Solo Travel Guide for Singles (2026)

Why Solo Travel Is Worth It

Solo travel forces you into the world in a way that travelling with others simply doesn't. When you're alone, you make decisions based entirely on your own interests. You talk to strangers because there's no familiar companion to retreat to. You navigate challenges — missed trains, language barriers, wrong turns — and discover you're more capable than you thought.

For single people specifically, solo travel serves an additional purpose: it builds the confidence and independence that make you a better partner when you do meet someone. The stories you collect, the perspective you gain, and the self-knowledge you develop are attractive qualities that no dating app can manufacture.

Best Solo Travel Destinations in 2026

For first-time solo travellers: Portugal (safe, affordable, English widely spoken, excellent food), Japan (incredibly safe, efficient transport, culture of hospitality to travellers), and Iceland (compact, safe, stunning landscapes, easy to navigate).

For social solo travellers: Colombia (vibrant hostel scene, warm locals), Thailand (the backpacker's classic — easy, cheap, and endlessly social), and Spain (cities like Barcelona, Seville, and Madrid have excellent social infrastructure for solo visitors).

For UK-based weekend solo trips: Edinburgh (walkable, cultural, excellent food), Amsterdam (compact, English-spoken, world-class museums), and Lisbon (affordable, warm, stunning architecture).

For more adventurous solo travellers: New Zealand (safe, spectacular, world-class hiking), Morocco (sensory overload in the best way — pair with a guided riad experience), and Peru (Machu Picchu alone is worth the trip).

Safety for Solo Travellers

Solo travel is overwhelmingly safe, but it requires a different mindset than travelling with others.

Before you go: Register with your country's embassy for travel alerts. Share your itinerary with someone at home. Ensure your travel insurance covers solo activities. Download offline maps for your destination. Research local customs and any areas to avoid.

While travelling: Trust your instincts — if a situation or person feels wrong, remove yourself. Keep your valuables secure and distributed (not all in one bag). Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Use reputable transport (official taxis, recognised rideshare apps). Check in regularly with someone at home.

For women travelling solo: Additional precautions include researching female-specific safety considerations for your destination, choosing accommodation with good reviews from female solo travellers, avoiding isolated areas after dark, and considering women-only dorms in hostels.

Meeting People While Travelling Solo

One of the great advantages of solo travel is that you're much more approachable — and much more motivated to approach others.

Hostels with common areas are the single best social infrastructure for solo travellers. Even if you book a private room, spending time in the common area, joining hostel-organised activities, and eating communal meals will connect you with other travellers.

Walking tours and group activities (cooking classes, diving courses, hiking groups) create natural social environments where conversation flows easily.

Dating apps abroad can be useful — Tinder's Passport feature is specifically designed for this, letting you match in your destination city before you arrive. Bumble and Hinge also work internationally. Set your intentions clearly in your bio if you're looking for local recommendations or a date rather than just swiping.

Cafes and bars — sit at the bar rather than a table, and you're more likely to strike up conversations with locals and other solo travellers.

The Single Supplement Problem

Many travel providers charge a "single supplement" — an extra fee for solo travellers occupying a room or cabin designed for two. This can add 30–100% to the per-person cost of a holiday.

Strategies to avoid it: Book accommodation that charges per room (most hotels) rather than per person. Use hostel private rooms. Look for tour operators that offer guaranteed single rooms without supplements (Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Flash Pack are good options). Consider house-sitting (TrustedHousesitters, Mindahome) for free accommodation. Use Airbnb for solo-friendly spaces.

For more on the financial realities of living and travelling solo, see our Singles Tax guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solo travel safe?

Yes — overwhelmingly so, with basic precautions. Millions of people travel solo every year without incident. The key is research, awareness, and trusting your instincts.

Is solo travel lonely?

It can be, in moments — but most solo travellers report that the loneliness is fleeting and far outweighed by the freedom, confidence, and connections they make. Hostels, tours, and group activities make it easy to find company when you want it.

What if I've never travelled alone before?

Start with an easy destination — somewhere safe, English-speaking, and well-connected. Portugal, Japan, and Iceland are excellent first solo trips. Book a hostel or social accommodation so you have a built-in community.

Can I use dating apps while travelling solo?

Yes — Tinder Passport, Bumble, and Hinge all work internationally. Be clear in your profile about whether you're looking for dates, local recommendations, or just company. Always follow the same safety precautions as at home.