The 10 Best Destinations for the Solo Traveler

Traveling alone for the first time can cause some anxiety, as well as excitement. You need to pay for it all yourself, plan it all on your own, make all the decisions, and go - all by yourself.

But, while making the decision to travel solo may be nerve-wracking, it may be the best decision you have ever made.

A solo trip can be invigorating for the soul and an opportunity for personal growth, each day you will learn more about yourself.

Exploring the world using a bicycle as a primary transport is a great way to feel the actual fabric of tour surroundings, make sure that you buy a hitch bike rack for easy usability. 

So, let's start with destination number one!

Iceland is the perfect destination for your solo getaway. Everything about Iceland is awe-inspiring. The landscapes, beauty and the friendly community of locals and fellow travelers will draw you in.

Iceland is easily accessible for the individual traveler because of the various sights to see with a simple road trip around the Golden Circle or Ring Road.

The Golden Circle loops from the capital, Reykjavík, into the southern mountains and back. There are many breathtaking sights along the route, but make sure to stop at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Strokkur Geyser, and the volcanic crater Kerid.

This trip can be made in a day (8-10 hours with stops). There are plenty of bus tours too.

Iceland’s Ring Road is a long road trip that circles the whole country in about 820 miles and connects the major cities in Iceland. You can easily find accommodations as well.

Driving along the Ring Road will be an unforgettable adventure through Iceland’s geothermal springs, epic waterfalls, stellar glaciers, captivating mountains, and the northern lights.

If the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, consider a guided tour for a better chance to catch the Aurora. If you can then make sure to stay in a Northern Lights glass cabin out in the countryside, away from city lights.

That way, you can fall asleep to views of the Aurora Borealis and wake up warm and cozy to views of Iceland’s spectacular countryside.

Ireland is great for a solo traveler because there is something for everyone - nightlife, countrysides, coastlines, architecture, culture, and sheep! Whether you backpack, rent a caravan for a road trip or stay in luxury hotels, Ireland is sure to become your second home.

Seas of green rolling into rugged coastlines will captivate you!

A few sights to add to your bucket list for Ireland include the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Bay, Ring of Kerry, Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede bridge. Checking these destinations off the list will ensure that you take in Ireland’s natural beauty.

If you are looking to dabble in Ireland’s famous social life, stay a few days in Cork’s city center.

Check out University College Cork, Blarney Castle, and the English Market during the day, and head to the pubs at night (or whenever, really!).

Watch a football or rugby match in a pub and discover how passionate and social the Irish can be. Take a walk across Ha’Penny Bridge, and listen to traditional and modern Irish street performers

If you aren’t into driving or would like a cheaper option, the variety of very affordable bus tours available in Ireland makes it easy for the solo traveler. 

See a whole lot of this beautiful country in little time with a knowledgeable guide that will teach you about Irish history and let in you on local secrets.

Looking for that picturesque sunny winding coastline for a solo adventure? California’s central coast has what you need. The weather is most often warm and sunny with spectacular coastal views and lots of wildlife.

The perfect balance of nature and solitude with a blend of friendly upbeat towns and beaches throughout the coast.

California’s central coast runs from Santa Cruz in the north to Santa Barbara in the South. Places to add to the bucket list include, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Big Sur, Montaña de Oro State Park, Downtown San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, and Cave Landing.

The best way to visit is to drive since public transportation is minimal.

If you are the social type, make sure to check out San Luis Obispo’s Farmer’s Market on Thursday evening and enjoy an abundance of awesome food. Stick around for the night and bar-hop through downtown, making friends along the way is another plus.

If visiting the central coast for a solo trip, driving through Big Sur is a MUST!

There are camping and yurts along the way, in addition to many fancy hotels with dazzling views from your personal hot tub. If you prefer, this drive can be done in just a few hours with stops, but once you get there you are going to want to stay - at least for the sunset, please!

There are many viewpoints along the road to stop safely.

Taking a trip to a foreign country alone may seem scary, but if you choose Thailand, you will be greeted with smiling faces of the locals and thousands of fellow travelers.

