Going It Alone: The Best Solo Travel Destinations

Years ago, I discovered a form of travel that felt incredibly empowering and pushed me out of my comfort zone in a truly transformative way: solo travel. My first trip completely solo was to Zurich, Switzerland, in my early 20s. Other solo travelers had spoken so highly of Switzerland, including as a safety-blanket destination, so I figured that I’d give it a try.

Inevitable feelings bubble to the surface when you’re solo traveling for the first time, and it’s easy to feel as though everyone is wondering why you’re eating alone or on a tour alone. Want to know the truth? They don’t care as much as you think they do. After a week or so of meeting fellow travelers in hostels and on day trips, I was strolling through Zurich with the confidence of a seasoned traveler.

Now an avid solo traveler, I’m always on the hunt for the next destination to visit on my own. Drawing from my solo travel experiences over the past decade, I’ve discovered these five destinations to be among the best spots around the globe for solo travel.

Slovenia

The navigable size of Slovenia (7,827 square miles) and the fact that English is spoken widely across the country add to the country’s appeal for solo travelers. Spend a few days in the capital city of Ljubljana, where you can enjoy creative tapas with a Slovenian twist at TaBar before venturing into the rest of the country by car, train, or bus. Buses from Ljubljana are fairly reliable (costing around 6 euros to Lake Bled), and pick up during the summer season. Slovenia Railways offers a handy timetable online for longer trips to cities like Maribor.

I opted to drive during my trip since the roads are relatively calm and I wanted to see more of the country. Eastern Slovenia, anchored by the cities of Maribor and Celje, offers an array of outdoor activities, elevated restaurants, and fewer tourists. While passing through the rolling landscape of the Prekmurje region, stop at Radgonske Gorice Winery, the oldest and largest producer of sparkling wines in Slovenia, known for its Untouched by the Light wine, which is aged in the dark. Also, don’t miss the Kocbek Oil Mill, where you can enjoy a multisensory experience tied to its family-secret production of pumpkin seed oil.

To get off-grid, plan a stay at Goričko’s idyllic Monstera Estate. Owned by Bine and Katarina Volčič, the comfortable homestead offers their guests a haven filled with communal dinners and nature escapes. I loved it here as a solo traveler. With fewer than 10 rooms, the homestead makes it easy to get to know people and feel right at home with the family.

Saba

One of the Caribbean’s lesser-explored islands, Saba spans just 5 square miles but packs a big punch. With a population of around 2,000 and the home to a dormant volcano, it offered far more adventure than I expected. By day three of my trip, I had grown accustomed to waking up by the usual distinct chatter of tree frogs at the Cottage Club. Each morning from my balcony, I’d admire the lush landscapes of Mount Scenery, and I found solace in the swaying of the trees and wispy clouds floating by.

Travelers flock to the island to truly escape, and adventure activities span from snorkeling the reefs to diving. With just one main road and a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, I felt incredibly safe as a solo traveler.

I’ve traveled to numerous Caribbean islands in the past where couples fill the resorts, but Saba has a different vibe altogether. You don’t come to Saba for a romantic getaway. Due in part to the adventurous nature of the island and whom it attracts, it’s easy to meet other backpackers and low-key tourists who are thrill-seekers. And the number of expats here helps add to a sense of comfort and familiarity when you’re traveling alone.

Iceland

This Nordic country is easy to navigate, safe, and boasts a variety of activities—from glacier hikes across massive sheets of ancient ice, to ATV excursions across black-sand beaches, to food tours of its colorful capital city, Reykjavík.

I recommend making Reykjavík your first stop before renting a car or camper van to explore the famous Golden Circle, a 190-mile loop that connects stunning natural landmarks such as waterfalls, geothermal areas, and glaciers. Make time to relax at Sky Lagoon, a geothermal spa easily accessible from Reykjavík, and visit cozy spots such as Lady Brewery to sample Icelandic craft beer and Islenski Barinn to try meat dishes made with shark and whale.

Icelanders are known to be very friendly, so you’ll always make a friend or two while out exploring the island.

Switzerland

Since most Swiss cities are small and easily connected, I traveled by train across the country, which makes it a draw for solo travelers like me. Even Zurich and Geneva, two of Switzerland’s largest cities, still felt extremely safe and welcoming as I explored notable attractions such as Lindenhoff and walked the waterfront to see the Jet d'Eau de Genève.

Walkable cities like Lugano and Lausanne showcase a different side to Switzerland. Think cobblestone streets, a slower pace, and quaint stores. Both cities are less industrial and feel relaxed.

On the Northern Shore of a glacial lake, Lugano is perfect for solo travelers, with festivals, a homey feel, and a prime location just a few minutes by train or car to Italy. Having lived here for a time, I found myself frequenting hidden spots like Osteria della Bellavista, strolling through Parco Ciani, and sailing across Lake Lugano.

Charleston, South Carolina

Southern charm and hospitality go hand in hand in Charleston. I loved it here as a solo traveler purely because of the people. Everywhere I visited or dined alone, staff would make an effort to chat to me and provide me with local recommendations.

My perfect itinerary started with waking up at the beautiful Loutrel Hotel, which has a spacious rooftop terrace with views overlooking the historic French Quarter, before indulging in Southern-inspired cuisine (try brunch at Rudy Royale, seafood at Tempest, Low-Country dishes at Slightly North of Broad, and nibbles at Carmella’s).

Whenever I’m alone, the first thing I do is sign up for a tour to meet people, so I hopped on a “see it all” bus tour to make some new friends and explore the city! Of course, you can’t visit Charleston without browsing the slew of Southern boutiques around King Street. Here, I visited Southern Ruetz to make my own hat. Sensing that I was a little hesitant at first as a solo traveler, the team sat me at the hat bar, gave me a beer, and I chatted with them for hours.

A short walk from Downtown reveals an area exuding creativity and local flair in the Cannonborough/Elliotborough neighborhood. I felt completely comfortable dining alone at Spanish tapas restaurant Malagon, where I noticed a few other people eating by themselves, too. For a laid-back atmosphere, The Pass is a casual spot for epic sandwiches and great chats with owner Anthony Marini.

Consider splitting your hotel stay with some time at 86 Cannon, a luxurious 10-room inn ideal for solo travelers seeking a tranquil escape in the heart of the city. Owners Lori and Marion host a daily wine and cheese event for guests to mingle—a great way to make new friends while traveling solo.

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Solo travel can seem daunting at first, but it can also be life-changing in so many ways. The key is to start small until you gain confidence. After all, the world is filled with friends waiting to meet you—but only if you step outside your comfort zone and get out there to explore.