Many people say solo travel offers them freedom and growth.

In their words, “No compromises. No schedules. Just you and the world.”

But where exactly should you go?

This article aims to show you:

- The safest, most rewarding destinations for solo explorers  

- Hidden gems perfect for solitary discovery  

- How to meet people when you want company  

- Budget tricks that make solo travel affordable

Thing is solo travel forces you to:  

- Trust your instincts  

- Solve problems creatively  

- Embrace spontaneity  

- Isn't it lonely?  

- Only if you want it to be. Hostels and group tours make friends inevitable.

Top 10 Solo Travel Destinations for 2024  

1. Japan (Best for first-time solo travelers)

Why?  

- Extremely safe  

- Efficient public transport  

- English signage everywhere

Must-do:  

Tokyo's Golden Gai bars for intimate socializing

Q: How expensive is Japan solo?  

A: Budget $75/day comfortably with capsule hotels and convenience store meals.

2. Portugal (Best for digital nomads)

Why?  

- Affordable coastal cities  

- Thriving expat communities  

- Reliable wifi everywhere

Must-do:  

Lisbon's coworking spaces by day, fado bars by night

Q: Can you get by with just English?  

A: Easily - Portugal has high English proficiency.

3. Thailand (Best for budget backpackers)

Why?  

- $10 hostels  

- Endless solo traveler circuit  

- Street food paradise

Must-do:  

Chiang Mai's Sunday Night Market

Q: Is Bangkok safe alone at night?  

A: Stick to well-lit areas like Khao San Road and yes.

4. Iceland (Best for nature lovers) 

Why?  

- Stunning landscapes  

- Easy self-drive routes  

- Low crime rate

Must-do:  

Blue Lagoon at sunrise (avoid crowds)

Q: How to save money here?  

A: Camping (legal anywhere) and grocery store meals.

5. Mexico City (Best for culture seekers)

Why?  

- World-class museums  

- Walkable neighborhoods  

- Friendly locals

Must-do:  

Lucha libre wrestling matches

Q: Safety concerns?  

A: Stay in Roma/Condesa areas and use Uber at night.

6. New Zealand (Best for adventure)

Why?  

- Epic hikes  

- Well-organized tour operators  

- English-speaking

Must-do:  

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Q: Best way to meet people?  

A: Join Stray Travel's hop-on bus tours.

7. Vietnam (Best for foodies)

Why?  

- $1 pho  

- Food tours galore  

- Motorbike culture

Must-do:  

Hanoi street food walking tour

Q: How to cross streets safely?  

A: Walk slowly and steadily - traffic flows around you.

8. Canada (Best for road trips)

Why?  

- Stunning national parks  

- Helpful locals  

- Easy border crossings

Must-do:  

Banff to Jasper drive

Q: Cheapest way to explore?  

A: Rent a campervan and use free campgrounds.

9. Spain (Best for social travelers)

Why?  

- Vibrant nightlife  

- Siesta culture encourages daytime exploring  

- Tapas bars foster conversation

Must-do:  

Pintxos crawls in San Sebastian

Q: Best city for solo travelers?  

A: Barcelona edges out Madrid for walkability.

10. Singapore (Best for luxury solo travel)

Why?  

- Ultra-safe  

- Michelin-starred hawker stalls  

- Easy city navigation

Must-do:  

Gardens by the Bay light show

Q: Is the luxury affordable?  

A: Yes - splurge on hotels but eat cheap at food courts.

Solo Travel Pro Tips  

Accommodation

- Hostels with private rooms offer best of both worlds  

- Airbnb Experiences connect you with locals  

- Workaway lets you stay free in exchange for help

Safety

- Share your itinerary with someone back home  

- Carry a portable door lock for sketchy hotels  

- Learn basic self-defense moves

Socializing  

- Take free walking tours on arrival  

- Join Facebook groups for meetups  

- Sit at bar counters - easier to chat

Budget  

- Travel slower to reduce transportation costs  

- Cook occasional meals  

- Use city tourism cards for discounts

Destinations to Avoid Solo (For Now)  

You can decide to avoid some certain places for now as they require extra caution if you are travelling solo because of:

- culture shock overwhelming many first-timers

- safety concerns in major cities  

- relentless vendor harassment

Q: When should you try these?  

A: After gaining solo travel experience elsewhere.

Your Solo Travel Action Plan 

1. Pick one destination from this list  

2. Book a hostel with great reviews  

3. Pack light (one carry-on only)  

4. Download Zendocs to check visa requirements  

5. Go with an open mind