The Top 10 Places in the World to Travel Solo

With age comes confidence, and in a world that often moves at a frenetic pace, the allure of solo travel can be an enticing prospect for those seeking personal exploration, self-discovery and a break from the ordinary. Venturing out on your own opens doors to a myriad of experiences that are uniquely tailored to your interests, pace and preferences, without having to wait for your other half to get ready for dinner only adding to the allure. The confidence you can gain from stepping out on your own means life is of the moment. Don't waste time waiting for the perfect travel companion. Take the leap and discover what the world can offer the solo traveller.

Read on for some of the best places to travel solo, each offering a distinct blend of adventure, serenity and a little luxury for those who dare to wander alone.

Mauritius

Home to crystal clear waters, divine beaches, friendly locals and plenty of culture, Mauritius is so much more than a romantic destination for honeymooners or a great family holiday spot. Not only is it safe and easy to travel around, but this charming island country in the middle of the Indian Ocean offers many activities you could do on your own, with a guide or instructor, or by joining up with a group.

Situated on the east coast, and the country’s first eco-friendly boutique hotel, base yourself at Salt of Palamar where staff-led local excursions will allow you to get out and see the island (Mini Cooper convertibles are also for hire if you want to explore) while, if you’re simply looking for a little downtime, why not spend your days soaking up the rays by the 25-metre lap pool which comes flanked by emerald sun loungers and monochrome parasols. Alternatively, head to the Salt Equilibrium spa where you’ll find the island’s first salt therapy room alongside a choice of massages and scrubs.

Bhutan

If you’re more of an adventurous traveller, have you ever considered Bhutan, a forgotten Himalayan nation tucked in amongst mountainous folds? Not only is its capital Thimphu bursting with national monuments and museums, local boutiques and bustling bazaars ready for exploration as you acclimatise to the high-altitude environment, you can also head out on enchanting hikes through fragrant pine forests, take historic tours of vast fortresses, or head to one of its many luxury spas for mediation sessions, massages and traditional hot stone baths.

If you’re not sure where to start, get in touch with luxury travel company Pelorus who will curate a special 10-day itinerary for the solo traveller with a whole host of exciting accommodation options. Our top pick would be Six Senses Thimphu which, set in an apple orchard, highlights the scenic views of ancient peaks and lush river valleys.

Japan

Often considered one of the safest countries in the world, you’d be forgiven for assuming Japan has been organised with solo travellers in mind. Home to countless clean and safe cities where people are treated with nothing but respect, crime and harassment rates are low, and you’ll even find women-only carriages on extremely efficient network of trains (as you will in the UAE).

Kickstart your trip in Tokyo, where lots of hotels charge per person, not per room, meaning you won’t be penalised for travelling alone.

Along with the ethereal landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji, Kyoto is another city you absolutely can’t miss (it’s easy to get to via the revolutionary bullet trains) – time your visit for spring when it is awash with pink cherry blossoms for a true bucket list experience.

For an exquisite taste of luxury, book a room at Aman Kyoto. The brand’s third property in Japan, a highlight it most definitely the spa, where guests can soak in warming mineral-rich hot spring onsen waters before enjoying high-quality treatments. Heaven on earth.

Denmark

If a far-flung destination is a little too daunting for your first solo jaunt, why not test the waters with a long weekend in Denmark? A country that is all about hygge (a feeling of comfort and contentment), not only is it one of Europe’s safest and most female-friendly destinations, but there’s also so much to do that you’ll never get bored of your own company.

While you could easily spend a pretty penny without trying, it’s possible to explore Copenhagen without remortgaging your home – simply visit one hot dog stand for every three-course Michelin-starred menu you indulge in. For solo travellers looking to socialise, communal eating – otherwise known as ‘faellesspisning’ – is also hugely popular, where you can enjoy delectable bites in the company of strangers.

Elsewhere you could check out Ribe for its charming old town and myriad of events including the Ribe Jazz Festival and Ribe Wine Festival, Dragør to stroll its cobbled streets populated with colourful thatched houses or, if you’re looking for a more of a relaxing break, Hornbæk is an idyllic seaside town and resort complete with a small community of classy restaurants and cute shops.

