Solo Travel Guide: Best Destinations + Expert Tips for Safe & Budget

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.

​Solo Travel | Best Country List - Safety, Fun & Food​

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:

Great Wall of China

Ticket: ¥40-80 (Seasonal)

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Terracotta Army

Ticket: ¥120-150

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Forbidden City

Ticket: ¥40-60

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Shanghai Tower

Ticket: ¥180-220

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Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Ticket: ¥130-165

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Yu Garden

Ticket: ¥30-40

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*Prices are approximate and vary by season, availability, and ticket type. All prices in CNY.

Best Solo Travel Destinations #2: Tokyo, Japan

👉 ​​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

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🌟 ​​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​

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🌟​​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​

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🌟​​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​

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🌟​​​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

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🌟​​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​

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​🌟​​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.