Solo Traveler’s Bucket List: 12 Life-Changing Destinations to Visit Alone
- Andy Honey
- Apr 15
- 8 min read
Solo Travel Destinations
Traveling solo is more than just hopping on a plane with a backpack and an open mind — it’s an experience that builds confidence, teaches independence, and gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms.
Whether you're an experienced solo explorer or just starting out, this bucket list of 12 inspiring destinations will ignite your wanderlust and maybe even change your life.
From charming European cities to far-off tropical paradises, these destinations are perfect for anyone traveling alone — safe, vibrant, and full of soul-stirring adventures.
1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon is the kind of city that feels like a warm hug.
It’s got old-world charm, creative energy, and those sun-drenched cobblestone streets that practically beg to be wandered. As a solo traveler, you’ll love how easy it is to strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers, especially at miradouros (viewpoints) overlooking the terracotta rooftops.
Lisbon is also incredibly affordable compared to other European capitals, making it perfect for budget-savvy explorers. And let’s not forget the pasteis de nata — dessert alone is worth the flight.
Must-Do:
Ride the iconic tram 28 through Alfama
Explore the funky LX Factory for art, shops, and coffee
Day trip to Sintra (palaces galore!)
Eat & Drink:Grab pastel de nata at Manteigaria, and end the night with a glass of vinho verde at Park Bar, a rooftop spot literally on top of a parking garage.
What to avoid: Pickpockets on public transport — keep your bag zipped and close.
These Anti-Theft Bags are a must when visiting Cities
2. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Kyoto feels like stepping into a timeless postcard.
With over 1,000 temples, quiet gardens, and mysterious geisha districts, it’s a place that encourages mindful solo wandering. You can spend hours exploring moss-covered shrines or sipping matcha in traditional teahouses without ever feeling alone — solitude is practically built into the city’s rhythm.
It’s incredibly safe, spotless, and well-organized, which takes the stress out of navigating as a solo traveler. If you’ve ever dreamed of reconnecting with yourself in a place filled with grace and tradition, Kyoto is it.
Must-Do:
Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine (those endless red gates!)
Wander through the bamboo forest in Arashiyama
Experience a traditional tea ceremony
Eat & Drink:Solo dining is easy here! Try a steaming bowl of ramen at Ichiran Ramen, where you sit in private booths — ideal for solo diners.
What to avoid: Don’t eat while walking — it’s considered rude in many parts of Japan.
3. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸
Barcelona is bursting with color, creativity, and confidence — just like a good solo trip should be.
Whether you're admiring Gaudí's wild architecture or strolling along the Mediterranean coast, the city invites you to live loud and large.
Solo travelers can blend into the city’s laid-back lifestyle, where long lunches, late-night tapas, and spontaneous beach hangs are the norm.
Plus, it’s a hub for digital nomads and backpackers, so making friends is easy if you want company (but it’s just as lovely on your own!).
Must-Do:
Look up the Sagrada Família
Chill at Barceloneta Beach
Join a tapas + flamenco tour
Eat & Drink:Snack your way through La Boqueria Market, then sip sangria at Bormuth in El Born.
What to avoid: Be cautious around Las Ramblas — it's super touristy and attracts pickpockets.
4. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩
If you’ve been craving peace in your life, Ubud delivers. Set in the lush green heart of Bali, Ubud is where yoga lovers, artists, and soul-searchers come to recharge and rediscover themselves.
Solo travel here is effortless — wellness retreats, serene cafes, and open-hearted communities make it easy to find your rhythm.
Whether you’re meditating by the river, dancing under the stars, or journaling in a bamboo bungalow, Ubud offers space to grow, heal, and be inspired.
Must-Do:
Take a yoga class at Yoga Barn
Visit the Monkey Forest (but don’t feed them!)
Wander through Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Eat & Drink:Try Sayuri Healing Food Café for raw and vegan eats, or sip turmeric lattes at Kafe.
What to avoid: Overpacking. You’ll be living in flowy clothes and sandals most of the time.
5. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸
Looking for solitude with a side of jaw-dropping nature? Welcome to Reykjavik — the gateway to Iceland’s glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
It’s one of the safest countries in the world, which means you can wander freely, even in the middle of nowhere. Iceland offers a different kind of solo trip — one that’s about wonder, not crowds.
Whether your soaking in hot springs, hiking across lava fields, or chasing the Northern Lights, you’ll find a deep, empowering sense of connection with the planet (and yourself).
Must-Do:
Book a Golden Circle Tour
Dip in the Blue Lagoon
Chase the Northern Lights
Eat & Drink:Grab lobster soup at Sægreifinn and coffee at Reykjavik Roasters — a cozy solo spot.
What to avoid: Alcohol is expensive — consider pregaming or sticking to happy hours.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭
Chiang Mai is where adventure meets calm. Nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand, this cultural gem is bursting with temples, craft markets, and food so good it might ruin you for life.
It’s also incredibly friendly, budget-friendly, and packed with solo travelers — so you’ll never feel out of place. There’s a powerful vibe of self-discovery here, from learning to cook Thai dishes to meditating with monks.
And with hundreds of cozy cafes, it’s the perfect place to slow down, reflect, or write your memoir (or at least your next Instagram caption).
