I’ve travelled solo for 21 years, here are my are my favourite places to visit alone

Many factors play a role in deciding which countries are my favourites for travelling alone.

Some are no different from travelling with a companion: delicious food, an
abundance of nature, and plenty of museums and temples to visit.

Others have more to do with a feeling — of safety as I explore after dark, and of community when curious locals chat with me, even inviting me to join family meals or weddings.

It’s these inclusive encounters and emotions that are the reason I travel alone: to see different ways of living, taste dishes I’ve never heard of before and learn about the history and culture of a place.

And it might go some way in explaining why other countries stir me more than others, especially as a lone female traveller.

Of course, affordability plays a part when there’s no one to split costs with, and the ease of actually travelling through a country is important, but for me, they aren’t defining features.

It’s more about the exquisite mix of everything feeling just right;
the perfect blend of wonder, the deeply embedded traditions and the layered timelessness that makes every day feel almost magical.

After 21 years of solo travel, these are the places that do just that. These are my favourite countries for travelling alone.

Sri Lanka

Compact, navigable and endlessly varied, Sri Lanka is one of the most complete destinations I know for solo travel.

In Colombo, wide, tree-lined boulevards and a fast-evolving cocktail scene make lingering easy; restaurants such as GINI champion bold Sri
Lankan flavours, from Jaffna curries to arrack-laced cocktails.

And beyond the capital, nine months of very affordable bus journeys have carried me from the palmyrah-fringed plains of Jaffna to the tea estates of Hill Country and the surf breaks of Weligama.

Some of my favourite places, the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura reveal astounding history, while Wilpattu National Park delivers leopards, elephants and birdlife without the crowds.

You can hike stretches of the Pekoe Trail one week and scan the ocean for blue whales the next; it’s this rare density that blends culture, wildlife, beaches and genuine warmth that makes Sri Lanka feel brilliantly manageable alone.

Perfect for: There’s something for everyone here

Costa Rica

Costa Rica captures my heart every time I travel solo.

From café-hopping in San José to winding by bus into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, it offers adventure without sacrificing a sense of safety.

In forests thick with orchids and hummingbirds, I’ve felt both humbled by nature and completely at peace, a feeling that’s hard to come by as a female hiking alone in other countries.

With its welcoming locals, well-worn routes and staggering biodiversity, Costa Rica is unbeatable for solo explorations.

Perfect for: Experiencing nature

Italy

From the pastel perfection of Procida to the gritty energy of Naples and Florence’s whimsical beauty, Italy overflows with delights for the solo traveller.

I’ve spent multiple weeks travelling all over the country, dining alone by night and strolling without a plan during the day and never once felt uneasy.

It’s a great beginner country for anyone who’s never travelled solo before.

On Procida, the smallest island in the Bay of Naples, pastel houses tumble towards the sea, while beneath Mount Vesuvius, Naples offers incredible pizza, pasta and gelato that’s affordable for the solo traveller.

Further north, Florence captivates with magical beauty, but be sure to visit out of the high season (May to September) as it becomes unbearably busy and terribly expensive.

Perfect for: Your first solo holiday

Nepal

Nepal rewards solo travel in a deeply personal way; it’s small enough to feel navigable yet vast with its towering mountains and wonderful trekking.

The capital Kathmandu, is less intense than many of neighbouring India’s cities, so it’s possible to linger in café-lined streets or visit temples without hassle.

And for nature lovers, the infrastructure for trekkers makes travelling independently straightforward.

Moreover, as a solo traveller, I’ve found it easy to meet others in Nepal, yet just as easy to carve out solitude.

Perfect for: Somewhere entirely different — without feeling out of your depth

Georgia

After spending close to two months living and travelling throughout Georgia, I’ve concluded that it’s an exceptional destination for solo travel.

Combining accessibility with adventure, from Tbilisi’s vibrant streets, historic mansions and strong cafe culture to snow-capped peaks, verdant vineyards and the picture-perfect villages of Kakheti, there’s something to suit every type of solo traveller.

The country’s infrastructure, including affordable marshrutkas, makes getting around straightforward too, while its small, welcoming hotels, bustling markets and local eateries make it easy to connect with people without losing autonomy.

Don’t miss Pheasant’s Tears in Sighnahghi, Doli in Telavi and Littera in Tbilisi.

Perfect for: Extending your trip…

Colombia

Colombia is a country that sparks the senses and rewards solo travellers with vibrancy and easy-going energy.

From the rainbow streets of Cartagena to the Andean peaks and coffee towns inland, every corner offers something special.

Often dismissed by solo travellers on account of its chequered past, what I found during a three-week solo trip through Colombia was quite the opposite.

I met friendly locals, danced at carnival and enjoyed solo hikes through captivating scenery.

Cities like Medellín and Bogotá combine modern co-working spaces with walkable streets, while small towns, like Jardin, offer warmth, charm, and opportunities to connect with locals.

For anyone travelling solo, I’d highly recommend it.

Perfect for: Making new friends

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