Solo Travel Destinations
It’s an evidence-based shortlist of 23 countries and cities that are especially welcoming to solo travelers in 2026—chosen for safety, ease of transport, social vibe, value, and seasonal weather. The list references data like the Global Peace Index and UN Tourism trends, and notes Europe’s new border systems for 2025–2026.
How to Use This 2026 Solo Travel List
Solo travel shines when places are safe, navigable, and sociable. I ranked and grouped destinations by five weighted signals: (1) safety (country-level peace metrics and practical risk), (2) transport simplicity (walkability, trains/buses, or well-marked self-drive routes), (3) social ease (hostel culture, tours, language accessibility), (4) value for money, and (5) seasonality. For safety baselining, I reference the Global Peace Index 2024 (Iceland, Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Singapore lead the rankings). See the interactive map and report for current standings and methodology on Vision of Humanity and the IEP report.
Travel demand shapes crowding and prices. UN Tourism reports show international tourism continued to expand through 2025, with global arrivals and spending trending above pre-pandemic levels in multiple regions—useful context when picking months to avoid the biggest crowds. Browse UN Tourism’s latest barometer snapshots when fine-tuning your dates.
What “solo-friendly” means in this guide
Solo-friendly here means you can land and thrive without a companion: clear transit options, plentiful small-group tours, safe walking areas, responsive emergency services, and low “friction costs” (SIMs, ATMs, tap-to-pay). I also favor destinations with strong hostel or co-living scenes, or an easy on-ramp to guided day trips that help you meet people quickly.
| Metric | How I used it |
|---|---|
| Safety baseline (GPI) | Prefer destinations in higher peace tiers; pair with practical advice and common-sense precautions. |
| Transport | Walkability/metro, rail networks, or iconic self-drives (e.g., Ring Road ~828 mi / 1,332 km). |
| Seasonality | Pick shoulder months for mild weather and thinner crowds. |
| Community | Hostels, walking tours, language accessibility, expat/nomad meetups. |
| Value | Focus on overall affordability and good transit passes over bare-bones budgets. |
The 23 Best Solo Travel Destinations for 2026
Below, I group picks by region to help you chain trips together. Each entry notes best months, solo highlights, and a planning cue. Safety “signals” reference country-level peace data, but local conditions can vary—always check official advisories and health notices for the latest. For macro travel trends, see UN Tourism’s barometer.
Europe
Iceland (Ring Road) — Best Jun–Sep. The 828-mile (1,332-kilometer) Ring Road, excellent signage, and the 112 emergency system (plus the optional “112 Iceland” app) make self-driving simple. Book hostels and hot-spring stops for built-in social time; watch weather forecasts daily. Download the 112 app before you go.
Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) — Best Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct. Walkable hills, trams, and intercity trains (~200 miles / 320 kilometers Lisbon–Porto). Food tours and fado nights are solo-friendly; day-trip to Sintra’s palaces.
Spain (Andalusia & Camino) — Best Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Seville and Granada are lively and safe-feeling; the Camino de Santiago offers structured companionship over ~500 miles (800 kilometers)—you can also sample 70–155 miles (110–250 kilometers) on a shorter route.
Slovenia (Ljubljana & Bled) — Best May–Jun, Sep. Compact, green capital; Lake Bled’s trails and boats are ideal for a first solo hike/row. Easy day trips to Postojna caves and Piran.
Scotland (Edinburgh & Highlands) — Best May–Sep. Historic streets, guided day tours, and straightforward rail links north. Consider a 155-mile (250-kilometer) loop to Glencoe and back.
Croatia (Split & Dalmatia) — Best May–Jun, Sep. Island-hopping by ferry (Split–Hvar is ~26 miles / 42 kilometers). Hostels and sailing tours make instant friends.
Georgia (Tbilisi & Kazbegi) — Best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Metro, marshrutka minibuses, and hearty supra dinners make this welcoming for solo travelers. Scenic drive to Stepantsminda (~93 miles / 150 kilometers).
Albania (Riviera & Berat) — Best May–Jun, Sep. A budget standout: beaches, Ottoman towns, and a growing hostel scene along the 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch between Vlora and Sarandë.
Asia–Pacific
Japan (Kyoto & Kanazawa) — Best Mar–Apr (sakura), Oct–Nov (foliage). Clean, safe, and hyper-reliable trains; consider a nationwide rail pass for flexibility (official pricing listed by JR). See JR Pass prices.
South Korea (Seoul & Busan) — Best Apr–May, Oct. Superb metros, cafés for coworking, and coastal hikes; KTX covers 205 miles (330 kilometers) Seoul–Busan in ~2.5 hours.
Taiwan (Taipei & Taroko) — Best Oct–Dec. Night markets, English signage, and a scenic railway to Hualien. Taroko Gorge trails and hot springs add easy nature time.
