The thought of packing up a bag and jetting off thousands of miles from home can be a bit daunting for some, but luckily, you’re never actually alone when you consider how many others are hitting the road solo. When you know the world’s best corners for solo travel, it becomes a lot easier to find your international family.
We connected with some of our favorite travel experts to weigh in on the best places to travel solo. Here’s what they had to say.
Nomadic Matt, @nomadicmatt
“When it comes to solo travel destinations, you can’t go wrong with Thailand. Whether you’re a solo travel newbie or veteran, Thailand will be able to keep you entertained. Offering incredible islands, world-class diving, a wild nightlife, tons of temples, and mouth-watering food, there really is something for everyone here. Plus, it’s both safe and affordable. From the chaotic streets of Bangkok to the rural jungles of Isaan, Thailand really is the perfect destination for solo travel in my opinion. That’s why I keep going back!”
Follow Matt: https://www.nomadicmatt.com
Jackson Groves, @jackson.groves
“Traveling solo is a unique experience. Sometimes you’re looking for solitude, other times, you’re looking to meet new friends from faraway places, go on adventures and make memories of a lifetime. If it is the latter you are interested in, then the island of Oahu in Hawaii is a spot you just can’t miss. The travel community here is great with lots of hostels and chill vibes. The best part is that everyone is on Oahu for adventure, so it’s easy to link up with fellow hikers and explorers to tackle the epic ridges of the island, hang out at some of the world’s best beaches or visit some of the island’s many stunning waterfalls. Some of my best hiking memories have come while on Oahu, purely because the ridges are so dramatic and the ocean is never far out of sight. The sunrises and sunsets always seemed to be a little more magical while on the island as well. There’s just something about the tropical vibes on Oahu that seem to bring out the best in everyone, making it a perfect place to meet people.”
Follow Jackson: https://www.journeyera.com/best-things-to-do-on-oahu/
Eli Solidum, @thepartyingtraveler
“It’s hard to narrow down the best place I’ve ever solo traveled, but I would probably say South Africa! South Africa was very welcoming, and I ended up extending my month long Cape Town trip to a nearly 3-month long trip around the entire country. The country is set up well for backpackers and each region of the country offers something amazing. With its rugged coastlines and the infinite mountains to conquer, there was always an adventure in every part of the country. The wildlife, parties, and laid-back fun-loving attitude of the South African people round it out as one of the best places I have ever solo traveled to.”
Follow Eli: www.thepartyingtraveler.com
Alex Reynolds, @lostwithpurpose
“Yasin Valley in northern Pakistan is one place that captured this solo female traveler’s heart. Solo female travel in Pakistan comes with many challenges: creepy men, oppressive patriarchy, unsafe environments. However, I found the people of Yasin to be very kind, and more importantly, relatively accepting of my solo travel. Though they were decidedly still shocked to see me on my own, they took it in stride and made sure my time in their Hindu Kush home was as magical as our surroundings.”
Follow Alex: www.lostwithpurpose.com
Jonas Hornehøj, @thefreedomcomplex
“As cliché as it may be, I would have to select Bali as the top place to go as a solo traveler. There are a few reasons, but they all come together to make it the perfect place to go on a solo mission. It is extremely good value if you are smart about it, Indonesian food is delicious and cheap, the hospitality/accommodation options vary from 6$-500$ a night, but for 10-15 bucks you can find a decent spot to base yourself while still maintaining some privacy (unlike Europe where a bunk in a 12bed-dorm is 20+ euros). It is really easy to talk to people here because so many people are pursuing a lifestyle that allows them to be location independent and work online.
Bali is an AMAZING island to explore — you can get everywhere by scooter (for as little as 4 euros per day depending on your bargaining skills —just remember your international license!) and within 1-2 hours scooter ride from Canggu, Seminyak, etc— the common places to stay— you can find everything from UNESCO rated rice terraces, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, incredible viewpoints, perfect beaches, etc. There is more or less everything to see on this island you could imagine. Visit ASAP before the tourism gets the best of it. There is already way too much building going on, and it’s not looking like it will be slowing down.”
Follow Jonas: www.instagram.com/thefreedomcomplex
Jessica Esa, @booksandbao
“One of my favourite places that I traveled solo was Bohol in The Philippines. In fact, most places in the Philippines are super friendly as I went back to travel solo on Palawan island too. Every island is so different. There’s gorgeous natural beauty that hasn’t been saturated with tourism just yet, amazing fresh fruit, and warm and friendly people that are so passionate about their country. I loved Bohol in particular as the landscape is so diverse, from the incredible chocolate hills to stunning beaches. I’d go back solo anytime!”
Follow Jessica: https://booksandbao.com/2018/08/12/bohol-panglao-island-travel-guide/
Andrew Mahowald, @andrew.adventuring
“Adventurous souls should look no further than “The Paris of the Middle East”… Lebanon! The secret is slowly getting out about this country’s intoxicating allure. From world-class Roman ruins and crazy good cuisine to stunning mountainous landscapes and fiery culture/night life, your only regret after moving on from this Western-influenced Arabic nation will be that you didn’t stay twice as long.”
Follow Andrew: www.instagram.com/andrew.adventuring
Lauren Allain, @sporadicalnomadical
“No one does “solo” better than Tokyo. From capsule hotels to ramen restaurants where seating is in an individual cubicle, Tokyo does solo life right. On top of this, Tokyo was (once again) ranked as the safest city in the world. If introverted life isn’t for you, head to one of the coolest hostels in the world, Book and Bed where you’ll feel like the book store closed but forgot to kick you out! There’s no better megalopolis for solo wandering— all you need are some good shoes and Google Maps. Stroll through the old Edo neighborhoods, pet some owls, bask in neon lights, and grab a beer in a tiny bar that only has seating for five, an ideal time to not be traveling with others. Tokyo will keep any “table for one” traveler perfectly entertained.
Follow Lauren: www.instagram.com/sporadicalnomadical
Sarah Lempa, @travelempa
“I’m going on record and saying that Australia has been one of my favorite places to travel solo. With beaches that will have you muttering holy sh*t under your breath and the friendly, lighthearted spirit of the Aussies, it’s easy to make friends in a pinch, and even easier to convince yourself to move on over long-term. Not to mention, the backpacker scene is stellar—filled with both short term travelers and those who are living there on a working holiday visa. So grab some vegemite, pet a kangaroo, and say hello to your new favorite solo travel country.”
Follow Sarah: www.instagram.com/travelempa