By Subhasree Nag
Are you lying awake in your hostel bed at night wondering if the door to your dorm is ajar? Didn’t you shut it when you were going to sleep?
When I am traveling solo, safety is something I always prioritize. So, picking the perfect destination is something I always take care of, and I am sure you do as well. Solo traveling has many common fears; safety is always one of those.
However, that should never stop you from traveling solo. The freedom, the exhilarating feeling, is everything you want to experience. At least once. And I mean it. Traveling solo teaches you a lot, and it is a necessary experience.
Whether you want to travel to the mountains or relax by the beach alone, I can share my feelings with you. So, if you are looking for some inspiration over the internet for the best solo travel destinations, you have landed on the right page.
Best Solo Travel Destinations
You have the entire world to explore, but if you cannot decide where to go, let me help you. Let’s get over all the solo travel fears and adventure travel myths and discuss the best solo travel destinations. Maybe it will help you decide where you want to go.
Bali
Bali is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel solo. Also, if this is your first solo trip, this is an amazing destination. It has that Balinese charm and amalgamates nature, cafes, temples, and amazing people.
Bali could be the perfect beginning if you start exploring South East Asia. Language is not an issue here, as Balinese people speak English fluently. And you will find other solo travelers there. Sometimes, communicating with strangers is a lot easier, and communicating with your loved ones.
There are some amazing waterfalls, rice terraces, hills, beaches and jungles. Anything you possibly want, Bali has it all. However, it is not just about serenity. It has another side to it as well. It is for people who like clubbing and rave parties. However, it is a very safe space, so you can go off the tourist trail and explore the place alone.
Where to stay in Bali
There are various locations that you can explore in Bali. However, people who want to do the regular tourist stuff and explore the regular tourist spots generally stay in these few spots.
- Seminyak
- Ubud
- Uluwatu
- Canggu
- Sanur
Things to do in Bali
As I mentioned, Bali has a lot to offer. If you want to have a relaxing vacation, explore a few places, and enjoy some yoga classes, you can do that or have an exciting time doing all the touristy things. Here are some of the most popular picks to choose from.
- Tegalalang Rice terraces and swings
- Monkey forest Ubud
- Bali cooking class
- Ubud ATV tour
- Mount Batur hike
- Take a massage at Prana Spa
- Instagram highlights tour
- Make your silver jewellery
- Kanto Lampo waterfall
- Visit some amazing cafes
- Visit a club
- Explore their nightlife
Thailand
Thailand is on the list of every solo traveler as it ticks all the boxes. It is safe, going around the place and exploring is easy, and most importantly, affordable. Also, if you get bored sometimes, you will meet other solo travelers who you can chat with and get some tips about exploring the place.
You get to explore their thrilling nightlife, one of Thailand’s major attractions, taste their delicious cuisine, and relax in their tranquil spas. Well, their beaches are to die for. The picturesque beaches of Phi Phi, Phuket, and Krabi are like tropical dreamlands.
Moreover, traveling around the place is very easy. You will have easy access to public transportation, starting with trains and buses, and ending with tuk-tuks, subways, and taxis. If you want to explore their water splashing festival like Songkran and celebrate it with the commoner, visit Thailand in mid-April.
Where to stay in Thailand?
There are many places to visit in Thailand, and depending on the itinerary you have made, you must choose the places to stay. However, these are the places I found interesting.
- Bangkok
- Pai
- Koh Kood
- Chiang Mai
- Koh Tao
- Chiang Rai
- Koh Lipe
- Ayutthaya
- Koh Lanta
- Sukhothai
- Khao Sok National Park
Things to do in Thailand
If you want to indulge in activities, Thailand will not disappoint you. Here are some of the things which you can do.
- Muay Thai lessons
- Full Moon party in Koh Phangan
- Tipsy Tubing in Pai
- Take a street food tour when in Bangkok
- If you visit Chiang Mai, take a cooking class
- Take a tour of the Maeklong Railway Market and Floating Market
- Visit some of the best temples in Bangkok
- Don’t miss Khao Sok National Park
Costa Rica
Costa Rica could be a great start if you plan to cover Central America. Transportation is not a big issue here, as there are flights available easily. Also, there are a lot of things that you will find here. They have rich wildlife here, and you can also explore their rich culture.
