The Best Place to Go for Your First Solo Travel Trip

I’ve been lucky enough to travel with friends, family members, my partner, school programs and on work and volunteer trips all over the world. But one of my most favourite types of travel is solo travel! There are so many great reasons to travel solo (even if you have a partner at home) such as planning an itinerary with only your own interests in mind, taking time for yourself and challenging yourself to go outside of your comfort zone. But first things first: Where should you go on your first solo travel trip?

Planning your first solo trip is a scary, but also incredibly exciting, thing to do. I remember my first solo trip. It was the summer of 2012 and the catalyst for some of the first posts on this blog. I was back at home during summer break from university and feeling totally unmotivated and passion-less about life. All of a sudden, an incredible flight deal caught my eye: $400 roundtrip to Europe. I had never been to Europe! I asked a few friends if they would want to join me but none of their schedules worked out. So I could either sit at my parents’ house in Toronto or I could take a risk and go on my first solo trip to Europe! 

A few weeks later, I was backpacking my way through London, Paris, Nice, Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon – all by myself! Without a doubt, that first solo trip changed my life. I fell in love with travel, seeing new things and seeking out new adventures. And I learned a lot about how to rely on myself, what my interests are, and how important it is to get to the train station early so your train to Portugal doesn’t leave without you (whoops!).

I look back on my first solo trip to Europe with the fondest memories. I don’t think I would have studied abroad in Amsterdam, interned in Swaziland, took a summer job in Tokyo, did online courses in Australia or moved to Prague had it not been for that life-changing trip I took all by myself back in 2012.

Clearly, I’m a big fan of solo travel. I know a lot of my fellow travel bloggers are too. So I reached out to them to help inspire your first solo travel adventure. Below, 33 travel bloggers chime in with their pick for the best place for your first solo trip!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

First up is my suggestion: Amsterdam! I think Amsterdam is the perfect spot for your first solo trip. Amsterdam is beautiful. The whole city looks like a fairytale and walking along the canals is pure magic. The skinny houses, the blooming tulips and the winding waterways will take your breath away.

There’s also a lot to do in Amsterdam. You can visit the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, see the tulip fields just outside the city, walk the Red Light District and so much more. Another pro? The food! Amsterdam is well known for its delicious pancakes and stroopwaffels. There’s also great Dutch cheeses, potato dishes and Indonesian food is very popular in Amsterdam as well.

Lastly, Amsterdam is great for your first solo trip because everyone speaks English. If you’re just easing into solo travel, this can be a great way to make you feel more comfortable since everyone speaks your language. Bonus: Amsterdam is super close to Paris (only three hours on the train!), Belgium and Germany so once you get your toe wet with solo travel, you can keep exploring Europe solo.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of the easiest and most beautiful cities to visit in Europe. It’s a city full of history, culture, impressive architecture and delicious food as well as a lively nightlife.

It’s located in the center of Europe and works as a connecting hub across the contintent. It’s a meeting point for many backpackers, and there are lots of hostels and places where solo travelers can meet other likeminded travelers.

What makes Budapest even better for a first solo trip is the fact that the price level is relatively low compared to other countries in Europe. Public transportation has signs in English, and so do street signs etc, which makes it easy for first-timers to get around the city.

There is also a great range of guided tours for every taste and budget. Some of the most impressive sites include the Buda Castle, St Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament.

It’s easy to get around by foot in the city center, and you can see most of the city in 3-5 days.

by Alex at Swedish Nomad

Krakow, Poland

Krakow, Poland, is a fantastic destination to go on your first solo trip. It’s a beautiful city, with a nice, tourist-friendly vibe. It’s not too big, but also not too small, so you can get around easily.  Krakow is also safe and most people speak English, which makes life easy for first time solo travellers.

There are a lot of things to do in Krakow, so you’ll never have a dull moment while you’re there. From visiting its excellent museums to wandering around its picturesque Old Town and fairy tale Wawel Castle, Krakow is a wonderful place for anyone who likes art, culture and history. The nightlife in Krakow is also great with many bars and clubs to choose from.

