You want to take a solo trip. Yay, you! That’s very exciting. But maybe it’s your first time doing the solo travel thing, and you are looking for beginner-friendly destinations.
Or maybe it’s not even your first time, but you’re still pretty new to it. Even if you are a fairly (or very) experienced traveler in general, solo travel is still different. And it can feel a bit daunting.
Going with beginner-friendly solo travel destinations is definitely the way to go to get you started.
But what makes a destination good for newbie solo travelers? There are a few key criteria you probably want to consider, depending on your trip.
These are many of the same criteria that make for a great solo travel destination in general. But they just become relatively more important when considering a new solo traveler. Let’s look at each of these and what makes them beginner-friendly.
Safety should be one of your top priorities as a new solo traveler. You want destinations with low crime rates and good reputations for tourist safety. This doesn't mean you need to stick to the most touristy spots, but rather choose places where you can explore confidently without constantly looking over your shoulder.
Security considerations also include access to healthcare and emergency services. Especially as a solo traveler, this will give you peace of mind if you do happen to need medical services. Consider how easily accessible they are, how they operate, whether English (or your language) is spoken, and if your insurance is accepted.
Language accessibility can be a big deal. Language barriers can turn a simple task like ordering food or asking for directions into a stressful ordeal when you're traveling alone. That's why destinations where English (or your language) is widely spoken – or where locals are particularly patient with language learners – make the best choices for new solo travelers and can ease your comfort level.
Along with language comes familiarity in general. The importance of familiarity is probably the most subjective criterion, and varies with each person. What I mean is how similar the location is to home; think about things like time zone, weather, culture, and especially food. In general, the closer these things are to what you are used to, the easier the trip is for a beginner, especially when going solo. For example, it’s easier to pack and plan for weather you are familiar with. And you may not want to risk unusual foods alone. But it also depends on your openness to new experiences and adventure.
Accessibility applies to both how easy it is to get to your destination and how easy it is to get around once you’re there. A beginner-friendly location shouldn’t require lots of complicated logistics to arrive at.
Once you are there, you want to be able to get around easily. A good beginner-friendly location should have excellent public transportation. Reliable, clean, safe, and reasonably priced public transportation that is easy to navigate removes a major stress factor.
Walkable cities and pedestrian-friendly environments are also particularly ideal for first-time solo travel because they give you control over your pace and route. When you can explore on foot, you're not dependent on others for transportation, and you can change plans spontaneously.
Tourist-friendly infrastructure goes together with great transportation, but it encompasses so much more. A good tourism infrastructure means a destination that has services designed with visitors in mind.
These are locations that include reliable transportation systems, lots of accommodation options and local attractions, well-marked signs, and tourist information centers. This type of infrastructure creates an environment that allows you to navigate confidently, find help when you need it, and focus on exploring rather than problem-solving basic travel challenges.
Cultural openness to solo travelers can vary dramatically by destination. Some cultures are more accustomed to and welcoming of people traveling alone, especially solo female travelers.
Look into what the cultural norms are around dining alone and exploring independently at the location you are considering. Particularly as a beginner where you are still gaining your confidence as a solo traveler, you want to ensure you'll feel comfortable and accepted.
Along with a great tourism infrastructure and cultural openness, you’ll want a location that supports solo travelers with the availability of solo-friendly accommodations and activities.
Look for places with accommodations that don’t only cater to couples or groups, or have single surcharges, for example.
A beginner-friendly destination will have plenty of experiences and activities that are suitable for solo exploration and don’t require a group to enjoy fully. This can help ensure you have lots to choose from and keep from feeling bored or awkward about being alone. Think of places with walkable attractions, such as museums, parks, markets, guided tours, and cultural sites where solo visitors are common and welcome.
Internet and phone connectivity are definitely worth mentioning, because it’s something you might not consider. We often think it’s just going to be there, until it’s not reliable, and we realize how much we depend on it.
But they are especially important when traveling alone. Reliable wifi and phone service are critical to ensure you can stay connected with home, handle any issues, and have access to maps to better navigate your way around on your own without worry.
Your travel budget is always important. This is even more true when traveling solo, as you’ll be paying for the whole bill for things like hotel rooms. Look for destinations that offer a range of affordable yet quality accommodations, dining, and activities.
Beginner-friendly destinations should be a good value with predictable pricing so you can budget effectively. Avoid places where you might face significant price gouging for singles or where costs are difficult to predict, and hidden ones could creep up on you.
The best beginner-friendly solo travel destination is one that matches your interests, comfort level, and travel goals while incorporating as many of these supportive factors as possible.
But everyone is different. And ultimately, it’s up to you to know which criteria are most important to you and what your comfort level is as a new solo traveler. Starting with beginner-friendly locations is the best way to get you on your way and let you enjoy your travels.