What Solo Travel Means to Me?
Hey there! I’m Bethy, a solo female traveler who’s been living out of a backpack for years. For me, solo travel boils down to two things: staying safe and not going broke. Let’s get real – traveling alone means no splitting hotel costs, awkward solo dinners, and constantly Googling “is China safe for women?” That’s why I stick mostly to Asia – China's amazing food, Tokyo’s glowing streets, Bali’s rice terraces, or Vietnam’s $2 pho stalls. Affordable, wildly fun, and (crucially) low-crime.
But here’s the magic of solo travel: you call ALL the shots. No debating itineraries, no compromising on spicy vs. bland food, and yes, you can spend 3 hours photographing a single temple. I’ve danced at Cambodian weddings with strangers-turned-friends, learned to make sushi from Tokyo chefs, and hiked New Zealand mountains with pals I met at hostels. It’s not always glamorous (ever slept in an airport?), but it’s 100% yours.
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Solo Travel | Best Country List - Safety, Fun & Food
| Country | Top Cities | Safety | Food | Fun |
| China | Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ |
| Japan | Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Iceland | Reykjavik, Vik | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Portugal | Lisbon, Porto | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Thailand | Bangkok, Chaing Mai | ⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ |
| Slovenia | Ljubljana, Lake Bled | ⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐+ |
| Canada | Montreal, Vancouver | ⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spain | Barcelona, Seville | ⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| New Zealand | Queenstown, Auckland | ⭐⭐⭐⭐+ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best Solo Travel Destinations #1: China
I’ve traveled to 70+ countries, but China left me shook. Not because of the Great Wall or pandas (though quite adorable), but because I felt safer here at 3 AM than in my hometown café at noon. Here’s my unfiltered take after years of noodles, misty mountains, and getting lost in 8D cities. Not once did I feel that “uh-oh” gut punch. As a night owl, China spoiled me rotten—night markets till dawn, taxis everywhere, and streets that feel alive, not sketchy.
China’s also not perfect. Cities can feel copy-pasted, and “ancient towns” often resemble Disneyland. But here’s the thing: it’s fun. The highs (jaw-dropping hikes, tech convenience, street food that’ll ruin other countries for you) outweigh the “meh” moments.
My Real Experience & Tips in China
- Digital Payment on Everything: Paid for everything with my phone (Alipay/WeChat). Even a $0.30 steamed bun in rural Gansu.
- Trains > Planes: Shanghai to Beijing in 4.5 hours. Booked bullet trains on Trip.com (refunded a ticket in 2 clicks when I missed my train… twice).
- People are VERY nice in China: Lost in Beijing’s hutongs? Someone will help. A teenager once sprinted half a mile to return my dropped AirPod.
Top China Cities That Stole My Heart
- Beijing: Hike the wild Great Wall sections (Jiankou). The restored parts is cute, but crowded with selfie sticks. The Forbidden City is also a great place to feel the long history of China. Skip: Overpriced hutongs. Instead, hit Ghost Street after midnight for lamb skewers and locals teaching you drinking games.
- Chongqing: Imagine NYC if it was designed by MC Escher. Stairs to nowhere, bridges through buildings. Got lost 8 times in its maze-like streets. Ate hotpot so spicy I hallucinated. 10/10. The best views are free. Take elevator 47 in Raffles City. I followed locals to a neon-lit alley for spicy hotpot. Zero stares. Just old men chain-smoking and grannies line-dancing to Taylor Swift remixes.
- Yangshuo: Rented a scooter, crashed a village funeral (awkward), then got invited to a moonlit river BBQ. Chased water buffalo, and found cliffs that look like Avatar concept art.
- Yunnan (Dali/Lijiang): Ancient towns are Disney-fied. But hike Tiger Leaping Gorge alone is pure magic. Got adopted by a goat-herding grandma who fed me yak butter tea.
- Shanghai: Feels like diet New York. Cool for skyline pics, but skip if you’re short on time.
See some of the attractions I loved most in China:
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
Best Solo Travel Destinations #2: Tokyo, Japan
Super safe, crazy convenient (even the vending machines sell ramen!), and ZERO judgment for solo dining. I’ve eaten sushi at 2am counter seats and people-watched for hours in tiny coffee shops—it’s the introvert-extrovert paradise.
👉 Bethy says: Go here if you’re…
- Obsessed with efficiency (trains run on TIME) and convenience stores (Family Mart fried chicken = life).
