Traveling alone internationally can be very freeing but evidently does come with dangers and conditions. The countries most welcoming to solo adventurers tend to be those that are safest, friendliest, and already equipped with some level of infrastructure wherein single tourists are welcomed.
If you want to try your hand at solo travelling, here are the ten best countries to travel alone:
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is a very popular destination for backpackers, is one of the safest countries in the world, and is the perfect place to take an in-the-country outdoor adventure. There are guided tours, cruises through the fjords and rainforests, hikes across glaciers and crossings, caves to explore, and even whale watching. There’s such a heavy infrastructure here in New Zealand for single travelers that it’s well worth a go.
2. Thailand
Thailand is called the ‘Land of Smiles’ for a reason, making it one of the best countries to travel alone in Asia. Affordably priced, it’s easy to travel through, likely will be filled with other adventurers and travelers, and those who venture here are a unique mix, ranging from seasoned backpackers to students, retirees, and couples.
More than 35 million people visit Thailand every year. There’s no shortage of things to explore, especially around hubs like Bangkok and there’s a lot of transportation here ensuring you get to wherever you need to get to.
3. Germany
Germany is one of the best countries to travel alone, particularly for female travelers. This is because the country has a lot of amazing activities one can enjoy alone. Art galleries, museums, street art tours, shopping at farmer’s markets and street markets, and a transportation network to get you to wherever you’ve got to get to, Germany’s a definite inclusion on any list of best countries to travel alone to.
English is widely spoken here and the locals are incredibly helpful. There’s a lot of cultural diversity here as well with Germany being perhaps a European country most welcoming to migrants and refugees.
4. Norway
Norway in the summer comes with warm weather, outdoor attractions, museums, restaurants, and more to explore. There’s so much to do across this safe European country. You can cruise the fjords, hike, kayak, do up a dog sled, or simply go for some cycling in cities like Oslo. If you’re seeking some private time with the Northern Lights in Norway, visiting between November and March is perfect to catch a glimpse.
5. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has everything from white-water rafting to zip-lining through stunningly gorgeous rainforests, waterfalls, and more. You can go hiking in a national park surrounded by a volcano, enjoy a relaxing moment in hot springs, meet the wildlife at tropical beaches, or take your adventurous spirit out of the organization and seek out off-the-beaten-path activities.
For independent travelers going it alone, Costa Rica should certainly be one of the countries to consider especially if this is your first time venturing out solo. You may want to consult with a travel agency for more details on how to navigate the region, but once you have all the information, this is a perfect destination for solo travellers.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most developed countries, easing a traveler into a foreign territory with options to venture off into more off-beat areas. English is a popular language here which is beneficial. There are cities, small towns, beaches, mountains, and more to travel to in Malaysia as someone traveling alone. Ultimately it’s a very unique cultural experience to travel throughout the area and you don’t need to put up with any sort of language barrier either.
7. Switzerland
Switzerland by train is an absolutely gorgeous way to take in a new country, journeying past waterfalls, forests, and lakes, and with stops along the Alps, medieval castles, and more. As a single traveler, it’s well recommended to get a Swiss Travel Pass and to take in the country at your leisure. You can hop on and off as you desire. Switzerland has a lot of wilderness to admire although there’s no shortage of chocolate factories and more small business-oriented fare to indulge in either.
8. Japan
Japan is known as one of the best countries to travel alone. This region is safe, clean polite, and organized, with a unique culture, cuisine, and technology center to explore. Although those traveling alone may experience some uncomfortability with the language barrier, considering transportation signs are all in Japanese and few people in Japan speak English, learning the language is recommended. These barriers aside, the people are very kind and friendly. Also, the transportation system is very well-developed allowing to traverse cities with ease.
9. Denmark
Denmark’s colorful townhouse-lining canals, wooden ship building culture, and flower gardens aren’t to be forgotten. For first-time travelers or solo adventurers, there’s a lot to take in here although for Europeans, they may find it is more of the same for them. Regardless, Denmark is a safe, friendly country with a lot of history, museums, and culture here.
10. Iceland
Are you an outdoorsy kind of person looking for someplace secluded, gorgeous, safe, and dreamy? Iceland’s it. Ranked as the safest country in the world, it’s very accommodating to travelers traveling alone and you won’t have to worry about getting lost. It’s a fun place to take a road trip on your own. The country is small and intimate, feeling almost like its own local neighborhood.
Also, almost everyone speaks English so this means no language barrier. Unfortunately for some though, the biggest drawback to Iceland is that it can be quite expensive.