Thailand is awesome for a solo trip because you can learn a lot about what you are capable of and gain self-confidence. Plus, Thailand is super cheap once you get there!

When in Thailand, there are many things to do. You can snorkel or SCUBA, rent a canoe and paddle around the islands, learn about a new culture, visit tons of dramatic temples, and make some friends while you’re at it.

Although it is a popular honeymoon destination, Hawaii is perfect for a solo adventure. If you like camping, I recommend renting a camper van or truck and spending the days hiking through the rainforest or checking out the tourist spots in town, then spending the night camped on the beach.

You are sure to catch a beautiful sunset or sunrise from your camp.

While in Hawaii, make sure to go snorkeling. You will be surprised at how much life exists under the waves! You can also get a surf lesson or rent a board to blend in with the locals. Hawaii’s waves are great for beginners and pros too.

If you are on a budget, the best way to save money in Hawaii is to make your own food.

Traveling solo in Norway has a lot of upsides. You can choose to take a long road trip, scenic train ride, or cruise through the fjords and coastlines. No matter which way you experience Norway, the deep fjords, dark blue waters, and magnificent mountains will steal your heart.

Once you travel to Norway, you may want to move there.

Your Norwegian bucket list may include a road trip on the Atlantic Road, hiking the famous Kjeragbolten, exploring Jotunheimen National Park, kayaking through fjords, whale watching, dog sledding, immersing yourself in Viking culture, or viewing the Northern Lights from a hot tub…

There are tons of unforgettable experiences waiting for you in Norway!

When you visit, make sure to check out Bergen, the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø, Bodø, Ålesund, and Trondheim. If you can fit in into your trip, visit Svalbard and find some polar bears in their natural habitat!

No need to rent a car in this country - get around on a budget by doing what everyone else is doing - cycling! Denmark is a great country for a solo traveler to stay in a hostel so that you can make friends and find more things to do.

The best time to visit Denmark is in the summer when all the locals are catching their sorely missed sunshine.

A bucket list item for Denmark is the Roskilde Music Festival. Other places to check out on your trip include the Frederiksberg Garden, The King’s Garden, Fælledparken, and several museums. Don’t miss out on a boat tour so that you can catch a new perspective of this cultural city.

You can also rent a canoe if you are looking for a bit of solitude.

Utah is filled with landscapes that are the perfect setting for soul-searching. As a solo traveler, Utah will grant you with tranquility and comfort in an almost alien place. To get the most out of Utah, I suggest tackling a road trip through Utah’s Mighty 5.

This includes Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Utah is many hiker’s dream destination. If you can only do one hike per parks, here is a list that should satisfy your adventurous side:

• Canyonlands National Park: Chesler Park
• Arches National Park: Devil’s Garden
• Capitol Reef National Park: Sulphur Creek
• Zion National Park: Observation Point
• Bryce Canyon National Park: Peek-A-Boo Loop

Germany is a great destination for a solo traveler who wants to have a great time. It is easy to make some friends by offering to buy a round of beers and asking to learn about the best places to go.

Germany is home to fun people, fantastic architecture, historical sites, and great food. Germany is a great country to stay at a hostel, great socializing too!

Germany has a variety of music festivals and beer festivals (are they really any different?) that you will be sure to have a great time. If you would like a more low-key trip, there are a variety of museums and galleries to visit as well as a zoo.

New Zealand is packed with epic landscapes and adrenaline junkies. It is a great place for solo travel, especially for longer stays. If you have the option, consider a work and travel type program where you work for housing and meals, and an adventure on your time off.

The people are always ultra-friendly and willing to take you to amazing places.

If you are not planning on taking a working holiday, New Zealand is still an awesome place to travel alone. The wide-open spaces will make you feel free, refreshed, and full of possibilities. 

You are sure to encounter exquisite views of iconic mountains, picturesque lakes, and stunning glaciers.

Enjoy these adventures on your solo expedition!

Of course, there are many more but these top 10 destinations should've increased your appetite.