- A skincare hoarder ready to raid Don Quijote’s 4-floor makeup wonderland.
- That friend who pairs museum mornings with midnight jazz bars.
💡 Can’t-miss spots:
- Meiji Shrine: Swap city noise for forest calm. Pro tip: Write a wish on an ema plaque!
- Asakusa Senso-ji: Instagram the giant lantern, then grab melon pan (sweet bread) from street stalls.
- Yanaka Ginza: Old-school vibes + $1 fishcake skewers. Feels like your cool grandma’s neighborhood.
Best Solo Travel Destinations #3: Chiang Mai, Thailand
🌟 Why Chiang Mai is great for solo travel?
Super affordable, healing vibes, and hostels with awesome social vibes—super easy to meet fellow travelers from around the world!
👉 Perfect for:
- Solo travel newbies looking to recharge.
- Yoga lovers, massage addicts, and artsy market explorers.
- Foodies who want cheap, delicious eats!
💡 Must-visit spots:
- Chiang Mai Old City & Weekend Night Market
- Wat Phra Singh & Doi Suthep Mountain
Best Solo Travel Destinations #4: Istanbul, Turkey
🌟 Why Istanbul slaps for solo travel?
Culture shock on steroids. You’ll go from sipping Turkish coffee in a 500-year-old café to bargaining for carpets like a pro—all before lunch. And the people? They’ll adopt you faster than you can say “merhaba.”
👉 Perfect for you if…
- You’re a history nerd who geeks out over Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman palaces.
- You want your Instagram feed to look like a National Geographic spread.
- You’re cool with getting lost (Google Maps taps out here, but that’s part of the fun).
💡 Non-negotiable activities:
- Hagia Sophia: Goosebumps guaranteed. Go early to beat the crowds.
- Grand Bazaar: Haggle for evil-eye trinkets and pistachios. Pro tip: Say “I’m just looking” in Turkish (“Bakıyorum”) to avoid pushy sellers.
- Bosphorus ferry ride at sunset: 2 euros for views that’ll ruin other cities for you.
Best Solo Travel Destinations #5: Munich & Berlin, Germany
📍 Solo Travel in Munich
🌟 Why it’s great for solo travel: Beer gardens where strangers cheers like old friends, fairytale castles, and Alpine day trips that’ll make your heart sing.
👉 Best for: Beer lovers, Disney adults (Neuschwanstein Castle, hello!), and hikers who wanna flex on Strava.
💡 Must-dos: Chug a stein at Hofbräuhaus, day-trip to Neuschwanstein, and picnic in Englischer Garten (yes, nude sunbathing is a thing here).
📍 Solo Travel in Berlin
🌟 Why it’s great for solo travel: Berlin’s raw, artsy energy mixed with killer kebabs and 24/7 vibes—perfect for rebels who wanna explore street art by day and techno clubs by night.
👉 Best for: History nerds, vegan foodies, and anyone who thinks "awkward silence" doesn’t exist.
💡 Must-dos: Snap selfies at the East Side Gallery, get lost in Museum Island, and people-watch at Mauerpark’s flea market (Sunday karaoke = pure chaos).
Best Solo Travel Destinations #6: New Zealand
🌟Don’t miss:
- Queenstown – Jump off a bridge (bungee!), cruise Lake Wakatipu, or ski in winter.
- Milford Sound – Boat rides past waterfalls and penguins.
- Rotorua – Hot springs + Māori culture (think dancing and hangi feasts).
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Paddle under a galaxy of tiny glowing bugs.
- Wellington – Coffee shops, museums, and LOTR nerds unite.
💡Bethy’s advice:
- Rent a car for hidden beaches (North Island vibes!).
- Grab lunch “teishoku” sets – fancy meals for half-price.
- Check weather apps before hikes (NZ weather’s moody).
Best Solo Travel Destinations #7: Iceland
🌟Don’t miss:
- Golden Circle – Geysers, waterfalls, and walking between tectonic plates.
- Blue Lagoon – Soak in milky-blue hot springs (skin’ll thank you).
- Reykjavik – Street art, cozy pubs, and chasing the Northern Lights.
- South Coast – Black sand beaches and waterfalls you can walk behind.
- Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Quiet hikes and Game of Thrones vibes.
💡Bethy’s advice:
- Hostel kitchens = budget lifesaver (groceries > restaurants).
