Best Travel Destinations 2024 for Solo Travelers

10 Best Solo Travel Destinations to Visit in 2024

If you’re looking for the best solo travel destinations, we have a list of the top spots that are perfect for visiting any time of year. Read through our list of the top 10 solo travel destinations to find the next country to cross off your bucket list.

1. London

One of the best solo trips in Europe is a stop in London, located in the United Kingdom. London is known for its rich history and iconic landmarks like Big Ben and The Eye, a large Ferris wheel offering sweeping views of one of Europe’s oldest cities. London is also known for its fashion and cuisine, thanks to the diverse communities that call London home. When traveling solo in London, you can wander through historic neighborhoods, enjoy a bite to eat at a street market, and easily navigate its cutting-edge transportation system to get to any area of the city. As you explore one of the best solo travel destinations in Europe, here’s what you might stumble across:

• Thames River: One of the main arteries cutting through London is the iconic Thames River. Here, you can stroll along the north or south bank and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and serenity to escape from the liveliness of the city.
• Neighborhoods: There are countless charming neighborhoods dotting the map of London, from Camden to Shoreditch to Notting Hill, each boasting unique charm, boutiques and landmarks.
• Theater: London is known for its theatrical prowess, with the Globe Theater and West End serving as central cultural hubs with legendary performances of world-renowned shows.

2. Portugal

Another one of the best solo trips in Europe is visiting Portugal, where you can walk through the ancient neighborhoods of Lisbon, hike along the volcanic archipelagos in the Azores and Madeira, and go wine tasting in Porto. Portugal is an excellent place to travel alone due to its warm and welcoming people and plenty of sites to see, including pristine beaches and historic cities.

As another one of the top travel destinations for solo travelers, here’s what you can discover:

• Lisbon’s neighborhoods: As you stroll the streets of Portugal’s capital city, veer off to picturesque neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and people-watch.
• Culinary experiences: Portugal is known for its world-class cuisine, and there are several staple dishes that are a must on any trip to this country, including pastéis de nata and bacalhau.
• Sintra: Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Right outside of Lisbon, you’ll find the charming town of Sintra, which has a stunning display of ancient castles and palaces surrounded by lush mountains and stunning vistas.

3. Australia

Australia is another one of the best places to visit for solo travelers. In the Land Down Under, solo travelers can explore famous cities like Sydney and Melbourne, adventure through the famous Outback in search of unique wildlife, and visit historic sites and destinations like the Great Barrier Reef.

Here are a few of the many unique experiences you can enjoy on your solo trip to Australia:

• Sydney’s landmarks: Sydney is home to several notable landmarks and attractions. This includes the famous Bondi Beach, where you can sunbathe and watch surfers, the iconic Sydney Opera House, where you can catch a performance or enjoy its architecture, and the Art Gallery of New South Wales housing historic pieces of art.
• Blue Mountains National Park: Outside of Sydney, you’ll find Blue Mountains National Park, which is a hiker's dream thanks to its many trails and diverse ecosystem and wildlife.
• Great Ocean Road: Drive along the Great Ocean Road to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Twelve Apostles and the surrounding coastal views.

4. Indonesia

For solo travelers looking for a unique blend of culture and adventure, visit Indonesia. Indonesia is a great solo travel destination, thanks to its diverse landscape, stunning beaches, lush rain forests, and vibrant cities like Jakarta and Surabaya. Exploring Southeast Asia is filled with adventure, as travelers can discover ancient temples to learn about ancient cultures, as well as partake in exciting activities like surfing and diving. Even better, Indonesia and many other Southeast Asian countries are budget-friendly, which is great for solo travelers.

What puts Indonesia on our list of unforgettable solo travel destinations? Take a look:

• Bali: Perhaps one of Indonesia’s most popular provinces is Bali, known for its crystal-clear waters and luxurious atmosphere. Here, explore the cultural hub of Ubud to explore temples, art galleries and rice terraces.
• Ancient temples: Throughout Indonesia, visitors can discover a plethora of ancient temples, such as the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan on the island of Java.
• Indonesian cuisine: Introduce your tastebuds to a new world of flavor by sampling local delicacies like nasi goreng (fried rice), sate (marinated meat) and bakso (meatball soup).

5. Egypt

Egypt is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and culture. On any solo traveler's Egyptian bucket list are iconic historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of Kings, and the Sphinx. But Egypt is more than its pyramids and pharaohs. Solo travelers can also expect diverse culture in bustling cities like Cairo and Alexandria, as well as exciting outdoor adventures and a flavorful cuisine that blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors.

