Santhu
In the field of travel there are many types of travel available to us to do. As a backpacker you may visit multiple travel destinations in your travel life with your family, partner or friends. You may take even hiking trips, family trips or adventurous trips, but each sort of travel can be done in different perspectives, places and destinations.
But Solo Travel is totally different than rest of your travel journey. If you’re a kind of introverted person not willing to mingle with others or wish to travel without any partners, then we will offer 10 best places to travel solo in the world. Solo travel destinations are unlike other destinations where individual backpackers can freely wander its cities, streets and destinations without expecting travel scams, crimes and uneven activities. Not all destinations are known for solo travel, but some can.
What is Solo Travel?
Before going to dig more about Solo Travel Destinations, it is crucial to understand what Solo Travel is all about. Solo Travel is one kind of travel where backpackers travel alone without any partner, family member or friends.
Solo Travel can be done for multiple reasons, it helps to understand travelers travel purposes and freedom at their own pace or sometimes get away from their busy life schedules. However, travel is a great way to build personal connections and understand their self-discovery and peace/ inner satisfaction at different places and at different peoples/cultures/lifestyles. Read more about advantages from Solo Traveling.
10 Best Places to Travel Solo
1. Japan
No matter which country you have been planning your solo trip, it is always a welcoming idea to start your solo trip from the iconic country Japan. If you ask me where to start my Solo Trip in Japan we can say start from anywhere in Japan, because every place is safe, clean and more accessible to individual backpackers. Perfect place to start a solo trip even for a complete beginner to Japan.
You can start your Japan solo trip from bustling Tokyo City, a city known for its rich cultures, high end technologies, unique cuisine styles, easy and efficient public transportations and safety. Take a walk to nearby Senso-ji Temple and Harajuku or ride its more advanced bullet rides. To explore Japanese more traditional and cultural Japanese legacies, then it is a better idea to book your train to Tokyo to Kyoto.
Kyoto is another most visited place once served as the Imperial Capital of Japan. But as a solo visitor your duty is to discover 2,000 temples and shrines, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unique ancient wooden architecture and taste Kaiseki cuisine.
For additional expeditions or to know more about a country’s deep cultural and historical values and significance, try to visit Osaka or Nara. Check where to stay in Japan and what are the best things to do in Japan before heading to this cultural and technological rich country.
2. Thailand
Thailand is the 2nd most popular place for solo travelers after Japan. Thailand is one of the iconic destinations in the world known for its vibrant cultures, beautiful natural settings, nightlifes, mouthwatering cuisines and beautiful beaches.
When it comes to safety Thailand equally importance to their citizens like Japan. As a solo traveler you can take a walk through nearby stores, shops, clubs or bars at any time and communicate and mingle with local people. Most people especially in regions like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, speak English very fluently. Moreover, Thailand is one of the cheap travel destinations where we can roam with the help of scooters and public transportation without much cost.
Start your Thailand solo trip from iconic Bangkok City. Maybe everybody knows this name, and why it is popular. But despite being a world’s most visited city, Bangkok is a friendly environment to walk solo amidst its nightlife, street food shops, and markets like Chatuchak.
Bangkok is heaven for clubs, nightlife and accommodations where you can drink beers or eat local cuisines. Visit historic Buddhist temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho or cultural landmarks like Grand Palace. Try to spend time at shoppings, local friendly nightlife and Thai massages.
Phuket country’s largest island where backpackers must take kayaks for rent and ride its karst islands around Phang Nay Bay and Jhao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. Phi Phi Islands is another island hotspot to enjoy the most breathtaking Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. Take snorkelling, boat tours on the island.
Chiang Mai is a great destination for those who want to reach Thailand’s most remote areas and indulge its traditional and rich rich cultures. Take a rental bike ride to the region’s 300 temples, waterfalls, and local night markets and elephant sanctuaries. Do not miss to visit local restaurants and cafes to try traditional rich dishes. Go through what are the best places to visit in Thailand and what to do in Thailand.
3. Bali, Indonesia
After analysing and discussing what are the best solo decisions for both men and women? We decided shouldn’t miss out Bali. Bali is incredibly beautiful from its welcoming ambiances, friendly local, and extreme safe and easy way to choose transportation options. All these things would be possible for even budget friendly backpackers.
If you ask us why Bali is a popular place to travel as a Solo, it is very simple. Starting from its ideal weather conditions to Bali’s culture, everything is fantastic. No matter what your intention is to pack a backpack to Bali, surely visitors will get nature, culture, history, cuisines, calm weather and great Hindu traditions in one place.
Start your journey from Ubud. It is a place where you can experience most of Bali’s cultures and traditions. Take a rental bike and ride amidst its beautiful rice fields and find places like Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Tegallalang Rice Terrace. Don’t forget to attend any yoga classes or traditional handcrafted workshops. If you have enough time then take a walk at Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Travel south west of Bali, where plenty of incredible beaches and sunset views awaiting to you. Canggu, Seminyak, Padang Padang and Uluwatu’s are some of the great beaches known for their surfing paradise, beach clubs and perfect sunset points.
