Best Places For Solo Travelers

There are valid reasons to travel alone, there is a sense of true freedom and people can spend their time doing things that interest them the most. Certain precautions need to be taken and traveling in safer areas is highly recommended. In this article, we will look at some of our favorite places for solo travelers. 

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

This area is renowned for the quality of the cuisine and the friendly locals. It’s easy to reach Grand Cayman on many US airlines and it’s simple to get around with car rentals, taxis and buses. There are many solo-friendly activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving and stoking stingrays as they search for food. There are 40 different diving operators so you are sure to get the dive you’re looking for. Travelers on a budget could rent a condo or stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort or those that want luxury could opt for The Westin Grand Cayman. 

Tokyo

As the capital city of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world, there is always something going on in Tokyo. Despite its size, Tokyo is very safe, the public transit system is excellent and it’s simple to navigate. The signage is multilingual for clarity, many Japanese people speak English, but downloading a good translation app is advisable. When you’re in Tokyo, visit the gardens, temples and museums to fully appreciate the culture. The Kaminarimon or “Thundergate,” and the Sensoji temple are must sees. These are great places to get your fortunes or “Omikuji,” to release any bad karma you may have. Traditional snacks can be purchased from Nakamise-dori, this is a 250 meter long street that has 90 shops to visit.

Iceland

This is an excellent solo travel destination, many of the locals speak English, they are friendly and good natured hosts. The cellphone and Wi-Fi access is excellent which is good news for the Instagram influencers that take their pictures here. Íceland is often referred to as “The Land of Fire and Ice” because you can see volcanoes and glaciers on the same day! There are hot springs for bathing, majestic waterfalls and stark open landscapes. Visiting in summer provides almost 24 hours of daylight for long periods of cycling, hiking and ice climbing. The capital city is Reyjavik, it’s near the international airport and it has cafes, museums, art galleries and shops to visit. This makes the city an excellent hub to explore the nearby smaller towns to get a better feel for the country. There is plenty of accommodation in Reykjavik, but it can be a struggle to find a place in the small towns. Solo travelers will also need good travel insurance to protect against storms and volcanic eruptions that can wreck a carefully planned trip.

Albania

This nation is an up and coming vacation destination that sits on the Balkan Peninsula. It has both Ionian and Adriatic coastlines and the Albanian alps to explore. On the coast and up in the mountains, there is a lot to see and best of all it’s very affordable. The coasts are an excellent spot for summer stays with good beaches which can be busy at times. To get some relief travel up into the mountains to walk the trails and explore nature. The Albanian Riviera is much quieter in the colder season and solo travelers may find isolation in lush places with amazing views. During the off season, the cheap prices are even more affordable and the locals tend to be less guarded and more relaxed. This area is less developed, but the olive groves, coastlines, 2,000m high mountains, affordability and the chance to stay at a family run guest house can be hard to resist.

Thailand

Thailand has been reported to be a safe place for solo travel for many years. It’s normal to see locals leaving a bicycle unlocked to go into a store with no fear of it being stolen. This is a fascinating country to visit, in Bangkok foodies will love the Khao San Road eateries and the vibrant nightlife. The Grand Palace is a must see and it’s easy to leave the city to explore more of the country. There’s a wide range of public transportation options, including taxis, trains, subways, buses and the infamous three-wheeled taxi motorcycles which are known as “Tuk-Tuks.” The beaches are exceptional, the people are friendly and there are plenty of affordable places to stay. 

Norway

Norway is a paradise for nature lovers, it has amazing views and it’s easy to find the ideal solo trip to meet your needs. The fjords are majestic and the beaches are simply stunning, if you visit during the summer months when it’s warm enough to swim. There are trekking tours and cruises to get around or you could hire a car. Some must see locations include the frozen Folgefonna glacier, the Valley of the Waterfalls and the spectacular northern lights. Solo travelers that want to really immerse themselves in the culture will find that Norwegian people are friendly and more than happy to help. It’s fair to say that the landscape can be hard to traverse for people that are unfit or with mobility issues. Aside from this caveat, booking a tour or making your own schedule can be extremely rewarding.

Vietnam

This southeast asian nation has become a popular tourist destination for those looking for adventure on a tight budget. Vietnam is a safe destination, the people are extremely friendly and the food is excellent. That said, many tourist experts do recommend that travelers take an organized tour or at least hire a guide that speaks English. This isn’t a safety issue, it’s simply that it can be tricky to plan activities and find your bearings without one. Some of our favorite Vietnamese attractions include the temples, pagodas, parks and museums in Ho Chi Minh City, the beaches in Phu Quoc, the Marble Mountains in Da Nang and the crazy nightlife in Saigon. Make sure you try the local dishes, such as bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), pho (rice noodle soup) and banh chuoi (banana cake).