Add to that the super affordable prices at restaurants and attractions and you get a super fun, interesting, inexpensive and beautiful destination for your first solo trip.

by Tal at Bright Nomad

Vietnam

I went to Vietnam for my first solo trip, and I’m glad I chose the country for it. I arrived in Hanoi during Christmas, and ended my trip in Ho Chi Minh City in January. It was fantastic!

I’ve visited 7 towns and cities in total, and I could feel the change and transformation from the north to the southern part of the country in terms of weather, people, as well as their culture in general. It is also quite easy to get around with so many bus and train services available to book online.

I had a really great time exploring Vietnam by myself at the time, but if you ask me which city stands out, I’d say Hue is my favorite. I particularly enjoyed the DMZ tour from the city, as I’m very interested in their war history.

by Marya at The Beau Traveler

Australia

Australia is a comfortable destination to explore for a first-time solo trip. First, it’s a safe and open-minded country. Second, it’s easy to communicate with people and get help if needed. Third, there are many opportunities to meet and connect with other travellers.

I did a few solo travels around Australia and found it the perfect destination to be completely alone and test your limits if you wish, but also never feel lonely or isolated at the same time. Solo travellers are a market target for many Australian businesses so you can find tours and accommodations that suit your travel style.

One of my best memories as a solo traveller is joining a tag-along 4WD and camping tour on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. As I was driving on the beach of the world’s largest sand island, I felt like I was spending the weekend with a group of friends. It’s fantastic that even solo travellers have easy access to remote places and don’t miss out on the natural beauty of Australia.

by Eloise at My Favourite Escapes

Paris, France

The French Capital may well be the City of Love, but that doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a solo trip to Paris just as much as you would were you travelling with loved ones! Imagine this: you are strolling down the grand boulevards, marvelling at the breathtaking world-famous monuments, and sipping on wine en terrasse…

And that’s not the only reason that Paris is great for the first time solo traveller!

Whatever your budget, interests, and passions, Paris has plenty to offer. Between free French attractions (try taking a free walking tour if you want to hang out with other visitors to the city!), a foodie scene in a place where it’s normal to dine alone, and everything in between, you’ll soon discover that the city has plenty to occupy the solo traveller.

Finally, thanks to its status as a major European city, when it comes to accommodation you can find lively hostels which are perfect for those who are looking to make new friends or boutique hotels where you can rest and relax.

by Sophie at Solo Sophie

Iceland

Iceland has become one of the most popular travel destinations recently. And for good reason. The country is a solo traveler’s dream; especially for a female solo traveler. It’s consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, which means you can explore the island worry-free. Whether you visit during the winter months and chase the northern lights or the summer months for midnight sun, there’s always an abundance of things to explore in Iceland.

The Golden Circle and Ring Road make the perfect road trip itineraries, complete with fjords, puffins, geysers, and more waterfalls than you can imagine. Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, is known for its music scene, nightlife, and world-class restaurants. As a solo traveler, it’s definitely worth spending a night or two there.

*Fun Fact: More than half of Iceland’s population resides in the Reykjavik area, which makes meeting new people very easy.

After you’ve explored Iceland until your heart is content, end your trip at the Blue Lagoon! Although touristy, it’s a great way to relax and reflect on the amazing time you had in Iceland.

by Michele at Pursuing Wanderlust Blog

El Nido, Philippines

Asia in general is a great place for a first solo trip, but El Nido in the Philippines specifically I would definitely recommend! I arrived at Outpost Hostel after getting the boat to El Nido from Coron, and was greeted by the staff there like I had come home! Even as you get off the boat, people are already looking for others to share their taxis into town.

El Nido is a lively place, full of backpackers and solo travellers. The incredible beaches all around El Nido mean that boat trips are the number one thing to do. These are the best way to meet people; there’s nowhere to shy away on a boat! Everyone is a friend by the end of the day.

There are many hostels in El Nido, but Outpost Hostel is the one I would recommend for a solo trip. It is always busy with people; even people not staying at the hostel come here for the evening activities organised by the staff, such as pub quizzes. El Nido is also very relaxed, with some of the most incredible beaches, so it is also a great place to relax as a solo traveller during your trip.

by Hanna at Solar Powered Blonde

Isle of Arran, Scotland

The Isle of Arran is really easy to reach from Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow. It’s also extremely safe with a great sense of community, both of which makes Arran the ideal place for a solo trip. Arran is known as Scotland in miniature because of the Highland fault line that runs across the centre of the island. This means the northern half is filled with rugged mountains and a rough and rocky terrain and the southern half is lush and green with beautiful white sandy beaches so you get a real taste of Scotland, on an island!