- Rent a 4x4 if driving – gravel roads are sneaky.
- Pack layers – sunny to stormy in 10 minutes (Iceland things).
Best Solo Travel Destinations #8: Prague, Czech Re1288public
🌟Don’t miss:
- Charles Bridge at sunrise (no crowds, just vibes).
- Prague Castle – Views + history overdose.
- Old Town Square – Clock tower show? Kinda weird, kinda cool.
💡Bethy’s tips:
- Stay in hostels near Žižkov – party area but chill.
- Avoid “trdelnik” stands in tourist zones – overpriced Instagram bait.
- Work from Café Louvre – Einstein and Kafka hung here (and the Wi-Fi’s decent).
Best Solo Travel Destinations #9: Bali, Indonesia
🌟Don’t miss:
- Canggu: Surf by morning, smoothie bowls by noon, sunset beers at Old Man’s.
- Ubud: Yoga studios, monkey forests, and rice terraces that look like Windows wallpapers.
- Uluwatu: Cliffside temples, secret beaches, and parties that end at sunrise.
- Nusa Islands (Lembongan/Penida): Snorkel with manta rays, hike to Jurassic Park views.
- Gili Trawangan: No cars, just bikes and beach bars. Warning: You might quit your job and stay.
💡Bethy’s tips:
- Rent a scooter (€4/day) but drive like grandma—Bali roads are chaos.
- Work from Dojo Coworking in Canggu—fast Wi-Fi and AC.
- Eat at warungs (local joints)—€2 nasi goreng > overpriced cafés.
Best Solo Travel Destinations #10: Canada
🌟Hotspots:
- Banff – Turquoise lakes, bears (keep distance), and Instagram clout.
- Montreal – Feels like Europe but with maple syrup everywhere.
- Vancouver – Ocean, mountains, and sushi that’ll ruin your hometown rolls.
💡Bethy’s tips:
- Get a Parks Canada Pass if you’re hiking a lot.
- In winter, hit Quebec City – Christmas markets + French charm.
Solo Travel 10 Mistakes & Tips to Avoid Them
Credit: Unsplash
Mistake #1: Not Checking the Damn Location
"I booked a hotel in Scotland without checking the neighborhood on Google Street View. Ended up eating vending machine chips for dinner because the area was sketchy AF. Lesson learned."
Fix: Always scope out your hotel’s area online. Look for nearby restaurants, transit, and lighting.
Mistake #2: Arriving After Dark
Show up to a new place when it’s pitch black? Bad idea. You’ll feel lost, stressed, and vulnerable.
Fix: Plan flights/trains to land before sunset. Daylight = safer navigation + time to switch hotels if needed.
Mistake #3: Skipping Travel Insurance
Lost glasses? Dental emergency? Flight cancellations? Insurance covers it.
Fix: Buy insurance. Period. It’s cheaper than paying $300 for new specs in a panic.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Maps
“I’ll wing it” works until you’re lost in a shady alley at midnight.
Fix: Study the map before you go. Know sketchy areas, main streets, and landmarks.
Mistake #5: Being Too Polite
Creep bothering you? Scream “BACK OFF” like a feral cat. Don’t worry about being “rude.”
Fix: Practice your “don’t mess with me” voice. Loud > polite when safety’s on the line.
Mistake #6: Using Public Wi-Fi Naked
Free Wi-Fi = hacker buffet.
Fix: Use a VPN. Protect your credit card deets and Insta DMs.
Mistake #7: Trusting Strangers Too Fast
That “friendly local” might just want your wallet.
Fix: Keep new pals in public places. Don’t share your hotel or personal info.
Mistake #8: Looking Like a Lost Puppy
Standing confused = target vibes.
Fix: Walk like you own the place. Ask families or shop staff for help—they’re safer bets.
Mistake #9: Flashing $$$ Gear
Gold Rolex + DSLR camera = “rob me” sign.
Fix: Dress low-key. Use a crossbody bag. Leave heirlooms at home.
Mistake #10: Not Prioritizing Safety
Your hierarchy: YOU > Passport > Cash > Stuff. If you’re robbed, let the stuff go.
