Best Places To Travel Solo

I remember the first time I stepped off the plane in Lisbon, solo. The air smelled like saltwater and pastelries, and the city felt like it was made for wandering. I had no itinerary, just a backpack and a notebook. That trip taught me that traveling alone isn’t about being lost — it’s about discovering the best places to travel solo in ways you never could with a group. Whether it’s the quiet cobbled streets of Kyoto or the bustling markets of Marrakech, solo travel opens up a world where you can truly be yourself.

Solo travel is more than just a vacation — it’s a deeply personal journey. When I took a 10-day trip to Iceland, I found that the best places to travel solo are often those where you can slow down and really listen. I sat on a cliffside at sunrise, drinking coffee and watching the Northern Lights dance above me. It was a moment I never would have had with friends or family. Solo travel gives you the space to think, to explore, and to connect with the world in a way that’s uniquely your own.

The best places to travel solo are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. I once spent a week in Vietnam, sleeping on a motorbike bed and eating street food with locals. It was chaotic, messy, and sometimes overwhelming — but it was also the most authentic experience of my life. Solo travel is about learning, growing, and finding parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. That’s why I’ve written this guide — to help you find your own version of that journey.

Why Solo Travel Works in Lisbon

As of September 2026, Lisbon is one of the best places to travel solo because it’s both safe and affordable. I stayed in a budget hostel for $18 a night, and I walked everywhere — even to the top of the castle. There’s a real sense of community here, and I met fellow travelers who became lifelong friends.^[1]

The city is full of surprises. I wandered into a tiny café and found the best pastel de nata I’ve ever had. The people are friendly, and the streets are full of music, art, and history. It’s a place where you can just be, without worrying about someone else’s agenda.

Lisbon also offers an easy mix of old and new. I spent one evening at a traditional Fado show and the next at a rooftop bar with a view of the ocean. Solo travelers can find their rhythm here — it’s a place that fits any mood.

Kyoto: A Temple of Solitude

Kyoto is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for calm and connection with history. I spent a week there, visiting temples at dawn and walking through bamboo forests in the evening. It’s a place that feels like it was made for solitude.

The monks in the temples, the cherry blossoms in spring, and the quiet of the streets made me feel like I was in a different time. I visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) alone and just sat on the steps, watching the water ripple.

Kyoto also has a strong sense of hospitality. I asked a local for directions and ended up having tea with her. Solo travelers won’t feel alone here — the city itself is a companion.

Kyoto doesn’t need a group — it needs you.

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Marrakech: A Solo Adventure in the Sahara

Marrakech is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for adventure and culture. I stayed in a riad for $30 a night and spent my days exploring the souks, drinking mint tea, and bargaining with shopkeepers.

The city is full of life — the markets, the food, the music — and there’s always something happening. I took a day trip to the Sahara and watched the sun rise over the dunes, alone but not lonely. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

Marrakech is also very accessible. I used a local bus to get to the desert, and the people there were incredibly friendly. Solo travelers will find that Marrakech is both exciting and easy to navigate.

“I remember the first time I stepped off the plane in Lisbon, solo.”— Solo Travel Limited Time Off editors

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Iceland: A Solo Escape to the Otherworldly

Iceland is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for awe-inspiring landscapes and a little bit of solitude. I spent a week driving the Ring Road, stopping at waterfalls, geysers, and lava fields that felt like they were from another planet.

The best part of traveling solo in Iceland was the freedom. I could wake up at any time, drive to any place, and just be alone in the beauty of the country. I sat by a lake at midnight, watched the Northern Lights, and felt completely at peace.

Despite being remote, Iceland is safe and well-marked for travelers. I had no problems driving, even on the most remote roads. Solo travelers can explore the country with ease and confidence.

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Vietnam: A Solo Traveler’s Paradise

Vietnam is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for an affordable, richly cultural experience. I spent a month there, traveling from Hanoi to Hoi An, eating street food for less than $2 a meal, and sleeping in hostels for $10 a night.

The people in Vietnam are incredibly friendly. I asked for directions and ended up with a taxi ride, a meal, and a local tour. Solo travelers will find that Vietnam is full of opportunities to meet others — but also to enjoy the solitude of a journey.

Vietnam is also very accessible. I used buses, trains, and even motorbike taxis to get around. It’s a great place for solo travelers who want to see a lot for very little money.

Chile: A Solo Journey Through Contrasts

Chile is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for a mix of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. I spent a few weeks there, hiking in Patagonia, swimming in the Atacama Desert, and visiting the vibrant city of Santiago.

The country is very safe for solo travelers, and the people are welcoming. I stayed in a hostel in Santiago and met a group of travelers who became friends. Solo travelers won’t feel alone here — the country is full of opportunities to connect.

From the mountains to the coast, Chile offers a variety of experiences. I took a solo hike in Torres del Paine and felt like I was the only person in the world. It was a transformative experience — one that only solo travel can provide.

Chile has everything — and it’s waiting for you to explore it alone.

Thailand: A Solo Paradise of Culture and Cuisine

Thailand is one of the best places to travel solo if you’re looking for a mix of culture, food, and affordability. I spent a month there, eating street food, visiting temples, and staying in hostels for less than $10 a night.

The people are incredibly friendly, and the country is very safe for solo travelers. I met other travelers at every stop, and I even found a local family who invited me to dinner. It was a real cultural experience — and it wasn’t hard to find.

Thailand is also very accessible. I took buses, trains, and boats to get around the country, and it was all very easy. Solo travelers can explore Thailand at their own pace, without any hassle.

Best Places To Travel Solo