There is a relaxing and calm feeling that washes over you when you step off the ferry and it continues as you meander around, spotting otters, red squirrels and golden eagles. Quaint little cafes sell amazing quality meals, and most of them have at least one offering of the famous Arran cheese. You can also take a tour of Arran Distillery, complete with whisky samples, after chilling out at the beach or climbing Arran’s highest mountain, Goatfell.

by Nicola at FunkyEllas Travel

Portland, USA

Portland is a great choice for a first time solo trip in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. Portland has a lot going for it for everybody, but I feel it’s an especially cool place to visit for solo travelers because of a few reasons!

First, the FOOD! Portland is one of the food capitals of the U.S. where you can enjoy all nationalities of foods just about anywhere you are in the city. Portland is especially popular for its food truck scene. You’ll find food trucks all over the city, and specific spots in the city where a collection of trucks are held, with the Alder pod located in the downtown area being the biggest one.

Secondly, Portland is just a cool hip city with interesting and odd things to do (keep Portland weird, right!). It’s a big city mixed with an old soul. Lastly, the vibe of Portland is very very laid back and chilled, which makes it one of the best cities for a solo traveler to visit. There are tons of coffee shops to chill in, many bars and interesting places to grab a drink and meet locals, and the vibe of Portland feels very non-judgemental and a bit more alternative – perfect for getting lost, discovering yourself, and being you in a different place!

by Jason at Minted Habits

Seoul, South Korea

Over the past few years, Korean culture has spread massively with K-pop dance classes, Korean cuisine and Korean bamboo sheet face masks becoming ever more popular. But the best place to indulge in everything Korean is Seoul, which makes a great destination for a first solo trip.

Although navigating around a country whose signs bear foreign characters may seem intimidating, South Korea’s capital is well-connected with a single metro system. And even if you do get lost, many locals will help point you in the right direction. (A couple of police officers even escorted me to my hotel – in a police car!)

If you’re lucky, you may run into tourism students that are eager to practice their English by giving free tours of landmarks around the city. As with many metropolises in East Asia, traveling around Seoul feels exceptionally safe; the city’s residents will pretty much leave you to your own devices while you explore the temples and other landmarks.

by Alison at Dance Dispatches

Guatemala

by Daniel at Layer Culture

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart may not be the number one place on the radar for first time solo travelers to Europe, however it’s one of the best central locations to stay in. Its location is perfect for day trips to the Black Forest, Rhine Falls, Switzerland, Hohenzollern Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Lake Constance, Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber and so many other places. Stuttgart has its own airport so flight connections are attained easily to places in Europe as it also has some of the cheapest airlines that fly to Italy, France, Croatia, Spain and many other countries.

It is the headquarters of Mercedes Benz and has an impressive museum in central Stuttgart showing the history of the car.  It is also home to the second largest beer festival in Germany, Cannstatter Volkfest in October, which is a great alternative to Munich’s Oktoberfest.  In the winter, it has a very large Christmas market that lasts for several weeks and spreads across the pedestrian walking area.

by Diana at The Elusive Family

Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei is perfect for a first solo travel trip. It combines all the things there is to love about Asia -intriguing markets selling unusual foods, beautiful temples, bustling city streets and amazing shopping – without other elements that might be a bit intimidating if you’re not the bravest traveller.

If my first solo trip had been to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for example, I’d probably still be standing by the side of the road working out how to get through the motorbikes to the other side. In Taipei, crossing the road is easy, a clean, reliable metro service will get you all the places you want to go, there’s not a big drinking culture so you don’t have to worry about boozy folk in bars and cafes, and people smile and say hello which you appreciate when travelling solo.

Must see sights, solo or otherwise, include Taipei 101 and the enormous Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, but there’s also a few unique things to do in Taipei alone to check out like soaking in the hot springs or booking yourself in for a hair wash!

by Helen at Destination>Differentville

Cornwall, UK

I had my first solo trip to the county of Cornwall in the south-western part of the UK. This beautiful county is blessed with some very captivating beaches. Home to the famous open-air theatre in the UK, Minack Theatre and fairy-tale castle of St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall is a perfect solo trip destination.

With countless beaches to explore, one wouldn’t ever feel lonely there. In fact, Cornish people are very kind and friendly. I remember meeting many people of various age groups on my way and many of them complimented me on the flowery hand band that I wore. Cornwall is rich in natural beauty and architecture and therefore one can have an amazing time there without the need for social interaction or a company to go along with.

It is very easy and safe to move around using public around and people are kind enough to help if ever required. If one is longing for a safe, pleasant first-time solo trip, Cornwall is perfect.

by Nabiha at Verses by a Voyager

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia. Almost 16 mln tourists come to St. Petersburg every year. Moreover, the city is a friendly destination for solo travellers. Why so?St. Petersburg has a good touristic infrastructure. Public transport in St. Petersburg allows travelling easily throughout the city and to the suburbs. Even if you travel solo, you’ll be safe. Besides, there are plenty of places to stay: from tiny hostels to 5-star luxury hotels.

St. Petersburg has many world-famous attractions. Don’t miss the Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. If you like slow travels, go wander in the gorgeous parks of Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo. All largest museums have tours and audio guides in English, French and other languages.

St. Petersburg is the right place for food-lovers. Many restaurants offer traditional Russian dishes: borsch, beef Stroganoff, pelmeni or blini. Pay attention to the contemporary Russian cuisine as well. For instance, try buckthorn sorbet and honey cake with wax ice-cream. By the way, most of the cafes and restaurants have Wi-Fi and sockets for charging phones. This is useful when you want to send photos to your friends and an “I’m OK!” message to your mom.

by Anna at Travel Cultura

Havana, Cuba

Havana in Cuba is a great destination for first-time travellers. The city is very social, built on salsa and cocktails! It’s friendly and bustling with fellow visitors. Cuba has a low crime rate, partly due to its political history. Locals live off their unofficial income stream, tourism, so don’t want to upset visitors.

There is, of course, the famous Cuban charm so do be aware of common scams like where a local asks you to buy milk for his baby or a couple advises you that an attraction is closed but they know another that is open… Just have your wits about you as you would in any capital city.

A few tips: 1) Stay in one of Havana’s hostels for the first few nights to meet travel buddies. We ended up travelling with the same group for the most part of our trip. 2) The old Internet in Cuba situation! There is WiFi but it is restricted to specific WiFi hotspots and you have to log on to access it. Consider this in relation to your own safety when out and about, especially if partying. 3) Moving from destinations is expensive. Taxi collectivo (private cars) are approximately $25 per person every time you move.

by Gemma at Two Scots Abroad

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, a large port city in the north of Germany, makes a very easy introduction to European travel. The public transportation system is very efficient and easy to use. I recommend getting a Hamburg Card as soon as you arrive, as this will give you free access to all public buses, trains and ferries. The honor system is followed here, so you don’t even have to worry about stamping your ticket each time you board. You can just walk straight on! The card also entitles you to discounts on the best of the city’s attractions.

Of the many things to see in Hamburg, you should definitely not miss the Elbphilharmonie and its spectacular viewing platform, the Speicherstadt warehouse district along the canals, and Miniature Wonderland, the largest model railway system in the world.

Most locals in Hamburg speak English very well, especially the younger generations, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating. And they also love to party! Head to one of the bars on the Reeperbahn or in the hip Sternschanze district to make friends with the locals.

by Wendy at The Nomadic Vegan 

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tourism is still developing in Central Asia and that is why maybe it is not the best destination for a first solo trip. However, Almaty in Kazakhstan is the exception.This well developed city is a perfect place for a first solo trip that gives you a taste of Central Asia. There are plenty of hostels to meet other people and it is easy to travel around with an excellent public transport system.

