7 spots to get the most out of going it alone

Key takeways:

• Going solo lets you travel on your own terms, without compromise.
• Your solo travel destination should be safe and welcoming to tourists, with good transportation options and affordable pricing.
• Whether you land in Iceland, Japan, New Zealand or Norway, there are plenty of great options that offer experiences you don't have to share to enjoy.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want, a trip by yourself could be the answer. It's undeniably fun to board a train to your next destination on nothing but a whim or to eat street food for every meal just because you feel like it.

Beyond the fun of it all, solo travel can be a profound experience, offering opportunities for deep reflection and self-discovery. And just because you started a trip alone doesn't mean you'll be by yourself the whole time. With solo travel growing in popularity, you're more likely than ever to meet new friends along the way.

What makes a country good for solo travel?

There's no secret formula for choosing a destination to visit on your own. Like any other trip, it comes down to the type of experience you're seeking. (You wouldn't go to Paris for outdoor adventures or Patagonia for museums.) That said, you may be more likely to have a good time in some places than others. Consider the following factors when choosing where to take your solo adventure.

• Safety. A sense of security is extra important when you're traveling by yourself. Look for countries with low crime rates where you can maintain your peace of mind. The Global Peace Index is a good place to start.
• Infrastructure. Getting around is a huge piece of the solo-travel puzzle. Countries with safe and reliable transit systems can help you save money without sacrificing a single item on your itinerary.
• Cultural norms. Some countries are more accepting of solo travelers than others. This is especially true for female and LGBTQ+ travelers, who may face challenges in destinations with restrictive laws or highly conservative social norms.
• Prices. Traveling alone means you won't be able to split the bill. Countries with a favorable exchange rate and lower costs can offer more bang for your buck so you can stay longer — without needing to sleep on a bunk bed every night.
• Size. Especially if it's your first solo trip, countries that are physically smaller may feel less intimidating. There's a sense of security that comes with knowing that no matter where your journey takes you, you'll always be within a few hours of the airport.

Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or about to take your first trip by yourself, here are some of the best solo travel destinations.

For first-time adventure tourists and beach bums: Costa Rica

From jungles dripping with vines to miles of tranquil coastline, Costa Rica offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. There are ziplines, waterfalls and volcanoes, along with world-class beaches where you can do nothing but soak up the sun. Costa Rica is also considered incredibly safe with an economy built on ecotourism, making it one of the best places to dip your toes into adventure travel.

Get your thrills on

There's nothing like climbing up an active, might-erupt-at-any-second volcano to get your heart pumping, and 5,358-foot tall Arenal doesn't disappoint. The rush of a zipline ride and the instant relief of La Fortuna hot springs are also sought-after experiences in Arenal Volcano National Park. Consider a guided tour to help you stay safe, spot more wildlife (hello, sloths) and make new friends.

Get your chill on

After your rainforest excursion, drive or take the bus to either coast for some well-deserved rest and relaxation. On the Pacific side, rent a foam board catch the famous beginner-friendly waves in vibey beach towns where not even wipeouts can harsh your mellow. The Caribbean coast feels distinctly different, thanks in part to the dominant Afro-Caribbean culture. Hang out in a hammock in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo de Talamanca while listening to calypso music floating through the swaying palms.

For geology fans and road trippers ready for an epic landscape: Iceland

Iceland is your ultimate solo playground. The dramatic juxtaposition of steaming lava fields and colossal glaciers offers nearly endless opportunities for exploration, all contained on an island that feels manageable to navigate on your own. Consistently ranked one of the safest and happiest countries in the world, Iceland is ideal for solo travelers in search of adventure and connection without sacrificing peace of mind.

Take a road trip

In the land of fire and ice, nature rules the show. Get lost in a good way on a solo road trip along the Golden Circle or longer Ring Road, where you might not see another soul for miles. Destinations like towering waterfalls and toasty geothermal pools are every bit as good as the journey, and sights like the Vatnajökull glacier ice caves casting a brilliant blue glow across a frigid, crystal-clear canvas are ones you won't soon forget.

Soak in Reykjavik (literally)

Bookend your trip with a couple days in Reykjavik, a beautiful seaside city with options for culture and fine dining. Hallgrímskirkja church is a must; visit the observation deck at sunset for a dazzling display of color over the capital city. While you're there, don't let a short 45-to-60-minute drive or shuttle ride get in the way of you and a rejuvenating soak in the famous Blue Lagoon — the geothermally heated water stays at a cozy 100° Fahrenheit year-round.

For urban culture seekers, foodies and spiritual explorers: Japan

Japan can come across as intimidating for solo travel. The language. The cultural differences. The scale of Tokyo's seemingly endless maze of neon-gilded skyscrapers. But the truth is, it takes just as much prep to travel to Japan with a group as by yourself — namely, a little advance research and a trusty translator app.

Embrace do-it-yourself culture

Tokyo is a haven for solo travelers; doing things alone is part of the culture. No one will bat an eye if you're touring the Meiji Jingu shrine, forest bathing at Todoroki Valley or exploring the labyrinthine Golden Gai district unaccompanied. You can even walk into just about any bar or restaurant by yourself, at any time, and be seated at a single-person booth with a privacy screen to slurp a steamy bowl of ramen in solitude.