Vietnam (Hoi An & Da Nang) — Best Feb–Apr (Central dry season). Lantern walks, cooking classes, and beach days; slow-travel the 18-mile (30-kilometer) Hoi An–Da Nang coastal strip by bike.
Thailand (Chiang Mai & Pai) — Best Nov–Feb. Meditation retreats, cooking schools, and gentle mountain roads (Chiang Mai–Pai ~80 miles / 130 kilometers, many curves—go by minivan if unsure).
New Zealand (South Island) — Best Dec–Mar. Queenstown’s lakefront hostels and day trips help you meet people fast; iconic drives like the 152-mile (245-kilometer) Queenstown–Milford Sound route.
Australia (Tasmania) — Best Dec–Mar. Underrated for soloists: the 40-mile (65-kilometer) Overland Track, night-penguin tours, and compact cities (Hobart/Launceston).
Singapore — Best year-round (wettest Nov–Jan). Ultra-safe and efficient; great as a first-time solo hub for SE Asia with hawker-center social dining.
Americas
Canada (Montréal & Québec City) — Best May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Bilingual charm, festivals, and trains; the 155-mile (250-kilometer) corridor is well served by VIA Rail.
Costa Rica (Arenal & Monteverde) — Best Dec–Apr. Zip-lines, cloud forests, and abundant hostels. Shuttle vans link most towns; solo nature lovers thrive here.
Mexico (Oaxaca) — Best Oct–Mar. Rich cuisine, craft markets, and day trips to Hierve el Agua (43 miles / 70 kilometers). Join mezcal tours or cooking classes to meet people.
Chile (Atacama & Santiago) — Best Mar–May, Sep–Nov. Safe urban core with metro; easy to join San Pedro de Atacama stargazing and desert tours.
Africa & Middle East
Morocco (Chefchaouen & Fes) — Best Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Blue-washed lanes and artisan souks; choose riads with staff-led medina walks if new to North Africa.
Oman (Muscat & Nizwa) — Best Nov–Mar. Exceptionally hospitable, with wadis and forts; easy self-drives like the 93-mile (150-kilometer) Muscat–Nizwa route.
Namibia (Namib–Naukluft) — Best May–Oct (dry). Wide roads, low traffic, and iconic dunes; plan long distances (Windhoek–Sesriem ~192 miles / 310 kilometers) with fuel stops mapped in advance.
Quick-Compare: 23 Solo Picks at a Glance
| Destination (Country) | Best Months (2026) | Solo Vibe | Safety Signal* | Getting Around |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | Jun–Sep | Self-drive + hostels | High (GPI top tier) | Ring Road self-drive |
| Portugal | Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct | Walkable, sociable | High | Trains/trams |
| Spain (Andalusia/Camino) | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Pilgrim camaraderie | High | Rail + walking routes |
| Slovenia | May–Jun, Sep | Green & compact | High | Bus/train |
| Scotland | May–Sep | Guided day tours | High | Rail + tours |
| Croatia | May–Jun, Sep | Ferries & hostels | High | Ferries/bus |
| Georgia | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Warm hospitality | Moderate–High | Metro/bus/taxis |
| Albania | May–Jun, Sep | Budget beaches | Moderate | Bus/coaches |
| Japan | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Ultra-organized | High (GPI top tier) | Rail (JR) |
| South Korea | Apr–May, Oct | Café culture | High | Metro/KTX |
| Taiwan | Oct–Dec | Friendly, easy | High | TRA/HSR |
| Vietnam (Central) | Feb–Apr | Tours & beaches | Moderate | Rail/bus |
| Thailand (North) | Nov–Feb | Backpacker hub | Moderate–High | Minivans/rail |
| New Zealand (SI) | Dec–Mar | Nature & hostels | High (GPI top tier) | Buses/self-drive |
| Australia (Tasmania) | Dec–Mar | Hikes & towns | High | Bus/self-drive |
| Singapore | Year-round | Super safe | High (GPI top tier) | MRT/bus |
| Canada (QC) | May–Jun, Sep–Oct | Festivals & rails | High | VIA Rail/bus |
| Costa Rica | Dec–Apr | Nature tours | High | Shuttles/bus |
| Mexico (Oaxaca) | Oct–Mar | Culinary/culture | Moderate | Bus/collectivo |
| Chile | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Urban + desert tours | High | Metro/flight/bus |
| Morocco | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | Guided medina walks | Moderate | Train/bus |
| Oman | Nov–Mar | Wadis & forts | High | Self-drive |
| Namibia | May–Oct | Iconic road trip | Moderate | Self-drive |
*Safety signal: a qualitative read anchored to country-level peace data (see Global Peace Index) combined with practical solo considerations. Always check current local advisories before travel. GPI overview.
