour could provide.

The old city’s moat creates a natural boundary that’s easy to navigate – I never worried about getting hopelessly lost. Street food vendors recognized me after just days, suggesting new dishes based on my previous choices.

Weekend markets bustled with activity, yet vendors never hassled me to buy – a refreshing change from high-pressure tourist zones elsewhere. My guesthouse felt like family by week’s end.

7. Marrakech: Morocco’s Garden Oasis

Hidden riads behind unassuming doors became my sanctuary in this sensory-rich city. After navigating the bustling souks, I’d retreat to courtyards with fountains and birdsong, drinking mint tea on rooftops overlooking the medina.

Majorelle Garden offered a color explosion where I sketched cobalt blue buildings against exotic plants for hours. Women-run cooperatives welcomed me for authentic cooking classes where I learned tajine secrets alongside fellow travelers.

Contrary to warnings about harassment, staying in the right neighborhoods and dressing respectfully meant I explored comfortably alone, finding peaceful corners in this vibrant city.

8. Ubud: Bali’s Spiritual Center

Yoga shalas hidden among rice terraces became my morning ritual, where dawn practice with fellow travelers created instant community. Without the party scene of southern Bali beaches, conversations here centered around wellness and personal growth.

Monkey Forest sanctuary provided entertainment as I watched playful primates steal sunglasses from unsuspecting tourists. Local warung restaurants served healthy food at tiny prices, with owners who remembered my name after just one visit.

The creative energy attracted writers and artists who gathered in bamboo cafés – I never felt awkward pulling out my journal to write alone.

9. San Miguel de Allende: Mexico’s Colorful Haven

Cobblestone streets led me to hidden courtyards where live music played nightly. Unlike tourist traps elsewhere, locals and expats mingled here, quickly pulling me into conversations despite my limited Spanish.

Rooftop bars offered sunset views over the pink Parroquia church – I’d sketch the changing colors while sipping mezcal cocktails. The art scene thrived with galleries welcoming browsers and free museum days letting me explore Mexican culture on a budget.

Walking home after dark felt safe, with well-lit streets and friendly police presence creating security without intimidation.

10. Valletta: Malta’s Fortress of Tranquility

Honey-colored limestone buildings glowed at sunset as I wandered this compact capital. Being surrounded by water on three sides created natural boundaries that made navigation intuitive – perfect for directionally-challenged solo travelers like me.

Baroque cafés served pastizzi pastries and strong coffee at outdoor tables where I people-watched for hours. The locals spoke English fluently, making connections effortless compared to countries with significant language barriers.

History surrounded me in this UNESCO site, with museums small enough to enjoy alone without information overload. My guesthouse host treated me like family, suggesting hidden spots tourists rarely find.

11. New York City: Overwhelming Energy That Never Sleeps

Sensory overload hit me immediately upon exiting Penn Station. The cacophony of honking taxis, street performers, construction noise, and thousands of conversations created an auditory assault that made focusing on simple tasks difficult.

Navigating the subway system alone with luggage brought unexpected challenges – stairs everywhere, confusing express/local trains, and platform changes announced through garbled speakers. Tourist spots like Times Square felt like being caught in human riptides, with aggressive costumed characters demanding photos then money.

Finding affordable solo accommodation meant tiny windowless rooms in questionable neighborhoods that left me feeling unsafe after dark.

12. Paris: Romance City’s Lonely Side

Couples everywhere made my solo status feel like wearing a neon sign. Romantic boat rides, love-lock bridges, and sidewalk cafés filled with hand-holding duos created an unexpected loneliness I hadn’t experienced elsewhere.

Restaurant staff often seemed annoyed by my table-for-one requests, sometimes refusing prime spots or rushing my meal. The language barrier felt more pronounced here – despite basic French phrases, locals would switch to English with visible impatience.

Pickpocketing attempts near major attractions kept me constantly vigilant rather than appreciating the beauty around me. The city’s reputation for romance definitely works against solo travelers.

13. Bangkok: Chaotic Sensory Overload

Tuk-tuk drivers followed me for blocks, shouting prices and ignoring polite refusals. The constant bargaining required for everything from transportation to bottled water quickly drained my energy and patience.

Khao San Road’s backpacker scene felt more like a frat party than cultural exchange – loud music competed with street vendors hawking everything from scorpion skewers to fake IDs. The heat and humidity created a perpetual state of discomfort, with air-conditioned malls becoming my escape rather than temples.

Scam attempts became so frequent that genuine interactions felt rare, creating a barrier between me and authentic experiences.

14. Rome: Ancient City, Modern Frustrations

Aggressive rose sellers and bracelet scammers targeted me specifically as a solo female traveler. One man grabbed my wrist outside the Colosseum, trying to tie a “friendship bracelet” then demanding payment – a routine repeated at every major site.

Restaurant experiences often felt uncomfortable, with waiters either flirting excessively or seeming annoyed by my solo status. Finding authentic food meant venturing into neighborhoods where I felt conspicuously out of place after dark.

The crushing crowds at major attractions made appreciating history nearly impossible – the Sistine Chapel felt more like a packed subway car than a spiritual experience.

15. Barcelona: Beautiful but Treacherous

Pickpocket warnings from my hostel staff created immediate anxiety that colored my entire experience. I carried my backpack on my front like a kangaroo pouch, constantly checking for my phone and wallet instead of enjoying Gaudí’s architecture.

La Rambla felt like running a gauntlet of scammers, with the shell game operators, overpriced restaurants, and people selling counterfeit goods creating a carnival-like atmosphere lacking authentic culture. Beach areas brought unwanted attention as a solo female visitor, with persistent vendors interrupting any attempt at relaxation.

The late-night dining culture meant choosing between eating alone at 6pm or wandering unfamiliar streets after midnight.