Top Locations For First-Time Solo Travellers
Below we’ve listed a number of locations across Asia and Europe, which are two of the most popular regions for first-time solo travel due to their overall safety, connectivity and convenience.
The places listed below all encompass things that we at MLA believe makes a location solo-friendly:
Above all, they are known to be safe for solo travellers
The locals are welcoming
Fellow travellers will be in abundance
Travelling throughout the country is safe, convenient, accessible and cost-effective
Here are MLA’s best destinations for first-time solo travellers:
Top Destinations in Asia
Thailand
Thailand is one of Asia’s most popular destinations for solo travellers due to its convenience across the board. It’s very easy to get around, accommodation is in abundance and super simple to book, and there are price points for all types of travellers. Whilst backpacking and hostels are synonymous with Thailand, there are also many hotels and luxury resorts available to suit all budgets. In some cities you’ll find great hotels for as little as £30 per night!
With Bangkok often the starting point for Thailand travels, the connection options on arrival - via plane, train, bus and/or boat - are unlimited. Hotspots where you’ll find tonnes of other solo travellers include Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui.
Vietnam
A super safe choice for solo travellers, Vietnam has many interesting and beautiful places to explore. Like Thailand, the accommodation options are diverse and often cheap, and you’ve got city, country and beach options to choose from. Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi are often a must-visit for most travellers, and when in Hanoi we can’t recommend enough the street food tours. Add this to your itinerary now!
If you’re after the beach, Da Nang and Nha Trang are two places where you’re bound to find yourself around other travellers, with Da Nang’s neighbour Hoi An being a must-stop to view the colourful lanterns every evening. We can’t mention Vietnam beaches without also mentioning Phu Quoc, an island known for its watersports and white-sand beaches.
Philippines
There’s over 7000 islands in the Philippines, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll get to travel across them all. But there’s a few key places for solo travellers that are worthwhile adding to your list. Boracay Island is probably the most solo traveller friendly, and is known for both its beach life and nightlife.
There’s also El Nido which is simply idyllic, with pristine beaches, diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkelling and diving are highly recommended here, and for those not afraid of heights, the Las Cabanas zipline offers 750 metres of flying across the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Balabec is a newer destination on travellers’ radars. It’s quite challenging to get to as it’s the southernmost island of all the Philippines, and includes a few separate journeys to get there. But it’s an adventurer’s paradise which is why more travellers are making the trip. Touring Balabec usually involves island hopping to explore uninhabited islands and snorkel amongst untouched coral reefs.
Bali
Bali has been a top solo travel destination for years, long before it became synonymous with where influencers spend their winters. To this day it remains an extremely popular and safe place for solo trips. From diving expeditions and surf camps to yoga & meditation retreats, there’s something for all types of adventurers.
The island’s spiritual heritage beautifully permeates any and all of your experiences, with ancient temples dotted across the land and sacred rituals taking place each day. There’s also the breathtaking rice fields that offer outstanding landscapes, with some great hikes that can be taken through the fields. Definitely add visiting one (or many) of these rice paddies to your must-see list. Ubud is famed for its stunning rice terraces and is one of the most popular spots for solo travellers, particularly for the creative and spiritual minds amongst us.
For beaches, Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu are very popular, along with the Nusa Islands and Gili Islands just a short boat journey away. It’s a good idea to have some travel sickness bands and pills for the boat trips in this part of the world, as they can be notoriously bumpy!
Top Destinations in Europe
Greece
If picture perfect snaps of nothing but blue and white comes to mind when you think of Greece, we can tell you now that it really is the reality of many of the Greek islands.
An incredibly convenient place to get around thanks to its super frequent boat schedules, solo travellers should make the most of this and take in as many places as possible. Boats connect Athens on the mainland with the Cyclades islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos. It’s more than doable to stay at all four of these islands on the same trip.
If hopping around isn’t your thing then there’s tonnes of choices for places to stay put for a week or two. Rhodes, Kos, Corfu and Crete all have direct flights from many European cities, with Crete holding a special place in our heart as it’s where we host our retreats throughout the summer. There’s still a few places left for this Summer so come and join us!
For city lovers, Athens and Thessaloniki can both make for an excellent trip itinerary. Both are situated on the east coast of the mainland, where you’ll find legendary museums as well as a world-class food scene.
Turkey
Whether you’ve got days, weeks or months to spend in Turkey during your travels, the opportunities are endless in this cultural melting pot.
The country’s capital Istanbul could fill a week of activities alone if so desired, with an incredible food scene, more cultural sites than you can count on both hands, and plenty of cool neighbourhoods to wander around.
When it comes to beaches, you’re spoilt for choice. The Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon is probably the most famous beach in all of Turkey, with its natural beauty and vibrant blue waters. Antalya, Fethiye, Alanya and Bodrum are all other popular destinations, with Bodrum’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife competing for its travellers’ attention.
If you decide to travel around, then the country’s public transport system is incredibly convenient and affordable, with buses, trains and budget airlines all super accessible.
Croatia
Croatia is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and has risen in popularity over the last five years with travellers from across the globe. It’s made up of over 1200 islands (who knew?!), some of which are uninhabited and some of which are just waiting to be explored.
The main destinations on most travellers’ itineraries are Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar, as well as Istria, which is famous for its olive oil, wine and truffles. For foodies and nature lovers alike, truffle hunting through the forests is a highly recommended to-do whilst in Istria, according to bespoke Croatian trip planner Vibe Croatia. Or if adventure is more your thing, the lesser-known small island of Solta is great for hiking and biking, and easily accessible via boat from Split.
What Are You Waiting For?
Whether it’s close to home or further afield, solo travel is an incredibly special experience that will transform your relationship with yourself and others. Through a good dose of research and a positive mindset, you can navigate new places with confidence and create the longest lasting memories.
Our upcoming Madeira retreat in April is the perfect blend of all the aforementioned points: great for solo travellers, an opportunity to make like-minded new friends, and experience an abundance of adventure and activities in a new country.