Travel alone, experience together: The best destinations for solo travellers, group trips and places where you easily meet new people.
The best destinations for solo travellers are Bangkok, Lisbon, Bali, Barcelona and Iceland: safe, easy to get around and with a lively hostel and traveller scene where it’s easy to meet people. Portugal and Thailand are especially good for a first solo trip because costs and barriers are low.
Travelling alone sounds scary to many at first -- and that is exactly what makes it so valuable. When you travel solo, you become more open, braver and discover a new side of yourself. You decide when to get up, where to go and how long to stay. This freedom is intoxicating.
At the same time, solo travel is the best way to meet new people. Solo travellers are approached by other travellers and locals much faster than groups. In hostels, on tours or in street cafes, friendships are formed that last a lifetime. The solo-travel community is growing worldwide -- you are never truly alone.
This guide shows you the five best destinations for solo travellers, gives you tips for safe travel and helps you take the leap into adventure. Whether backpacking in Southeast Asia or a city trip in Europe -- your solo adventure awaits.
From Southeast Asia to Europe -- these destinations are perfect for your first (or next) solo adventure.
Bangkok is the mecca for solo travellers. The city pulses around the clock, with hostels on Khao San Road being legendary meeting points for backpackers from all over the world. Street food from €1, spectacular temples, night markets, and an incredibly welcoming culture make it easy to dive into solo travel.
Lisbon combines European charm with an adventurous feel. The city is safe, compact, and incredibly welcoming. In the hostels of Alfama and Bairro Alto, you will quickly meet like-minded people. Plus, there are surf spots in Ericeira, Fado evenings, and Pastéis de Nata on every corner.
Bali is the spiritual centre for solo travellers. In Ubud, you will find yoga retreats, rice terraces, and a vibrant community of digital nomads. Canggu attracts with surf culture and trendy cafés. The Balinese are warm, the food divine, and the budget-friendly price level is perfect for long stays.
Barcelona is the perfect city for sociable solo travellers. The hostel scene is top-notch, free walking tours bring you together with other travellers, and the city really comes alive in the evenings. From Gaudí's masterpieces to the beach – you will never be bored here.
Iceland is the adventure for solo travellers seeking nature. The Ring Road leads past waterfalls, geysers, glaciers, and hot springs. The country is extremely safe, and the people are open and helpful. Organised tours and campervan trips make it easy to meet other travellers.
With a few precautions you can travel safely and carefree around the world.
Proven tips from experienced solo travellers that make the difference between a good and a great solo trip.
Für deine erste Solo-Reise wähle ein Land mit guter Infrastruktur, vielen Touristen und englischsprachiger Bevölkerung. Portugal, Thailand oder Japan sind perfekte Einstiegsziele.
Ein Rucksack statt Koffer gibt dir maximale Flexibilität. Du wirst häufiger den Ort wechseln als gedacht. Alles, was du brauchst, passt in 40 Liter.
Buche mindestens die erste Unterkunft am Zielort vor. Nach einem langen Flug willst du nicht noch nach einem Bett suchen. Danach kannst du spontan bleiben.
Schreib deine Gedanken und Erlebnisse auf. Ein Reisetagebuch hilft gegen Einsamkeit und schafft wunderbare Erinnerungen, die du später nicht vergisst.
Wenn andere Reisende fragen, ob du mitkommen willst – sag Ja. Die besten Erlebnisse entstehen ungeplant. Natürlich nur, wenn dein Bauchgefühl zustimmt.
„Hallo", „Danke", „Bitte" und „Wie viel kostet das?" in der Landessprache öffnen Türen und Herzen. Einheimische schätzen den Versuch enorm.
Statt hunderte Fotos zu schießen, nimm dir Zeit für wenige, gute Aufnahmen. Frag Einheimische, ob sie ein Foto von dir machen – das bricht das Eis.
Nicht jede Nacht muss im Dorm sein. Gönn dir zwischendurch ein Einzelzimmer oder ein schönes Restaurant. Solo-Reisen heißt nicht, auf Komfort zu verzichten.
Statt alle zwei Tage weiterzuziehen, bleib mal eine Woche. Du lernst Stammcafés kennen, wirst von Locals wiedererkannt und erlebst den Ort authentischer.
Es wird Momente geben, in denen du dich einsam fühlst. Das ist normal und gehört dazu. Diese Phasen gehen vorbei – und danach bist du stärker als vorher.
Travelling alone can be cheaper than as a couple -- if you know how. Here are the best money-saving tips.
The best experiences are often free: free walking tours, sunsets on the beach, conversations with locals, hikes through national parks, discovering street art or exploring local markets.
Tip: Many cities offer free museum days or discounted entry for young travellers under 26. An international student ID (ISIC) saves money worldwide.
4 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Holiday Finder, Budget Calculator, Packing List and Travel Roulette. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
The best destinations for solo travellers include Bangkok, Lisbon, Bali, Barcelona and Iceland. They offer a lively hostel scene, safe infrastructure and plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers. Southeast Asia is ideal for getting started with solo travel thanks to low costs and a large backpacker community. In Europe, Lisbon and Barcelona score with their compact size, warm climate and excellent connections.
Travelling alone is generally very safe if you take a few precautions: back up copies of all documents digitally, take out international health insurance, share your route with someone you trust and choose well-lit streets at night. A local SIM card or eSIM keeps you reachable. Countries such as Portugal, Japan and Iceland are among the safest in the world and are excellent for solo travellers.
Hostels with a shared kitchen and lounge are ideal meeting points. Free walking tours, cooking classes and surf lessons connect people automatically. Apps such as Meetup or Couchsurfing Hangouts help you find local events, and Facebook groups or Reddit communities such as r/solotravel offer more ways to connect. The most important tip: approach others openly and with a smile – most solo travellers are looking for company too.
Costs vary greatly by destination. In Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali), 30–50 euros a day is enough for accommodation, food and activities. In Europe you should expect 60–120 euros a day, with hostels in Lisbon or Barcelona costing 15–30 euros a night. Iceland is the most expensive at over 100 euros a day. Saving tips: use night buses, try couchsurfing and use credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
Choose a beginner-friendly destination with good infrastructure – Portugal, Thailand or Japan are ideal. Pack light with no more than 40 litres of luggage and book the first night in advance. Learn a few basic phrases and download offline maps. Don’t plan every day; leave room for spontaneous encounters. A travel journal helps in lonely moments and creates wonderful memories.
If you like Solo Travel, you may also enjoy Backpacking, Städtereisen and Abenteuerurlaub. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Discover the best destinations for solo travellers and plan your next trip.
How do you meet new people when travelling?
Travelling alone does not mean being lonely. With these strategies you will find connection everywhere.
Stay in a hostel
Book group activities
Connect online
Alone, but not lonely