Sicily

One for foodies, Sicily combines sandy beaches, crumbling ruins of the ancient world and Italian cuisine that is most definitely worth crossing oceans for.

If you’re heading there solo, let EnVogue do all the hard work for you with a six-night itinerary that will see you dining at a 1920s historic villa in the heart of Taormina as a private guest of a passionate Sicilian lady who invites very few into her home.

Here you’ll indulge in exclusive Sicilian gastronomy and sample homemade recipes passed down over countless generations, all while learning about the history of the island at the same time. Other highlights include uncovering the island’s storied past in the iconic Valley of Temples before tucking into a private picnic in the Garden of Kolymbethra, and recharging on Taormina’s soft sand beaches before hopping aboard a boat to sail across to Isola Bella.

Thailand

There’s nothing quite like island hopping across Thailand’s isolated archipelagos on a solo holiday, and with more than 1,430 islands to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Avoid the gap year back-packers at Koh Phangan instead head to the likes of Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket where you can easily find your own little slice of peace and quiet while still being amongst all the wonderful culture that the Land of Smiles has to offer. Stay at the Ritz Carlton Koh Samui for a blissful beachside break.

Fun fact: In Thai culture, it’s normal to show respect for the older generation, so don’t be surprised if people show you more respect simply because of your age!

Maldives

Yes, really. While for many, the Maldives is the pinnacle of romance a number of luxury resorts are waking up to the fact that an increasing number of solo travellers are being drawn to their impossibly blue waters and promises of utter solitude. Case in point? The five-star, “No News, No Shoes” barefoot luxury resort Gili Lankanfushi is offering its Solo Experience until December 2024, which includes everything from savings of 25 per cent on room rates in a villa of your choice for a minimum four nights’ stay, half board meals, massages and a number of once-in-a-lifetime experiences including a ‘Dine in the Dark’ dinner, sleeping under the stars and a Maldivian cooking class to name a few.

If you’re worried you won’t have anyone to take pictures of you enjoying all this fabulousness then fret not - the package also includes a “Gili Goes Photogenic” photography session with your butler, known as your Mr. or Ms. Friday, who will be sure to get some stunning shots.

Ireland

Locals don’t come much friendlier than in Ireland – spend just one evening in a Dublin pub and we guarantee you’ll make friends for life. A great starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way, spend a few days exploring the capital and visiting the likes of the famous Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar and Trinity College before renting a car and heading off on a once-in-a-lifetime solo road trip.

Kicking off in Co. Donegal, ancient castles, picturesque countryside and live music await as you travel along the west coast of Ireland through the likes of Cork, the Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Be sure to make plenty of stops along the way to wander the abundance of walking and hiking routes that are even better explored as a lone ranger, while bedding down at one of the many luxury hotels the country has to offer. Check out Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway for a real treat.

Iceland

Regularly topping many-a list for the best destinations for solo travellers, Iceland is a popular option for anyone in the market for outdoor activities and off-grid exploring.

A playground for nature enthusiasts, Iceland’s abundance of caves, caverns, black-sand beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls and the geysers of the Golden Circle ring road are enough to get the adrenaline pumping while, for those after something a little more relaxing, why not add the Blue Lagoon or the Laugarvatn Fontana to your to-do list?

Winter in Iceland brings with it a whole new set of adventures including whale watching, snowmobiling and, of course, evenings spent hunting the Northern Lights. Start and end your journey in the capital of Reykjavik, where the Reykjavik EDITION makes for a stylish spot to bunker down.

Slovenia

They say the best things come in small packages, and that’s most certainly the case for the charming European country of Slovenia. Not only does its compact size make it easy for visitors to traverse, but it’s also home to a fairly-priced public transport network that facilitates travel between cities, and English is widely spoken too.

Base yourself in leafy Ljubljana which makes for the perfect port for discovery – Slovenia’s crowning jewel is its world-famous lakes which come lined with stunning villages you won’t want to miss. Every bit as lovely in real life with its bluish-green hue, postcard church on an islet and medieval castles, make Lake Bled your first port of call.