In Almaty you will find old Soviet architecture, hip cafes and restaurants and a true central Asian bazaar. But best of all is the nature that surrounds the city. Everywhere you look you will see the Tien Shan mountains.Taxi’s are relatively cheap and in one hour you can be in alpine sceneries.

Don’t miss the turquoise Big Almaty Lake or the skate ring in Medeu. Nearby Shymbulak is a ski resort in winter, but a hikers paradise in summer. Almaty has lots of things to see and do and at the same time offers all the facilities a solo traveller needs.

by Ellis at Backpack Adventures

London, UK

London is the most amazing city in the world. It’s a super safe capital with something to offer to everyone, no matter what you look for while traveling. It’s a diverse and welcoming place, full of landmarks, history and art, and surrounded by nature and some more history.

Explore London’s multiculturalism – from palaces to parks, from museums to markets, from festivals to food. Regardless of how much time you have or what time of year it is, this city is perfect to start your solo journey. An institution for Brits is the local pub. Go for a pint and start making friends. People tend to be shy, but they will happily chat with you if you start the conversation.

Another great way to feel the local vibe is visiting any of the markets. Borough, Camden and Portobello are the best known ones, always bustling, full of treasures to be discovered. You’ll go back home in love with London and with solo
traveling!

by Coni at Experiencing the Globe

Tokyo, Japan

Japan is a country that is surprisingly easy to navigate on a solo trip and what better spot to explore than the capital city, Tokyo? Tokyo is perfect for a first-time solo trip because it is safe, clean and easy to get around with so many exciting pockets to explore.

As a solo traveller, I’ve found the hostels in Tokyo to be some of the nicest in the world. I’ve never felt unsafe walking the Tokyo streets at night, which is super important as a solo female. Tokyo is also full of tourists and expats, so I have always found it easy to meet people – I have even spent nights out in Tokyo with locals who speak hardly any English. Sometimes all you need is to know a few simple Japanese words to be adopted into the fold!

by Emma at Emma Jane Explores 

Portugal

Choosing Portugal as the perfect country for a first adventure traveling alone is not fortuitous. This country, which I am lucky to have next door and visit often, is one of the friendliest I’ve seen in my life to date. The ease of use of its public transport (such as CP trains – Comboios de Portugal – and buses – Flixbus and other companies), the incredible offer along it to keep tourists busy, the proximity of its people, and the security that it offers (its crime rate is very low) are just some of the reasons why I like to recommend it for first-time travelers.

If you are looking for something else than going from town to town endlessly, check out some of the surf camps and yoga retreats that exist throughout its geography. They are perfect to meet people and improve your skills in these two things. Enjoy!

by Inma at A World to Travel

Rome, Italy

The Italian capital city is rich with art, architecture, food and culture. It is home to great monuments such as the Colosseum, the Castel Sant’Angelo, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain (toss in 1 coin to return and two coins to find love with your right hand over left shoulder). Head over to Vatican City where you can tour the Vatican Museums, which features an amazing art collection and culminates beneath Michelangelo’s famous fresco high above the Sistine Chapel.

When visiting, I suggest getting a Roma Pass for either 48 hours or 72 hours (28~39 Euro). With it, you get free admission to at least one museum or archeological site with expedited entry, unlimited use of the local public transportation while the card is active and other benefits and discounts. Rome’s central location allows you to travel to other cities like Venice (4hrs), Florence (1.5hrs) and Naples (1.5hrs) on their great rail system.

Accommodation options do not have to break the bank. My favorite place to stay is the Yellow Hostel where you can find rates as low as 15 Euro per night. With a bit of prep, your solo trip to Rome will be a slice of La Dolce Vita.

by Joel at Conquering Bounds 

Bruges, Belgium

The first time I stayed in a hostel was in Bruges, Belgium. It was at the end of a long day dealing with French rail strikes, but from the moment I arrived I felt comfortable and the people were so friendly. Bruges has a lot to offer as a first-time destination when travelling alone.

Ideally situated within easy reach of major transport hubs such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Paris. Bruges has many reasons to visit, all in a place with the feel of a small town. Where else can you mix the canals of Venice, the bicycles of Holland, medieval churches of northern Europe and the beers of, well, Belgium? It’s also easy to get around as everything is within a comfortable walking distance.

