7 Best First-Time Solo Travel Destinations (by Travel Style)

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The first time you hit the road solo is an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. You’re taking in so much by yourself, having an absolutely life-changing experience…but you’re also doing it without built-in company, someone to turn to if things go wrong, in a country you don’t know.

If you’ve been following my blog, you know that I recommend everyone try solo travel at least once in their life. The personal rewards and experiences you get from the trip are absolutely priceless. However, taking that first step towards solo travel is sometimes easier said than done.

Which is why, after traveling to over 50 countries – many of them solo – I’ve decided to share the best first-time solo travel destinations, according to your preferences and travel style.

It’s one thing to generally recommend my readers try traveling solo…why not make it easier by talking about where you should go? So you can feel safe, comfortable, and get around easily.

Note: Even though I will provide specific recommendations for each place, you can also use the assortment of tools and resources I provide to plan and book your trip on this site!

Now, before I get comments telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about and there are other cities much better for solo travel, I’m sure you’re right! Keep in mind that this is based on my travel experiences. If I have not gone to a city, I cannot recommend it on this list. There are also destinations I absolutely love, that I still feel may be a little harder for first-time solo travelers to navigate.

However, if you think you know another place perfect for first-time solo travelers, leave a comment below! I would love for this to become a resource for first-time solo trippers.

Considerations like safety while traveling, public transportation, and the ease of getting around solo and finding friends were at the top of my list for the selections below. That’s why a lot of places I really love (hello, Cape Town and Morocco!) unfortunately weren’t included here. Also, the article may be geared towards US readers – in the sense that some of the places may not be “foreign” to everyone reading this, and it assumes you’re an English speaker as most of my audience happens to be – but everyone can use it.

So let’s dive in!

Ireland: The Best Bet for Solo First Timers (and Road Trippers!)

Solo Advantages: Language (ish), Safety, Plenty of Attractions, Beautiful Villages, and Great Nature

Solo Disadvantages: Weather?

English-speaking travelers tentatively attempting their first solo trip abroad can find no easier destination than Ireland. There are no language barriers (ish…depends on the severity of the specific accent), Ireland is incredibly safe, particularly out in the countryside, and there’s a whole lot to do, ranging from exploring incredible nature to staying in charming villages.

Stay in Dublin and/or Belfast for a couple of days, and then rent a car to hit what has quickly become one of Ireland’s top attractions: the Wild Atlantic Way. It weaves down the country’s Atlantic Coast through several counties before ending up in Cork. Personally, I had the time to combine it with a couple of days driving through northern Ireland.

Local Tip: If you’re going to drive the Wild Atlantic Way, give yourself a 1-2 day cushion after you’ve made your itinerary. The road is longer than it appears, and you’re going to want to make more stops than you’ve planned for. ALSO! Rent the smallest car you can. Not a lot of space on those country roads.

I would recommend a ten-day trip to hit the highlights if you want to do a road trip.

Dublin Must-Sees: Kilmainham Goal, a tour of the Guinness Factory, visiting the Emigration Museum, and a walk through Trinity College and its incredible library

Belfast Must-Sees: The Titanic Museum was one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen, and I wasn’t expecting that at all. Also check out St. George’s Market and live music at literally any pub; I visited Kelly’s Cellars and loved it, and there are a lot of other pubs to be found around there for beer lovers (beer started the world, you know).

Wild Atlantic Road Trip Must-Sees: Slieve League, Fanad Head Lighthouse, Achill Island (my personal favorite), Dingle Peninsula, Cong (a bit offroad but I loved it), Glenveagh National Park, Connemara National Park, Silver Strand.

Also: STAY. AT. A CASTLE.

Japan: Solo Travelers Ready For Culture Shock

Solo Advantages: Safe, Public Transportation, Designed for Solo Lifestyle

Solo Disadvantages: Language Barrier/Socializing

The best thing about Tokyo for solo travelers? It’s the safest metropolis in the world! Seriously, crime in Tokyo borders on non-existent, unless, for some reason, you’re cutting deals with Yakuza members. In which case, maybe stop and take account of your life.

And that extends to the rest of Japan as well. Which is why it’s one of the best first time solo travel destinations in the world.

I wandered about Tokyo, Kyoto, and the countryside around Mount Fuji for miles and never once felt in danger, even in areas that would be considered risky in other cities (a stretch of my walk took me by some overgrown train tracks). As a solo traveler, you are free to go pretty much anywhere you want without risking ending up in a dodgy neighborhood.

A bonus for solo travelers in Japan is that it is a country often designed for solo experiences. Japanese businessmen frequently stop by eateries and izakaya (Japanese pubs) alone to unwind after the day, so eating and drinking solo isn’t really out of the ordinary in this city. Public transportation will also take you everywhere you could possibly want to go.

Local Tip: If you want to find locals in a more social mood or bump into some expats, head to the bars in Golden Gai. Actually, head to Golden Gai no matter what. You won’t regret it. Also, go shopping at a Lawson, a convenience store chain in Japan that’s…kind of iconic.

That being said, Japan will challenge travelers looking to reach out and form bonds with others. The language barrier is a huge issue if you don’t speak Japanese, as relatively few locals speak good English. Everyone is polite enough, but they also tend to pretty much keep to themselves. You will find exceptions, of course, but as a general rule, Japan is a more closed-off society.

