Solo travelling is an experience like no other! Visiting a new country by yourself can be nerve-wracking. Decisions, budgeting, doubt, and many other excuses can make any person fearful. However, there are things (or places) that can combat these feelings. The destination you choose can make or break your trip! So, I did some research and came up with 5 best countries to solo travel!
Iceland
If you’re looking to take in nature, Iceland is the country you want to go to! A country that is cold all year long, Iceland is a desolate land with less than a million residents. This allowed the country’s natural sites to be relatively untouched!
Jagged lava flows, giant waterfalls, and monumental glaciers are a few of the incredible architectures built by nature.
Iceland is also one of seven countries that can see the northern lights! Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon for one of the best spots to see the northern lights.
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Some key highlights you have to visit are the Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir, Blue Lagoon, and Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
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Iceland is a great country for solo travellers because they boast a high health and safety standard. With low crime rates, a peaceful culture, and friendly locals, you can rest easy in this country.
Although Iceland’s main language is Icelandic, most residents are able to speak English! Mingle with locals for a genuine connection with the country and the people.
Bhutan
If you’re looking for a new cultural experience, take a look at Bhutan! The country is known for its untouched nature, and cultural sites as the last Himalayan Kingdom.
Bhutan is a country like no other, with its efforts focused on the Gross National Happiness (GNH), the happiness of the citizens, instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the economy of the country. This has created laws that make Bhutan so unique and beautiful.
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Visiting Bhutan is for those who love trekking and cultural visits. Visit the monasteries like the Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Thimpu Dzong, and so many more. You will be mesmerized with architecture, landscape and culture as you visit.
Visit the Dochula Pass, a scenic route with a memorial of fallen soldiers, this route will give you an amazing 360-degree view of the Himalayas and other peaks.
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Bhutan is the only country with negative carbon emission, meaning that they remove more carbon emissions than they have created with 70% of the land made up of forests as part of its commitment to sustainability.
In Bhutan, there is tourist fee per day of stay in the country, costing USD$200 per day (USD$100 from September 2023 to September 2027). This fee is used to offset the carbon emissions produced by tourists. You will also need a guide when visiting Bhutan.
Travelling solo is very safe as you will have a guide with you most of the time. The beliefs and laws of the country also cultivated a peaceful culture, crime is extremely uncommon. This makes it an excellent destination for solo travellers.
Bali
Bali is a great country if you are looking for the best place to rest and relax! Bali is known for its scenic white beaches, traditional culture, rich history, and the genuine warmth of the locals.
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Outdoor activities are another great time killer, from guided ATV tours through tunnels and waterfalls to white water rafting in river rapids, you cant get bored in this country.
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Bali’s often one of the top on the list of the safest tourist destinations in Asia. Solo travellers can relax in this country! Local customs, practices and laws make violent crimes not worth the risks. The only thing you need to look out for is scams and fraud, but generally Bali sees low crime rates.
Japan
Japan is the first place people recommend when talking about solo travelling. Japan is known as the safe country with a lot of culture and history! With a unique cuisine, language, and way of life, Japan is a great destination.
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If you’re visiting the big cities, Japan has the best facilities for solo travellers!
Japan has a world class public transportation, bringing you anywhere you want in the city! It can be daunting to navigate but Google Maps will be your best friend while you are there.
Pro tip : Do your best to avoid taking the train during peak hours, as the videos you see about Japanese trains are genuine reflections of the bustling reality.
Solo travelling is almost encouraged in Japan, it’s almost common to see people eating alone. You won’t need to worry about feeling like an odd one out. In fact, there is one popular ramen chain that requires you to eat by yourself! They proclaim that it is the best way to eat their ramen. True or not, Ichiran Ramen is one of the best bowls of ramen I’ve had.
As a solo traveller, take the opportunity to stay in a capsule hotel. A cheap, and luxurious experience. There are many unique and high quality capsule hotels springing up in major cities at an affordable price! Capsule hotels are a really great way to save money, especially as a solo traveller.
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For solo travellers, I would recommend travelling to the less touristy areas of Japan. Visiting the outskirts will let you experience the slow and calm lifestyle that another side of Japan feels.
Explore homestays or farmstays to experience a unique lifestyle distinct from city living, embracing a slower pace that prioritizes the art of living.
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Japan has been acclaimed as one of the safest countries in the world, constantly ranking among the top on the safety index score (safest) , and among the lowest ranked on the crime index score (lowest crime rate).
Greece
Greece is known for its rich history, the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and its magnificent old temples. A lot of historical sites, temples, and buildings will show you the life of people’s past. Another thing they are known for are the pristine beaches and the hundreds of islands!
Take a ferry from island to island and experience the culture that the island has to offer.
Experience the wonders of Greece with a delightful food tour. The fantastic weather, unique cuisine, and delicious wine make it incredibly enjoyable to explore the flavours on foot. Greece’s Mediterranean influence ensures a healthy and delectable journey.
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Greece, mainly in Athens, is filled with ancient history that are well maintained! Classical Greece is generally considered the birthplace of modern civilization. Whether you love learning history or not, take the time to visit Acropolis, Parthenon, Plaka, and so many more. You will be awestruck as you see and experience the lifestyle of the past.
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Greece is considered a safe country for solo travellers. They have the lowest crime rates in Europe, locals are friendly, and public transport is good. You will just need to exercise basic caution, don’t leave your items unattended and don’t go to dark secluded alleys.
Another caution is that public protests and demonstrations are regular, especially in the big cities. When you see one, the best move is to avoid being in the centre or to leave the area.
Overall, going to a safe country like those listed will help you to ease your mind while you are travelling! Feeling calm and confident will greatly enhance your trip experience.
