Go solo: the 20 best places to travel alone

Solo travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world. Whether you'd rather spend it on a desert island or in a frenetic new city, here's our pick of some of the best places to travel alone.

1. Lombok and the Gili Islands, Indonesia

Not as busy as its more famous neighbour Bali, Lombok is gaining a sterling reputation among the Indonesian islands with independent travellers who want to learn to surf, snorkel or dive. Inland, lush green paddy fields stretch away to the massive Gunung Rinjani volcano with its waterfalls and hot springs. The three tiny but increasingly popular Gili Islands off Lombok’s northwest coast are also easy to access – Trawangan is where the party’s at.

• Best for partying: Gili Beach Bum Hotel
• Best for beachfront in Lombok: Cafe Alberto B and B
• Best to explore Lombok: North Lombok Waterfall and Village Tour
• Best for snorkeling: Gili Kondo, Kapal and Lampu from Lombok

Rough Guides tip: From beaches to mountains, discover the best of Indonesia in 14 days with our itineraries.

2. Cuba

The capital of Cuba, Havana conjures images of crumbling colonial architecture, 1950s Chevys, salsa and cigars. However, with the political scene inside Cuba shifting, private enterprise is being encouraged and small businesses across the country are opening and expanding. Now is a great time to visit those tiny back street restaurants and artisan shops.

Homestays have always been a characteristic of travel in Cuba, and this, along with low crime rates, means going it alone is safe and rewarding. Discover here the best time to go to Cuba, the best beaches near Havana and best beaches in Cuba, how to get around the country, and the best places in Cuba for your first-time visit as well as Cuba itineraries for your inspiration.

• Best to meet others in Havana: Paradise Hostel Backpacker
• Best for stays in Trinidad: Hostal Twins
• Find more accommodation in Havana
• Best to learn about the culture: Afro-Cuban religions walking tour in Havana
• Best for a night out with friends: Cabaret Tropicana

Already started planning your holiday in Cuba? Explore your options for the best way to get there.

3. Guatemala

If you’re looking for the best places to travel alone in Central and South America, don’t overlook Guatemala and its ancient Mayan ruins. It is an inexpensive place to travel, which means you can stay for a while – to learn Spanish or even volunteer. Many come here for adventure activities like hiking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.

Exploring the jungle is another great way to see the country. You can also get up close and personal with Central America’s most active volcano – the volcán de Fuego. Haggling for fresh produce in one of the country's colourful markets is an adventure in itself. See here for more things to do in Guatemala, the best time to visit, Guatemala travel tips and how to spend your time in Guatemala City.

• Best for relaxed stays in Antigua: Barbara's Boutique Hostel (adults only)
• Best to discover Semuc Champey: El Portal de Champey
• Best for an active adventure: Pocaya Volcano Trek from Antigua
• Best for spirituality: Mayan ceremony at Lake Atitlan

4. Kenya

With its incredibly diverse ecosystem and reputation for the “Big Five” (elephant, black rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard), Kenya is the place for a safari. You can easily join a big group or arrange for a guide to take you out into the wilderness alone. The country has a good infrastructure and it’s easy to get around and find accommodation.

Take care of your belongings, particularly in Nairobi; but don’t hide away in your hotel when it gets dark. Venture out to discover the city’s burgeoning nightlife scene (though taxis between venues are recommended).

To add comfort to your journey, read our guide on when is the best time to travel to Kenya and explore our Kenya itineraries for inspiration.

Also, find out in detail when the chances of fully enjoying wildlife watching are higher with our guide to the best time to visit Masai Mara.

• Best in the CBD: Hillpark Hotel
• Best for beach views: Sebbuleni Homestay Nyali
• Best for Maasai Mara: 3 day tour from Nairobi
• Best for getting to know the city: Storytelling tour with former street kids

5. South Island, New Zealand

The list of solo activities you can do on New Zealand’s beautiful South Island is endless: horse riding, skiing, hiking, kayaking, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, whitewater rafting… With jaw-dropping scenery around every corner, the small country is one big outdoor playground. Mountains, glaciers, lakes and craggy coastline form the backdrop for a place that is regularly voted one of the most beautiful in the world.