Better yet, English is widely spoken so you’ll rarely have problems communicating.Everything Belgium is famous for is in Bruges. You’ll find three breweries in the city and many more within the locality. There are not many places where you can spend the day tasting some of the world’s best beers followed by a visit to the chocolate museum. Bruges is a picturesque fairytale town. What better place to start your first adventure.

by Stuart at Stuart Fahy

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit, especially for a solo traveler. There are inexpensive direct flights from the United States from several cities, English is spoken readily, and public transportation is easy and convenient to use. You can have your choice of accommodations from a hostel, Airbnb, to the high-end hotels.

And there are so many activities for you to do here that you will have a hard time to choose. There are castles and palaces to explore, hills to climb for breathtaking views of the city especially at sunset, ghost tours, art museums, historical buildings, churches and plenty of day tours to the Highlands and surrounding area that leave from Edinburgh.

Oh, and the food is absolutely delicious. This is a great place to get your feet wet traveling to Europe solo. But don’t take my word for it, come and see for yourself!

by Heather at RaulersonGirlsTravel 

Tanzania

The first trip I ever took outside of my home country was to Tanzania in East Africa. I had always dreamed of visiting Africa and attempted to get people to go on a trip there for the longest time but never got any takers so I decided I would go on my own! I feel like it is one of the best places to go as a first-time solo traveler because there are so many amazing things to do and see there.

I signed up to volunteer at a school in Arusha, Tanzania through an in-country volunteer company called TVE. There are a ton of other solo travelers that volunteer through TVE and you stay in a big volunteer house together so it was super easy to meet other people and make friends who wanted to go on trips together. While I was there I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and went on a Safari in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with some great friends I made while volunteering. It was the absolute best experience and I loved it as a first-time solo travel destination!

by Jessica at Unearth the Voyage 

Ireland

Ireland is a great place for a first solo trip. English is spoken (though it’s possible you may not understand every single word you hear – there is some local vocabulary and accents can be strong) and it is easy to get around. Irish people are also incredibly friendly and hospitable, so it is easy to meet people. In fact, it is almost impossible not to meet someone if you’re in an Irish pub in a small town on a Friday night. If the local team just won a football game, things get even rowdier.

I went to Ireland on my first solo trip and had many a fun night out. There are great things to do during the day as well, of course. I loved cycling the Aran Islands (read more here) and the Ring of Kerry and hiking around Dingle and Connemara. You can rent a car easily enough, but if you have more time, local buses will help you meet people too.  It really makes a great first trip!

by James at Travel Collecting

Segovia, Spain

If you are looking for a city to visit by yourself in Spain, Segovia is the perfect fit. Located 1 hour from Madrid, Segovia is a good place for a solo day trip because it is very easy to access by car or by public transportation, it is a safe city and everything is located in the same area so you won’t have the trouble of navigating with a map.

Segovia is a small but pretty city where you can find amazing monuments, beautiful churches and a ton of viewpoints over the city. Here are some spots you shouldn’t miss while visiting Segovia :

• Catedral de Segovia
• Plaza Mayor
• Acqueduct of Segovia
• Mirador Sancti Spiritu

There are many more places to see in Segovia: a full walking tour of the city only takes from 2 hours to 5 hours if you want to visit each monument along the way. Segovia reunites everything to make your first solo day trip a success!

by Nesrine at KEVMRC

Tulum, Mexico

There are few places that scream “solo traveler” more than Tulum, Mexico. This funky beach town, a little under two hours south of Cancun, truly has it all, from Instagrammable beach bars, English-speakers around every corner, and just enough of a party vibe to make it incredibly easy to meet fellow travelers.

While Tulum is a great place to veg out on the endless white sand beaches, it’s also the perfect place to dig into Mexican culture- head to downtown Tulum to scarf down some panucho (black bean-filled tortillas topped with avocado and other tasty toppings); scope out a backyard cenote (a sinkhole filled with freshwater you can swim in) just waiting to be explored; and get ready to hike through the dense jungle surrounding the city. Whether you’re looking to fall in love, lay contentedly on a beach, or truly fly solo, Tulum is ready and waiting for you.

by Jessica at Uprooted Traveler 

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the perfect spot for your first solo trip because it condenses all the wonders of Europe into one breathtaking city. The Czech capital also wins points for being safe, having a nice and easy to use public transportation system, and of course great beer and bars to meet other travelers.  In short, Prague pretty much has it all!

