Because sometimes, the best travel companion is yourself.
There’s something magical about setting out on your own — no group decisions, no rigid itineraries, no compromises. Just you, your curiosity, and a world full of possibilities. Whether you’re seeking soul-searching solitude, spontaneous adventure, or just a change of scenery, these 10 destinations are perfect for solo travelers — and each one brings something uniquely amazing to the solo travel table.
Pack light, plan loose, and let the journey guide you. Here we go! 👣✈️
1. Japan – For the Peacefully Curious
If there’s one place that makes solo travel feel totally natural, it’s Japan. Efficient transport, unmatched safety, and quiet respect for personal space? Yes, please.
Why it’s great:
- Safe and solo-friendly
- Vending machines for everything
- Solo ramen booths (hello, introvert heaven!)
- Blend of ancient temples and futuristic tech
📍 Don’t miss: Kyoto’s tranquil gardens, Tokyo’s quirky cafés, and an onsen soak in Hakone.
2. Portugal – For Coastal Wandering and Cultural Feasts
Small but mighty, Portugal is perfect for first-time solo travelers. Friendly locals, affordable prices, and enough variety to satisfy both beach bums and history buffs.
Why it’s great:
- Easy to get around
- Cozy hostels with social vibes
- Tons of solo-friendly walking tours and surf schools
- Food and wine to swoon over
📍 Don’t miss: Lisbon’s tiled alleys, Porto’s riverside charm, and the golden cliffs of the Algarve.
3. New Zealand – For Nature-Loving Free Spirits
If the outdoors is your love language, NZ speaks it fluently. Mountains, lakes, beaches, glowworms — and a road trip dreamland for those going it alone.
Why it’s great:
- Jaw-dropping landscapes in every direction
- Extremely safe and solo-travel-savvy
- Easy campervan rentals and backpacker buses
- Welcoming, laid-back locals (aka Kiwis)
📍 Don’t miss: Queenstown for adrenaline highs, Tongariro Crossing for epic hikes, and Hobbiton for fantasy feels.
4. Iceland – For Solitude and Stunning Skies
Solo travel doesn’t get more cinematic than Iceland. Think waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geothermal hot springs — all served with a side of northern lights.
Why it’s great:
- One of the safest countries on earth
- Nature-lover’s paradise
- Perfect for renting a car and making your own Ring Road itinerary
- So peaceful you’ll hear your own thoughts (in a good way)
📍 Don’t miss: The Blue Lagoon, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and a midnight sun hike.
5. Thailand – For Vibrance, Value, and Versatility
Whether you’re temple-hopping in Chiang Mai or diving in turquoise waters down south, Thailand is a solo travel rite of passage.
Why it’s great:
- Backpacker-friendly, with a social scene
- Budget-friendly luxury (yes, both exist!)
- Phenomenal street food
- Wellness retreats and jungle adventures alike
📍 Don’t miss: Island-hopping from Krabi, a cooking class in Bangkok, or a spiritual pause in Pai.
6. Costa Rica – For Eco-Adventures and Pura Vida Vibes
Looking for beachside yoga, misty jungles, or zip-lining over a cloud forest? Costa Rica is the solo adventurer’s paradise.
Why it’s great:
- Super eco-conscious and welcoming
- Great for surfing, hiking, or recharging in nature
- English widely spoken in tourist areas
- Pura Vida isn’t just a slogan — it’s a way of life
📍 Don’t miss: Monteverde Cloud Forest, Arenal Volcano, and the chill beach town of Santa Teresa.
7. Italy – For Romance (Even Without a Plus One)
Solo in Italy? Trust us — it’s amore. You’ll fall in love with the food, the art, the sunsets… and probably yourself.
Why it’s great:
- Ideal for slow solo travel
- Solo dining is totally normal (and encouraged!)
- Walkable cities, train connections, and stunning scenery
- Each region has a unique personality
📍 Don’t miss: Rome’s ruins, Florence’s galleries, Venice’s quiet corners, and coastal hikes in Cinque Terre.
8. The Netherlands – For Effortless Exploration
A compact country with a huge heart for solo explorers. Everything works. Everyone cycles. And everyone speaks English.
Why it’s great:
- Ultra solo-travel safe and organized
- Culture-packed museums and historic canals
- Great base for day trips
- Very bike- and train-friendly
📍 Don’t miss: Amsterdam’s art scene, Utrecht’s charm, and tulip season in Keukenhof.
9. Canada – For the Outdoorsy and Open-Minded
Canada is calm, kind, and crazy-beautiful — the kind of place that embraces solitude without making you feel alone.
Why it’s great:
- Breathtaking national parks
- Easy-to-navigate cities
- Diverse cultural experiences
- Warm, helpful locals
📍 Don’t miss: Banff’s mountain lakes, Vancouver’s coast-meets-city combo, and French flair in Montreal.
10. Bali (Indonesia) – For Healing and Digital Nomad Magic
Bali has long been a haven for solo travelers — especially those looking for wellness, creativity, and connection.
Why it’s great:
- Yoga retreats, co-working spaces, and beach clubs
- Deep spiritual traditions mixed with modern boho vibes
- Tons of solo-friendly cafés, markets, and workshops
- Affordably luxurious villas and spas
📍 Don’t miss: Ubud for inner peace, Canggu for beach buzz, and Sidemen for slow mornings with mountain views.
The Freedom of Solo Travel
Traveling alone isn’t about being lonely — it’s about being fully present.
It’s about following your own rhythm, meeting people when you want, and rediscovering your own voice in new places.
At Uncharted Sanctuary, we believe solo travel is a sacred act of freedom — where every destination becomes a mirror, and every moment becomes your own.
📌 Use #UnchartedSolo or #WanderSoloWithWonder
📷 Share your solo trail, table-for-one, or view-that-healed-you
📝 Submit your story at unchartedsanctuary.com
So go solo. Go boldly. Go wherever your heart says “yes.”
The world — and a better version of you — is waiting.