Tokyo Must-Sees: Akihabara neighborhood, Golden Gai, Tsukiji Fish Market, Shibuya neighborhood, Shinjuku neighborhood, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower observation deck, Ueno Park, Harajuku neighborhood. I will say, one of my favorite things to do in Tokyo was just pick a couple of neighborhoods for a day and walk all around them, seeing what I could find.

Kyoto Must-Sees: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji, Gion District, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Bonus: grab dinner at Ryosho.

Japan Must-Sees: Too many to count. But keep in mind that Japan is seriously promoting its more off-the-radar spots like the islands of Okinawa and the mountains of Sapporo.

Ljubljana: The City With Small-Town Charm

Solo Advantages: Walkable, Safe, Bike-Friendly, Locals Know English

Solo Disadvantages: Small Size, Fewer 24-Hour Amenities

Ljubljana is one of the most underappreciated cities in Europe. This charming capital of 250,000 people should be a haven for solo travelers, as it has an easily walkable historic center, biking paths all over, and plenty of cafes and restaurants to sit in and watch the day go by. Also, there’s great beer everywhere! That automatically gives +50 to any city in my book.

When you’re there, don’t skip out on Ljubljana Castle in the daytime and Metelkova at night. The former army barracks known as Metelkova is now a cool collection of bars and rock venues covered in some really striking street art, all grouped around a central courtyard. Beer here is about $2-3 a bottle (future Joanna: these are 2015 prices. Probably more expensive now). Am I talking about beer again? I need to go out, I think.

Local Tip: For some great views of the city with the castle included, head to the top floor of Nebotičnik Skyscraper. Thanks to Andreja Jernejcic, a Ljubljana local and great travel writer/blogger, for showing me this.

Most people I met in Ljubljana speak a good amount of English, so communication shouldn’t be too difficult, and the city’s small size makes getting around incredibly easy.

Great day trips include a tour out to Lake Bled, or a trip out to Postojna Cave and the nearby castle.

Book Ljubljana Hotels

St. Maarten: The Solo Traveler’s Tropical Island Escape

Solo Advantages: Easy to Socialize, Locals Speak English, Nightlife, Outdoor Activities

Solo Disadvantages: Must Rent Bike or Car

For those who want their first solo trip to be all about beaches and relaxation, St. Maarten is your best bet. This tiny little island is divided between the French and the Dutch, but it actually boasts one of the most diverse communities in the Caribbean, with people from over 100 different countries living on the island.

There is a unique and lively pulse in St. Maarten that I have rarely found in other tropical destinations; after all, there must be a reason why so many tourists that come here just decide to stay.

TIP: Visit Le Galion Beach on the French side for some peace and quiet, or head to Orient Bay and Dawn Beach for beach bars and water sports. Then head back to Dutch Philipsburg and mix it up with travelers and expats from all over the world.

Book St. Maarten Hotels

Mantova: The Prettiest City Without Throngs of Tourists

Solo Advantages: Walkable, Safe, Bike-Friendly, Easy to Socialize

Solo Disadvantages: Smaller City, Fewer 24-Hour Amenities

If you’re a solo traveler and want a destination where you aren’t bumping into tourists around every corner, check out the beautiful and for some reason almost undiscovered Italian city of Mantova. I spent a whole week there and bumped into non-Italians only once.

Travelers who want a good mix of culture and nature will love Mantova, because after checking out the multiple churches and palaces in this historic, medieval city, you can rent a bicycle and explore the Italian countryside, all the way up to Lago di Garda if you want. Mantova is very safe, easily walkable, bike-friendly, full of interesting attractions, and entirely lacking in tourist crowds. Also, if you’re a girl, I guarantee you there will be no shortage of Italian men that are willing to talk to you. I can’t speak for the guys, but people seemed friendly all around.

TIP: Definitely visit the Palazzo di Te and the Palazzo Ducale. They are gorgeous buildings that give some insight into the history of Mantova and the area in general. Also, order a spritz when you’re out at the bar; it’s probably the most popular drink in northern Italy, and pretty tasty too.

Book Mantova Hotels

Syros: The Classy Greek Island You Can Enjoy

Solo Advantages: Very safe, locals speak English, easy to socialize, very walkable center

Solo Disadvantages: Most beaches require a taxi or car rental

Mykonos is undoubtedly one of the top nightlife destinations in Europe. However, Mykonos is great because in addition to bars and clubs, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches and seaside restaurants of the Greek islands. If you stay in the main town of Chora (Χὠρα), getting around on foot is quite easy. To visit other beaches, you have to rent a bike or quad. Do NOT attempt to get around the island by taxi during tourist season; there are a limited number of cabs, and you will be waiting upwards of an hour, if you manage to get a cab at all, in July and August.

Other than that, most locals know good English and other partiers are extremely friendly and open to connecting. Although the island is relatively safe, as with any party destination, stay on top of your drinks and don’t get too incapacitated.

TIP: Visit Solymar and take a dip in Kalo Leivadi (Καλὀ Λειβἀδι) in the afternoon, grab a great cocktail in Little Venice, and then head to one of the clubs by the sea like Guzel, or further out to Cavo Paradiso if you really want to keep the party going all night long.

Book Mykonos Hotels

I got some great suggestions from readers for other perfect solo travel destinations, including Copenhagen, New York, and Prague. What do you think? If you’ve visited a city that you think would be great for first-time solo travelers, comment below!