Costa Rica is diverse and unique, and it is one of the best solo travel destinations. The language barrier is not an issue here. Most of the locals speak English fluently. There are some amazing tourist locations available.
There are also many adventure sports available here, like ziplining, water rafting, and night safaris. You can get in touch with some tourist groups to explore some of the places if you are nervous about traveling alone.
Where to stay in Costa Rica
There are two sides to Costa Rica. The Caribbean side and the Pacific Side. It is not possible to cover everything at once. So, the places mentioned here are for the Pacific side.
- Montezuma
- Santa Teresa
- La Fortuna
- Monteverde
Things to do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is perfect for you if you are an adventure lover and love that adrenaline rush but are also a nature lover. You can try various things here, but these are the popular choices.
- 143m bungee jump
- Go surfing in Santa Teresa
- Walking tour of San Jose
- Explore cloud forest in Monteverde
- Enjoy the natural hot springs in La Fortuna
- Visit the Arenal Volcano
- Try zipling. It is Central America’s longest one.
New Zealand
This is one of the most popular destinations for solo travel. If you consider people’s choices, then this falls on that list. According to the Global Peach Index 2024, New Zealand takes fourth place.
It can offer you a peaceful trip and a trip that will give you an adrenaline rush. However, a trip to New Zealand could be pretty expensive. So, most people take a year-long working holiday, and getting a work-holiday visa for New Zealand is also easy.
Even though New Zealand is small, it has much to offer. Even more, if you are a nature lover. It has mountains, beaches, rainforests, and glaciers. There are a lot of activities to enjoy, and it is also very safe for solo travelers.
Where To Stay in New Zealand
Exploring the entire south and north islands of New Zealand would take a lot of time, and you might not be able to cover it in just one trip. However, there are some places on the North Island that you should not miss.
- Waiheke island
- Rotorua
- Coromandel
- Taupo
- Wellington
If you are specifically exploring the south islands, then here are the places that you should definitely cover.
- Kaikoura
- Abel Tasman
- Steward Island
- Franz Josef
- Wanaka
- Lake Tekapo
- Queenstown
Things To Do In New Zealand
Again, New Zealand has a lot to offer and has a rich culture, nature, and a lot of things for adrenaline junkies. When in the North Island, you can try out these activities.
- Hobbiton
- Get a taste of their culture and enjoy a Māori Dinner in Rotorua
- Go white water rafting in Rotorua. It is the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
- Try bungee jumping in the Waikato River
If you are in the South Island, these are the things that you cannot miss out on.
- Explore Twin Glacier (Franz Josef)
- Visit Lavender Farm in Wanaka
- 134m bungee jump (Queenstown)
- Go whale watching (Kaiokoura)
Iceland
According to the Global Peace Index 2024, this is the most peaceful country in the world, so this is one of the best destinations for solo travel. Moreover, this also makes it one of the best destinations for women traveling solo.
This is an amazing destination who want to be one with nature and love staying outdoors. There are glaciers where you can go for a hike, volcanoes and caves to explore, and, of course, there are some amazing geothermal spas to get you to relax and give you a complete experience of the place.
Where To Stay In Iceland
The “land of fire and ice” has something for everyone who visits the place. It never disappoints. Here are some of the places where you should stay.
- Reykjavik
- Vik
- Akureyri
- Grindavik
Things To Do In Iceland
If you are thinking about what activities you can take part in when in Iceland, here is a list for you.
- Visit Glacier Lagoon
- Visit Thingvellir National Park
- Watch Northern Lights
- Go diving in the Silfra fissure
- Go whale watching if you are in Faxafloi Bay.
Which Is Your First Pick?
Well, I can go on and on talking about the best solo travel destinations, but that might get you confused if you are traveling for the very first time. These are some of the places I find best, and some are based on popular opinion.
So, pick one you think fits the trip you are looking for, and something which would be amazing if you traveled for the first time. So, plan it now, and have the experience of a lifetime in one of these destinations.
Read Also:
