16 of the best places to travel solo around the world

Travel can change our perceptions and expand our knowledge of the world—but sometimes, it can be hard to find the perfect travel partner. Going alone can be intimidating: That’s why we created our Solo Tours. They blend the benefits of group travel with a host of individualized touches (like an included private room), giving you the freedom to explore the world. Taking off on an adventure and making lasting connections with fellow solo travelers sounds great, right?

Plus, our Solo Tours visit some of the most recognizable places on the planet, while also taking you to off-the-beaten-path locales that are sure to stick in your memory. If you’re ready to take the plunge and go solo, leave the planning to the experts (that’s us) and focus on what matters most: taking in the sights, sounds, flavors, and traditions of a new-to-you place.

Ready to hit the road? Keep reading to learn about 16 of the best destinations to travel solo.

Europe

1. Ireland

Thanks to its friendly locals, historical sites and museums, and walkable cities and villages, Ireland is one of the best places to travel solo. While exploring Dublin on our Ireland for Solo Travelers tour, you can soak in the city’s rich history with your tourmates as a local expert leads the way, and stroll through the Guinness Brewery at your own pace. (Be sure to enjoy a smooth pint—and the 360-degree city views—on its top floor.) On the way to Galway, stop with your fellow travelers to wander atop the towering Cliffs of Moher, then search for the perfect Claddagh ring or pop into a lively pub in your free time.

2. Italy

Italy may be one of the most romantic places on the planet (we’re looking at you, Venice), but it’s also one of the best places to travel solo if you love history, architecture, art, wine, food, and stunning scenery. On our top-to-bottom Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour, you’ll visit iconic sites like St. Mark’s Square in Venice and the Roman Colosseum. Spend a free day in Florence searching for the best bistecca alla Fiorentina (juicy Tuscan steak cooked rare) or walking through the gilded halls of the Vatican. If you aren’t ready to end your tour of Italy, extend your time with a visit to the Sorrento Peninsula, where you’ll stroll along the preserved streets of Pompeii and take a ferry to the fabled isle of Capri.

For connoisseurs of la dolce vita who enjoy the island life, Sicily is one of the best places for solo travel in Italy. The rustic charm of this Mediterranean destination is on full display on our Sicily for Solo Travelers tour, with visits to Palermo, Syracuse, and more. Guided tours of stunning cathedrals and a hands-on cooking class with your fellow solo travelers are only a few of the highlights of this Italy tour. You’ll visit Taormina, made famous by the blockbuster hit The White Lotus, and explore the rich Greek history and ancient Jewish baths of Ortygia, a tiny island connected to Sicily by a footbridge. Enjoy panoramic sunset views of Mount Etna as you sip a glass of wine and toast new memories with new friends in one of the best places to travel solo anywhere in the world.

3. Portugal

Gorgeous beaches and countless architectural gems—coupled with friendly locals and widely spoken English—make Portugal tours the perfect foray into solo travel. Bonus perk: The flight is an easy six-and-a-half hours from East Coast cities like New York. On our Portugal for Solo Travelers tour, you can take in tranquil Douro River views in Porto, tour a cork factory in Évora, savor the sea breeze from a fortress in the Algarve, and learn to make traditional Portuguese dishes during a cooking class in Lisbon. Experience it all in the company of fellow solo travelers looking to explore this land of blue tiles and delicious food. Chart your own course during your free time or enjoy one of our optional excursions: think tasting Port wine in Porto, watching a fado show in Lisbon, or exploring the spectacular Pena Palace in Sintra. With so much to do, it’s easy to see why Portugal is regularly touted as one of the best places to travel solo.

4. Greece

Greece is one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe thanks to its reliable public transportation, warm locals, and plenty of history, food, and culture. On our Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini tour, solo travelers can experience several different sides of Greece. In Athens, a local guide will introduce you to the historic highlights of the bustling ancient capital, and you can spend a free afternoon wandering a museum or listening to live music at a modern cafe. After exploring the mainland, it’s time to island-hop, with stops on Crete and Santorini. Whether you marvel at the historic ruins and mountaintop views or settle into a waterfront taverna for traditional Greek treats like chilled ouzo and grilled octopus, this Solo Tour is one you’ll never forget.

5. Central Europe

Bonding with fellow travelers over giant steins of beer, pots of gooey fondue, and guided tours of charming medieval towns makes our Central Europe for Solo Travelers tour one of the best solo trips. In addition to exploring jaw-dropping alpine landscapes and important historical sites with fellow tourmates, solo travelers can strike out on their own, be it for a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Lucerne’s Old Town, a performance of Mozart's music in Salzburg, or a night at the opera in Prague. You’ll also ride the Prater Ferris Wheel for a unique view of Vienna, named the most livable city in the world eight times in the last decade. (We’re not saying you won’t want to come home, but we may have to remind you it’s a Solo Tour and not your new residence!)

6. Spain

Explore a trio of famous Spanish cities with your fellow solo travelers as you get to know three distinct sides of this Iberian nation. Step inside La Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s still-to-be-completed architectural masterpiece, in the cosmopolitan seaside city of Barcelona. Soak up the sun and dip your toes in the ocean, then marvel at the colorful creations in Park Güell and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Catalonian capital. From there, our Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville will take you by train to the nation’s capital city of Madrid. Take in the Baroque Royal Pace, look down elegant boulevards, and stroll through on of the city’s several main squares before exploring the Prado: a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy. See iconic works by Goya, Bosch, and Velásquez, along with other artistic treasures. If you’d like, join our free-day excursion to Toledo and soak in the splendor of this ancient, clifftop town. All tours of Spain need a little music, so wrap up by heading to Seville, where you’ll experience the art and passion of flamenco during a live show. Dine on tapas and sip delicious wine as you say adios to your fellow solo travelers over one more incredible meal.

7. France

France is one of the best solo travel destinations in the world—and it’s part of a trio of countries you’ll visit on our London, Paris & Rome for Solo Travelers tour. After exploring London, board the Eurostar for a ride through the Channel Tunnel to Paris’ Gare du Nord station. Drive down the Champs-Élysées, round the Arc de Triomphe, and say hello to Notre-Dame. Grab a pastry—and maybe a glass of wine—and head for the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, or go underground to see the point where two giant glass pyramids touch inside the world’s most famous museum, the Louvre. On this tour, there’s no need to choose between England, France, and Italy—because you’ll visit all three!

8. Scotland

If you’ve been dreaming of Highland grasses swaying in the breeze, the taste of whisky on your lips, and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes floating through narrow alleys, you are going to love our Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh tour. Begin in Glasgow to discover the medieval origins of the city and visit the castle where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned. Continue to the Highlands with your fellow solo travelers and see if you can spot a monstrous, mythical figure in famous Loch Ness. Stop in Aberdeen for a tasting of Speyside whisky and learn how coopers produce the barrels used to age this national treasure. Afterward, you’ll meet up with a guide and set off on a walking tour of a farm, where you’ll learn about the famous Highland cows and the history of Scotland’s agricultural techniques. See the alma mater of royalty as you walk the grounds of the University of St Andrews and enter the ruins of a medieval castle overlooking the North Sea. Any tour of Scotland wouldn’t be complete without bagpipes, so after walking the historic cobbled streets of Edinburgh, listen to a musician play a few songs before picking up your own bagpipes and learning how to play with your fellow solo travelers. Say goodbye to your new travel companions over a wonderful dinner or extend your stay for some additional time in Edinburgh, and dive even deeper into the capital of this fascinating nation.

Asia & Australia

9. Thailand

When it comes to the best solo trips, any of our Thailand tours are tough to beat. Thanks to the country’s diverse topography (imagine misty mountains in the north, golden beaches in the south, and bustling Bangkok in between); flavorful, inexpensive food; and famously friendly people, it’s a location that delivers on every aspect of your travel list. On our Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands tour, you can take in all its highlights—like staggering limestone cliffs, golden temples, and Thai cooking classes—in the company of fellow solo travelers and expert guides. Spend free time sampling Thailand’s famous street food, lounging on the beach, or soaking in urban scenery from the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors regularly pack up their stalls so trains can rumble past.

10. Japan

Get to know Japanese culture, and your fellow travelers, on our Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto tour. You’ll begin this incredible adventure in Tokyo, where ancient shrines stand alongside modern skyscrapers. Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing—the world’s largest intersection—and walk through Yoyogi Park’s lawns, ponds, and green space. Tie on an apron with your tourmates and try your hand at crafting an authentic Japanese meal under the tutelage of an experienced chef. Leave the big city behind as you step into the forest on your visit to the Mount Fuji area. Hike through the Narusawa Ice Cave, a sight as picturesque as the snow-capped peak that dominates the region, before speeding off to Kyoto aboard a bullet train. Here, you’ll walk through towering bamboo forests and sip a little sake before dining on a traditional hot pot meal. If you simply can’t say goodbye to your Japan tour, extend your stay and explore Kobe and Hiroshima. Visit Peace Memorial Park and the “floating” gate of Miyajima Island in Hiroshima before returning by bullet train to Kobe—where the mouthwatering marbled beef is a must-try.

11. Australia

A globe-crossing trek can be intimidating for solo travelers, but the benefits are absolutely worth the journey. On our Australia for Solo Travelers: Melbourne, Queensland Coast & Sydney tour, you’ll explore the continent down under as you travel from major cities in the south to spectacular, reefside towns in the north. Taste your way through Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne before enjoying a wine-country lunch with your fellow solo travelers. Board a flight to the north, where you’ll dip your toes into the sea next to the colorful Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder teeming with tropical fish. Meet up with a local guide who will walk you through an ancient Aboriginal ritual meant to cleanse visitors to native lands. Cruise along the waters of the Whitsunday Islands and see if you can spot all the impressive marine life. (Hello, manta rays!) No Australian tour would be complete without visiting the domes of the Sydney Opera House or soaking up the sun at world-famous Bondi Beach. Australia is one of the best solo travel destinations, so if you simply aren’t ready to depart, extend your journey in Tasmania, where you’ll visit historic markets and embark on an eco-cruise past sea caves and soaring cliffs.

The Americas

12. Southwestern United States

Few places satisfy an appetite for adventure better than the United States’ national and state parks. Several are located throughout the Southwest, which makes our U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion tour one of the best solo vacations for active travelers. While on tour, you’ll walk among otherworldly rock formations in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, enjoy a group walk along the South Rim before spending free time hiking solo, or taking in stunning views from a helicopter. In Nevada, mix things up with a tour of Valley of Fire State Park before taking a stroll down the famous Las Vegas Strip. Before heading home, spend free time taking in one of Sin City’s famously high-energy shows, or toasting your trip with a cocktail in one of its stylish resort lounges to see why the Southwest is one of the best places to travel solo.

13. Peru

Follow in the footsteps of the Incas on our Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu tour. Walk through Plaza de Armas in the capital city of Lima and explore its emerging gastronomy scene at a local restaurant. Jump into history as you tour Cuzco with a local guide, passing the ruins of a cathedral once covered in gold and exploring markets filled with fresh fruits and local crafts. Dine on traditional Peruvian dishes with your tourmates as you discover the bounty of the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Make your way to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, to get acclimated to the elevation and immerse yourself in the historic practices of the locals. Try your hand at spinning on a loom and enjoy dinner with your group before setting off in the morning to one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world: Machu Picchu. This is the sparkling gem of all our Peru tours, where the stepped terraces seem to float above the clouds. Say goodbye to one of the world’s best solo travel destinations or extend your stay with a trip to the Amazon to explore the rainforest and visit indigenous villages.

14. Costa Rica

We can’t think of many better ways to connect to a place—and other solo travelers—than by hiking through the rainforest and dipping your toes into the ocean on a golden beach. Sound like paradise? Then you’ll love our Costa Rica for Solo Travelers: Volcanoes, Jungles & Beaches tour, where you’ll journey from its capital city to its Pacific coast. Visit the largest open volcano in the world and peer into the massive crater before visiting a local coffee farm. (The rich volcanic soil grows some of the best beans in the world.) Walk through the cloud forest and keep an eye out for the bright bill of a toucan as you learn about the country’s deep commitment to wildlife preservation and protection. Cruise along the Tárcoles River and spot crocodiles, iguanas, and monkeys as you maneuver through mangroves and move deeper into the jungle. Emerge from the lush forest and travel along the scenic route to beachy Guanacaste, a coastal retreat known for surfing, sailing, and sunbathing. Toast to an incredible journey with your new friends, or extend your Costa Rica tour with a visit to the country’s volcano region. Discover powerful waterfalls deep in the rainforest and marvel at a mile-high volcano as you search for sloths on a guided hike through Arenal Volcano National Park.

Africa

15. Egypt

Egypt is home to ancient pyramids and temples, world-class museums, and the legendary Nile River, just to name a few highlights—which is why tours of Egypt sit atop many solo travelers’s wish lists. After all, what could be more thrilling than exploring Egypt’s archaeological treasures in the company of an esteemed Egyptologist, or sailing up the Nile past Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings? Whether you explore the busy streets of Cairo with your travel companions or shop for spices in a souk on your own, you can recap the day’s events over meals shared with your tourmates-turned-friends each evening on our Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers tour.

16. Kenya

As a solo traveler, a safari could seem out of reach—but everyone should experience the majestic wildlife and vibrant culture of the African continent. Our Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers is just one way we help make it happen. Travel to Nairobi, Kenya, and set off in a 4x4 Jeep to learn about the conservation work being done to protect elephants and rare Rothschild giraffes. Then, make your way to Amboseli National Park and set off on a game drive with an expert guide as you search for baboons, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, and dozens more animals. Stop at the equator on your way to the Great Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Naivasha, at nearly 6,200 feet above sea level. Set out on a boat tour and observe the mighty hippo in its natural habitat, then immerse yourself in the indigenous culture of the Maasai and join the tribe in their signature adamu—or jumping dance—at a local homestead. Rise before the sun for a final game drive, and one last attempt at spotting the Big Five. Say farewell to your fellow solo travelers as you depart for home or extend your stay and get a taste of island life in Zanzibar. Experience its unique mix of cultural influences during a Swahili cooking class and observe local fisherman as they make their boats from scratch in Nungwi Village.

From the red-sand dunes of Northern Africa to the lush jungles of South America—and everywhere in-between—there’s a Solo Tour that will open your heart to the wonderful world around you. So, the question remains: Ready to hit the road?