10 Best Countries in the World for Solo Travel

May 5, 2017

Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong

No matter how hard you try, sometimes it’s just impossible to find someone to travel with. Unless you have a rich friend who’s an absolute travel junkie, most of the time you’ll probably find it difficult to sync up schedules with potential travel companions.

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Plus, there’s never a guarantee your friends or family will be at all interested in the countries you want to explore. Of course, the obvious solution to this issue is to just travel solo. But where should you go?

Rovinj, Croatia

In this list, we’ll go through ten of the safest countries in the world for solo travellers. Any one of these countries offers rewarding travel experiences for solo globe trekkers.

Singapore skyline

10. New Zealand

Aukland, New Zealand

Anyone interested in travelling to Oceania might want to look into a trip to the island of New Zealand. Considered by many tourists to be the most beautiful country in the world, New Zealand has plenty to offer the nature lover.

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

Adrenaline junkies love exploring New Zealand’s many active volcanoes, towering mountains, and inspiring fjords. There are also plenty of first-rate cities to visit across New Zealand, including the capital city of Wellington and the fiercely Scottish city of Christchurch.

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

9. Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Mediterranean nation of Croatia might not be as famous as Italy or Greece, but it certainly has a great deal to offer the discerning traveller. In recent years, the southern city of Dubrovnik has attracted numerous tourists to its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Bol, Croatia

Sometimes called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik has absolutely gorgeous monasteries, churches, and an amazingly well preserved old town dating back to the Middle Ages.

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Although Croatia suffered through a major inner-ethnic war from 1991-1995, today the country is extremely peaceful, tourist-friendly, and a proud member of the EU.

8. Denmark

The Scandinavian nation of Denmark is a perfect travel destination for anyone who’s never traveled to Europe before. Not only is this country safe, it’s extremely easy to navigate thanks to the country’s super-modern transportation system.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark is also incredibly small, which makes it very easy to travel around. Of course, be sure to spend plenty of time in the country’s charming capital Copenhagen where you’ll discover Danish castles, relaxing cafés, and one of Europe’s most famous waterfronts: Nyhavn.

Copenhagen, Denmark

7. Malaysia

In recent years, Malaysia has become an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia. The most popular city to visit is the capital of Kuala Lumpur (aka KL). KL has some of the cheapest 5-star hotels in the world, as well as a wide array of shopping centers, delicious dining options, and an impressive blend of British colonial and modern architecture.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at night

Another beautiful location to visit right on the Malaysian west coast is Penang. Sometimes referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Penang is the unofficial food capital of Malaysia and has plenty of sand and surf for the beach bum in all of us.

Langkawi, Malaysia

6. Oman

Located near the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, the nation of Oman is a wonderful Middle Eastern option for the solo traveller. Believe it or not, this nation is the fourth safest country on earth according to the WEF.

Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman

There are plenty of legendary sights to take in all around Oman, including the homes where Sinbad used to live in around Sohar and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites sprinkled throughout the town of Bahla.

Many people visit Oman just to see some of the nation’s astonishing 500 historic forts, while others like to take an adventurous trip up some of the county’s alluring Hajar Mountains.

Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a safe and exhilarating solo experience travelling around the Sultanate of Oman.

Muscat, Oman

5. Japan

Yokohama, Japan with Mount Fuji in background

The East Asian island nation of Japan is well known for its intriguing culture and glorious artistic treasures.

Osaka, Japan

Whether you want to visit the bustling capital city of Tokyo, or perhaps visit some ancient castles and Buddhist temples in cities like Kyoto, Okayama, or Kanazawa, Japan will provide you with everything you need for a truly memorable vacation experience.

Sayama Lake, Japan, with Mount Fuji in background

Wherever you go, you’ll find plenty to eat and numerous hotel options that cater to single travellers.

Tokyo, Japan

4. Singapore

Number six on the WEF’s “20 Safest Countries” list is the squeaky clean city-state of Singapore. Known around the world for its high-end shopping, delicious cuisine, and hot nightlife, this former British colonial trading colony is currently one of the most affluent areas on the face of the earth.

Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Singapore is so wealthy, clean, and safe that it’s often called the “Switzerland of Asia.” Some popular tourist draws in Singapore for a single traveller include visiting the Botanic Gardens, taking a ride on the impressive Singapore Flyer, and walking along the dazzling Waterfront Promenade.

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

3. Iceland

The island nation of Iceland has become increasingly popular with tourists nowadays, mainly thanks to the popularity of shows like Game of Thrones. But you don’t have to be a Game of Thrones buff to absolutely fall in love with the “Land of Fire and Ice.”

Akureyri, Iceland

Take a dip in one of the many geothermal spas, or go on a walking tour around the nation’s mighty volcanoes. Of course, be sure to spend a few days in the nation’s capital of Reykjavík and ask friendly locals all about their intriguing lives in the most northern capital on earth.

The City Centre, Reykjavik, Iceland

2. Hong Kong

If you’re looking to travel solo in Asia, perhaps you should consider a trip to Hong Kong. This tiny autonomous territory in Mainland China is considered to be one of the safest places in all of Asia.

Ferris wheel in Hong Kong

Although Hong Kong is distinctly Cantonese, the city claims to be Asia’s most multicultural city and is extremely welcoming of tourists from all walks of life.

Stanley, Hong Kong

Whether you’re into fine cuisine, shopping, nature, or history, you’re sure to find something in this fast-paced city to spark your interest.

Hong Kong

1. Finland

Aurora in Inari, Finland

The northern European nation of Finland recently topped the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) list of the world’s “20 Safest Countries.” So, if you’re an extremely fearful solo traveller, a trip to this environmentally conscious Nordic nation is your safest bet.

Helsinki, Finland

Indeed, nature lovers will just love exploring this country’s northern Lapland region and taking in the nightly Northern Lights during wintertime.

Island in the Baltic Sea, Finland

People not into nature could always spend their trip walking around the cosmopolitan capital of Helsinki, which boasts plenty of splendid churches, restaurants, and museums.