Travel in style

Japan is famously safe, and the public transportation is reliably punctual. Hop on a high-speed train to zip across town or across the country, exploring cities like Kyoto and Osaka or taking an inn-to-inn walking trip through the serene, mountainous countryside, with a natural hot spring soak waiting at every stop. Visit during one of Japan’s many matsuri, or festivals, and you’ll never truly be alone.

For adrenaline junkies and outdoor lovers: New Zealand

A solo trip to New Zealand is living proof that traveling by yourself doesn't mean going it alone. The country is known for friendly attitudes, among both the people who live there and fellow visitors in search of good times and better company. (Not to mention the staggering population of sheep you'll be sure to run into on more than a few occasions.)

Get a taste of van life

Spend at least a few days beach-hopping on the North Island and bopping between parks, museums and restaurants in Auckland, but budget more time for the dramatic South Island. Here, towering mountain peaks, glassy lakes and bottomless fjords beckon adventurers. Rent a camper van and follow your bliss to national parks and coastal inlets begging to be explored.

Join a group tour

Word to the wise: Check weather forecasts and be prepared for any possibilities when adventuring by yourself, as New Zealand's wilderness conditions can be quite rugged. When in doubt, look for a group tour to help you travel safely, whether you're scaling summits or cruising across glaciers. You'll meet friends and have an all-around smoother trip.

For budget travelers with an appetite for cultural immersion: Spain

A trip to Spain lets you experience some of the best parts of a European vacation without draining your bank account. Seeking cultural experiences? Take your pick of museums and shows. Just here for the food? Fill up on €1 tapas during aperitivo hours, or take a cooking class to master the art of pintxos yourself. Fair warning: Spain does have a reputation for pickpockets — but as long as you stay mindful of your surroundings, this shouldn't steal your focus from what matters most: the cuisine, the culture and the character that inspired your trip in the first place.

Celebrate like a local

Celebrations in Spain go far beyond the beaches of Ibiza — a place solo travelers might want to skip if thumping basslines and hypnotic raves that roll into the daylight hours aren't your speed. Instead, plan your trip during one of Spain's many festivals. The season peaks in spring and summer with nationwide events like Semana Santa and Feria de Abril in Seville, where you can experience firsthand the foods and customs of the Andalusian region. If you're going for one for your bucket list, you can't miss the iconic running of the bulls every July in Pamplona.

Get cultured in big cities

As a solo traveler, you're unlikely to get bored in Madrid or Barcelona. Lose yourself in Gaudí's dizzying architectural feats or in a sea of surrealism at the Reina Sofía Museum. Travel to Valencia to sip freshly squeezed orange juice while the sun rises or an Agua de Valencia as it sets. Heads-up for food lovers: Most restaurants don't serve single portions of paella. If you want to try the famous, golden-crusted rice dish, sign up for a food tour or use the outing as an excuse to make friends with fellow travelers.

For bucket-list scenery without the crowds: Norway

Norway checks all the boxes as one of the best solo travel destinations in the world. It's scenic and safe, with bustling urban areas and an extensive transportation infrastructure. Culturally accepting and generally progressive, it's a strong contender for female and LGBTQ+ travelers. Just be prepared for the price. Norway's strong currency tends to get a lower exchange rate, but if you can afford it, you'll be rewarded by having a picture-perfect view.

Cruise the fjords

No trip to Norway is complete without a visit to at least one of the country's famous fjords, such as the Geirangerfjord or Aurlandsfjord. Join a cruise for the full experience — you're almost guaranteed to make friends on board. If you don't have your sea legs, you can still experience Norway's stunning natural landscape by renting a car and driving the Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road), which will give you a beautiful panorama of Norway's coastline as you hop from islet to islet over eight impressive bridges.

See the northern lights in Tromso

There's nothing like watching the sky dance with beams of flickering light near the remote Arctic Circle. It's hard to comprehend just how beautifully ephemeral the northern lights are until you see them in person. Visit between November and February your best chance to catch the otherworldly luminescence floating across the atmosphere. Pro tip: Live in the moment, but don't forget to snap a few pics with your phone — the colors will appear even more vivid than with the naked eye.

For cultural voyeurs and bucket-listing history buffs: Peru

Peru's vast and varied landscape offers something for everyone. Want urban culture? Lima's museums and restaurants have you covered. Love history? Weathered, thousand-year-old ruins should do the trick. In search of outdoor adventure? Look no further than the Andes. Add to this Peru's extensive public transportation system and affordable prices, and it's no wonder this South American country is one of the best places to visit alone.

Head to small cities and villages

After flying into Lima, catch a bus away from the coast to visit the country's smaller towns, where Peru's diverse cultural heritage thrives. Whether you're browsing swaths of striking patterns in Taquile's indigenous textile markets or watching the mesmerizing huaconada ritual dance in Mito, you'll come to understand why Peru is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Cross Machu Picchu off your bucket list

For many, Peru's primary draw is the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu. Join a guided tour or take the long way and hike the Inca Trail into the sweeping valley, watching the fog part to reveal the ruins at dawn. For historical sites without the crowds, add the pre-Inca fortress of Kuelap and adobe city of Chan Chan to your list.

Making the most of solo travel

If you’re planning your next solo trip, booking with the Citi Travel site using an eligible Citi credit card lets you earn points on hotels, car rentals and more. It’s the best way to make your travels even more rewarding.

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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