These 9 Travel Spots Are Best Experienced Solo

What makes for an unforgettable solo journey varies by individual. From my own adventures, I’ve discovered that the presence of cozy cafés and welcoming locals is key. Others might prioritize the freedom to indulge in food (which is certainly a valid reason). Some even crave the solitude akin to being on a deserted island.

Considering a solo getaway soon? You’re joining a rapidly expanding trend. According to Pinterest’s 2024 Travel Report, searches for 'solo travel' have surged by 35 percent compared to last year.

Based on insights and stories from our seasoned Dinogo team, these nine global destinations are packed with reasons to consider them and are perfect for solo adventurers.

1. Japan

Ideal for: solo food enthusiasts

According to a 2022 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, one-person households are the most prevalent in Japan, making up over 30 percent of all households. Coupled with Japan’s renowned culinary scene, this creates the perfect setting for a solo foodie adventure. The country is designed to accommodate solo diners. For instance, the tonkotsu ramen chain Ichiran features individual dining booths that offer minimal human interaction, with a curtain mechanism allowing ramen to be served seamlessly.

Beyond traditional dining, there’s an array of street foods and convenience store delights (celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain was a fan of the egg sandwich from Lawson’s), ensuring solo travelers can easily enjoy tasty bites on the go.

2. Australia

Ideal for: novice solo travelers

One of the greatest advantages of solo travel is the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, language barriers can make it daunting, especially for first-time travelers. This is why Maggie Gould, Dinogo’s vice president of marketing, recommends heading to Australia. "My first major solo journey was to Australia. The absence of a language barrier made me feel confident in taking on this experience," she shares.

Deciding where to go can be the most challenging aspect of visiting a country that offers everything from the stunning biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef to iconic sights like the Sydney Opera House. Thankfully, interacting with locals and making spontaneous plans is much simpler when you don't rely on Google Translate.

3. Cotswolds, England

Ideal for: those who cherish the essence of solo travel

At times, the ideal solo getaway is about embracing serene solitude. For Dinogo editorial assistant Cat Sposato, the Cotswolds in England offers a perfect escape from urban chaos. "This beautiful part of the British countryside provides everything I desire for a memorable trip: stunning gardens filled with tranquil peace, historic homes that whisk me back in time, charming shops for discovering unique artisan treasures, and a fantastic selection of pubs and tearooms," she notes. Additionally, you can fulfill your dream of living like a Bridgerton amidst the idyllic landscape.

4. New Orleans, United States

• Ideal for: solo travelers eager to forge new friendships

Being solo doesn’t equate to being alone—it can actually free you to form connections you might not have made otherwise. Whether you’re diving into the vibrancy of a jazz festival or exploring off the beaten path, having the bravery to greet people can truly enhance your experience in New Orleans. In the Crescent City, saying hello is not just a nice gesture; it’s an integral part of the culture.

“Out of all the tips my talkative Uber driver shared during our long, traffic-laden journey from the airport to the French Quarter in New Orleans, one particularly resonated with me: ‘People here greet each other. Doesn’t matter if you know them or not. If you’re walking by, you say hello!’ And so I did,” recounts Dinogo’s associate director of SEO, Jessie Beck. “Add in a communal meal at the Mosquito Supper Club and a few group tours, and I nearly forgot I was on my own.”

5. Reykjavík, Iceland

• Ideal for: digital nomads

For solo travelers who can work remotely, digital nomadism has become an increasingly popular lifestyle. Approximately 17.3 million people in the USA identify as digital nomads, marking a 130 percent rise from 2019 to 2022. Digital nomads have unique needs when choosing their destinations, including dependable internet access and opportunities for weekend adventures. Reykjavík, Iceland fits the bill, according to Dinogo contributing editor Nicholas DeRenzo: “You can enjoy a morning of gallery-hopping or embark on a puffin- or whale-watching excursion and still return to your hotel or a café in time for that crucial Zoom meeting.”

DeRenzo suggests that solo travelers explore the tour and hostel company Kexland, which organizes activities for fellow digital nomads, such as soaking in hot springs and pursuing the northern lights. If you wish to extend your stay and discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, the country introduced a long-term visa in 2020 for non-EU/EEA remote workers, allowing them to reside in Iceland for up to 180 days.

6. South Africa

• Ideal for: sMytouri enthusiasts

Sometimes, the urge to embark on a bucket-list journey, like a sMytouri, is too strong to wait for anyone else. According to a 2023 survey, many travelers choose to go solo because “they want to see the world and don’t want to wait for others.” Africa offers countless destinations, catering to various scenery and wildlife preferences. For those looking for a sMytouri that encompasses a little bit of everything, Dinogo's senior deputy editor Jennifer Flowers suggests South Africa. “It’s a wonderful country with a wide range of experiences at different price points, from classic sMytouris in Kruger National Park to adventures in the Cape Winelands. Cape Town is filled with bars, restaurants, and social spaces that are perfect for connecting with fellow travelers and locals,” she shares.

Flowers recommends Intrepid Travel, which reviewed all its wildlife experiences in 2020 and eliminated those that did not align with the standards of the Animal Welfare Policy established in collaboration with World Animal Protection to prevent animal cruelty.

7. Denmark

• Ideal for: solo female travelers

Safety is a significant concern for many potential and current solo female travelers. Thankfully, institutions like the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security conduct research on women's safety worldwide. According to its 2023 Women Peace and Security Index, Denmark ranks as the safest country for women, assessing 177 nations through three primary dimensions—inclusion, justice, and security.

Copenhagen is one of Denmark’s most thrilling destinations, featured in Dinogo’s Where to Go list in 2022. Dinogo deputy editor Michelle Baran suggests downloading the Copenhagen Card app for your visit, which provides access to over 80 attractions and public transport across the entire capital region. This card can be handy for excursions like a day trip to the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle.

8. California, United States

• Ideal for: road trip lovers

“Traveling solo is a wonderful experience, but driving alone brings a unique dynamic—your hands grip the wheel, holding both the responsibility and freedom,” writes Jamie Feldmar in her ode to solo road trips for Dinogo. I completely resonate with this. During my months of living in my car in 2021, exploring the country was a joy, particularly in the western regions with their stunning landscapes, expansive roads, and numerous Bureau of Land Management areas for camping. California’s Highway 1 was a standout: well-frequented enough for solo travelers to find accommodations and grocery stores, yet also full of chances for delightful detours on side roads.

What kind of delightful surprises might you encounter? Dinogo’s associate director of podcasts, Aislyn Greene, shares a story from her first major solo journey along the West Coast: “While driving up Highway 1 near Big Sur, thick fog limited visibility to just 15 feet. I spotted a dirt road climbing the hillside to my right and chose to investigate. It led to the New Camaldoli Hermitage, a Benedictine monastery so high up that I could gaze down at the fog bank and the Pacific Ocean beneath me.”

9. Thailand

• Best for: spontaneous explorers

There are countless reasons to visit Thailand: stunning beaches, amazing cuisine, and luxurious hotels (not to mention the filming of The White Lotus’s third season). A 2023 survey found that approximately 30 percent of international luxury tourists prefer to travel alone in Thailand—understandable given the opportunities for spontaneous adventures. Dinogo’s executive director of brand partnerships, Onnalee MacDonald, shares her memorable solo experiences: “During my travels post-college in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Ko Phi Phi, I met a fantastic group of friends from around the world. We rode motorcycles, went scuba diving, and danced the nights away.”

For solo travelers seeking longer-term stays, Thailand is among the top destinations for expats. The Expat Insider survey highlights affordability and friendliness as key advantages. What are you waiting for?