Travelling alone is a different kind of freedom. You move on your instincts. You sleep when you want. You can change plans at the drop of a hat. The right country makes that freedom feel safe and exciting — and easier to turn into good stories.
Below are the top ten countries for solo travel, written so a visitor can act on it: why each country works for solo travellers, what to do there, when to go, realistic daily budget ranges, safety notes, how to meet people, and a short sample itinerary for quick planning.
Quick note: I prioritised countries with strong safety records, good infrastructure, or lively social scenes for solo travellers. Iceland, Portugal, New Zealand, Japan, and Thailand are among the standouts for a mix of safety, accessibility, and solo-friendly culture
1. Portugal — easy, compact cities and friendly locals
Why go: Walkable cities, great food, reliable transport, and a relaxed pace. Lisbon and Porto are small enough to explore on foot and large enough to offer nightlife and day-trip options. Portugal often ranks high for both safety and visitor friendliness.
Top things to do: Tram rides in Lisbon, rooftop views, Douro Valley day trip, surf lessons at nearby beaches.
Best time to go: April–June and September–October (fewer crowds, mild weather).
Daily budget (visitor-friendly range): $50–120 (hostels to mid-range hotels, local meals).
Safety: Generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Meet people: Stay in well-rated hostels or guesthouses; join a food or walking tour.
Sample 5-day itinerary: Lisbon (2 days) → Sintra day trip → Porto (2 days: wine cellars + riverside walk).
2. Japan — ultra-safe, efficient, endlessly interesting
Why go: Reliable transport, high safety standards, and a culture that rewards curiosity. Cities run late-night trains and have clear signage; getting around solo is low-stress. Official travel guidance regularly lists Japan as a low-risk destination.
Top things to do: Temple mornings in Kyoto, neon nights in Tokyo, countryside on the bullet train, and onsen (hot spring) soak.
Best time to go: March–May (cherry blossom) or October–November (fall colours).
Daily budget: $80–180 (hostel to mid-range hotels; food varies).
Safety: Very high. Keep normal city caution—don’t leave luggage unattended.
Meet people: Join a neighbourhood izakaya for casual conversation; take a day workshop (cooking, pottery) or join a guided walking tour.
Sample 7-day itinerary: Tokyo (3 days) → Hakone day trip → Kyoto (3 days: temples + food markets).
3. New Zealand — outdoor adventure with easy logistics
Why go: Trails are marked, buses and tour operators are solo-traveller ready, and locals are welcoming. It’s a practical place to book single-seat activities and meet other travellers on shared shuttles.
Top things to do: Multi-day hikes, bungee/skydiving in Queenstown, fjord cruises, kayaking.
Best time to go: November–March (Southern Hemisphere summer).
Daily budget: $60–160 (hostel to budget hotel; activity prices vary).
Safety: Low violent crime; watch the weather in alpine areas.
Meet people: Join guided hikes, hostel common rooms, or adventure tour groups.
Sample 10-day itinerary: Auckland → Rotorua (geothermal) → Wellington → South Island: Queenstown + Milford Sound.
4. Iceland — dramatic landscapes and top safety
Why go: Sparse crowds and high safety make solo road trips especially rewarding. The country ranks near the top in global peace and safety measures, which helps when you plan independent drives or late-night northern-light hunts.
Top things to do: Ring Road drive, hot springs, glacier hikes, northern lights in winter.
Best time to go: June–August for mild weather; September–March for northern lights.
Daily budget: $100–250 (accommodation and food cost more).
Safety: Extremely high, but respect weather and road warnings in remote areas.
Meet people: Campgrounds and guesthouses often create natural meetups; join guided day tours for shared experiences.
Sample 7-day itinerary: Reykjavik → Golden Circle → South Coast → Skaftafell → Jokulsarlon.
5. Thailand — social, affordable, and easy to move around
Why go: Low cost, clear traveller routes, and a huge community of solo travellers. Hostels and tour operators make it easy to plug into island-hopping groups or land-based activity days. Safety for tourists is generally good in popular areas, though some regions require local caution.
Top things to do: Bangkok street food, Chiang Mai temples and treks, southern islands for beaches and diving.
Best time to go: November–March (dry season).
Daily budget: $25–80 (hostel/dorm to budget hotels; food very inexpensive).
Safety: Low violent crime in tourist areas; watch out for petty scams and traffic.
Meet people: Hostels, group boat trips, cooking classes, Muay Thai gyms.
Sample 10-day itinerary: Bangkok → Chiang Mai → Fly south to Koh Tao or Krabi for islands.
