Last updated: October 2026
Top Solo Travel Destinations for First-Timers
Travelling alone can give you the freedom to set your own pace, choose exactly what you want to do and build a trip around your own interests.
For a first solo trip, the destination can make a big difference. Good transport, plenty to do independently, straightforward navigation and opportunities to join tours or group activities can all make travelling alone feel more manageable.
No destination is automatically risk-free, so always check current official travel advice and consider what will make you personally feel comfortable travelling alone.
What Makes a Good First Solo Destination?
1. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸
Barcelona offers a lot within one city: Gaudí architecture, neighbourhoods to explore on foot, museums, restaurants and the Mediterranean waterfront.
The metro and bus network can make getting around relatively straightforward, while walking tours and food experiences provide options if you want to join other travellers for part of the trip.
Good for: culture, architecture, food and travellers who want a busy city with plenty of choice.
2. Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵
Tokyo’s extensive rail network makes it possible to explore very different neighbourhoods without needing a car.
Areas such as Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ueno offer temples, shopping, food and museums, and solo dining is commonplace in many restaurants and counter-style eateries.
Good for: food, culture, transport convenience and travellers happy navigating a very large city.
3. Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
Melbourne combines neighbourhood cafés, markets, galleries, sport and a compact central area served by trams.
Spend time around the laneways, Queen Victoria Market and riverside areas, or join an organised excursion if you want to explore beyond the city.
Good for: food, coffee, arts, city breaks and longer Australian itineraries.
4. Reykjavík, Iceland 🇮🇸
Reykjavík itself is compact, while organised excursions can make it easier to experience Iceland’s waterfalls, geothermal landscapes and wider countryside without driving alone.
Golden Circle trips, geothermal spa visits and seasonal northern-lights tours are among the options commonly available from the city.
Weather and road conditions can change quickly in Iceland, so check official conditions and avoid treating an itinerary as fixed.
5. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹
Lisbon combines historic neighbourhoods, viewpoints, trams, restaurants and easy day-trip options.
Walking tours, food experiences and fado performances can all work well for solo visitors, while trains make destinations such as Sintra accessible without hiring a car.
The city is very hilly, so comfortable footwear and realistic walking plans are useful.
6. Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭
Bangkok offers temples, markets, shopping, street food and a wide range of organised activities.
The BTS Skytrain, MRT and river services can be useful for avoiding some of the city’s road traffic, although the scale and pace of Bangkok may take a little getting used to on a first visit.
Good for: food, culture, city exploration and travellers comfortable with a busy destination.
7. Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦
Vancouver works well if you want a city break with easy access to the outdoors.
Stanley Park, Granville Island and the waterfront can be explored independently, while organised trips provide access to nearby mountains and nature.
If you’re hiking, kayaking or taking part in another outdoor activity, check local conditions and make sure the activity is included at the appropriate level of your travel insurance.
8. Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪
Dublin’s central attractions are relatively compact, making it possible to see plenty without complicated transport planning.
Museums, historical tours, literary attractions, cafés and music venues give you plenty to do independently or as part of a group.
Good for: shorter solo trips, history, culture and travellers who don’t want to go too far from the UK.
9. New Zealand 🇳🇿
New Zealand suits a different type of first solo trip: one with more time, more distance and potentially more planning.
Cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown can be combined with national parks, scenic journeys and organised adventure activities.
If you’re driving alone, plan realistic distances and check road and weather conditions. If you’re considering activities such as hiking, kayaking or bungee jumping, check the exact Sports & Activities requirements before taking part.
Good for: longer trips, outdoor experiences and travellers who enjoy planning independent itineraries.
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Amsterdam’s compact centre, public transport and large number of museums make it easy to fill a short solo break.
Canal-side neighbourhoods, museums and markets can all be explored independently, while walking and food tours provide social options if you want them.
Cycling is an everyday form of transport in Amsterdam, but visitors unfamiliar with busy urban cycle lanes should understand the local rules before hiring a bike.
Tips for Your First Solo Trip
Staying Safe While Travelling Alone
Travelling alone doesn’t necessarily make a destination safe or unsafe, but it can mean you’re responsible for handling problems without a companion beside you.
- Check current official travel advice before departure and during your trip.
- Research your accommodation and how you’ll get there.
- Use reputable transport providers.
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying unnecessary cash or expensive items.
- Tell someone you trust where you’re staying and your broad itinerary.
- Keep important contact details accessible even if your phone is lost or runs out of battery.
- Follow local laws and customs.
- Leave any situation that makes you uncomfortable.
Planning Activities on Your Solo Trip?
Solo travel can include everything from sightseeing to hiking, kayaking, cycling, diving or organised adventure activities.
Covered2Go groups sports and activities into four levels. Level 1 includes many listed activities as standard, while Levels 2, 3 and 4 require an additional premium and must be shown on your policy schedule.
The level required depends on the activity and, in some cases, factors such as altitude, depth or how the activity is undertaken. Check every planned activity before taking part.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
Travel Insurance for Solo Travel
Travel insurance doesn’t remove the risks of travelling alone, but it may provide financial protection for certain eligible unexpected events before or during your trip.
Depending on the policy and cover level selected, this may include eligible emergency medical expenses abroad, cancellation, baggage or travel disruption.
Choose a policy based on your destination, trip duration, holiday cost, medical circumstances and any sports or activities you plan to take part in.
Maximum benefits, sub-limits, excesses, terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Explore Covered2Go Solo Travel Insurance →
Solo Travel FAQs
What is a good destination for a first solo trip?
Look for somewhere that suits your interests and comfort level, with manageable transport, accommodation options and plenty to do independently. A short city break can be an easier first step than a long multi-destination trip.
Is solo travel safe?
Safety varies by destination, area, timing and individual circumstances. Research your destination, check current official travel advice and take practical precautions rather than assuming a place is automatically safe because it is popular with solo travellers.
How can I meet people while travelling alone?
Walking tours, day trips, classes, organised activities, hostels and local events can all provide opportunities to meet other people without requiring you to travel with them for your entire trip.
What should I pack for solo travel?
Alongside normal holiday essentials, keep your phone charger or power bank, travel documents, emergency contacts and more than one payment method accessible. Pack for your destination, weather and planned activities rather than relying on a generic list.
Do I need travel insurance for a solo trip?
Consider travel insurance that suits your destination, trip and individual circumstances. Depending on the policy selected, it may provide cover for certain eligible events such as emergency medical expenses, cancellation, baggage or travel disruption, subject to the policy limits and exclusions.
Ready for Your First Solo Adventure?
The best first solo destination is the one that works for you.
You might want a compact European city, an organised Icelandic adventure, a longer trip through New Zealand or a destination such as Tokyo where there’s plenty to explore independently.
Start with a trip that feels manageable, do your research and leave enough flexibility to enjoy the freedom that travelling alone can bring.
Planning a Solo Trip?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and choose cover that suits your destination, trip and planned activities.
This article is for general information only. Safety, entry requirements, local conditions, transport and activity availability can change. Travel insurance and Sports & Activities Cover are subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, activity levels, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
