Best Countries for Solo Travel

Traveling solo is a great way to see the world. You can choose your own itinerary and do whatever activities suit you best. Heading out alone provides opportunities for self-discovery and a chance to reflect. You might even meet some new friends on the way. 

Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or about to take your first trip alone, here are some great solo travel destinations to consider.  

Switzerland

For safety, great public transportation and beautiful natural scenery, Switzerland is among the best places for solo trips.

Visitors can purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, which allows unlimited travel in Switzerland by train, bus or boat for up to 15 consecutive days. It gives you access to Switzerland's beautiful cities like Lucerne and Geneva.

While you’re there, check out some of the many Swiss museums, including the Swiss National Museum in Zurich and Kuntsmuseum in Basel, to name a few.

Iceland

Iceland, the "land of fire and ice," is a great destination for first-time solo travelers.

Iceland’s incredible landscapes include towering waterfalls, lagoons, caverns, beaches, volcanoes and fjords. Visit Europe's largest glacier at Vatnajökull National Park or backpack and camp at the Thingvellir National Park. Once you're done communing with nature, visit the healing waters of the famous Blue Lagoon, which offers geothermic pools, a subterranean spa, gourmet cuisine and upscale accommodations.

Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, is a beautiful seaside city with much to offer, including the Reykjavik Art Museum, Harpa Concert Hall, whale watching and the northern lights.

Japan

Japan offers a vibrant, bustling social scene in cities like Tokyo. This is counterbalanced by the countryside and quieter cities like Kyoto. All over the country you can sit among Zen gardens to reflect and enjoy nature.

Be sure to hit some of Japan's many festivals (matsuri) that celebrate almost anything you can think of with fireworks, giant floats, dancing and music. Then, after the festivities, take a meditative dip in an onsen. 

New Zealand

New Zealand comprises two large islands (North Island and South Island) and more than 700 smaller ones.

New Zealand is a country of outstanding natural beauty that offers many outdoor activities. Some unique adventures include visiting the floating underwater observatory at Milford Sound, which descends 30 feet to give you a fantastic view of the marine life below. Head for Waiheke Island on a ferry from Auckland to explore more than 30 wineries.

Of course, New Zealand also has a thriving urban culture, including Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Wellington, which offer a variety of top-tier museums and galleries, active craft brewery scenes and great restaurants and cafes.

Australia

Australia is home to a diverse set of landscapes, making it the perfect place to have many different experiences.

Build your itinerary around biodiversity and see Australia's many wild and wonderful animals – including whales, koalas, kangaroos and platypuses. The Great Barrier Reef is teeming with wildly colorful plant and sea life.

Up for some culture, art and fine cuisine? Then Sydney is a great choice. Australia has a great transportation system that allows you to drive or fly from destination to destination without hassle. Also, be sure to check out The Ghan, a great way to travel the country in splendor by train.

Spain

Spain is an excellent destination for solo travelers. It has a deep history and a diverse range of cultures, each with its own traditions and art.

Visit one of the many festivals in Spain, such as the Feria de Abril in Seville, where you'll experience firsthand the foods and customs of the Basque region. If you’re looking to explore urban areas, visit any of its great cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, and enjoy the dazzling nightlife and contemporary architecture.

You’ll also want to take advantage of Spain’s stunning shoreline. With its many islands and hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, Spain is an excellent spot for sun-and-sea lovers worldwide.

Norway

Norway checks all the boxes as one of the best solo travel destinations in the world. It’s scenic, safe and has bustling urban areas and an extensive transportation infrastructure.

Oslo, Norway’s capital, is a beautiful city with quaint shops, iconic buildings and many museums, including the National Museum.

You’ll also want to experience Norway's stunning natural landscape. A great way to do that is to rent a car and drive on the Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road), which will give you a beautiful panorama of Norway's coastline in all its natural splendor. No trip would be complete without a visit to at least one of Norway's famous fjords, such as the Geirangerfjord or Aurlandsfjord.

Peru

While its northern tip nearly touches the Equator, Peru also contains a section of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains, home to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu. Because of these varied landscapes, Peru offers incredible sightseeing, hiking and beaches all along its 1900-mile coastline.

You'll also want to visit Lima, Peru’s capital, founded in 1535, with its many historical and cultural landmarks, vibrant nightlife and world-class cuisine. Peru has an excellent public transportation system and is one of the most affordable countries to travel in – all good reasons why it’s one of the best places to visit alone.  

Costa Rica

If you're a fan of beautiful beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and waterfalls, then Costa Rica is for you.

This Central American nation with coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean offers many solo-friendly activities like hiking, horseback riding and ziplining. Visit the 30,000-acre Arenal Volcano National Park, one of Costa Rica's most famous attractions, which towers 5,357 feet into the clouds. You can also head to San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, and visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. And, when you're done with all the activities, be sure to hit Ecotermales Fortuna to warm up in the magnesium-rich waters heated by the Arenal Volcano.

Making the most of solo travel

If you’re planning your next solo trip, booking with the Citi Travel^® site with an eligible ThankYou credit card lets you earn points on hotels, car rentals and more. 

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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