Where to stay

• Best to meet people: Nomads Queenstown Backpackers
• Best for nature views: YHA Wanaka

What to do

• Best for scenery: Glowworm Cave Tour in Te Anau
• Best for adventure: Zipline Tour in Christchurch

6. Barcelona, Spain

Busy Barcelona in the north of Spain is one of the best places to travel alone. Its café-lined boulevards are perfect for people watching, or you can escape the hustle and bustle by heading out to one of the city beaches on the super easy to use public transport, plus there are several things you can do for free. In the evening you can avoid eating alone in a stuffy restaurant by doing as the Spanish do: grazing on tapas in one of the city’s cool bars.

Where to stay

• Best to find new friends: Hostel One Sants
• Best for views and a pool: Hotel Jazz
• also check out the area guide where to stay in Barcelona

What to do

• Best to find new friends: Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Best for highlights of the city: Bike Tour including Sagrada Familia (from outside)

7. Ireland

Ireland is famous for the welcome it extends to strangers. Pull up a stool in a traditional Irish pub, offer to buy your neighbour a pint and you’ll have a friend for life – or at least the evening. Stay awhile and you might get lucky and catch a traditional Celtic music session. Or help your luck by visiting one of the best pubs in Ireland for traditional music.

If you don’t have your own transport, then it can be tricky to get out to the remote west coast, though some people still hitchhike (of course not without its dangers). Here you’ll find some of the country’s most sacred sites including Skellig Michael and Croagh Patrick. Or you can make it north past Belfast to visit the Giant's causeway, a mystical formation of thousands of basalt pillars - certainly one of the weirdest places in the world. Or check out some of the best road trips in Ireland, and make sure to check out some of the best things to do in Ireland.

Where to stay

• Best for pub crawling in Dublin: Cassidy's Hotel
• Best to discover Galway: The Nest Boutique Hostel

What to do

• Best for views: Cliffs of Moher cruise
• Best for connoisseurs: Jameson Whiskey Tour in Cork

8. Nepal

If you’re an experienced altitude trekker, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal can be tackled independently, but it’s wise to hire a porter or set out with an organised group. Hiking this Himalayan circuit typically takes three weeks and it’s a great way to get up close to traditional mountain people and the Nepalese culture.

You need very little gear as you stay in comfortable teahouses along the way and buy food as you go. Check here for the best time to visit Nepal, tips for trekking in Nepal and other outdoor activities such as mountain-biking or rafting and kayaking, and the things you should not miss in Nepal while you are there plus Nepal itineraries for further inspiration. Also, Nepal was recently voted into our list of most beautiful countries in the world.

Where to stay

• Best for a cozy atmosphere: Thamel Hostel in Kathmandu
• Best for a treat in Pokhara: Hotel Barahi

What to do

• Best for foodies: Nepalese Cooking Class in Bhaktapur
• Best for incredible views: Tandem Paragliding in Pokhara

9. New York City, USA

Explore the streets of Manhattan and the outer boroughs in New York City with no arguments over which world-famous museum, cutting edge art gallery or iconic landmark to visit. If you aren’t as brave as Carrie Bradshaw and don’t want to face a restaurant alone, then there are plenty of gourmet food markets to eat on the hop. You could also browse a Brooklyn flea market, people-watch in Times Square, go rollerblading in Central Park or take a sightseeing cruise on the Hudson.

Just remember to take The Pocket Rough Guide to New York City along to guide you to all the best spots and take a look at our guide to the best area to stay in New York City.

Where to stay

• Best to stay close to Broadway: HI NYC Hostel
• Best for a splurge: MOXY NYC Times Square
• for more accommodation tips, check out the area guide for staying in New York

What to do

• Best for foodies: Underground Donut Tour
• Best for first timers: Sunset cruise to Statue of Liberty

10. Hokkaido, Japan

Japan is a very friendly country and outsiders, especially those travelling alone, are made welcome as a matter of course. Hokkaido is the most northern and least developed of the country’s four main islands. Although it brews the famous Sapporo beer and Sapporo is certainly a city worth visiting, Hokkaido is best known for the great outdoors.

