Travelling alone for the first time is a powerful experience. It gives you freedom, confidence, and the chance to explore the world at your own pace. The key to a smooth first solo trip lies in choosing destinations that are safe, easy to navigate, and welcoming to independent travellers.

This guide features some of the most trusted Solo Travel Destinations around the world. These countries are often considered among the Best International Solo Travel Destinations as they offer a strong balance of safety, comfort, cultural experiences, and memorable moments. They suit different travel styles and are commonly recommended for travellers planning their first solo journey abroad.

Why These Countries Work for Solo Travel

The destinations listed below share a few important qualities that make them ideal for first-time solo travellers:

Strong safety standards and low crime rates
Reliable public transport and clear navigation
Friendly locals and tourist-friendly infrastructure
Comfortable solo dining and accommodation options
Activities that are easy to enjoy independently

Whether you prefer cities, nature, culture, or a mix of everything, these countries offer a stress-free introduction to international solo travel.

Top 10 International Solo Travel Destinations

1. Japan

Japan is known for its safety, efficiency, and deep cultural heritage. It is one of the easiest countries to explore alone thanks to its organised transport system and respectful social environment.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Japan is ideal for first-time solo travellers because everything works smoothly, from trains to accommodation. Solo dining and solo sightseeing are very common, making it comfortable to explore independently.

Places to visit:

Tokyo for modern culture and neighbourhoods
Kyoto for temples and traditional streets
Osaka for food and nightlife
Nara for historic sites and peaceful parks

Tips:

Use transport cards for convenience
Learn basic etiquette to feel more confident
Convenience stores make solo meals easy

2. Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular solo travel destinations due to its affordability, friendly locals, and strong backpacker culture.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Thailand offers a great mix of social and independent travel. It is easy to meet other travellers while still enjoying freedom and flexibility.

Places to visit:

Bangkok for markets and street food
Chiang Mai for temples and slow travel
Phuket or Krabi for beaches
Pai for relaxed mountain scenery

Tips:

Respect temple dress codes
Join group activities to socialise
Use local transport apps

3. Netherlands

The Netherlands is compact, walkable, and English-friendly, making it perfect for solo exploration.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Clear signage, safe cities, and a relaxed atmosphere make travelling alone easy and enjoyable.

Places to visit:

Amsterdam for canals and museums
Utrecht for a quieter city vibe
Haarlem for local culture
Zaanse Schans for windmills

Tips:

Rent a bicycle to explore like a local
Museums are great solo activities
Public transport is efficient

4. Ireland

Ireland is famous for its friendly locals and lively cultural scene, making solo travellers feel welcome instantly.

Why it suits solo travellers:
The social atmosphere makes it easy to strike up conversations and feel comfortable exploring alone.

Places to visit:

Dublin for history and pubs
Galway for coastal charm
Cliffs of Moher for scenic views
Cork for food and culture

Tips:

Walking tours are great for meeting people
Public transport connects major cities well
Weather can change quickly

5. Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, offering a stress-free solo travel experience.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Its compact size, excellent transport, and strong safety standards make it ideal for beginners.

Places to visit:

Marina Bay for skyline views
Gardens by the Bay for nature
Chinatown and Little India for culture
Sentosa Island for leisure

Tips:

Use public transport for easy travel
Hawker centres are perfect for solo dining
Follow local rules strictly

6. New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream destination for solo travellers who love nature and outdoor adventures.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Friendly locals, organised tours, and stunning landscapes make solo exploration rewarding and safe.

Places to visit:

Queenstown for adventure activities
Auckland for city life
Rotorua for geothermal attractions
Milford Sound for scenic beauty

Tips:

Join group tours for remote areas
Driving is straightforward but plan fuel stops
Weather varies by region

7. Canada

Canada offers a balance of modern cities and vast natural landscapes.

Why it suits solo travellers:
It is safe, multicultural, and easy to navigate, especially in major cities.

Places to visit:

Vancouver for nature and city life
Toronto for neighbourhoods and culture
Banff National Park for mountains
Montreal for history and food

Tips:

Summer is best for outdoor exploration
Use public transport in cities
Nature trips are best done with tours

8. Spain

Spain’s relaxed lifestyle and vibrant culture make solo travel enjoyable and social.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Late dining hours and tapas culture make eating alone comfortable and common.

Places to visit:

Barcelona for architecture and beaches
Madrid for museums and parks
Seville for culture and history
Valencia for food and festivals

Tips:

Expect late evenings
Walking tours are informative
Learn basic Spanish phrases

9. Portugal

Portugal is affordable, scenic, and welcoming, making it one of the best solo travel destinations for beginners.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Compact cities, friendly locals, and relaxed pace make solo travel comfortable.

Places to visit:

Lisbon for trams and viewpoints
Porto for riverside walks
Algarve for coastal scenery
Sintra for palaces

Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes for hills
Join food tours to socialise
Public transport is easy to use

10. Iceland

Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world and ideal for solo travellers seeking nature and solitude.

Why it suits solo travellers:
Low crime, organised tours, and breathtaking landscapes make it perfect for independent travel.

Places to visit:

Reykjavik for culture and cafés
Golden Circle for waterfalls
Blue Lagoon for relaxation
South Coast for glaciers

Tips:

Dress in layers
Weather can change rapidly
Tours help access remote locations

Final Thoughts

Your first solo trip sets the tone for many adventures to come. These Solo Travel Destinations offer the right balance of safety, comfort, culture, and memorable experiences, making them ideal for travellers who want to explore the world independently with confidence.

With thoughtful planning and the right destination, solo travel becomes less about being alone and more about discovering yourself and the world around you.

FAQs

Which country is the best to travel alone?

There is no single best country, but destinations such as Japan, New Zealand, and Iceland are often recommended for solo travel due to their safety, organised infrastructure, and traveler-friendly environments.

Where can a girl travel alone?

Many countries are well-suited for women travelling alone, especially those with strong safety standards and good public transport. Places like Japan, Singapore, and Canada are commonly chosen as comfortable and safe options for solo female travellers.

Is solo travel safe for first-time travellers?

Yes, solo travel can be very safe when you choose the right destination and plan well. Picking countries with good public transport, strong safety records, and traveller-friendly infrastructure makes the experience comfortable for first-time solo travellers.

What should I consider before planning my first solo trip?

Before planning your first solo trip, consider factors like safety, ease of transportation, accommodation options, and local culture. It also helps to research local customs, stay connected, and keep emergency contacts handy.

Which destinations are best for budget solo travel?

Destinations such as Thailand, Portugal, and Spain are great for budget-friendly solo travel. They offer affordable accommodation, food, and transport while still providing rich travel experiences.