Study: The Best Destinations for Solo Travel

Traveling solo can be one of the most enriching experiences of your life. It offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and dive into new cultures. From vibrant cities that are welcoming to solo travelers to serene landscapes that allow you to connect with nature, the right destination can make all the difference in your journey. However, with so much of the world open for exploration, it can be hard to know which places are best for those traveling alone.

When embarking on a solo adventure, people tend to prioritize safety, a welcoming environment, social opportunities, and more. While all destinations may be worth a visit, there are those that are exceptionally suited for solo travelers. Since we’re big supporters of solo activities like playing Solitaire, we set out to find out which destinations are most recommended for solo travelers by analyzing over 6,000 comments in the 20 most popular subreddits about solo travel. Read on to find out where you should take your next solo adventure!

Key Findings

• Argentina, Russia, and Taiwan are the best countries for solo travel.
• Athens, Boston, and Savannah are the best cities for solo travel.
• Washington, Oregon, and Colorado are the best U.S. states for solo travel.

The Best Places for Solo Travel

All across the world, people frequently decide to leave their plus ones and embark on a solo adventure. While discovering new sites and exploring at your own pace, solo travel also allows you to learn more about yourself along the way. However, it can be hard to know which destination is right for you.

Fortunately, there’s a strong online community of solo travelers who are willing to share their expertise and recommendations. Using Reddit, we discovered which locations are most recommended for solo travel by those who have gone on a solo adventure themselves. However, before you book your trip, it’s important to do your own research about the current state of each location in terms of crime, political unrest, and other safety factors to make sure you feel comfortable solo traveling there.

To determine the best places for solo travel, we analyzed the average number of upvotes locations received on popular solo travel subreddits. The most recommended locations for those traveling alone are Argentina, Athens, and Boston.

Argentina offers a vibrant culture and breathtaking views, from the stunning landscapes of Patagonia to the lively city streets of Buenos Aires. When traveling to this country, there is a long list of must-sees. Reddit user Spillionaire shares a few in a comment, “Argentina would be a fun option. Check out some combination Buenos Aires, Patagonia (Calafate; El Chalten and Mt. Fitz Roy; Ushuaia), Iguazu falls, Mendoza, and Puerto Madryn.”

Athens is filled with so much ancient history and iconic landmarks to see, that you won’t even feel like you’re alone. From learning about history at the Acropolis, to eating at tavernas, and shopping in bustling markets, it’s a great stop to meet others as well. Reddit user Bluesummerrain shares her experience, “I felt safe and lots of people wanted a chat as they realized I was eating alone and were super friendly. I was 31 when I went. I did a lot of walking around and eating good food. Highly recommend!”

Boston is filled with walkable neighborhoods and a friendly atmosphere. There you can visit iconic sites like the Freedom Trail and other academic and cultural destinations. However, Reddit user Nextstep0318 says to avoid the winter, “I would definitely recommend Boston. If you can get there in the fall it is beautiful, but the winter can be harsh.”

The Best Countries for Solo Travel

One of the most crucial decisions of your trip is deciding in what country to travel solo, as this will significantly impact your experience. For starters, you want to pick a country that has multiple cities you’re interested in visiting to ensure you make the most of your experience.

According to Redditors, the most recommended countries for solo travel are Argentina, Russia, and Taiwan. While Russia is currently experiencing political unrest, it has historically been a favorite among travelers.

Before deciding on your ideal destination, make sure to research the safety of the area to ensure you’re visiting a place where there’s a welcoming attitude toward travelers. Another thing to consider is cultural norms and language barriers—countries where your native language is commonly spoken or where locals are used to travelers can be easier to travel through.

Argentina tops the list, with an anonymous Reddit user writing, “I would suggest Argentina, it is underrated, locals are amazing and friendly, so you get the full immersion vibe there.”

