Embarking on a solo adventure is a transformative experience, an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, discover hidden depths within yourself, and explore the world on your own terms.
There are times whe you want to be by yourself for various reasons and if this is the case then keep reading.
Whether you crave cultural immersion, adrenaline-pumping thrills, or peaceful introspection, these 20 destinations offer the perfect backdrop for your solo journey.
Kyoto, Japan
In Kyoto, ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life.
Explore centuries-old temples like Kiyomizu-dera, with its iconic wooden stage overlooking the city, or wander through the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
Engage with geisha culture in the Gion district, savor delicate kaiseki cuisine (a traditional multi-course meal), and find moments of quiet contemplation in Zen gardens like Ryoan-ji, with its enigmatic rock garden.
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud beckons those seeking spiritual nourishment and artistic inspiration.
Join a yoga or meditation retreat at one of the many centers in the area, such as The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive. Hike through emerald rice paddies, like the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and discover local artisans at the Ubud Art Market, where you can find unique souvenirs and handicrafts.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the majestic Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) with its intricate carvings and the Tirta Empul Temple, where you can participate in a purification ritual.
Queenstown, New Zealand
If adventure courses through your veins, Queenstown is your playground.
Bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungee site, or skydive over breathtaking mountain vistas.
Explore Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site, by taking a boat trip on Milford Sound or hiking the renowned Routeburn Track. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through the Queenstown Gardens or indulge in a wine tasting at one of the many wineries in the region.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
Step into a world of cobalt blue in Chefchaouen.
This charming mountain town captivates with its labyrinthine medina, where every corner reveals a photogenic scene. Get lost in the narrow alleyways, where you’ll find shops selling everything from handmade rugs to fragrant spices.
Hike to the Spanish Mosque for a breathtaking sunset over the Rif Mountains or simply relax at a rooftop cafe and soak in the unique atmosphere.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Embrace the relaxed pace of life in the Cinque Terre, five picturesque villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – connected by scenic hiking trails.
Wander through vineyards, swim in hidden coves, and savor fresh seafood at cliffside restaurants.
The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) offers stunning views of the Ligurian Sea, while the Via dell’Amore (Path of Love), currently closed for renovations, was once a romantic promenade.
Iceland
Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes will leave you awestruck.
Hike on glaciers like Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, witness the power of geysers erupting at Strokkur, and chase the elusive Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
Explore the black sand beaches of Vik, the geothermal Blue Lagoon, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters, and the dramatic Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where you can spot seals basking on icebergs.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Prepare to be mesmerized by Cappadocia’s surreal rock formations, known as fairy chimneys.
Explore the underground cities of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, where early Christians once sought refuge. Hike through the Rose Valley’s otherworldly landscape, with its pink-hued rock formations and hidden cave churches.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient rock-cut churches adorned with frescoes.
Havana, Cuba
Experience the vibrant energy of Havana, a city frozen in time.
Stroll along the Malecón, a seaside promenade that buzzes with activity, and admire the colorful vintage cars that cruise the streets. Explore Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas.
Visit the iconic El Capitolio building, the Museo de la Revolución, and the Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s former home.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and blue-domed churches.
Relax on the black sand beaches of Perissa or Perivolos, hike the caldera rim from Fira to Oia, and watch the legendary sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Explore the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic ash.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel nestled in the Andes Mountains.
Hike the Inca Trail, a challenging but rewarding trek through cloud forests and mountain passes, or take a scenic train ride from Cusco.
Explore the ruins of this mysterious city, including the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the Temple of the Condor.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, a bustling metropolis, offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors.
Visit the dazzling Grand Palace, a complex of ornate buildings and temples, including the Emerald Buddha. Explore the vibrant Chinatown, the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak, and the Wat Pho temple, home to the giant Reclining Buddha.
Indulge in the diverse street food scene, from spicy curries to sweet mango sticky rice.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a city of canals, bicycles, and world-class museums.
Rent a bike and explore the picturesque Jordaan district, with its narrow streets, art galleries, and trendy cafes. Visit the Anne Frank House, a moving testament to the Holocaust, and the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings.
Take a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective, and don’t miss the vibrant nightlife of the Red Light District.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, a city built on seven hills, exudes a charm that blends history, culture, and modernity. Wander through the Alfama district, the oldest part of the city, with its narrow alleyways, Fado houses, and the imposing São Jorge Castle.
Ride the iconic Tram 28, which rattles through the city’s historic neighborhoods, and visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Manueline architecture.
Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern life.
Get lost in the maze-like souks, where you can haggle for spices, leather goods, and traditional Moroccan handicrafts. Visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, and the Koutoubia Mosque, with its towering minaret.
Experience the vibrant energy of the Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site that comes alive at night with street performers, storytellers, and food stalls.
New York City, USA
The city that never sleeps is a vibrant playground for solo travelers.
Explore diverse neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, with its bohemian atmosphere, or Chinatown, with its bustling markets and dim sum restaurants. Visit iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
Take a walk through Central Park, catch a Broadway show, or simply wander the streets and soak up the city’s energy. The possibilities are endless in this urban jungle.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Savannah, a Southern belle dripping with charm, invites you to slow down and savor its unique character.
Stroll through Forsyth Park, a sprawling oasis with moss-draped oaks, fountains, and a fragrant garden. Explore the Historic District’s cobblestone streets, lined with antebellum mansions, art galleries, and antique shops.
Take a ghost tour to uncover the city’s spooky side or simply relax on a park bench and watch the world go by.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Sedona, a desert oasis surrounded by towering red rock formations, offers a tranquil escape for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation.
Hike to the summit of Cathedral Rock for panoramic views of the landscape, visit the vortex sites believed to emit powerful energy, or simply meditate among the majestic scenery.
Explore the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, with its shops and galleries, or indulge in a spa treatment at one of the many resorts.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone, America’s first national park, is a geothermal wonderland teeming with natural wonders.
Witness the awe-inspiring eruptions of Old Faithful geyser, explore the colorful terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, and hike through the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with its dramatic waterfalls and breathtaking views.
Keep an eye out for bison, elk, wolves, and other wildlife that call this park home.
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Discover the underwater paradise of the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system.
Snorkel or dive among the colorful coral gardens, encounter vibrant marine life like clownfish, sea turtles, and manta rays, and explore the Whitsunday Islands, a group of idyllic islands with white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Take a scenic flight over Heart Reef, a naturally formed heart-shaped coral formation, for a unique perspective of this natural wonder.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are a living laboratory of evolution.
Observe unique wildlife like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Darwin’s finches, whose diverse beaks inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
Take a cruise or island-hop between the different islands, each with its own distinct landscape and wildlife. Hike to volcanic craters, snorkel with playful sea lions, and witness the raw beauty of this remote and pristine ecosystem.
The world is a really diverse playground for solo travelers.
From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of the Galapagos Islands, each of these twenty destinations offers unique experiences and opportunities for self-discovery.
Whether you’re seeking new adventure, cultural immersion, or simply a chance to escape the familiar, solo travel empowers you to forge your own path and create unforgettable memories.
So choose the freedom, consider the unknown, and let your solo journey begin.