Travelling Alone? 20 Best Solo Travel Destinations in India and Abroad
Discover 20 best solo travel destinations in India and abroad, plus solo travel tips, safe places, budget ideas and inspiration for your next trip.
It can take longer to plan a vacation with friends than the vacation itself. If this rings a bell, then perhaps the best solo travel destinations are the easiest way to go on that trip that has been languishing on the back burner. One is after mountains, one is after beaches, one can’t get leave and then, just like that, the much talked about holiday is still in the group chat.
The equation changes when you travel alone. No waiting to see everyone awake, no twenty minute conversation about where to eat nor the need to fit a favourite spot into someone else’s timetable. It’s a morning that could start with sightseeing, a chance stop at a café, and end with sunset by the sea.
Yes, the first time can be a bit awkward. So the first time, the first strange bus journey, the first night in a new location… and suddenly it feels normal.
The best solo travel destinations in India aren’t necessarily the most popular; it’s also about the locations that offer the most connectivity and spectacular scenery. They’re the locations where you can get comfortable.
What Makes a Destination Good for Travelling Alone?
Although a destination may look fantastic in a photo, it can be frustrating when it comes time to actually get there. The small practicalities are important when travelling alone.
Best places to travel alone typically have:
- Convenient local transport
- Adaptability of making accessible areas.
- A variety of activities to have fun with on your own.
- Cafes and restaurants where people feel at ease eating alone
- Opportunities to meet other travellers
- Options for various budget requirements
For solo travel for beginners, these details can make a surprisingly big difference. There is not so much as unnecessary uncertainty when you know how to get from the airport to the hotel as well as where to stay and how to get around.
Best Places to Travel Alone in India
India is a very interesting starting point as the experience varies greatly from one region to another. After a few days by the Ganga, a beach break in Kerala is nothing at all like a stroll through the old lanes of Rajasthan.
These solo travel places in India offer a mix of nature, culture, food, history and adventure without requiring a travelling companion.
1. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is a unique combination. It’s packed with activity and yet there’s a place to have a quiet conversation when you need it.
This is all about the Ganga. Yoga or an adventure activity on a morning, visiting cafés in the afternoon and often ending up at the ghats in the evening.
Things to Do in Rishikesh
- Stroll along the ghats of the Ganga.
- Go river rafting
- Visit Beatles Ashram
- Go to the evening gandha arati.
- Take time to enjoy a café along the river.
It’s more appealing to look out at the river with a cup of chai than a sunset activity.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali turns into a snowy, mountain and wintery landscape. It’s much more than that.
The old Manali is full of cafes, small shops and narrow streets and the surrounding area is dotted with forests and mountain valleys. It’s a place where a free afternoon is not a wasted afternoon.
Things to Do in Manali
- Explore Old Manali
- Visit Hadimba Temple
- Head towards Solang Valley
- Discover local cafés
- Enjoy a scenic drive or short hike
For anyone looking for mountain air and thoda sa sukoon, Manali fits the bill.
3. Goa
One doesn’t need to have a set itinerary for Goa. Indeed, it’s likely best without one.
A morning at the beach can easily become a lunch, a random drive can take you to an old neighbourhood and sunset can come before you think about dinner. When you need someone to accompany you, you’ll find someone to join you, when you need your own room, you won’t have to fight with anyone for it.
Places to Visit in Goa
- Palolem and other southern beaches
- Anjuna
- Old Goa
- Panjim’s Latin Quarter
- Fort Aguada
A Goan evening – sea breeze, good food and nowhere to hurry.
For a closer look at the two sides of the state, read our guide on North Goa or South Goa: Which Is Better?.
4. Munnar, Kerala
There’s no need to draw attention to Munnar. It earns it slowly.
The hills are covered in tea, the roads curve around and the landscape changes with the seasons. In fact, it’s not about how fast you move from one point to another, it’s about how much fun you have in the time moving from point to point.
Places to Visit in Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Tea plantations and tea museums
- Top Station
- Munnar town and nearby viewpoints
If you are looking for a green place, a quiet morning and some sukoon, Munnar is one of the best places for solo travel.
5. Varkala, Kerala
Varkala’s personality is very easygoing. The walk overlooks the Arabian Sea, the cafés are along the walk and the beach is easily accessible and can be walked to at night.
Things to Do in Varkala
- Explore Varkala Cliff
- Enjoy the beach at Papanasam
- Participate in yoga or relaxation classes
- Shop and drink at various shops and cafés.
- Enjoy a sunset at the beach
The best part of Varkala is that you can do so little and feel that it’s a good enough day.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is a city of wanderers. The setting is grand – palaces, lakes – but it is the little things that make it special: old galiyan, temple bells, local shops, rooftops with views of Lake Pichola.
