Top 10 best destinations for first-time solo travellers

I have written multiple posts already about solo travelling, from practical tips to dining alone, I have shared my top tips. And in this post it is time I share some of my favourite locations for a first-time solo traveller. From city breaks to dreamy beach destinations, I would say these are the places where I felt very comfortable travelling alone. I have to remind you that this is my own experience, and when I travel alone I stick to touristy and popular places. I never try to find locations slightly off the beaten track, so my recommendations are based on practising safety precautions. But these would be my top 10 destinations for solo female travel. I listed the countries, but I will get into the details of each trip, and which cities I explored alone. 

Singapore regularly ranks as one of the best solo travel destinations for first-time travellers

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Spain

I’ve been to Spain so many times now, often solo, so it’s probably one of the first countries that comes to mind when I recommended destinations to first-time solo travellers. It’s such a diverse and culturally rich country, pretty much everyone can find something they love, so it’s a perfect start. I have explored many places alone including Valencia (even lived here for a few months) Sevilla and Madrid (also stayed here for about a month). Spain has always welcomed me with open arms, and you’ll find that knowing a little bit of Spanish can actually go a long way. 

Portugal

Another top country to visit, even if you’re planning to go solo. Lisbon especially is such a vibrant and diverse city, you will quickly fall in love with it and feel right at home. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go to Madeira, one of the most beautiful islands on planet (okay, this is my opinion). I also visited other places like Porto and Algarve with friends and family, and while I can’t speak of these spots from a solo traveller perspective, I would happily go back to these places solo. Portugal in general feels very safe and comfortable for solo female travel. Ubers are very accessible in case you want to take one instead of walking around alone, which makes it even more comfortable for travelling alone. You won't have to think about massively budgeting for a taxi to get out of a situation.

UAE

I went to visit friends in Dubai when I first visited the UAE, but ended up exploring on my own too, and I have to say, it does feel very safe. Dubai especially, constantly ranks high on solo female travel safety rankings, so if you’re looking for a place to start with, this may be it. 

Vietnam

I have spent time in Vietnam both alone and with others, and I can tell you, safety and comfort wise there was absolutely no difference. In fact, I find Vietnam to be one of the warmest and friendliest countries I have ever travelled to. If you need help everyone is likely to do their best to assist you and make sure you have the best experience possible. You might have to use Google translate at times, but generally speaking locals will always try to help you. If you don't feel comfortable walking alone, you can always call a Grab (either bike or car), which is very low cost and also makes your trip even more solo travel friendly.

Sri Lanka 

I spent about a month travelling solo in Sri Lanka and I had the best experience. I was staying in Galle and took lots of day trips to explore more of this beautiful country. You can always call a tuk-tuk wherever you are pretty much, so it’s very comfortable and feels safe to explore alone. Hosts, waiters and drivers are very friendly wherever you go and try to help you have the best possible experience.

Greece 

Another location where I have lived for a while, and visited many places solo, including Athens, Santorini and Meteora. The only thing I would say about comfort in Greece is that be prepared that some people (not just men) are very likely to stare. Even if you’re just on the bus or tram, minding your own business, people may keep looking at you like there was something on your face. Don’t worry about it, but be prepared for it. Other than that, Greece feels just as safe for solo travel as western European countries. In touristy areas everyone speaks at least a little bit of English (most speak very well), so you are not likely to feel alienated.

France  

A few years ago I got to stay in the French capital for about a month and had a very good experience. As with any capital cities, there are neighbourhoods that are best to avoid and caution and common sense are necessary. But if you have always dreamt of visiting the city of lights, don’t let going solo put you off. I stayed in the 14th arrondissement , and I felt very safe and comfortable. I know there is a stereotype that French people refuse to speak English, but I have been to France multiple times now, and that's just never been the case. Especially in Paris, I found that people spoke good English everywhere and were happy to chat with me.

Ireland 

Dublin is another capital I visited solo, and once again I had a very relaxed time. Dublin felt very cozy and walkable, making it less stressful. Surprisingly, it doesn’t even have a metro system, only buses and trams, but this makes it even more tranquil for solo female travel. I think it's a good solo female travel spot because it does not feel overwhelming like other capitals or big cities might do.

Singapore 

One of my favourite places on Earth, and another country that constantly ranks really high as best solo travel destinations for first-time travellers. If you want to explore the world alone, but safety concerns, you I would recommend Singapore to be one of the first places you visit. It’s so futuristic, modern and well-kept, you are likely to have a wonderful experience. Locals are nice and welcoming, always happy to help with directions or other information. 

Switzerland 

Another country I visited to see friends, but also ended up exploring solo (Basel). Switzerland is also a country that is considered very safe for solo female travel, and my experience only seconds that. Public transport systems are reliable, locals and generally helpful and speak English well, so it’s easy to navigate. 

I hope that with this list and insights you have gained more confidence to travel solo. As I always say, it is one of the most reflective and liberating things that you can do for yourself, but in order to have the best first time experience you have to be careful about picking the location.