Temples in Bali stand as a symbol of Bali’s culture and traditions. Visit Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple and pray for prosperity and understand how architecturally rich is Bali. Locals believe that soaking at Tirta Empul makes every person more pure and rejuvenating.
Leaving Bali without trying local foods and unique cuisines is not always a good idea. Salad restaurant, Warung Kunyit Bali and La Plancha at Seminyak are the places where you can try Nasi Campur, Nasi Goreng, Ayam Betutu, Gado Gado and Babi Guling. Most of the Bali foods contain rice, chicken, pork and steamed vegetables. Looking at any vegan restaurant in Bali, then Warung Bu Mi at Canggu and Mindful Munchies are great options.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Surely Europe is a great continent for those who delve into solo traveling spots. While we discovered which would sit in the top spots. We came to know that Lisbon is an ideal city to travel solo.
Lisbon is a place where solo visitors could get cultures, food and appreciating architecture at one place. However, if’re wander its streets people are friendly and help you to make your travel more easy. They will speak very good English and even sometimes act as guides to reach out of desired locations.
The Square of Commerce is the perfect place to start your solo travel. The square, filled with beautiful architecture, century old buildings, medieval period churches, adheres to the city’s historical values and city squares. Continue your walk to Pink Street often known as the Red light district commonly streets filled with nightclubs, music venues and restaurants. Visitors find brothel girls waiting on the streets or inside clubs to make hook-ups. Try to reach Castelo de S. Jorge is a place known as 8 pillars of Lisbon and perfect location to get aerial views of the city and reach castle walls.
However, Lisbon is a kind of place known for its taste local cuisine styles. Places such as Pizzeria Lisboa and Local markets are places blessed with many restaurants and cafes serves Cais Do Sodre to eat custard, creme Brulee, pasta and salads.
5. Amsterdam, Netherland
Another European location known for its beautiful canal, English speaking neighbourhoods and safe cultures making it a great location to solo travel. One thing I would like to say in Amsterdam for solo travelers is to take bicycles and roam the entire city, since there is a major number of cycles and extensive cycling paths which help to cover the majority of its attractions.
The city is highly progressive, diverse and easy to find and meet new and friendly people. Each time when you visit new destinations, solo travelers find cafes and restaurants where locals are gathering and welcome you to find and help your destinations without having any cultural barriers.
There are plenty of things visitors can do as solo backpackers. Firstly buy an Amsterdam Pass online and take bicycles like a local. Then start your trip from Van Gogh Museum, a place where plenty of Van Gogh’s art works are available. Go to Zeedijik Street to find popular Chinatown, Anne Frank’s House and Fo Guang San Temple.
For leisure ambiances, book boat rides by paying €16 to ride in Amsterdam’s Canals. The ride exhibited perfect views of Amsterdam houses, canal banks, colorful buildings and Central Station. If you’re not comfortable cycling, then don’t worry, take a free walking tour with the help of locals without paying a single penny and cover nearby places where you are actually staying in Amsterdam.
6. Sydney, Australia
Sydney is the perfect city in Oceania to do your solo trip. Yes, Sydney is often ranked the best city when it comes to safety, and laid back atmospheres. However, the city is an ideal location for you to find public transportation, communication and easy access to the city’s major sights.
In simple Sydney known for its beach activities, stunning harbour settings, urban festivals and iconic city landmarks like Sydney Opera house and Harbour Bridge. Solo travelers surely find the world’s greatest cosmopolitan atmospheres and unique climates here in Sydney.
Start your solo trip from Circular Quay known for its easy access to reach sites like Opera House and Botanic Gardens within your walking distances. Not just that, if you’re ready to walk the next 5 to 10 minutes, surely you’ll land in the city’s other iconic attraction, Sydney Harbour Bridge. Don’t miss out book ferry ride to one round trip to Sydney Opera House and incredible views of Sydney city and Sydney Harbour.
Sea food in Sydney is really an incredible thing to try. Since Sydney is a city close to the sea, surely visitors could enjoy vibrant styles of cuisines and sea foods. If you ask me which one you should try without thinking too much I can say try Sydney rock oysters? Which is a dry shuckers known for its creamy, briny, sweet and sashimi. Along with trying Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon and King George Whiting. However, the city is a perfect place to eat other international cuisines like Sushi, Italian Pasta and Vietnamese bang mi.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand is small but full of beautiful nature, ideal climate and adventure friendly places. Easy to navigate due to English friendly culture and plenty of travel options. A lot of people skip New Zealand in their solo bucket list, but we highly recommend even for female solo travelers to visit for self-discovery and indulge in its dramatic landscapes. Despite being one of the most expensive countries, New Zealand often ranks as one of the extremely safest places to travel.
Start your individual journey from Queenstown. A place full of adventure activities and natural rich destinations. Queenstown often recommended places to take paragliding, bungy jumping and white water rafting activities.