Places to Visit in Udaipur
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Jagdish Temple
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
- Bagore Ki Haveli
To feel the charm, it is enough to take a stroll through the Old City in the afternoon and enjoy a meal by the lake.
For a deeper look at the city, explore our guide to the best places to visit in Udaipur, covering some of the city’s most memorable sights.
7. Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a place where you can experience the road as a part of the vacation. Forests, waterfalls, hills and small settlements, often without warning, are around bends.
Places to Visit in Meghalaya
- Shillong
- Cherrapunji
- Living root bridges
- Dawki
- Nohkalikai Falls
There are actually some perspectives that are just hard to convey. The camera comes out, of course… but sometimes, even that is not enough.
8. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Colour, history and food are all in Jaipur, without much effort. It’s the palaces and forts that are the highlight, and markets are a whole other ball game.
Places to Visit in Jaipur
- Amber Fort
- Hawa Mahal
- City Palace
- Jantar Mantar
- Traditional Jaipur markets
The day in Jaipur is classic, with a morning indulging in the grandeur of the architecture and an evening in the lively bazaar.
9. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Pondicherry is for the people who enjoy exploring the place slowly. The architecture of White Town, the shade and the cafes and the promenade along the sea are particularly appealing to stroll among without having to keep a close watch on the clock.
Things to Do in Pondicherry
- Go for a stroll in White Town
- Explore the Promenade
- Visit Auroville
- Ride the historic walkable streets.
- Eat at local cafes and restaurants.
“What are you doing next?” is a question posed by some destinations. Pondicherry is quite content with “nothing yet”.
10. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi is a heritage site that’s unique. The ruins of a past history lie among giant boulders, temples stand on a vast open terrain and the scope of the site creates a sense of being in a film.
Places to Visit in Hampi
- Virupaksha Temple
- Matanga Hill
- Hampi Bazaar
- Vittala Temple complex
- Royal Enclosure
This is where the itinerary might be helpful, but a bit of getting lost with enjoyment is even more beneficial.
International Solo Travel Destinations
Taking a trip abroad may appear like a bigger move, but with the right destination, it can be very attainable. A good transport system, well-developed tourism facilities and a lot of independent activities can take away a lot of stress.
Here are some international solo travel destinations that are vastly different. Some are perfect for novices, others for those seeking adventure, nature or some more spontaneity.
11. Japan
One of those places where the logistics are the experience is Japan. The trains are very efficient, there are a lot of places to explore in the city and eating alone is not abnormal.
There’s so much to say about Tokyo; it’s huge and bustling, Kyoto is old, and Osaka is full of its own food culture.
Places to Visit in Japan
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Nara
- Mount Fuji
For travellers who like independence without chaos, Japan remains among the best solo travel destinations.
If Tokyo is on the itinerary, explore our guide to things to do in Tokyo, covering attractions, food and experiences worth making time for. For travellers who want to go beyond the capital, explore these places to visit in Japan beyond Tokyo for a slower side of the country.
12. Singapore
Though small, Singapore has a lot to offer. The tour will focus on modern architecture, heritage neighbourhoods, gardens and food markets in a relatively short tour.
Places to Visit in Singapore
- Marina Bay
- Gardens by the Bay
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Kampong Glam
And then there are the hawker centres. After an extended day of sightseeing, a local dish of food is not a bad thing to end the day with.
13. Portugal
Portugal is leisurely and is perfect for the independent traveller. There’s a lot of variety to be found in the tiled streets of Lisbon, the riverside atmosphere of Porto and the relaxed way of life in the Algarve.
Places to Visit in Portugal
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Sintra
- Algarve
- Douro Valley
It is one of the best solo travel destinations for those who want history and culture without an itinerary that feels like hard work.
14. Iceland
Iceland is for those who like to let the landscape be the focus of the trip. Even a simple drive is a part of the adventure, with waterfalls, volcanic terrain, glaciers and black-sand beaches.
Places to Visit in Iceland
- Reykjavík
- Golden Circle
- South Coast
- Black-sand beaches
- Blue Lagoon
For those who prefer not to deal with all the details, organised excursions can also help with exploring.
15. Slovenia
Slovenia is compact, but this is what makes it interesting. The small amount of coastline, the pretty towns, the mountains and alpine lakes all combine without the long travel hours of other countries.
Places to Visit in Slovenia
- Ljubljana
- Lake Bled
- Lake Bohinj
- Julian Alps
- Piran
It is ideal for people who are travelling and do not like to pack and unpack their bags all the time.