Must-Do:
Volunteer at an ethical elephant sanctuary
Take a Thai cooking class
Hike to Doi Suthep temple
Eat & Drink:Night markets like Chang Phuak Gate are food heaven. Grab khao soi (a northern Thai curry noodle soup) and a mango sticky rice.
What to avoid: Don’t ride elephants — many places exploit them. Choose sanctuaries that promote ethical interactions.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Amsterdam is like a living storybook — full of canal houses, flower-filled bridges, and quirky corners.
It’s made for solo travelers: small enough to navigate easily, but packed with culture, history, and creative energy. You can explore by bike or boat, hop between museums, or sip coffee along the canals — all at your own pace.
Locals are open-minded and welcoming, so don’t be surprised if you make a new friend in a gallery or at a local brewpub. It's the kind of place where being alone feels like a choice, not a condition.
Must-Do:
Van Gogh Museum
Canal cruise
Visit Jordaan neighborhood
Eat & Drink:Stop for pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam, then sip craft beer at Brouwerij ‘t IJ next to a windmill.
What to avoid: Don’t walk in bike lanes. Seriously — you will get shouted at!
8. Tulum, Mexico 🇲🇽
Tulum is where barefoot luxury meets ancient mysticism. As a solo traveler, you’ll be spoiled for choice — swim in cenotes, practice yoga on the beach, or explore Mayan ruins surrounded by jungle.
The vibe is chill, wellness-focused, and a little bit magical. It’s also home to a global community of travelers and creatives, so finding your tribe is easy.
Whether you're detoxing or dancing, journaling or snorkeling, Tulum lets you explore every version of yourself — and look fabulous doing it.
Must-Do:
Swim in a cenote (try Gran Cenote!)
Explore Tulum ruins
Join a beach yoga class
What to avoid: Avoid flashy beach clubs if you're on a budget — they can get pricey fast.
9. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦
Few cities pack in as much scenery, culture, and adrenaline as Cape Town. It’s bold, beautiful, and brimming with diversity — perfect for solo travelers who want variety.
One moment you’re hiking up Table Mountain, the next you’re sipping wine in the Cape Winelands. There's incredible food, rich history, and endless outdoor adventures.
Locals are warm and passionate, and there’s a strong community vibe in places like hostels and coworking cafés. It’s the kind of place where solo travelers come to feel alive and leave transformed.
Must-Do:
Hike up Table Mountain
Visit Robben Island
Day trip to Stellenbosch for wine tasting
Eat & Drink:Eat at the Old Biscuit Mill market and grab cocktails at The Gin Bar, hidden behind a chocolate shop!
What to avoid: Don’t wander around at night alone — take Ubers or stay in busy areas.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand 🇳🇿
Queenstown is pure adventure. Nestled between snowy mountains and crystal-clear lakes, this tiny town is adrenaline central — but it’s also surprisingly serene.
Whether you’re bungy jumping or just hiking through postcard-perfect scenery, the sheer beauty of the place will blow your mind. Solo travel is easy here, thanks to great infrastructure, friendly Kiwis, and heaps of other travelers doing the same thing.
It’s safe, thrilling, and refreshingly drama-free. Plus, nothing bonds people like screaming together off a ledge.
Must-Do:
Bungy jump (if you dare!)
Cruise Milford Sound
Go on a Lord of the Rings filming location tour
Eat & Drink:Don’t miss Fergburger — worth the wait. Also check out Vudu Café for brunch.
What to avoid: Skip high-season if you want cheaper prices and fewer crowds — go in shoulder seasons.
11. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Prague is a solo traveler’s dream — romantic without being couple-centric, historic without being stuffy, and affordable without feeling cheap.
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, minus the damsel-in-distress vibes. The city is easy to navigate, packed with beauty, and full of cozy corners for people-watching or journaling.
It’s also a hotspot for backpackers and students, so meeting new faces is a breeze. Whether you're sipping coffee in a baroque café or wandering cobbled lanes at golden hour, Prague makes solitude feel magical.
Must-Do:
Explore Prague Castle
Take a river cruise
Catch sunset at Letná Park
Eat & Drink:Try traditional Czech food at Lokál, and grab a craft beer at U Kunštátů.
What to avoid: Don’t exchange money at sketchy currency kiosks — use ATMs instead.
12. Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳
Hanoi is chaotic in the best way. It’s a city that wakes you up, gets your heart racing, and makes you feel wildly alive. Motorbikes swarm the streets, vendors call out with sizzling street food, and every corner holds a new discovery.
As a solo traveler, you’ll never be bored — and you’ll quickly learn to love the rhythm of the chaos. It’s also incredibly affordable, so you can stretch your travel budget while living large.
Hanoi teaches you how to go with the flow, trust your instincts, and dive headfirst into adventure.
Must-Do:
Street food tour in the Old Quarter
Day trip to Halong Bay
Visit the Temple of Literature
Eat & Drink:Sip egg coffee at Giang Café and slurp pho at Pho Gia Truyen.
What to avoid: Crossing the street too timidly. Just walk confidently — the scooters will avoid you (somehow).
Final Tips for Solo Travelers
Stay connected: A portable Wi-Fi device or eSIM can be a game-changer.
Pack smart: Less is more — a good carry-on backpack is your best friend.
Be open: Say yes to experiences, but trust your gut when something feels off.
Ready to Book Your Solo Escape?
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Your solo adventure is waiting. The only question is — which of solo travel destinations will you tick off first?
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