Wellington is often called the “Windy city” of New Zealand, home to the country’s best cafe culture, arts and restaurants available within walking distances. You can freely walk or take rental cars to visit iconic attractions like Te Papa Museum, and Weta Cave. Don’t forget to take a walk to Wellington Cable Car service which is a mindblowing activity.
Rotorua is called “Sulphar City” home to the country’s best geothermal activity and unique Maori cultures. Even when you walk its streets there are plenty of things waiting for you to do like mud baths, hot tube rides, soaking at Polynesian Spa, mountain bikes and swimming at its geothermal reserves.
8. New York, USA
Looking for a great solo destination in North America, choose New York City. Often called “City Never Sleeps”, New York is a dream destination for many enthusiastic backpackers including solo travelers. The city is incredibly walkable, safe and diverse making it an ideal place to cover the city’s major attractions without paying a single penny to transportations.
What I really like in New York is public transportations and solo friendly activities like Broadway shows and safe neighbourhoods. Even though it is massive, crowded and expensive, the city welcomes visitors from its iconic The Empire State Building, Central Park, Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
Start your solo journey from iconic Lower Manhattan for a scenic start. From here you just take a few steps to reach the world famous Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial Museum. However, the place is even close to some of the region’s renowned museums such as Museum of Jewish Heritage, National Museum of the American Indian and Mmusuemm.
Take a walk to Central Park city’s major place where visitors can cross Bow Bridge, walk around Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, visit Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, stroll through Conservatory Garden and climb to Belvedere Castle.
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is a really incredible thing here in NYC. Even today millions of visitors coming to New York just cross the Brooklyn Bridge. It not just offers panoramic views of the East River and Skyline, moreover it allows you to take a long walk to enjoy engineering brilliance and understand history or take a look around beauties like Freedom Tower and perfect photo centric opportunities.
Never forget to walk around the iconic Times Square. Time Square is known for its bustling streets, dazzling lights, neon sign boards and electronic billboards. Each time while walking its streets you’ll raise your head and see how beautiful it is, especially its tallest buildings. Extent your walking journey till you find China Town, street performances, vibrant shops and restaurants.
Try local delicious cuisines of NYC at da Toscano for octopus carpaccio, Brooklyn Diner for hot sandwiches and Katz’s Delocatesen for pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup.
9. Cuzco, Peru
When it comes to South America, Cuzco is a great place to spend your Solo Time. Visitors surely inspire the city’s rich history, safety and social cultures with friendly atmospheres. Instead choosing Europe as your core solo backpacking destinations we insist on heading to Cuzco, which will give a different travel perspective.
There are plenty of places you’ll catch within your walking distances. Visit Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world and Plaza de Armas, where plenty of restaurants and cafes are waiting to do your culinary journey. All these things will happen within your low budgets.
Start your solo trip from the historic center and San Blas neighbourhoods. Extremely safe and perfect location to catch San Pedro Market and Plaza de Armas. As we knew that Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca site offers Inca history, their stone architectures and majestic mountain views.
Take any guided radio taxis or shuttle service to reach Plaza de Armas. Place witnessing great history, culture and majority of Spanish colonial architecture. According to history, the place used for ceremonial rituals by the Incas is called Huacaypata, “Place of Crying”. But today you should explore its Cusco Cathedrals and La Compañía de Jesus church.
While walking in Cusco Street or town, artists are so busy doing intricate artwork and making minimalist art pieces, traditional pottery and paintings. They shattered throughout the city’s many squares and alleyways, adobe houses, sometimes they made their shops at Sacred Valley. Don’t forget to visit if you find them.
Visit Green Point to try Vegan foods with fully decorated outdoor garden spaces and Plaxoleta de las Nazareans to try hot chocolates. For deeper understanding about Cuzco cuisines and local cultures try to expand your journey till Parwa Restaurant. Renowned women running restaurants primarily by the Huchuy Qosqo community. They serve different Peruvian meals, vegan foods and other dishes made by the locally grown stuff like potatoes, salsa and quinoa. We insist you to attend any one of the cooking classes at Nuna Raymi, which often hosts traditional Peruvian food cooking classes by the Andean farmers.
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is Central America’s leading solo travel destination known for its safety, friendly English communication peoples and easy way to catch public transportations. Continents perfect destination for eco-tourism and heaven for adventure lovers home to plenty of natural beauties and friendly cultures.
Even though Costa Rica is a natural centric destination, it is a good idea to start your solo journey from San José. The capital city of Costa Rica today is home to most urban cultures representing vast numbers of National museum, Jade Museum, botanical gardens and Spirogyra Butterfly Garden. If you like to go hiking, and find vast areas of coffee plantations, then take your step to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.
Arenal Volcano is a never miss destination, often known for its active volcano and some natural thermal hot springs. Arenal National Park is an ideal point to hike amidst its ceiba tree to get active volcano views and lakes.
Monteverde is an ideal location to enjoy Costa Rica’s nature. Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve or Selvatura Adventure Park. Each place here in Monteverde offers zip lines, hiking and sky adventure activities. Don’t forget to walk on a hanging bridge located in the middle of the forest.
