THE 10 Best Solo Travel Countries For First-Timers
I can still remember the first time I stepped off a plane for my first solo trip! There was no group chat buzzing with updates, no familiar voice confirming we were at the right gate. Just me, my suitcase, and the quiet thrill that I would now making every single decision by myself and for myself. And if you’ve been thinking about taking your first solo trip, you probably already know that mix of excitement and nerves I’m talking about!
But because of those feelings, I want to assure you that solo travel doesn’t have to mean choosing a place, the idea of which completely overwhelms your before you’ve even left the airport! Some countries are, in fact, easier to explore for your first time traveling alone. They have gentler logistics, more reliable transportation, friendly locals, and stronger safety records. So, here are the international destinations I recommend again and again to anyone taking their first leap into solo travel:
Portugal
Why it is great for solo travelers
As someone who traveled solo to Portugal a few years ago, I can confidently say it’s one of the easiest and most fun European countries to explore on your own! It ranks 7th in the world on the 2025 Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries on the planet (not just in Europe!). The train system connects major cities with clear signage and no confusing transfers, buses run on schedule, and English is widely spoken in Lisbon, Porto, and most tourist-facing areas.
The pace here is also quite commendable, being relaxed enough that I never felt rushed or like I was being swallowed by a crowd while maneuvering through its cities. And, locals are happy to help if you look even slightly lost. For a first-time solo traveler, the combo of safety, simple logistics, and approachable locals is unbeatable.
What it feels like to travel here
When I traveled through Lisbon, Porto, and the fairytale castles of Sintra, I remember how quickly I adapted to the warmth. No, not the temperature. Though, that’s typically quite comfortable as well! I’m talking about the golden glow on the old tile facades, the inviting expressions of those I encountered, and general comfort and hospitality I felt while traveling. Even when I wandered off into smaller towns like Tomar or Aveiro, I never felt out of place setting up my camera and tripod or stopping into a café alone. It’s not hard to feel welcome and invited.
What to do
- Ride Tram 28 early in the morning through Lisbon
- Spend an afternoon at the Jerónimos Monastery
- Take a day trip to Sintra for palaces, gardens, and views
- Walk the riverside in Porto and try a port cellar tasting
- Explore smaller towns of Aveiro or Tomar for a quieter, slower solo day
Good for: Culture, photography, wine, history, slow travel
Japan
Why it is great for solo travelers
Japan is incredibly safe (ranks 12th globally on the 2025 Global Peace Index!) as well as organized and peaceful. Trains here have a strict schedule, running exactly when they are supposed to. Trains run exactly when they are supposed to, signage is clear, and even in the busiest neighborhoods, you feel like everyone is moving through their own world, which means you can move through yours unbothered.
What it feels like to travel here
Solo travelers often say Japan is where they realize how natural it can feel to explore by yourself. It’s completely normal here to eat alone at a ramen counter, wander neighborhoods with a camera, or spend hours in a bookshop or garden without a single questioning glance. Even in crowded places (hello, Shibuya Crossing!), there’s a calm rhythm at the heart of everything that helps solo travelers feel grounded.
What to do
- Explore Tokyo neighborhoods like Asakusa, Shibuya, and Shimokitazawa
- Visit Kyoto for temples, traditional streets, and peaceful gardens
- Take a day trip to Nara to see deer and historic shrines
- Ride the Shinkansen between cities to experience Japan’s rail system
Good for: Food, design, culture, clean and reliable transportation
New Zealand
Why it is great for solo travelers
I’m a bit biased since New Zealand is one of my favorite places in the whole world, but I promise that it’s also an excellent spot for first time solo travelers too! Kiwis (New Zealanders) are generally so friendly and honest. They just want you to have a great time! I still remember being on a bus heading to the airport in Wanaka and the elderly driver fully stopping to get out and pick up a lone jacket that had been left at the bus stop bench so he could “turn it into the city’s lost-and-found” later on! Where else will you find that level of consideration and kindness? Crime rates here are extremely low (yay safety!), the landscapes are fantasy-like (hello Lord of the Rings!), and it’s almost impossible to make a wrong turn here since many of the country’s roads are one lane and easy to navigate.
What it feels like to travel here
Along my own travels through Wellington, Queenstown, and the South Island, I had been grieving my dad who had just lost his battle to cancer. And it was the wonderful people, the thrilling experiences, and the breathtaking landscapes that helped me smile again. I was able to be present in the moment, reflect, and take it all in. New Zealand makes you feel capable, even in the lowest moments. You can hike a trail by yourself, drive long scenic roads, and still end the day chatting with cheeky locals who actually do want to know where you are headed next!
What to do
- Visit Queenstown for adventure activities at any comfort level
- Take a day trip to Hobbiton if you are a film lover
- Drive the South Island for fjords, lakes, and quiet scenic lookouts
- Explore Wellington’s cafés, indie shops, and waterfront paths
Good for: Nature, movies, adventure, scenic drives
Singapore
Why it is great for solo travelers
Singapore is relatively small, and so it’s not just easy to get around, but it’s also known for being one of the safest and most efficient cities/countries in the world! In fact, it even ranks 6th on the 2025 Global Peace Index, the highest of any country in Asia. Transportation here is also clear and well-connected, English is widely spoken, and the city is equally parts modern and culturally-rich!
What it feels like to travel here
Solo travelers often say Singapore is where they feel instantly comfortable. I have a friend who visited and still talks about how at home they were! Streets around here are well lit, neighborhoods are easy to navigate, and dining alone is surprisingly normal.
