Travel, Travelling Woman, Solo Travel Image: Freepik
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when the phrase “solo travel” was most likely to evoke imagery of Julia Roberts cycling down a grassy path in Bali, or of Diane Lane dragging her suitcase toward a Tuscan villa. This cinematic (and perhaps a little idealistic) depiction of what it looks like to embark on a solo adventure has begun to fizzle out, and now, the notion of taking a trip with oneself isn’t gawked at, but rather, quite common. (Especially for women, which is a demographic that Timbuktu’s Head of Sales Jonty Medcalf says made up the vast majority of the tour operator’s solo trips booked in 2024.)
There’s a certain sort of freedom that comes with traveling alone; the promise of complete autonomy, a flexible itinerary (or rigid, if that’s your bag), and the very real opportunity for a revelatory experience that simply isn’t on offer if you’re trekking around with a group. Perhaps you’re honoring a life milestone such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce—solo travel is great for healing. Or maybe it’s merely a desire to reconnect with yourself in a beautiful setting. Whatever the backstory, there’s a solo journey to meet you where you’re at. And this isn’t just a young person’s pursuit—solo trips are for travelers of all backgrounds. “One of the most inspiring solo travelers we’ve had was an 85-year-old woman who explored South Africa, Namibia, Victoria Falls, and Botswana,” Medcalf shares. “She even celebrated her birthday by bungee jumping at Victoria Falls.”
A few considerations stand out when choosing a solo travel destination, beginning with whether you choose to curate your own itinerary or to let an agency do the work for you (there are pros and cons to both). Next, you’ll want to pick somewhere that offers a strong network of guides. “They are so key in imparting their expertise but also how to respectfully follow local custom,” Black Tomato co-founder Tom Marchant says. “This is part and parcel to being a conscientious traveler.” Also, an easy-to-use transportation system of trains, ferries, and buses is crucial, particularly if you’re not comfortable renting a car. Countries that are regarded as being welcoming are especially worth prioritizing. “What unifies so many diverse cultures [that are] great for solo travel is they love to invite travelers into their world and their community and extended family,” Marchant says. And lastly, safety is paramount for solo travelers. “Destinations that offer secure environments, reliable local support, and well-organized logistics are ideal,” Medcalf says, adding that their services arrange all details for clients, from airport transfers to guided tours.
With this in mind, we rounded up some of the best places in the world to travel solo in 2025, including far-flung destinations rich in culture, sun-soaked locales fit for an outdoor excursion, and even a few retreats tailored specifically to parties of one.
To regard Bali merely as an outdoor destination would be an oversight. Though the dense rainforest, ambling rice paddy fields, and white sand beaches are world-renowned, it’s the island’s Hindu culture that makes this Indonesian destination so distinct. Balinese Hinduism has existed for well over 1,000 years and its profound influence is witnessed throughout the island, from ancient temples and dance performances to spiritual healing ceremonies and traditional rituals (like the canang sari daily offering). Solo travelers can position themselves near Ubud (the spiritual heart of Bali) at Hoshinoya Bali, where immersive experiences—both on and off property—meaningfully connect guests of all backgrounds with the local culture.
Once upon a time, the majority of safaris were priced based on double occupancy, all but discouraging solo travelers to embark on this life-changing travel experience on their own. Thankfully, times have changed and operators—like Stanley Safaris—have met the rising tide of solo travel by partnering with lodges and camps across Southern and Eastern Africa that waive single supplement fees during low and shoulder seasons (Kanana in Botswana, Somalisa Expeditions in Zimbabwe, and Chindeni in Zambia, to name a few). Safaris are well-suited for solo travelers as they offer a good mix of social experiences, like sharing game drives with other guests, while leaving plenty of time to relax and unwind on your own in an awe-inspiring setting.
A chance to reset and recharge is often the driving motivation behind a solo getaway, and what better way to fulfill these goals than with a proper wellness retreat? At Cal-a-Vie Resort Health Spa and Resort in southern California, three-, four-, and seven-night packages guide travelers through a hyper-customized itinerary of nutritional meals, fitness classes, and spa treatments. In between barre classes and deep tissue massages, guests can take in the scenery, which feels plucked from the French countryside with its undulating hillsides and hundreds-years-old structures scattered across the property (which were disassembled and brought over from France by the resort’s owners).
