Destinations

Best Places to Travel Solo: 12 Destinations Perfect for First-Timers

July 20, 2026 4 min read

Where you go on your first solo trip can make or break the experience. A destination with easy transport, plenty of other travelers, and a welcoming vibe lets you focus on enjoying yourself instead of solving problems. These are the best places to travel solo, especially if it’s your first time.

What Makes a Great Solo Travel Destination?

We chose these places based on:

  • Ease of getting around: Good public transport and walkable neighborhoods
  • Traveler infrastructure: Plenty of accommodation, tours, and information
  • Social opportunities: Hostels, group tours, and a lively traveler scene
  • General safety: Places with a reputation for being comfortable for visitors, while noting that you should always use common-sense precautions anywhere

1. Japan

Japan is famous for punctual trains, clean cities, and a culture that’s very comfortable with people doing things alone. Counter-seat restaurants and solo-friendly dining make eating alone completely normal. It can be pricey, but convenience stores and casual food help.

2. Portugal

Lisbon and Porto are walkable, friendly, and great value compared with many Western European capitals. The hostel scene is famously social, and day trips are easy by train.

3. New Zealand

Outdoor adventure, a well-developed backpacker network, and English as the main language make New Zealand easy for first-timers. Hop-on hop-off buses and group tours help you meet people.

4. Ireland

Friendly locals, English-speaking, compact, and full of pubs where striking up a conversation is part of the culture. Dublin, Galway, and organized day tours make it easy.

5. Iceland

Iceland’s dramatic landscapes are easy to explore with day tours from Reykjavík. It’s expensive, so budget carefully, but it’s a great pick for nature lovers.

6. Thailand

A long-standing favorite for solo backpackers, Thailand offers great value, excellent food, and a well-worn travel route. Islands and Chiang Mai are especially social.

7. Canada

Cities like Vancouver, Montréal, and Toronto are easy to navigate, and the national parks are incredible for nature trips. Organized tours help with the remote areas.

8. The Netherlands

Amsterdam gets the attention, but smaller cities like Utrecht and Leiden are quieter and just as charming. Trains are frequent and English is widely spoken.

9. Scotland

Edinburgh is compact and lively, and small-group Highlands tours are a great way to see the countryside while meeting other travelers.

10. Vietnam

Vietnam’s north-to-south travel route is well established, with plenty of social hostels and group tours. Food lovers will be especially happy here.

11. Slovenia

Small, green, and easy to navigate, Slovenia is an underrated pick. Ljubljana is relaxed and friendly, and Lake Bled is an easy trip. It also features in our list of the best summer destinations in Europe.

12. Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a strong eco-tourism industry with plenty of organized tours, surf schools, and wildlife experiences that make it easy to meet people.

How to Choose Your Solo Destination

  • Start close to home or in a familiar language if you’re nervous.
  • Pick based on interests. Food, hiking, history, beaches? Choose a place built around what you love.
  • Check your budget. Japan and Iceland cost more than Portugal or Vietnam. Our guide on how to travel on a budget helps you stretch it.
  • Consider the season. Shoulder season can mean better prices and fewer crowds. More in shoulder season travel.

Before You Go

Once you’ve picked your spot, get prepared:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest country to travel solo?

Countries with excellent public transport, strong tourism infrastructure, and a big traveler scene, such as Japan, Portugal, Ireland, and New Zealand, are often recommended as the easiest for first-timers.

Where should I go for my first solo trip?

Pick somewhere that matches your interests and comfort level. A short trip to an easy destination is the best way to start.

Where is cheapest to travel solo?

Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam, and parts of Southern and Eastern Europe like Portugal, typically offer great value for solo travelers.

Your Solo Adventure Awaits

There’s no perfect destination, only the right one for you. Choose a place that excites you and feels manageable, book a few nights, and go. For more inspiration, explore our solo travel hub and our destination guides.