What to do
- Visit Gardens by the Bay
- Explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
- Eat at hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat
- Walk Marina Bay at sunset
Good for: Food, architecture, culture, comfort, safety
South Korea
Why it is great for solo travelers
Seoul is the largest city in South Korea and one of the safest major cities on the planet. And I can personally attest to how safe I felt while exploring here! While visiting solo on a long layover from Vietnam, I had a not-so-hidden broken wrist (in a rather obvious white cast!) and was carrying a large bag with my fancy camera inside. Normally, I might have worried about looking like a target for pick-pocketers on the street, but no one here even remotely bothered me, got too close for comfort, or anything of the sort. Instead, everyone went about their business, not really giving me a second glance. On top of that, Seoul’s transportation is clean and efficient, café culture is huge, and it’s once again… normal to explore alone!
What it feels like to travel here
During my limited time in South Korea, I noticed how calm it felt to be on my own. I was able to slow down and spend an entire day wandering palace grounds, visiting historic temples, and shopping for Korean skincare at Olive Young. I never once felt like I was in a rush, despite having lots of activities to keep me occupied. It’s a great place to slow down and experience the culture.
What to do
- Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Visit Bukchon Hanok Village
- Shop in Hongdae or Myeongdong
- Take a day trip to Suwon or Busan if you want a change of pace
Good for: A big city atmosphere without feeling rushed, culture, food, cafés, safety
Costa Rica
Why it is great for solo travelers
Costa Rica is ideal for nature lovers. It gives you wildlife and adventure without asking you to stretch too far outside your comfort zone, which matters more than you might think it might when you’re already stretching yourself just by traveling alone for the first time! Established tourism infrastructure and well-run small group tours keep the logistics simple so you can just focus on the experience at hand.
What it feels like to travel here
Solo travelers often describe Costa Rica as warm and grounding. It is a place where you can fill your days wiht hiking, wildlife touring, hot spring soaking, and beach-going, all while feeling supported by friendly locals and eco-focused lodges.
What to do
- Explore Arenal Volcano
- Visit Monteverde’s cloud forests
- Relax on beaches near Manuel Antonio
- Try zip lining or wildlife tours
Good for: Nature, wildlife, wellness, easy adventure
Austria
Why it is great for solo travelers
Austria is clean, refined, and easy to navigate (it was also my own first solo trip!). City-wise, Vienna and Salzburg are not just walkable, they’re also loaded with history and feel perfectly elegant for any Bridgerton afficionados who are heading on here on their first trip (note: the show was not at all filmed in Austria, but its cities tend to evoke a lot of the same feelings and romanticism that you find in the show).
And as far as the countryside goes, a trip to the Wachau Valley is an easy day trip from Vienna to satisfy the wine lovers, Hallstatt is a town offering postcard-worthy lake views, and Admont Abbey has the most similar real-life library to the animated one from Beauty and the Beast (at least that I’ve ever seen)!
What it feels like to travel here
When I visited, I spent long, lazy afternoons in coffee houses with a book, I walked to palaces in pastel dresses, and wandered old streets that made me feel like I had stepped back in time. If you want to feel like you’re in a period piece romance (albeit, solo romance), this is your place!
What to do
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna
- Spend time at a traditional coffee house
- Explore Salzburg’s old town and viewpoints
- Take a Mozart concert or wander small museums at your own pace
Good for: Architecture, classical music, arts and culture, history
Iceland
Why it is great for solo travelers
Iceland is famous for its natural scenery, general safety, and strong tourism infrastructure. Even if you’re not usually a confident driver, the Ring Road is straightforward and marked with plenty of stops (just maybe avoid winter visits and plan to traverse the country in the warmer summer months to help offset any harsh weather conditions).
What it feels like to travel here
One of the highlights of visiting Iceland is its sense of peace. Here, it’s true that you’ll be surrounded by open landscapes, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and epic mountains, but the country’s quiet, respectful culture creates a reassuring environment for anyone exploring alone.
What to do
- Drive the Golden Circle
- Relax in the Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon
- Visit waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss
- Explore Reykjavik’s cafés and waterfront
Good for: Nature, scenic drives, waterfalls, photography
Thailand
Why it is great for solo travelers
Thailand has been a solo travel classic for decades and consistently ranks among the top destinations for solo female travelers. It’s affordable, warm, friendly, and full of other solo travelers (in other words, it’s easy to meet people here, if you crave company). It’s also just as easy to disappear and do your own thing, if you don’t! It’s worth noting that Thailand ranks lower on the Global Peace Index (76th) than other countries on this list, so staying aware of your surroundings in heavily touristed party areas is particularly smart here (smart anywhere in the world, but something to note here).
What it feels like to travel here
Even if you have never been to Southeast Asia before, Thailand is a gentle entry point. Locals are kind, the food is some of the best you will ever eat (I can never get enough green curry!), and there is a calm cadence to the culture that forces you to slow down and relax. Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the islands all offer different styles of travel, so you can shape the trip around your personality rather than fitting yourself into someone else’s itinerary.
What to do
- Explore Chiang Mai’s temples and night markets
- Visit Bangkok’s Grand Palace and canal neighborhoods
- Relax on islands like Koh Lanta or Koh Samui
- Take a cooking class or café hop
Good for: Food, culture, affordability, island time
Scotland
Why it is great for solo travelers
Scotland has the lowest crime rate in the UK, and Edinburgh ranks as one of the safest cities in Britain for tourists. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are compact and walkable, while the Highlands offer dramatic landscapes that are easy to explore by car or small group tour.
What it feels like to travel here
A country that’s been on my bucket list since the first season of Outlander, Scotland offers experiences to visit centuries-old castles, go on epic coastal hikes, or cozy-up in local pubs and bookshops. It’s known for kind and proud locals as well as a culture that fully embraces its heritage.
What to do
- Walk the Royal Mile
- Visit the Highlands or Isle of Skye
- Explore Glasgow’s museums
- Tour castles and seaside towns
Good for: History, scenery, culture, approachable adventure
