Safe and Easy Places Around the World To Explore on Your Own
While traveling with a group of people can be fun, there are many reasons to consider solo travel. When traveling alone, you don’t have to work around other people’s plans or worry about last-minute cancellations. Because you’re in charge of making all the decisions, you can choose how long you want to spend at your destination. It’s also a great way to branch out, make friends, and gain confidence. While some countries are more challenging to navigate independently, plenty of others are safe and popular solo travel destinations. Exploring a new place on your own will help you understand yourself better while making memories you’ll cherish forever.
Iceland
With low crime rates and beautiful scenery, Iceland is an excellent option for those who are looking to travel solo. Icelandic people are known for their hospitality, and many speak English. If you prefer spending time outdoors, you’ll find many activities to enjoy. For the perfect opportunity to view the northern lights, drive out to Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon or head to the southern tip of Iceland and view them from one of their many black sand beaches.
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Slovenia
While Slovenia is one of the smallest nations in Europe, the clear blue lakes, breathtaking mountain ranges, and safe atmosphere make it a fantastic choice for solo travelers. Ljubljana is colorful and lively, with plenty of fun things to do. Enjoy great holiday markets throughout the city and take a short walk to Ljubljana Castle. Although this mighty fortress once defended the city, it now features restaurants, cafes, and a nightclub. After exploring the capital city, visit the picturesque Lake Bled for a tranquil swim and afternoon hike.
Ireland
With moderate temperatures and ample moisture, lush greenery blankets much of Ireland. The Irish are friendly towards tourists, and new faces are always welcome in the local pubs and establishments. Dublin is a highly safe destination for solo travelers, with many things to see and explore. Be sure to spend a weekend in the capital city and tour St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This cathedral features breathtaking architecture and a choir that practices daily. After you’ve enjoyed your Dublin experience, take the time to travel west to Galway. Galway is welcoming to visitors and features delicious dining and shopping experiences.
Sweden
If you’re not bilingual and worried about a language barrier during your solo travels, consider visiting Sweden. Not only do the majority of people speak both Swedish and English, but this country is also considered one of the safest in the world. Stockholm has plenty of activities for tourists, and you can spend an entire weekend in the capital city without running out of things to do. A great feature of Sweden is its clean subway systems, which are easy to navigate. If you’re a history buff, check out a walking tour of the city, where your guide will lead you on an pleasant stroll through the city’s oldest districts.
Republic of Singapore
The Republic of Singapore is well-known for its beautiful aquatic life, excellent shopping experiences, and friendly locals. Petty theft and violent crime rates are low, and the vibe is very relaxed. Pay a visit to the Gardens by the Bay, where you’ll learn all about what this country is doing to create a greener, more sustainable environment. After your tour, walk through the neighborhoods in search of street art and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stands throughout the city. With so much to see and do, don’t be surprised if you decide to extend your trip to this small yet fascinating country.
Portugal
Over the last several years, Portugal has become one of the safest destinations for solo travelers to visit in Europe. If you enjoy taking hikes while marveling at spectacular views, head to Via Algarviana. This path stretches along the Portuguese border with Spain and is divided into fourteen parts. After your scenic hike, travel east to Lisbon and discover the colorful Portuguese art scene. This city is known for its plentiful museums, including the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga. Also, be sure to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the atmosphere at Brasileira. This famous café has been in operation since 1905 and is considered one of the most photographed coffee shops in the world.
Germany
With beautiful castles, open-air markets, and reliable transportation, Germany is a fabulous destination for first-time solo travelers. While Berlin is a city filled with rich history and attractions, consider venturing further west to the city of Cologne. If you plan on traveling during February, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of carnival season. Cologne is also well known for its lively brewery scene, and the local restaurants feature some of the best culinary dishes in the region. Many people in Germany also speak fluent English, especially in the larger cities, so communication is rarely a problem.
Greece
Whether you prefer lounging on a beach or consider yourself a history buff, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Greece. This country is well known for being hospitable towards travelers, and you’re likely to make a few friends along the way. Marvel at the ancient sights when you visit the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens. Of course, a trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of the many enchanting beaches. To complete your solo trip, Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos feature colorful nightlife, seaside restaurants, and other fascinating attractions.
South Korea
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly location for your next solo adventure, consider visiting South Korea. Many attractions are free to enter, while others are very affordable. South Korea is known for its exciting shopping experiences, and product samples are often given out to tourists. This country has an excellent bus system, and you can count on them to safely transport you to cities nationwide. Another great thing about venturing to South Korea is that designated “tourist helpers” are scattered throughout the major cities and attractions, making traveling solo a breeze.
Japan
While Japan can be a bit pricey for many tourists, it is among the safest nations in the world to travel to. Although you might feel out of place dining or traveling solo in other countries, people routinely do things alone in Japan, and solitude is often celebrated in their culture. Japanese bullet trains are famous for their efficiency and can quickly whisk you to your chosen destination. Consider traveling to Japan during the springtime, when the cherry blossom trees bloom throughout the country.
Switzerland
If you’re looking for Alpine peaks, beautiful waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery, you’ll find it all in Switzerland. Traveling solo through Switzerland is exceptionally safe, and you’ll fall in love with its natural beauty and fairy tale towns that dot the hillsides. Travel to Logano, a city close to the Italian border, where you can take a scenic stroll around the lake and enjoy shopping at their upscale boutiques. Several universities are located in Lugano, giving this city a youthful vibe.
Austria
Austria ranks as one of the safest and most secure European countries for solo travelers. Plan on spending a few weeks in this beautiful country to explore everything there is to see and do. Vienna is home to stunning scenery and several art galleries and museums detailing this country’s rich history. If you’re a classical music enthusiast, visit Salzburg, the birthplace of composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. No matter where you choose to explore, you’ll experience a gorgeous mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Norway
Norway is widely considered a dream destination for solo travelers, and many people choose to make this country the first one they explore on their own. While Norwegians are a bit more reserved than other Europeans, their strong sense of community and willingness to help others makes this a great country to visit. While Oslo is very cosmopolitan and filled with lots to see and do, Bergen is picturesque and nestled among the fjords along the western coastline. If you’re working with a tight budget, you can safely pitch a tent at one of the many Norwegian campsites nationwide.
New Zealand
When visiting New Zealand, most visitors quickly discover how common it is to run into other solo travelers. This is because there has been a boom in tourism over the last decade in New Zealand, and it has become a popular destination for ex-pats worldwide. Compared to the rugged terrain and wildlife in Australia, flora and fauna in New Zealand are pretty tame, so there’s no need to worry about venomous snakes and other poisonous creatures. New Zealand is perfect for travelers looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy peaceful solitude.
Denmark
Consider Denmark for another option that’s easy to navigate and safe. Copenhagen tops the list of happiest cities in the world due to its high quality of life. Many people speak English in this city, and you can sign up for activities like Danish pastry baking, stand-up paddleboarding, and photography classes. While visiting Copenhagen can be a bit pricey, it’s worth a visit if you’re already planning to travel to Scandinavia.