16. New Zealand
New Zealand is a paradise for those who love open spaces. Much of the experience is dominated by mountains, lakes, fjords and roads of great beauty, especially on the South Island.
Places to Visit in New Zealand
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Rotorua
- Auckland
- Fiordland National Park
Here, the journey between two destinations can be half the fun.
17. Thailand
Thailand is one of the best destinations for solo travelers who do not want to choose between cities, beaches, culture and food.
The nation’s laid-back attitude makes it easy to switch gears. A few days in Bangkok can be complemented by a visit to Chiang Mai, an island holiday or an impromptu excursion.
Things to Do in Thailand
- Explore Bangkok’s temples and markets
- Discover Chiang Mai
- Visit island destinations
- Join a Thai cooking class
- Explore local night markets
Meeting people is a breeze too when group tours and classes are an option, without having to spend the entire holiday.
For more itinerary inspiration, explore our guide to places to visit in Thailand, from popular destinations to memorable escapes.
18. Vietnam
Vietnam is a place for inquisitive tourists. Street food, old towns, country scenery and urban hustle and bustle exist in the same country.
Places to Visit in Vietnam
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh
- Hoi An
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Ha Long Bay
The most simple of evenings for the foodies can turn into an experience. When visiting a local restaurant, notice if there are a lot of people there, and take a seat to see what everyone else is eating.
For more ideas, explore our guide to places to visit in Vietnam, covering cafés, coastlines, culture and cities.
19. Bali, Indonesia
Bali is as active or laid back as the traveller would like. Ubud features rice terraces, temples and wellness facilities, while the coasts feature beaches, cafés and nightlife.
Places to Visit in Bali
- Ubud
- Uluwatu
- Sanur
- Seminyak
- Tegallalang
One day can be packed with sightseeing. The next can involve absolutely nothing beyond a good café and a book. Both work.
For a more detailed itinerary, explore our guide to the best things to do in Bali for first-time travellers.
20. Sri Lanka
Within a relatively small island of Sri Lanka, there is an amazing diversity. A trip to tea-covered hills, beaches, wildlife, historic towns, and more can be all the same trip.
Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
- Ella
- Galle Fort
- Kandy
- Yala National Park
- Colombo
The hill-country train journey is particularly memorable. Settle by the window, watch the landscape roll past and let the journey take its time.
For a fuller itinerary, explore our Sri Lanka travel guide, covering places to visit and experiences worth adding to the trip.
Where to Stay
But the choice of destination is only half the planning. The next question is typically quite easy, “Where to stay?”
When travelling alone, it is not all about where to sleep. Location matters. Easy transport, neighbourhood around the property and whether it is a setting that matches the mood of the trip.
A hotel in the middle of the city makes it easier to explore the city, a quiet stay in nature is just what you need after several days of sightseeing. For those who want to meet other people, hostels and social stays are suitable, but private stays are for more space and relaxation.
From the mountains of Manali and beaches of Goa to the historic streets of Udaipur or destinations on the other side of the world, Solis Nature makes it easy to explore nature-centric stays across 150+ countries and destinations.
Sometimes the stay is a factor in choosing the best solo travel destinations, especially for those who are still weighing up their options. This isn’t a city hotel, it’s a peaceful property surrounded by nature.
Safest Solo Travel Destinations
The safest places to travel alone are different for each person. Some cities, neighbourhoods, seasons, and transport options and personal situations may be less safe.
Japan, Singapore, Iceland, Portugal, Slovenia and New Zealand offer advantages to independent travellers, thanks to their well-developed tourism sector and transport systems. In even a well-established tourist area, however, some precautions are essential.
Before travelling, please refer to the latest local advice, familiarise yourself with the route and ensure that you have access to emergency contacts.
When you’re choosing the best solo travel destination, you should take into account places’ practical comforts as well as attractions. Having an understanding of how to navigate, the location of the housing and the support available can make a huge difference.
Affordable Solo Travel Destinations and Budget Tips
India, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka can be useful choices for travellers looking for affordable places to travel alone. The final amount will still be influenced by the season, where to stay, flights and activities.
Here are some easy tips for staying on a sensible budget:
- If possible, travel in the shoulder seasons
- Check out the best hotel, guesthouse or hostel deals.
- Take advantage of public transport if possible
- Stay at local hotels and eat at local restaurants and markets.
- Blend paid and free activities
- Stay longer in fewer places.
Sometimes, the most economical approach is to avoid viewing everything!
The budget is also an important factor to consider when deciding on the best solo travel destinations. While the destination may seem cheap at the outset, it’s important to consider not just the room price but also the transportation costs if multiple cities are involved and the cost of any activities as well.
