Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular, as it gives you complete freedom of route, pace and choice of experiences. Find out which 10 destinations Lonely Planet editors have voted as the best for solo travellers in Europe, Asia and beyond – safe, comfortable and inspiring places to travel alone

Traveling alone seems like a challenge for many: a new city, a different language, no one you know nearby. But once you check into a hotel and take your first stroll through the streets, anxiety quickly turns to excitement. Independent travel gives you freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to truly experience a new place.

But the success of such a trip largely depends on choosing the right destination. That’s why Lonely Planet editors have compiled a list of the best places in the world for solo travelers – safe, open, and where it’s easy to be alone or, conversely, quickly find company.

The best destinations for solo travel in this article.

Independent travel starts with proper preparation. The Visit World travel guide contains up-to-date entry regulations, visa requirements, and practical tips for travelers in a convenient PDF format.

Get all the information you need in minutes and travel with confidence!

Iceland

Iceland is a true paradise for those who travel alone. In 2024, the country was recognized as one of the safest in the world, and its capital Reykjavik combines cosmopolitanism with the coziness of a small city. Pedestrian streets, bright houses, cafes and museums create a feeling of peace and comfort.

Nature here is a separate adventure: volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and thermal pools. Iceland has almost no dangerous fauna, and in the summer you can travel around the clock thanks to the polar day. Traveling along the country's ring road alone is an ideal option for those who value freedom of route.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is one of those capitals where a solo traveler does not feel lonely. The city is warm, open and very human. Old trams, azulejos on the facades, observation decks over the Tagus River and a leisurely pace of life make it ideal for solo trips.

It’s easy to meet people here: in small bars with ginninho, at street food tastings or simply at the observation decks at sunset. Lisbon seems to be made for leisurely walks and chance encounters.

Alonissos, Greece

If the popular Greek islands seem too noisy, Alonissos will be the perfect alternative. Fewer tourists, more silence, the turquoise sea, pine forests and traditional taverns create an atmosphere of true relaxation.

The island is great for independent travel: remote coves, ancient villages and chapels are easily accessible on foot, by bus or by boat. In addition, one of the largest marine national parks in Europe is located here.

Copper Coast, Ireland

The Copper Coast in County Waterford is a little-known but incredibly picturesque part of Ireland. The cliffs, ocean, old mines and a minimum of tourists make this place ideal for those looking for peace and quiet.

Waterford is a cozy city with a rich Viking history, museums and pubs, where it is easy to strike up a conversation with the locals. The compactness of the region allows you to travel without a car - on foot or by bike.

Munich, Germany

Munich is much more than Oktoberfest. It is a city of museums, parks, rivers and beer gardens, where a solo traveler will quickly feel comfortable. Walks through the English Garden, picnics at the Viktualienmarkt and acquaintances at a shared table in a beer garden are the norm here.

Munich is also ideal for day trips: the Alps, lakes, castles and even neighboring Austria are all nearby and easily accessible by public transport.

Sikkim, India

Sikkim is one of the most underrated regions in India. Its Himalayan landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, pristine hiking trails, and high safety standards make it a great choice for solo travelers.

The capital, Gangtok, combines intimacy with a lively social atmosphere: it’s easy to meet new people in bars, clubs, or just on the street. Traveling in Sikkim is a balance between nature, culture, and human warmth.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has long been a magnet for backpackers and digital nomads. Hostels, coworking spaces, cooking schools and cafes create the perfect environment for meeting new people.

It’s easy to find “yours” here: in temples, at night markets, at Zoe in Yellow bar or at a cooking workshop. Chiang Mai is one of the most comfortable places in the world for your first independent trip.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a classic destination for solo travelers in Southeast Asia. Friendly locals, active street life, cheap food and affordable accommodation make traveling easy and enjoyable.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it’s easy to join the company at a plastic table with beer or on a gastronomic walk. Here, loneliness quickly turns into new acquaintances.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest and most convenient metropolises in Asia. Compact, clean, multicultural and with an ideal transport system, it is perfect for independent travel.

The city offers everything from museums and futuristic parks to legendary food courts, where solo travelers feel completely at home.

Uzbekistan

Modern Uzbekistan is safe, welcoming and incredibly interesting for independent travel. Thanks to high-speed trains, it is easy to move between Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Guesthouses, sleeper trains and shared meals with locals turn the road into part of the adventure. For those looking for an authentic experience, Uzbekistan is one of the best options in Central Asia.

Solo travel is not about loneliness, but about freedom, new acquaintances and deeper immersion in a culture. The rating from the editors of Lonely Planet proves that there are many places in the world where traveling alone is not only safe, but also incredibly interesting.

Independent travel starts with preparation. To avoid mistakes with visas, documents and entry rules, it is worth having verified and structured information at hand. This is exactly what the “Travel Guide” from Visit World was created for – a convenient digital guide for travelers planning a trip without travel agents and intermediaries.

The guide contains everything that is most important: conditions for entering the country, rules for visa-free travel or obtaining a tourist visa, a list of required documents, duration of stay and practical advice for tourists. After registration, the guide will be sent to your email in PDF format in just a few minutes – convenient, fast and up-to-date.

Prepare for your trip in advance and set off confidently with the “Travel Guide” from Visit World.

Reminder! After the Christmas holidays, it is time to change the cold to the sun. We have already told you where to escape to the warmth in winter, which destinations to choose for a quick trip and how to prepare for a trip without unnecessary hassle.

Photo – Freepik

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