The 1972 Winter Olympic Games were held here, and it is one of the best skiing locations in the world. Hiking, skiing and birdwatching are top activities if you want to embrace the elements in a remote and unspoiled landscape. The island even has lavender fields of the type you might expect to see in Provence. For inspiration, check this itinerary for Hokkaido, and tips for backpacking in Japan.

Where to stay

• Best to make new friends: Grids Sapporo Hotel & Hostel
• Best for the capsule hotel experience in a ski resort: The Lodge Moiwa 834

What to do

• Get to know Japanese food on a private and personalised 'Eat like a local' tour.

11. Jordan

Jordan is a gentle introduction to the Middle East, so follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia to explore evocative ruins and ancient cities, stargaze in the desert or float in the Dead Sea. On your travels, be ready to accept a few offers to drink tea or eat a meal in someone’s home. You'll find it impossible to go anywhere in Jordan without experiencing some of its famous hospitality; it's one of the 22 highlights of visiting the country.

Where to stay

• Best to splurge in Petra: Petra Bubble Luxotel
• Best to get to know people: Hostel 1930 in Amman

What to do

• Best for those with limited time in Jordan: Full-day tour to Petra from Amman
• Best for a private experience: Dead Sea Experience with Lunch from Amman

The Middle East is a destination that will intrigue any traveller. Read our guide to the best things to do in Bahrain and perhaps you'll opt for your holiday here.

12. Southern Thailand

Thailand’s beaches and islands are on the traditional backpacking route. Whether you choose the Gulf coast to the east or the Andaman coast to the west, you are bound to find people to chat with over a cold Chang beer if you're travelling alone. The land of smiles is also fifteen degrees north of the equator, so there’s a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine almost year-round.

Where to stay

• Best for beach front in Koh Lanta: Peaceful Resort Koh Lanta
• Best to make friends in Koh Samui: Timeless Hostel

What to do

• Best for a fun day out: 4 WD Tour in Koh Samui
• Best for water fans: Snorkeling Day from Koh Lanta by Catamaran

13. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country, and its residents are friendly and welcoming to all. In the interior of this island nation, the undeveloped hill country is home to tea plantations, ancient cities, forest reserves and sacred mountains. On the coast, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches, quiet resorts and labyrinthine lagoons as well as some great spots for whale watching, see baby turtles hatch or for surfing. Support local communities and get to know your hosts by staying in an ecolodge or a homestay. For your trip, check the best time to visit Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka travel tips, great things to do in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka itineraries for further inspiration.

• Best beachfront in Galle: Ramya Ru Beach Home
• Best for socializing in Kandy: Sizzlers Hub
• Best for foodies: Eating with a local tour in Colombo
• Best for seeing elephants: Day Safari from Ella to Yala National Park

14. Copenhagen, Denmark

This laidback capital city Copenhagen makes a brilliant weekend destination for a solo traveller. It’s a compact city that’s easy to explore on foot or by bike – there are cycle paths everywhere – there’s a lovely Scandi café culture, great art museums and cool, low-key nightlife. In summer, you could hit the nearby beaches, one of the harbour baths or an outdoor city pool for a swim.

Where to stay

• Best for making new friends: Danhostel Copenhagen City
• Best for location: WakeUp Copenhagen - Borgergade

What to do

• Best for first time visitors: Old Town Walking Tour
• Best for a relaxing afternoon: 1-hour Canal Cruise

15. The Greek Islands

Yes, there are party islands and whole coastlines dedicated to package tourism, but it’s easy to escape the crowds and find a lonely and unspoilt beach or traditional Hellenic village, particularly if you travel off-season and aim to stay with locals. The ferry timetables easy to work out, so spend time hopping between islands or zone in on somewhere like Crete and explore every inch.