This sprawling city holds the world’s largest castle, a river spanned by charming bridges and surrounded by beautiful architecture. There are iconic sights, but there are also lots of small hidden gems to explore as well. One could easily spend a week or more exploring Prague without having to hop between cities on lonely solo train rides.

Lastly, to fill the time or find new friends, Prague has beer halls, beer gardens, and beer-related drinking establishments to keep you busy for months. Bonus points for the beer being almost as cheap as it is good. All things considered, Prague has all the ingredients for a perfect solo trip!

by Hannah & Adam at GettingStamped

[Note from me: And maybe you’ll fall in love with Prague on your first solo trip and you’ll end up moving to Prague, like us!]

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona was my very first solo destination. That was over a decade and tens of more destinations ago. I was in the city for a long weekend, and I stayed in a hostel. Within moments of my arrival, I was fed pasta by a stranger.  It’s one of the stories I’ll never forget about the kindness of strangers and the safety in solo travel. That weekend I spent my days wandering the city by myself, down Las Ramblas, to the beach, around the Sagrada Familia (not in, I was a broke college kid).

By the evening I was back in my hostel, cooking dinner on one of the two electric hobs (broke college kid, remember) and meeting everyone else I could. We went to the largest club in Europe, local pubs, and on walks through the city, lit up in the darkness. Barcelona was where I learned that I could, and would be alright. It is a big, overwhelming city which is completely and totally manageable.

by Caitlin at The Country Jumper

Las Vegas, USA

Las Vegas is a great place for a first time solo trip because it has something to do for every type of person and personality. The city’s known for its gambling and casinos, but it’s also a hotspot for art, museums, nature, wildlife, food, music, and endless entertainment. If you’re on a budget, there’s over 100 free things to do in Vegas that are perfect for a solo trip. I especially love watching all the shows!

Safety is also never a concern. During my first visit, I walked the entire 3 miles of the Strip by myself, and I always felt completely comfortable. Even the hotels in Vegas are like theme parks. It can take a full day just to explore each one. There’s truly nowhere in the world quite like Las Vegas, and I highly recommend it for a solo trip!

by Jillian Michelle at Adventure Dragon

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has all the ingredients that make for a great first solo trip. It has become quite popular with backpackers in the last few years so you won’t have any trouble making new friends in Sri Lanka. As a result of the backpacking scene, there are some great hostels to choose where you can connect with other travellers. Some of the best hostel atmospheres I found were Camp Kush in Unawatuna, and in Ella.

Even if you’re solo in Sri Lanka, you won’t find yourself getting bored in the country. Whether you want to go on safari for elephants, hike in tea plantations, or relax on pristine beaches – there are endless options for activities to add to your itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Another aspect that makes solo travel easy in Sri Lanka is the friendly locals. They are some of the most kind and genuine people, and will be sure to make Sri Lanka feel like a second home to you. Sri Lanka is a perfect country to try out solo travel. By the end of it, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t gone solo before!

by Lora at Explore with Lora 

Penang, Malaysia

For someone who is about to go on their very first solo trip, I highly recommend Penang, Malaysia. Here’s why:

#1. With an international airport, Penang is well connected to Kuala Lumpur (the capital of Malaysia) and many major Asian cities. Thanks to Airasia, the airfares are usually very affordable.

#2. Penang is known to be the food paradise in Malaysia thanks to the diversity in ethnicity. You are going to find many mouth-watering delicacies from street food vendors. The food hygiene standard, for the most part, is above average.

#3. It’s a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site.

#4. English is widely spoken.

#5. If you are a nature lover, you will definitely enjoy yourself on the white sandy beach of Penang National park. As well, there are many excellent hiking trails in Penang Hill, Balik Pulau, Gertak Sanggul, and Teluk Pahang.

by Ming at Flyerism 

Thanks to all of the amazing travel bloggers who contributed to this post and shared their pick for the best place for your first solo trip.
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