Solo Travel Safety Tips for Women
Credit: Unsplash
As a woman who’s been a digital nomad solo for years, these just stuff I wish I’d known sooner:
1. Safety First, But Don’t Let Fear Steal Your Joy
- Pick your nest wisely: Book your first few nights in a well-reviewed hostel/hotel (look for "female solo traveler" reviews on Booking.com or Nomad List). I always check the neighborhood on Google Street View—trust your gut if it feels sketchy.
- Blend in: Ditch the flashy jewelry and giant "I’m a tourist" map. A local SIM card and a power bank are your lifelines.
- Code word system: Share your location + daily plans with a trusted friend/family. My code phrase: "How’s Aunt Linda?" = "I need help, call me ASAP."
2. Work Smart, Wander Harder
- Wi-Fi is life: Always message cafes beforehand: "Hi! Is your Wi-Fi stable for Zoom calls?" Coworking spaces (like WeWork or local spots) save sanity—and happy hours mean free networking!
- Time zones are sneaky: Use World Time Buddy to block work hours. Pro tip: Schedule "explore days" mid-week when tourist spots are empty.
- Pack light, work right: My gear MVP? A foldable laptop stand + noise-canceling headphones (because hostel dorm Zoom calls are not cute).
3. Find Your Tribe (Yes, It’s Possible)
- Bumble BFF > Tinder: Swipe right for fellow nomad girls. I met my Lisbon hiking buddy this way!
- Facebook groups: Digital Nomad Girls or Host A Sister for meetups. Pro move: Join a free walking tour on Day 1—instant friends.
- Co-living spaces: Outsite or Selina often host family dinners. Worth the splurge for community vibes.
4. Trust Your Spidey Senses (and Scams)
- "Friendly" locals offering drinks? Politely decline. If it feels off, bail—no explanation needed.
- Taxi scams: Use Bolt/Uber or ask your accommodation to book one. Always check the meter.
- Fake police: Real cops won’t demand cash on the spot. Keep a photocopy of your passport handy.
5. Embrace the Messy Magic
- Bad days happen: Missed flights, sketchy Wi-Fi, loneliness. My remedy? A solo dance party in my Airbnb + chocolate.
- Say "yes" (safely): That sunrise hike? Beach bonfire? Do it. I almost skipped a Bali waterfall trip—now it’s my favorite memory.
- Journal it: Write down the tiny wins (like nailing a local phrase or finding a hidden café). You’ll want to remember this glow-up era.
6. Pack Like a Pro
- "Oh shit" kit: Menstrual cup, duct tape, a spare debit card, and a doorstop alarm (for dodgy hotel doors).
- Scarf with pockets: Doubles as a blanket, cover-up, and theft-proof purse.
- VPN: Protect your data on public Wi-Fi. NordVPN has saved my butt in cafés.
7. Health = Wealth
- Insurance: SafetyWing covers nomads + gear theft. Worth every penny.
- Huel/instant oats: For days when street food revenge hits. Hydration tablets = hangover cure.
- Stretch + meditate: Yoga With Adriene (free on YouTube) keeps my back and sanity intact.
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FAQs about Solo Travel
Is solo travel a good idea?
Yes, solo travel is a fantastic idea for those seeking flexibility, self-discovery, and adventure. In 2025, it’s easier than ever to meet people through apps like Backpackr and social hostels, and solo travel trends show a 42% increase in travelers choosing to go alone . While safety and planning are important (e.g., checking hotel neighborhoods via Google Street View), the rewards—like immersive cultural experiences and personal growth—far outweigh the challenges . If you’re hesitant, start with small group tours designed for solo travelers to ease into independence.Where is the best place to solo travel?
Top destinations in 2025 include: Madeira, Portugal: Safe, budget-friendly, and packed with hiking trails and subtropical forests. Ideal for nature lovers seeking solitude or guided adventures . Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, with snorkeling tours and small-group boat trips fostering social connections . Japan: Low crime rates, efficient public transport, and a blend of tradition and modernity appeal to solo travelers . Europe: Trending for its accessibility and diverse cultures, with countries like Iceland and Denmark praised for safety .What is solo travel?
Solo travel means exploring independently, free from familiar people or routines. It doesn’t require total isolation—it’s about autonomy. Categories include: Guided Solo Travel: Joining tours or hiring local guides without prior connections . Extrovert Solo Travel: Prioritizing interactions with locals or fellow travelers . Introvert Solo Travel: Embracing solitude while discovering new places . Even if you meet people abroad, the core of solo travel is self-reliance and cultural immersion .