Discover the best solo travel destinations

There are many cities where travelling alone can not only be safe and fun, but it can also be an incredibly eye-opening experience. The benefits of travelling alone are numerous, and who knows, you'll probably make a friend or two on your journey!

Why not make 2022 the year you embark on a solo trip? Whether you're a seasoned solo traveller or been wanting to go it alone for some time, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite solo travel destinations to inspire you to get up and go!

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Close to home

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a great choice for a first-time solo traveller. The locals are friendly, there are lots of castles to see and pints of Guinness to drink. You can easily fly there on a budget, and it's the perfect spot to start a longer solo adventure or go for a short weekend away.

Thrill-seekers' paradise

Cairns, Australia

Most tourists follow the same schedule in Cairns: adventure by day, party by night. There is an abundance of nice and affordable hostels in the city, and they'll help you arrange activities like scuba classes, snorkelling, and rainforest adventures. Keep an eye out for free beer and food promotions targeted at backpackers.

Party of one

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city that embraces single travellers, from its famous capsule hotels to restaurants with booths for one. The city has a reputation for safety, and female travellers can find female-only hotel floors and train cars. Even if you don't speak or read Japanese, locals are generally happy to help you in whatever way they can.

Europe on a budget

Budapest, Hungary

As more and more travellers are starting to discover Budapest for the gem it is, you may want to plan a trip soon. With extremely cheap hostels and restaurants, it's great if you're on a budget. And activities like thermal baths and ruin bars are great ways to connect with fellow backpackers as well as locals.

Looking for friends

Seoul, Korea

Seoul is a city where it pays to stay in a hostel. The culture celebrates groups, and some restaurants have a two-serving minimum order, so use your solo trip to connect with other backpackers. A solid public transportation system, vibrant nightlife, and a fun shopping scene mean that you'll always have something to do and a way to get there.

Off-the-beaten track

Montenegro

No, those orange roofs aren't in Croatia, but in its neighbour Montenegro. A perfect alternative for solo travellers looking to escape the Game of Thrones crowds, this Balkan country has gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, abundant hiking, a tight backpacker community, and some seriously low prices.

Finding yourself

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is a wild city, but it has a strong community of expats who will gladly show you the ropes. Food prices are insanely low, even at backpacker favourite Himalayan Java. Lots of tour companies will help you arrange monastery visits, mountain treks, and jungle safaris. The city shuts down at night, so use the time to catch up on reading or writing.

Weekend adventure

Reykjavík, Iceland

Seeing how you can fly to Iceland for less than £100 round trip and in less than a few hours, it's very accessible for a weekend trip. You can join a tour to see the Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon, or rent a car to see them on your own. Save money by buying food at gas stations—seriously, they make some good sandwiches.

Friendly for first-timers

Portland, Oregon

With a plethora of Airbnbs and tiny homes, you can easily find somewhere cute to stay during your trip to this Northwest city. There are many things to explore solo, from Portland's well-loved coffee shops to their excellent microbrewery scene. And there are outdoor adventures too, like hiking and kayaking.

Perfect for nature lovers

Belize

Belize it or not, the official language of this Central American country is English, which means that you'll have an easy time exploring the incredible coral reef and jungle-shrouded Mayan temples.

What are your favourite cities for solo travel? Let us know in the comments!