6. Mexico

As one of the most diverse countries on Earth, Mexico is one of the top solo travel destinations. You can find a unique blend of cultures throughout Mexico in major cities like San Miguel de Allende, Puebla, and Mexico City. Travelers can also find tropical destinations along the Yucatán Peninsula, like Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Mexico is a great travel destination regardless of your interests, whether it’s relaxation, history, or adventure. Take a peek at some of the many experiences you can enjoy on a Mexican solo adventure:

• Ancient ruins: Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza and Tulum are some of the many ancient ruins you can explore via guided tour to learn about Mexico’s rich history and culture shaped by ancient civilizations like the Mayans.
• Guadalajara: One of Mexico’s most culturally significant states is Guadalajara, known for its mariachis, architecture, vibrant buildings and tequila. Here, visit the Guadalajara Cathedral or walk the quiet paths of Bosque Los Colomos.
• Beaches: Mexico’s coastline is sprinkled with some of the world’s most beautiful and pristine beaches. From Cabo San Lucas to beaches along the Riviera Maya in areas like Tulum, Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico is the perfect solo travel destination for rest and relaxation.

7. Japan

As one of the safest countries in the world, Japan is one of the best places to visit for solo travelers. Top cities in Japan include Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Kyoto, which are filled with exciting landmarks, cultural traditions, and cuisine. Japan also does a great job blending modern technological advances with ancient culture, giving travelers plenty of things to do while exploring this island nation. Here are some one-of-a-kind Japanese adventures:

• Tokyo: Wander the bustling streets of Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods, from the neon-lit districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the historic temples in Asakusa.
• Kyoto: This second city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer a glimpse into Japanese history and culture, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji, known as the Golden Pavilion.
• Hiroshima: An excellent day trip can bring you to Hiroshima, where you can learn about the history and impact of the atomic bombs at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

8. Paris

On any list of the best solo trips in Europe, you’ll find Paris. Paris is known for its unrivaled beauty and culture. Travelers can walk down the cobblestone streets of Montmartre and tour world-renowned museums like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Petit Palais, and Rodin Museum. Travelers can also spend their mornings at any of the delectable cafes for a croissant and café au lait.

One of the top pieces of advice for solo travelers is to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the destination you’re visiting. Here are some ways to do just that in Paris:

• Neighborhood walks: Venture off the beaten path to walk through quaint neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre and people-watch to understand the daily life of a Parisian.
• Day trips: Take day trips to the Palace of Versailles or the village of Giverny, home to Claude Monet’s famous gardens, to learn about French history and its artistic influence on the world.
• French cuisine: Indulge in classic dishes like boeuf bourguignon and bouillabaisse at local bistros, restaurants and street markets to see what makes Paris the epicenter of culinary delights.

9. Colombo

As the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is known for its history, cuisine, and vibrant culture. As a great solo travel destination, Colombo allows visitors to view old-world colonial architecture, explore Buddhist temples, and walk through bustling markets to try local cuisine and shop for goods. Colombo is particularly famous for its mouth-watering foods, including spices, seafood, and tropical fruits. Below are some of the top experiences in Colombo:

• Architecture: Walk through the Fort district to marvel at colonial architecture and learn about Sri Lankan history at nearby museums and art galleries.
• Beaches: From Mount Lavinia to Unawatuna, Colombo has several pristine beaches ideal for swimming, surfing and relaxing.
• Temples: Explore ancient temples and gardens in areas like Kandy, where you can discover the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

10. Vietnam

To complete our list of the best solo travel destinations, we have Vietnam. Vietnam has something for every type of traveler entering its borders. From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil rice paddies of Sapa, Vietnam offers visitors plenty of sites to see and experiences to enjoy. What makes Vietnam one of the best solo travel destinations is its affordability, making it easy for many travelers to experience all this Southeast Asian country has to offer.

Visit the Best Solo Travel Destinations With Road Scholar

Whether you’re looking for the best solo travel destinations in the US, Europe, Asia or beyond, look no further than Road Scholar. In our collection of solo travel adventures, you can find unique destinations to visit to better understand the world around you and the people who make it up. If you can’t decide on a solo travel destination from our list above, you can travel around the world by plane or ship with our crew to see all the world has to offer. 

No matter the learning program you choose, you’ll join a diverse cohort of like-minded learners eager to discover new cultures, history, and landscapes. Browse our travel programs today to see where in the world you’ll find yourself next. We even have some of the best solo travel trips in the U.S. for those looking to adventure closer to home.