Do you sometimes find group trips more stressful than relaxing? Head to the best solo travel destinations where you can travel in your own time, stay safe, and live like a local.
Travelling with others can be a bit of a hassle. From coordinating vacation days, to deciding on what to do, to shepherding everyone around – group travel isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea. While shared time is precious, an occasional solo trip may just be what you need to truly relax. There’s something satisfying about just grabbing your luggage and going on a quick getaway; in fact, some of the safest places to visit alone are also some of the most beautiful! Whether you want to travel like a local, find some peace in solitude, or just let your hair down in a new city, we’ve put together a list of some of the best solo travel destinations.
Must-visit destinations for travelling alone
1. Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is a little slice of green paradise, and Auckland is the perfect place to start your exploration of it. In Auckland, you have all the perks of a metropolitan city without being too far from the natural beauty of New Zealand. The best part of travelling solo is being on your own schedule. With many surrounding islands worth making a day trip to, Auckland is one of the perfect solo travel destinations in terms of safety and beauty.
The Honey itinerary: staying within the city limits, you can explore the Auckland Art Gallery and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. If you’re feeling more daring, the SkyWalk and SkyJump at the Sky Tower are waiting to give you an adrenaline rush. Wanna get in touch with nature? Take a kayak and paddle over to Rangitoto Island to marvel at the volcanic summit. If a ferry is more your speed, you can also sail over to Rotoroa Island and discover the local wildlife.
2. Hanoi, Vietnam
A perk of travelling solo is that you have a chance to experience a city like a local. Hanoi is a great place to be for a couple of days, where you can just roam around and immerse yourself in the culture of the city. A hub for Vietnamese street food, you can get a real bang for your buck and find authentic cuisine here. Hanoi offers both popular tourist attractions and a quiet local experience, with the opportunity to craft the perfect mixture of both. The best thing? You can walk around the city all by yourself and still feel safe.
The Honey itinerary: take a stroll through the Old Quarter to discover hidden gems and local favourites. Look out for deals while shopping at the Dong Xuan Market before checking out the traditional performances at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Don’t forget to munch on the street food you find throughout the city during the day!
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Considered one of the safest countries to visit – especially for women – Iceland should be on your list of solo travel destinations. Reykjavik is a good starting point for your trip in Iceland, with a cityscape that looks straight out of a storybook. The natural wonders here are certainly the biggest draw, with the opportunity to see the often-Instagrammed Northern Lights in person.
The Honey itinerary: marvel at the architecture of Reykjavik by visiting the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja Church. To see everything Iceland has to offer, don’t be afraid to venture a little outside of Reykjavik to explore the natural beauty of the country. Visit sites like the Sky Lagoon for the quintessential Icelandic geothermal pool experience. And of course, you can’t leave Reykjavik without getting a glimpse of the famous Aurora Borealis. For first-timers, joining a tour may help you get in a prime position for viewing.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Known as one of the safest countries in the world, Japan is an unmissable travel destination, especially for solo tourists. The city of Kyoto is for the explorer and the romantic in you. If you enjoy being alone, there are many spots for you to do so (not to mention they’re beautiful spots, too!). With tranquil temples, peaceful natural attractions, and great food, Kyoto should sit at the top of your solo travel bucket list.
The Honey itinerary: start your day with a tranquil walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Continue marvelling at nature at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, then have a relaxing midday picnic. Don’t leave Kyoto without visiting Kinkaku-ji and taking many pictures of the golden temple!If you long for some zen and quiet, you can walk the Philosopher’s Path for some precious reflection time.
5. Dublin, Ireland
Some of the best cities for solo travel are the ones that are easily walkable, which is what makes Dublin one of our fave solo travel destinations. With rich history and a lively (and notorious) drinking culture, Dublin is best experienced with a pint or two. Just remember to keep your wits about you as a solo traveller!
The Honey itinerary: lace up some comfortable shoes and pick a branch of the National Museum of Ireland to explore. Next, unwind in Saint Stephen’s Green or the National Botanic Gardens to reconnect with nature. Be sure to head to Dublin’s top attraction, the Guinness Storehouse, to learn more about the famous beer. Want to party with the locals? Find a pub crawl to join for a proper Irish night out.
6. Austin, Texas, USA
The place that’s slowly becoming the must-go destination in America is none other than Austin, Texas. Whether you’re coming with a big group or riding solo, Austin has so much to offer, including a distinct food and culture scene. Locals say the way to truly belong is to “embrace the weird”, so feel free to let out your inner weirdo in Austin!
The Honey itinerary: in Austin, you have to start your day with some Tex-Mex, so grab a breakfast taco from a neighbourhood joint or even a food truck. Explore the Blanton Museum of Art before going to the historic Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to catch a movie. Austin is also famous for its out-of-this-world barbecue, so make sure to grab a rib at a neighbourhood eatery. As the live music capital of the world, plan ahead for a show or even try to wander around to a local bar for an authentic experience.
