Top Destinations for Solo Travelers: Safe, Fun & Inspiring Places to Explore Alone
No matter if you are a seasoned solo traveler seeking new places to explore, or dipping your toe into solo travel for the first time, these are some of the top-rated destinations for solo travelers, based on comfortability, safety, ease of travel, and things to do.
Whether you are looking to join a group tour, go it alone, or a combination of both, the team at GWA Travel Collective is here to curate your adventure-for-one and help ease all the stress and anxieties of traveling with yourself.
We understand that solo travel can mean many things to different people. Regardless of if you are looking to take a “soul-o” journey of self-discovery, or looking to meet other people and dive into local life in another part of the world, we will make sure your solo trip is one to remember.
UK Destinations
The United Kingdom is a great destination for solo travelers, especially for first time solo travelers for several reasons.
Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales all offer a mix of stunning landscapes, history, vibrant cities, and quaint towns to explore. The lack of language barrier also offers a level of comfort for travelers, especially for solo travel rookies.
Whether you opt to visit one city, dive into one country, or take a whirlwind tour of all four UK Countries, you are sure to have an epic solo adventure visiting the UK.
The United Kingdom is emerging as a leading place for a “coolcation” during the summer months as surrounding European countries reach record high temperatures. If winter travel is more your style, the UK has some of the most magical Christmas Markets in Europe.
Ireland
Said to have some of the world’s friendliest people, stunning landscape, quaint villages, and vibrant cities, Ireland is a perfect solo travel destination.
So much more than just Dublin, Ireland offers a myriad of different experiences, so there is something for every traveler and comfort level.
Well connected by public transit and lack of language barrier makes Ireland safe and easy to navigate, even for rookie solo travelers.
Canada
If you are looking to stay a little closer to home, but want an international experience, Canada has a vast array of places to explore.
From urban metropolises to natural oasis and incredible landscapes, Canada truly has it all.
Quebec offers a European feel without crossing the ocean. With Montreal offering a vibrant city vibe and nearby Quebec City feeling like stepping in to old Europe, it is the perfect destination to experience both big city and small town charm in one trip.
Statistically one of the safest large cities in North America, Toronto is a great midsize city that is easy to navigate, offers many social and independent activities and is convenient for English Speakers. Many US travelers also find Toronto to be quite affordable.
If you are looking for more dreamy small town vibes, Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia is the perfect option. This dreamy little town, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is not only known for its British colonial heritage, beautiful gardens, and stunning natural scenery but is also ranked very high for safety.
Portugal
Portugal has consistently ranked in the top most solo-traveler friendly destinations due to it’s overall safety, ease to navigate, and friendly locals.
With a vast range of experiences from vibrant city-life in Lisbon, to beach towns lining the Algarve coast to the charming city of Porto in the North and many areas in between to explore, Portugal has something for every type of solo traveler.
Well connected by public transit, but also offering numerous group and private tours, it is easy to explore several regions of this beautiful country in one trip.
Portugal is also ranked amongst the top LGBTQAI+ and BIPOC friendly countries to visit, making it an ideal European destination for any solo traveler. Adding to its appeal to all travelers, Lisbon is also ranked into the top 10 most vegan friendly destinations.
⭐GWA Travel Collective Founder, Gina, is a Portugal pro after exploring the country herself in 2024!
Kyoto, Japan
If safety and accessibility rank high on your list, Kyoto is a great option. This Japanese city is ranked exceptionally safe, easy to get around with excellent public transportation, and rich in cultural beauty.
Kyoto also offers once in a lifetime opportunities and sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you are a foodie, Kyoto is a culinary playground of world class food and specialty drinks.
⭐Kyoto’s top safety rankings make it a great option for solo female travelers
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana has become an increasingly popular destination but still remains a calm and peaceful destinations and is especially popular for solo travelers due to its safety, walkability, and ease to navigate.
Solo travelers consistently rank Ljubljana locals as some of the friendliest and most accommodating in Europe and find the city comfortable to self-navigate.
In addition, this Easter European destination is packed with incredible architecture, natural beauty and the breathtaking Lake Bled.
Bahamas
Looking for a beachy solo getaway? Head to the Bahamas! This Caribbean destination is touted for its cultural and community feel, while also offering world class beaches, festivals and amazing food.
The perfect destination to treat yourself to some rest and relaxation in the sun, enjoy active excursions, or a good mix of both.
⭐The Bahamas is loved by solo tourists due to its easy accessibility from the US, friendly locals, and English being widely spoken.
Cruise
If you are embarking on your maiden solo voyage, or a seasoned solo traveler that wants to take all the guesswork out of a getaway, a cruise is a great option!
With built in social activities, spas, on-site restaurants, al a carte excursion options, and so much more all in one space, cruises are a great choice for solo travelers.
⭐ Pro tip: Norwegian Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages are especially solo traveler friendly with solo cabins available at single occupancy rates.
Reach out to one of our cruise experts today to set sail on your perfect solo cruise!
Why should you trust GWA Travel Collective with planning your solo trip?
Our client “L” came always dreamed of taking a solo trip.
Like many solo travel rookies, certain things gave “L” pause about taking the leap into international solo travel. Concerns about not speaking the local language, navigating transit systems, safety as a solo traveler, how to socialize as a solo traveler, etc.
Here is how we made it happen and assured our client is feeling safe, confident and ready to take on her first solo trip:
🗺️We discussed all of her location options and worked with her to decide on Amsterdam and Paris. L felt confident and capable navigating cities within a close train ride, and walkable cities with high safety ratings.
🏨After discussing her preferences and comfort level, we booked her accommodations at a hotel chain she is familiar with in both cities.
🗣️To ease some of the worry she shared about being lonely, we curated activities based on her likes and preferences so she would have the opportunity to engage with others, as well as see places she had dreamed of.
🪄Behind the scenes, all the details were handled professionally and specifically to your clients wants. All of her transfers, reservations, insurance and little details were handled so she could feel supported and stress free every step of the way.
Ready to experience the freedom and confidence of doing something new, or something familiar that reminds you of how capable you are while exploring new parts of the world?
Reach out to use today to start planning!