Where to stay

• Best to party in Mykonos: MyCocoon Hostel
• Best to chill in Crete: Balos Beach

What to do

• Best to stay active on Crete: Full Day Trek to Samaria Gorge
• Best for beach lovers in Crete: Full Day Tour Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay

16. Newfoundland, Canada

Wild and craggy, Newfoundland is dotted with remote traditional fishing settlements that have been there for centuries. St John’s – a lively port city with plenty of nightlife – is a great place to start any solo trip. Get "screeched in" on George Street, a touristy but fun initiation for all newcomers (which basically involves kissing a cod and drinking rum). But the real reason to visit is to find peace in the remote wilderness of the interior or spend time on the coast viewing icebergs, whales and seabirds.

Where to stay

• Best for a homestay in nature: AURA in Riverhead
• Best for views: Oceanside Cabins in Bonavista

What to do

• Best for sea adventures: Puffin & Whale Watching Cruise
• Best for the curious mind: Manuels River Interpretation Center

17. Dubrovnik, Croatia

A historic walled city jutting out into the deep blue waters of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik in Croatia has plenty to offer the solo traveller. Try to avoid high summer when cruise ships dock and passengers spill out into the narrow streets. The best times to visit are April and September when the weather is warm and the cafés and restaurants are open for the season. Walk the city walls, visit the islands by ferry for some of the best beaches in Croatia and go sea kayaking around the stunning bay. Check here for things not to miss in Croatia, more Croatia travel tips and Croatia itineraries to inspire you further.

Where to stay

• Best for socializing: Hostel Angelina Old Town
• Best to splurge: Hotel Lero
• Find more accommodation in Dubrovnik

What to do

• Best for Game of Thrones fans: Walking Tour with hidden walls
• Best for an active day out: Sea Kayaking

18. Southwest USA

The American Southwest is famed for its spectacular landscapes and although there are pine forests and snow-capped mountains, the region's best-known vista is the deep red sandstone desert dotted with flat-topped buttes and towering pinnacles. A range of great tours makes this the perfect place to strike out solo. You can even star in your own Western in Monument Valley, joining a horseback tour along the valley’s many trails. Be sure to stop at the viewpoints and photograph lengthening shadows in the atmospheric early morning or late afternoon light.

Where to stay

• Best for the Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon Inn and Motel - South Rim Entrance
• Best to stay close to Monument Valley: Desert Rose Resort & Cabins

What to do

• Best way to spend an evening: Sunset Tour in Monument Valley
• Best views of the Grand Canyon: Scenic flight over the Canyon

19. The East Coast, Australia

Australia's east coast is a popular route with backpackers who typically travel overland in either direction between Melbourne and Cairns. It's the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s easy to meet fellow travellers on this stretch as everyone is in holiday mode, taking time to hang out in hippie retreats, surf towns and national parks. A great way to meet people is to join a sailing trip to the pristine Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland coast.

Looking for more tips? Check out our complete guide to solo travel in Australia.

20. Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan is a wonderful introduction to India if you’re travelling alone. The Land of Kings is packed with forts and palaces, and some of the most romantic places in India as well as some of the most beautiful places. It is easy to travel between the major sites of Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for atmospheric and inexpensive places to stay and eat delicious traditional Indian food. Spend time in the desert on the back of a camel and don’t miss the camel fair in Pushkar (held in October or November). Check here for the best time to go to India, and for India itineraries to inspire you further.

Where to stay

• Best to make new friends: Zostel Jaipur
• Best to splurge: Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur

What to do

• For an unforgettable experience: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Jaipur
• Best for foodies: Street Food Tour with a local guide

Ready to go but prefer an organised tour?

Our tailor-made trips service is ready to take you to over 70 destinations worldwide, all with the help of carefully selected professional local travel agents. These are based in the destination(s) of your choice and organise full service trips: accommodation, transportation, and experiences. As the majority of these tours are privately guided, it is aimed at those with little time to plan but a thirst to really get to know a place. Those on a limited budget may be better off with our guidebooks for the selected destination.

For more on solo travel, check out our podcast: What does solo female travel look like today?