Practical 2026 Planning Essentials
The best solo trip is the one you feel in control of. Below are the key 2026 changes and habits that keep you ahead of the curve.
Europe’s new border systems (EES in Oct 2025; ETIAS in late 2026)
From 12 October 2025, non-EU visitors entering the Schengen Area begin biometric check-in under the Entry/Exit System (EES). It replaces manual passport stamps with a digital record; rollout is gradual across border points through early 2026. Confirm current specifics before you fly on the EU’s official EES pages and your departure hub. Official EES info.
By late 2026, many visa-exempt travelers will also need an online travel authorization called ETIAS before entering 30 European countries; timing and details are published on the EU’s ETIAS portal. ETIAS overview.
(Entry rules, including the well-known “90/180 days” limit, are managed centrally for Schengen; see the European Commission’s visa policy explainer.) Schengen visa policy.
Health and safety basics for solo travelers
Pack your usual meds and check official Travel Health Notices by destination; the CDC maintains up-to-date guidance and vaccinations (e.g., measles MMR is recommended for international travel). Bookmark the hub and review your route a week before departure. CDC Travel Health Notices.
If you’re heading to Iceland, download the 112 Iceland app for emergency alerts and quick location sharing; many countries list similar tools on their emergency sites. 112 Iceland app.
Finally, the UK’s foreign office publishes focused tips for solo and independent travel—worth a skim even if you’re not British, because the principles are universal (tell someone your plan, split cards/cash, share live location on hikes, etc.). Solo travel guidance.
Sample 10–14 Day Solo Itineraries
Southern Spain & Portugal (12–14 days): Madrid → Seville (Andalusia patios and tapas walks) → Córdoba → Granada → overnight train/bus to Lisbon → Sintra → Porto → Douro day-cruise. Total rail distance roughly 870 miles (1,400 kilometers); all stops have hostels and free walking tours.
Japan Classic (10–12 days): Tokyo (Shibuya, Ueno museums) → Hakone day trip (volcanic views) → Kyoto (temples/tea) → Nara half-day → Kanazawa (samurai and gardens) → Tokyo. Consider a 7-day national rail pass to simplify intercity hops; check official prices before purchase. JR Pass pricing.
Chile Desert & City (10–12 days): Santiago (markets, museums) → Calama flight → San Pedro de Atacama (stargazing, Valle de la Luna) → return to Santiago with a Valparaiso day trip. Expect ~1,050 miles (1,700 kilometers) in domestic flights plus short bus rides.
Budget Benchmarks & On-the-Ground Logistics
Think in ranges, not rigid daily caps. In 2026, a sensible solo mid-range “comfort backpacker” plan in the picks above might run: Europe US$90–150/day (hostel/budget hotel, transit pass, one tour); SE Asia US$40–80/day; Japan/South Korea/Singapore US$80–140/day; Americas US$70–130/day; Oman/Namibia vary with car hire and fuel. Long-distance rail passes (e.g., Japan Rail Pass) or regional bus passes often beat ad-hoc tickets; consult the official operator for current prices. Official JR Pass site.
On transport, prioritize: contactless cards (tap-to-pay on metros in Singapore, London connections en-route), eSIMs for data, and day tours to reach remote highlights efficiently. For Europe’s 2025–2026 surge, shoulder months (May–June, September) balance weather and crowd levels per UN Tourism’s continuing growth trend.
FAQ
Is Europe still good for solo travel in 2026 with new border checks?
Yes—just plan a few extra minutes at first entry due to the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) rolling out from 12 October 2025, and note that ETIAS travel authorization is planned for late 2026. Always check the EU’s official pages before you go.
What are the safest places on this list?
At the country level, Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore, Austria, and others regularly score in the top peace tiers. City-by-city risks still vary; use standard precautions and consult the Global Peace Index plus local advisories when picking neighborhoods.
Which months are best to avoid crowds and heat?
Shoulder seasons are your friend: May–June and September–October for much of Europe; October–December for Taiwan; November–February for Northern Thailand; February–April for Central Vietnam; May–October (dry) for Namibia’s parks. These windows balance weather with lighter crowds indicated by recent UN Tourism trends.
What Did We Learn Today?
- The best solo trips combine safety, simple transport, social touchpoints, and smart timing—metrics you can actually check.
- Europe adds EES in October 2025 and plans ETIAS in late 2026; knowing this early saves time at the border.
- UN Tourism data shows robust travel demand into 2025, so shoulder seasons protect your budget and sanity.
- GPI top-tier countries (e.g., Iceland, New Zealand, Singapore) set the safety tone, but local habits still matter.
- Passes (like JR in Japan) and day tours are solo “force multipliers” for reaching big sights smoothly.
