The Best Solo Travel Destinations in the World

Wendell Berry famously said “Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” The best way to truly discover the world for yourself is to travel on your own.

Solo travel has many benefits beyond getting all the “me time” you need. You can save money, effort and time, plus you can free yourself up to say “yes!” to any experience that comes your way, without having to double check with your companion’s comfort zone. Having said that, solo travel does come with some challenges. Staying within budget is a common challenge, but with Rakuten you can book your arrangements and earn Cash Back so your budget on the road can have a bit more flexibility. Another challenge when abroad is staying in touch. As you follow your wanderlust to faraway lands, consider keeping a blog of your adventures so your friends and family will know what you’re up to. It’s a fun way to look back at your travels later and keep in touch in the moment.

Of the thousands of international destinations that are single-traveler friendly, we have narrowed this list down to a select few and made sure to find options for all types of travelers. In making our selections, we considered three main elements: safety, simplicity and affordability. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or new to the game, here are our selections for the best places to travel alone.

For the Adventure Lover: New Zealand

New Zealand is famous for its geographic diversity. In this tiny country you can climb a glacier, swim with seals and hike through tropical jungles. This incredibly hospitable country is made up of two main islands, the North and South. Each region of the islands has its own character, and because they’re so compact, you can easily visit several in one trip.

For the adrenaline junkie, check out great deals at BookIt.com for flights into Queenstown on the South Island where you can find easy access to jet boat rides, skiing, river rafting, sea kayaking, hiking, biking and the original bungee jump experience. When you need to relax after so much excitement, head to the wine country of nearby Lake Wanaka for vineyard tours and some of the best dining on the Island.

For a more relaxed experience, find fantastic airfare and hotel deals with Travelocity and fly into Auckland on the North Island, the country’s largest city. It’s easy to find day trips to wildlife sanctuaries, natural hot spring spas and a variety of eco-adventures. Plus you’ll have more spending money when you travel since you’ll earn Cash Back at Rakuten. You’ll find magnificent beaches, sunset kayaking, yachting, world-class shopping and dining. For women traveling alone who are not interested in dining solo, try area street vendors or the restaurant at your hotel for a taste of the local cuisine and a relaxing time to yourself.

For the Culturally Curious: Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the friendliest destinations to solo travel, particularly for women. This welcoming country is famous for its long coastline which is not only beautiful, but also provides some of the best seafood in the world. Vietnam is the place to go if you want to be wowed by incredible architecture, breathtaking views and a rich cultural history. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you can use Rakuten to find an affordable flight at Expedia to the capital city of Hanoi in the north. You can strike out from there for easy day trips or to more secluded destinations along the coast.

If you’re an experienced traveler and want to take sightseeing into your own hands, head from Hanoi to Sapa which is a popular tourism destination for adventuresome travelers from around the world. There you can book a guided motorbike or 3-day homestay tour which will introduce you to local hosts who make special provisions for solo female travelers. Check out Orbitz for incredible deals on reputable homestay tours and earn Cash Back at Rakuten when you book.

If you want a more luxurious experience, find incredible deals at Booking.com on a Paradise Luxury Cruise experience in the Ha Long Bay where you can relax on a luxury version of the traditional Vietnamese junk boat that features onboard spa, fishing and dining opportunities. The boat’s route will bring you to some of the best places to visit for scenery, custom-made clothing, historical sites and more.

For the Social Butterfly: Ireland

If you want to travel alone, but not be alone, Ireland is the ultimate destination. Eating, drinking and being merry is just the beginning of this remarkable country where it’s nearly impossible to not make friends around every corner. Check out CheapTickets for great deals on flights and vacation packages to Dublin, the beating heart of Ireland, and from there it’s easy to travel anywhere in this small island nation. Search for a promo code at Rakuten for even bigger savings on top of your Cash Back.

Ireland is a mostly rural country with metropolitan pockets and it’s easy to get away into the wilderness for a day trip or multi-day adventures in the mountains, the ocean or on horseback through the beautiful countryside. You can find mountain biking tours through Galway, riding and hiking tours through Connemara and exceptional kayaking and surfing in Kerry, all of which are accessible from Dublin. But you don’t have to leave Dublin for adventure as it’s known as one of the best cities for shopping, dining, nightlife and, of course, the best beer in the world!

Which of these destinations is now on your solo-traveling bucket list? Let us know with a comment below!