Taiwan also stands out as an easily navigable country with delicious street food that can be found in their famous night markets, tea houses that are perfect for relaxation, and scenic views like the one atop Taipei 101. The beaches are also noteworthy according to Reddit user Sniffingmodpodge, who says, “I found Taiwan especially friendly and fun, great surf/camp culture.”

As you’re traveling around the country and looking for a way to spice up your long commute, it’s a great time to play an exciting game of Canfield Solitaire. The classic game can serve as a delightful distraction, and you can immerse yourself in the game while still enjoying the changing scenery outside your window.

The Best Cities for Solo Travel

While not every city in a country is a winner in terms of solo travel, there are those cities that offer an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the warm people, cultural sites, or lively atmosphere, some cities are known as a must-stop for solo travelers.

The top cities solo travelers recommend are Athens, Boston, and Savannah. In Athens, those adventuring alone can stroll through ancient ruins and enjoy lively cafes filled with friendly locals. Reddit user _Helena shares her recommendation for accommodation in the city, “I stayed at City Circus Athens hostel and loved it. The restaurant attached had amazing food and free wine/beer night. If you ever go you need to stay there!”

Adding Savannah, Georgia, to your itinerary is always a good idea, according to Reddit user Abdcist, who writes, “Beautiful parks, buildings, near the ocean, historic, and AMAZING food and nightlife.”

Seville, Spain also comes highly recommended, Reddit user Zenxk writes, “Seville, Spain - probably my favorite place/region of the country to visit. Absolutely breathtaking city with immense history, amazing landmarks, and museums. The culture is great, too. Since it's the birthplace of Flamenco there's a wonderful music and dance scene there that I think everyone should check out at least once.”

The Best U.S. States for Solo Travel

Although Americans may think of a solo adventure as a backpacking trip abroad, there’s a lot of opportunity for solo travel within the States. From stunning national parks that offer breathtaking views and fun hiking trails to bustling cities that offer unique culture, traveling the U.S. has something for everyone.

The U.S. states that travelers recommend most for solo excursions are Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. All three states offer a chance to connect with nature. In Washington, Reddit user MollyPaget recommends the Cascade Range, “I second the Cascades! Particularly in western Washington. Seriously such a beautiful state.”

According to Reddit user Hypnotiqua, Colorado is a great stop year round: “Colorado is lovely any time of year and lots of stuff to do from skiing to white water rafting. Personally, I recommend Glenwood Spring because I think there's more culture and honestly more stuff to do from spring to fall, but winter is nice too.”

Traveling through Oregon also comes with a great atmosphere, an anonymous Reddit user writes, “One highlight was exploring Powell’s bookstore. I spent hours there, meandering along all of the floors. I bought a vintage book on the history of ballet. Bonus highlight was when I took a day trip to Astoria. Saw Haystack rock, ate clam chowder at a local restaurant, and just enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere of it all.”

When dedicating their travel to a specific city versus a whole state, there are certain U.S. cities that stand out as being a great stop for solo travelers. The best U.S. cities for solo travel are Boston, Savannah, and San Diego. From inviting locals and stunning beaches, to great food and a lively music scene, each of these cities offers something that will cater to the adventurous spirit of a solo traveler.

Enhancing Your Solo Adventure with Solitaired

At Solitaired, we know just how impactful a solo adventure can be in one’s life. Traveling by yourself allows you to have more moments of self-reflection, prioritize your interests, and time to learn new things and challenge yourself along the way.

Just as exploring a new city can lead to personal growth and unforgettable experiences, engaging in a solo activity like playing Mahjong, Hearts, or Pyramid Solitaire, can also enhance your focus and sharpen your critical thinking. So as you head off on your next solo adventure, remember to pull up solitaired.com when you need it.

Methodology

In September 2024, we analyzed over 6,000 comments in the 20 most popular subreddits about solo travel, looking for mentions of locations. We calculated the average number of upvotes by stacking the total number of upvotes for all posts mentioning one location against the number of total posts for that location. For each location’s comment count, we added all of the comments for that location. To make the rankings fair, we deleted any locations that had less than 10 comments.