Weekend Solo Trips
A two-week vacation isn’t a prerequisite for a solo adventure.
Weekend solo trips may be an easy way in and a comfortable introduction, if the location is accessible and there’s enough to see over two or three days.
Rishikesh, Udaipur, Jaipur and Pondicherry are good options for short breaks depending on the starting point. A little trip can also show you what type of traveller you are: early riser, slow explorer, planner, or the one who somehow finds herself on a random lane because “it looked interesting”.
In cases of shorter breaks, the best solo travel destinations are those where most of the time isn’t spent travelling to get there and more time is spent enjoying the place.
Solo Trip Ideas: How to Choose the Right Destination
There is no universal formula. Some travellers want mountains and early starts; others want beaches, cafés and late breakfasts. The best solo trip ideas usually begin with the kind of experience wanted rather than a destination name.
For anyone collecting solo vacation ideas, this quick guide can help narrow down the mood:
| Travel mood | Destinations to consider |
| First international trip | Japan, Singapore |
| Mountains and nature | Manali, Munnar, Meghalaya, Slovenia |
| Beaches | Goa, Varkala, Thailand, Bali, Sri Lanka |
| Food and culture | Jaipur, Japan, Vietnam |
| Short escape | Rishikesh, Udaipur, Pondicherry |
| Meeting people | Goa, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali |
| Budget-conscious | India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka |
| Slow and peaceful | Munnar, Varkala, Pondicherry |
Whether the search is for places to travel alone, a quick escape or a longer international adventure, choosing around the desired experience usually makes more sense than chasing a trending destination.
Solo Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers
Before You Leave
- Book the first night in advance
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents
- Research local transport
- Share the itinerary with someone trusted
- Download offline maps
- Save local emergency contacts
During the Trip
- Keep valuables secure
- Use reliable transport
- Stay aware of the surroundings
- Avoid filling every hour with activities
- Leave room for plans to change
- Step away from situations that feel uncomfortable
Learning how to travel alone does not mean having everything figured out before leaving home. The first solo dinner might feel slightly awkward. The first unfamiliar train may require some extra attention.
Then, somewhere along the way, it becomes routine.
These solo travel tips are particularly useful for first-time travellers, but the bigger lesson is simple: start somewhere manageable, stay prepared and allow the trip some breathing room.
And if the first trip goes well, there is a whole world of the best solo travel destinations waiting for the next one.
Final Thoughts
The best solo trips are not necessarily the ones with the longest itineraries or the biggest list of attractions.
Sometimes the moments that stay with travellers are much smaller: chai beside the Ganga, mist drifting across a tea plantation, a quiet lane in Udaipur, a roadside meal in Vietnam or a train window framing the hills of Sri Lanka.
That is the beauty of travelling alone.
There is freedom in deciding where to go next without negotiating it with anyone else. There is also a strange satisfaction in discovering that a delayed train, unexpected rain or wrong turn does not have to ruin the day.
Sometimes, it becomes the story.
So start with a destination that feels manageable. Keep the itinerary flexible. Leave a little space for the unexpected…
And go.
FAQs
1. Is solo travel a good idea for first-time travellers?
Yes. Starting with a familiar or well-connected destination can make travelling alone feel much easier. For additional practical advice, you can also explore these tips for travelling alone shared by travellers on Quora.
2. What are the best solo travel destinations in India?
Rishikesh, Manali, Goa, Munnar, Varkala, Udaipur, Jaipur and Pondicherry are among the destinations featured in this guide. The right choice depends on whether you prefer mountains, beaches, culture, food or a slower escape.
3. What should I do before travelling alone for the first time?
Book your first night’s accommodation, research local transport, keep copies of important documents, download offline maps and share your basic itinerary with someone you trust. It also helps to avoid packing the first trip with too many activities.
4. Which are the safest solo travel destinations?
Japan, Singapore, Iceland, Portugal, Slovenia and New Zealand offer well-developed tourism infrastructure and transport systems that can make independent travel easier. However, safety can vary by location, season and individual circumstances, so checking current local advice is important.
5. What are some affordable solo travel destinations?
India, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka can work well for travellers looking for affordable solo travel destinations. Travelling during shoulder seasons, using public transport and staying longer in fewer places can also help manage the overall budget.
6. What are some of the best places to visit as a solo traveller?
The answer depends on the kind of experience you want. Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Portugal and destinations across India offer different combinations of culture, food, nature and adventure. You can also browse recommendations for places to visit as a solo traveller for additional traveller perspectives.