6. Spain — lively social culture and easy nightlife
Why go: Cities and towns have social nights and festivals. Spanish dining culture and outdoor plazas make solo evenings easy; food and drink create natural conversation points.
Top things to do: Tapas and local bars, architecture in Barcelona, flamenco in Seville, and coastal escapes.
Best time to go: April–June and September–October.
Daily budget: $60–150.
Safety: Generally safe; pickpocketing can be common in crowded tourism spots.
Meet people: Tapas tours, language exchanges, or small guided day trips.
Sample 7-day itinerary: Barcelona → Valencia → Granada (or Seville).
7. Canada — vast landscapes with comfortable infrastructure
Why go: Cities are modern and safe, and national parks give plenty of solo-friendly outdoor options. English is widely spoken (except in some regions where French is dominant), making logistics easier.
Top things to do: City + park combos: Vancouver + Whistler, Toronto + Niagara, Banff for alpine hikes.
Best time to go: May–September for most activities.
Daily budget: $70–180.
Safety: High; normal urban caution applies.
Meet people: Hostels in national park towns or organised outdoor tours.
8. Vietnam — cheap, rich, and social
Why go: Budget travel that still feels adventurous. Hostels and tours are set up for solo travellers; food stalls and markets are natural social hubs.
Top things to do: Overnight trains, street food in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh, Ha Long Bay boat trips.
Best time to go: Varies by region; generally November–April for central and south.
Daily budget: $20–60.
Safety: Low violent crime; be careful with traffic and petty theft.
Meet people: Cooking classes, boat trips, overnight buses and trains.
9. Costa Rica — eco-focused and easy for solo adventurers
Why go: Managed eco-tours, surf camps, and wildlife tours make it simple to join groups and meet people while staying active outdoors.
Top things to do: Rainforest zip-lines, surf lessons, wildlife watching, and volcano hikes.
Best time to go: December–April (dry season).
Daily budget: $50–120.
Safety: Good overall; use local guidance in remote areas.
Meet people: Hostels, surf camps, guided wildlife tours.
10. Australia — vast choices, reliable services
Why go: Reliable public transport in cities, strong safety practices, and many group activities for meeting others. Distances are large, so guided tours help in remote areas.
Top things to do: Coastal walks, Great Barrier Reef, city sightseeing in Sydney/Melbourne.
Best time to go: Southern spring and summer (Sept–March).
Daily budget: $80–200.
Safety: High; sun and ocean hazards need respect.
Meet people: Hostels, multi-day tours, surf lessons.
How to Pick the Right Country (quick checklist)
- Safety needs: Pick Iceland, Japan, Portugal, or New Zealand if safety and infrastructure are top priorities.
- Budget: Choose Thailand, Vietnam, or parts of Central America.
- Adventure: New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Iceland deliver outdoor thrills.
- Social life: Spain, Portugal, and Thailand are easiest for meeting other travellers.
Practical Travel Tips (visitor-ready)
- Book the first two nights in a centrally located place. It helps with jet lag and safety.
- Carry a local SIM or eSIM the day you land. Navigation and contact options matter.
- Use hostels or small guesthouses for the first few nights to meet people.
- Pack a simple “social” kit: a small deck of cards, a reusable water bottle, and a quick conversation starter (a local phrase or interest).
- Travel insurance: Buy a policy that covers medical evacuation and trip interruption.
- Respect local customs: quick research on dress codes, tipping, and greetings pays off.
Quick Itineraries (3 sample mini-plans)
Lisbon — 4 days (easy first solo trip)
Day 1: Arrive, walk central streets, rooftop viewpoint.
Day 2: Tram 28, Belém, pastel de nata tasting.
Day 3: Day trip to Sintra.
Day 4: Riverfront morning, fly or train to Porto.
Tokyo + Kyoto — 7 days (city & culture mix)
Days 1–3: Tokyo neighbourhoods (Shibuya, Asakusa, Tsukiji market).
Day 4: Bullet train to Kyoto.
Days 5–7: Kyoto temples, Fushimi Inari, Gion district.
Bangkok → Islands — 10 days (social beach + city)
Days 1–3: Bangkok street food and temples.
Days 4–6: Chiang Mai for a trek or cooking class.
Days 7–10: Fly south for island life (Koh Tao/Koh Lanta).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which country is safest for solo travellers?
Iceland, New Zealand, and northern European countries consistently rank very high in peace and safety indices.
Q: Which region is best for cheap solo travel?
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam) offers the lowest daily costs and a strong solo-traveller community.
Q: How do I meet people as a solo traveller?
Stay in social accommodation, join tours, attend local classes, and use meet-up apps or social events.
If you want to visit the Best Places for Solo Male Travel, click here.