As a landscape, the mountains have long served as a meditative respite for solo travelers. Among the more iconic European peaks is Germany’s Zugspitze (the highest in the country), which is now best viewed from the newly-opened Austrian retreat, Eriro, which sits 1,550 meters high in the Alps. Travelers reach the nine-suite property solely by cable car and embark on an Alpine experience complete with barefoot hikes, yodeling to train the breath, and wellness experiences, like a dip in each of the three distinct Eriro pools, where time feels as though it is standing still.
A popular destination for solo female travel thanks to low crime rates and public transportation initiatives (e.g. female-only train cars), Japan’s appeal is universal. If you’re looking for something to structure your visit around, consider joining one of Walk Japan’s intimate guided tours, which max out at 12 people. There are over 30 tours to choose from depending on your preferred terrain, length, and focus. Their Kunisaki Retreat (on the island of Kyushu) takes guests through the countryside and within paddy fields, stopping for traditional Japanese food and onsens along the way. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn the art of ikebana flower arranging and savor a traditional tea ceremony.
The Loire Valley—also known as the Garden of France—is admired for its many gardens and vineyards. This pastoral destination is also abundant in châteaux as the region was a favorite among French royalty and nobility during the Renaissance period. While some are strictly for tours and visits, there are also historic accommodations you can stay overnight in, like Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé (just an hour’s train ride from Paris). This château was built in 1760 as a home for Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, and after a private restoration was returned to its former grandeur, complete with 19 gorgeous suites. Spend your solo sojourn in the French countryside luxuriating in the property’s 80 acres, ideal for an afternoon picnic and a spin around the private lake on the château’s rowboat.
The wide-open road feels practically synonymous with a solo adventure, especially along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. This legendary route takes travelers along some of the state’s most breathtaking destinations, from the rolling hills of San Simeon to the dramatic cliffs of Half Moon Bay. A pitstop will be in order to break up the drive, so make it Alila Ventana Big Sur, where solo travelers can check into their sun-bleached cedar guest room, complete with a crackling fireplace and extra-large bathtub. While here, be sure to partake in one of the property’s many activities, from astrology sessions and foraging classes to cold plunges and candle making.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is a treasure trove of natural splendor and ancient history. The region is revered for its Mayan culture, which serves as the cornerstone of Chablé Yucatan’s Solo Retreat. The four- to six-night program takes travelers on a self-reflective journey with experiences like sound healing at a limestone cenote, a private Temazcal ceremony with a spiritual leader, and excursions to archeological ruins. The property is tucked away in the heart of the Yucatan jungle, about half an hour’s drive from Mérida, making it an ideal setting for those hoping to go off the grid sans the schlep.
Efficient transportation helps ease potential anxieties when traveling alone, which is why Portugal—a relatively small and easy-to-navigate country—is well-suited for a solo adventure. “Portugal’s enviable train routes eliminate the need for a car,” Essentialist founder and CEO Joan Roca says, who suggests starting in Porto and training down to Lisbon before taking a ferry to Comporta for downtime on the beach. “Solo travel here is easy to do thanks to plenty of great dining options, city tours, and cultural discovery options.” The country’s primary rail provider is Combios de Portugal and the Douro Line (which runs from Porto to Pochino) is said to be the most picturesque, offering front-row views of the river and valley. (Book your train tickets via Omio: it aggregates all of your tickets in one place and is intuitive to use.)
Theming your solo adventure around learning a new skill is an easy way to cement a trip’s status as life-changing. If you’ve been eager to finally learn how to surf, head for some of the most prestigious waves in the world in Costa Rica—specifically, Peninsula Papagayo. The arresting beauty of this region is best savored from the water, and guests at Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo can learn how to ride waves through a surfing program developed exclusively for the property through SurfX, which is taught by some of the world’s top-ranked surfers. Cap off your days with the hotel’s “wipeout massage,” designed specifically for post-surf aches.
