Solo Travelers Are Sharing The Best Vacation Spot They've Ever Visited By Themselves
If you're thinking of planning a solo trip but have no idea where to go, we've got you covered.
CBS / Via giphy.com
We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community for the best destinations to visit when you're traveling all by yourself. Here are some of the best responses below, which will hopefully help inspire your next adventure when we can all safely travel again.
1.Ireland
"I always felt safe, even walking alone at night after drinks. No one tried to be inappropriate in the bars or pubs and it was easy to make friends. Ireland is easy to navigate and it's very chill."
2.Thailand
"When I was 18, I did a solo trip around the world. I left the West Coast and just kept going west until I got home 11 months later. The best place to explore solo was hands down Thailand. It’s beautiful, the food is out of this world, the weather is amazing, and I always felt very safe (although I worked hard to stay out of risky situations). I was able to get from place to place easily, I experienced amazing hospitality by guest houses and hotels, I never felt physically uncomfortable, and I made casual friends who I spent a few hours or a few days with. Traveling to Thailand with friends is great too, but doing it solo was a really amazing experience."
3.Reykjavik, Iceland
"It's small enough that it's easy to find your way around, incredibly pedestrian-friendly, a popular enough tourist destination that most people are multilingual, and I had no qualms about walking around downtown even around midnight. Admittedly, I'm a big guy, but when I posted something about my feeling of security in Iceland on Facebook, a few women also commented about how great and safe the country is."
4.Taiwan
"It's a cash-heavy culture, and I never worried even when carrying around a significant amount of money at night. Walking to stores in the dark felt safe, and Taiwan has fantastic public transportation. The island is an extremely affordable destination with kind people. Even if they don't speak your language they will try to help you."
5.Busan, South Korea
"Not only is Korean cuisine incredible, but Busan was really multicultural. I ate Turkish, Indian, Uzbek, Chinese, Thai, and Japanese food when I was there. It's by far the cleanest and safest country I have ever visited. There's tons to do, friendly locals, incredible gastronomy, and K-pop playing all around you."
6.Australia
"I travel alone often, but Australia is one place I loved. I always felt comfortable meeting new friends and other solo travelers there. Particularly on backpacking and camping trips in the Outback, the camaraderie is amazing and everyone tries to help you through a hike or to keep you awake on the long, dull drives."
7.The Appalachian Trail
"I've currently hiked 1,800 miles on the Appalachian Trail, and hiker culture is amazing. Everyone looks out for one another, and in my opinion, it's not nearly as dangerous as people make it out to be. As a woman, I've never felt safer."
8.Croatia
"The country is very friendly and safe for a solo female traveler. There's good public transport and the scenery is absolutely beautiful!"
9.Penang, Malaysia
"When my mentor died suddenly, I took three months to travel all over Asia by myself. The best place to travel alone was, without a doubt: Penang, Malaysia. It was a backpacker's dream with tons of cheap, gorgeous accommodations. The food is an amazing blend of different cultures and the city is full of breathtaking temples. It's relatively affordable, easy to get around, and it's home to cultural sights and exciting nightlife. What more do you need?"
10.Paris
"I feel safe traveling alone around Europe in general — but especially in Paris. You can post up in a cafe with a book, coffee, or a journal and stay there for hours. The same goes for enjoying a solo picnic. Sitting at restaurants or cafes in Europe alone is so normal. Traveling solo is so much fun because you get to do what you want when you want. Also, staying at hostels is a great way to meet other solo travelers."
11.The Grand Canyon
"It's one of the most breathtaking places in the world and it's something you have to experience by yourself. I sat by the edge of the canyon and just stared into the endless beauty. It's was really one hell of an experience. It gave me time to think about how beautiful life really is. It's a trip i will never forget."
12.Italy
"I loved traveling alone through Italy. There's spectacular food, wine and lots of history to discover. Being alone means exploring at your own pace. The trains are incredibly easy to use, and it's fun meeting other travelers along the way."
13.Keystone, South Dakota
"At first glance, it may not seem like an ideal vacation, but Keystone, South Dakota is a hidden gem. An old mining town just down the mountain from Mount Rushmore, it boasts great hiking trails, small town museums (Presidential Wax Museum is a must-see), and there is amazing food everywhere!"
14.Edinburgh
"When I studied abroad I took a solo trip to Edinburgh, Scotland and fell in love with the culture and the country. Being a solo female traveler was an adventure in itself, and I couldn't have picked a better place to have traveled by myself. I left a part of my heart there and am already planning on going back soon."
15.Southeast Asia
"The landscapes are dreamy, the locals are kind, the food is outrageously delicious, and it's the perfect place to live out your most adventurous dreams."
16.Crete, Greece
"I spent two months this summer backpacking around Europe, and Crete was by far my favorite place. The island is so huge that you can't run out of places to explore. And the bus system is fantastic."
17.Malta
"Malta is insanely beautiful and serene. It's small and easy to get around by bus, and the locals are incredibly nice and helpful. I spent a total of 36 hours there during my two-week solo European vacation, and I can say without a doubt that it is the best place for soul searching. Most importantly I felt safe!"
18.Sedona, Arizona
"Sedona is a great place to clear your head and be one with nature. It's gorgeous and there is no other place I've ever traveled like it. I was fortunate to live there for a bit and I loved waking to panoramic views of the red rocks."
19.England
"I took a solo trip to England this past December. I had visited before, but decided to go alone this time around. I got myself a room in London and it ended up working out great. I took several day trips to Brighton, York and Birmingham. The transportation was easy, people were friendly and the towns were charming. It was almost Christmas, so the city felt magical. It was a perfect trip, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."
—kdf
What's your favorite destination to travel solo? Let us know in the comments!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Disclaimer: This article was written to provide future travel recommendations or suggestions. However, it’s important to keep in mind your own health, community health, and COVID-19 exposure risk.