A common intention for planning a solo journey is the desire to turn inward. Of course, the environment plays a defining role in the trip’s potential to be transformative. “Although a harder-to-reach destination, Bhutan is widely recognized as a happy, peaceful place to retreat to on your own,” Roca says. It’s also breathtaking. Bhutan is more than 70% forested and is the first carbon-negative country in the world, making hikes and wildlife spotting a part of daily life. “Travelers looking to spend time not only discovering a destination but keen to understand themselves more and search within benefit from spending time in Bhutan,” Marchant says.
The tropical archipelago of the Philippines comprises over 7,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. For solo travelers, an itinerary of island hopping is a breeze thanks to a network of ferries and flights that strategically connect the country. “The Philippines are safe, friendly, and it’s easy to find English speakers,” Roca says. Explore underwater caves, snorkel in turquoise-tinted reefs, hike 2,000-year-old rice terraces, hike an active volcano—if it’s not already obvious, outdoor adventure hits its stride here. And the food! The cuisine is a true cultural expression with dishes like Lumpia, Adobo, and Kare-Kare served up in convivial settings.
Combine your love of travel and cycling with a Backroads trip through Mendoza wine country (solo travelers welcome). This region is tucked along the foothills of the soaring Andes mountain range and offers some of the most exciting wines being produced right now. Pedal along vineyard-lined trails between snowy peaks stopping along the way to discover flavours from the area’s vibrant gastronomy scene. Each night, enjoy a well-earned luxurious sleep in each of the hand-selected premiere hotels, like the iconic Vines Resort & Spa.
Morocco is a landscape where culture runs deep and community is strong. The diverse country is easy to navigate, from remote areas to bustling medinas. “One day you could be in the Agafay desert hiking your way to a Berber village and the next you could be kitesurfing and taking lessons with locals in Essaouira with that famed Atlantic breeze. What’s key is the community feel,” Marchant says, who recently hosted a company retreat in the country. “We spent a day volunteering in the Atlas Mountains supporting a charity called Al Foulki pour les Femmes, who help in recovery efforts from the earthquake in remote communities,” he says, pointing to these types of experiences as being suited to solo travelers who wish to connect to a destination’s culture.
Greece’s islands lure in travelers for the sun-baked landscapes and turquoise waters, but if you’re not up for long ferry rides and droves of tourists, head for the Peloponnese peninsula instead. This lesser-known region is abundant in natural beauty and is home to Euphoria Retreat, a luxury wellness resort that’s located within the Unesco World Heritage site of Mystras. Solo travelers who are looking to work through a recent trauma or transition to a new stage of life can take part in the Inner Emotional Harmony program. Expect everything from sound healing and chakra balancing treatments to massages and transformation consultations.
Coveted for its pink sand beaches and picturesque seaside villages, Harbour Island is a tranquil enclave in the Bahamas where roosters roam freely and pigs splash around on the shore. Solo travelers can enjoy the island's renowned beauty with a stay at Bahama House, a property under the Eleven umbrella (a luxury adventure company). The team will curate a custom itinerary of adventures by the sea, including scuba diving. Beginners can take a PADI instructional resort course and learn to dive in just one day.
Journey to Canada’s remarkable landscapes with Flash Pack, an agency that focuses on group tours for solo travelers. This journey to western Canada takes you to some of the most magnificent corners of the country, like Banff National Park, where you’ll go hiking and caving, and Canadian Rockies’s highlights such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. There’s a twilight canoe outing on Bow River for a quintessential Canadian moment, white water rafting that ends with a night in Anishinaabe-style tepees, excursions on float planes, and even a day of wine tasting in the Okanagan valley.
Otherworldly landscapes mixed with laidback locals make New Zealand a magnetic choice for solo travelers in search of a life-changing journey. “The country has some of the world’s most memorable adventure lodges,” Harvey says, adding that they offer “a nice balance between spending time on your own and forging connections with your fellow guests and the lodge staff.” If you’re keen to experience the South Island’s renowned adventure scene, consider a stay at Blanket Bay, a lodge tucked on the shores of the remote Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown where jet boat safaris, backcountry hiking, and horseback riding are everyday affairs.
Original article appeared on Vogue Us
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